Striving continually to create the perfect album, Jacob Holm-Lupo, the frontman of Norwegian progressive rock band White Willow, discusses their musical journey and ongoing efforts.
White Willow, the acclaimed progressive rock band from Norway, has announced the reissue of their back catalogue, marking a significant milestone in the band's history. The reissuing campaign, led by Karisma Records, will see six of the band's seven albums being remastered and re-released.
The journey begins with the band's debut album, Ignis Fatuus, released in 1995 through US prog imprint The Laser's Edge. This record, heavily influenced by psychedelic folk and old-school prog ideas, marked the beginning of White Willow's unique sound. Ignis Fatuus was the only record made by White Willow's first full line-up.
Sara Trondal played a central role in the creation of this album, with her plaintive vocals being a significant part of its charm. Jacob Holm-Lupo, the mainman of White Willow, discovered his love for recording, mixing, and mastering in a studio while working on Ignis Fatuus.
The band's second album, Ex Tenebris, was released at the dawn of the new millennium. Initially intended to be a solo album by Holm-Lupo, it was released under White Willow's name due to label demands. Ex Tenebris was a bold step into the unknown, showcasing Holm-Lupo's maturing songwriting and incorporating more experimental prog themes. This album was written and recorded after the first White Willow line-up disintegrated, and it served as Holm-Lupo's way out of a personal depression.
The third album, Sacrament, followed in 2000. Embracing a broader array of inspirations, including some contemporary ones, it marked a departure from the band's earlier sound.
The first three albums - Ignis Fatuus, Ex Tenebris, and Sacrament - are already out, with the rest to follow in the near future. Holm-Lupo has ambitious plans for the new album, aiming to create the perfect album, although he admits he has not yet achieved this goal. He has been working on the new White Willow album, with plans to include Lars Fredrik Frøislie from Wobbler and Mattias Olsson from Änglagård, among others. The new album will focus on what has worked well for the band in the past, aiming for a strong and consistent sound.
White Willow's last show was at Summer's End Festival in 2006, and Holm-Lupo has not expressed interest in live performances since then. However, Holm-Lupo continues to work in his studio, with plans to release new music since 2017's Future Hopes.
The re-releasing of White Willow's catalogue is long overdue, given the band's significant contribution to modern prog. The extensive reissue campaign by Karisma Records also includes three more White Willow albums - Storm Season, Signal To Noise, and Terminal Twilight - yet to be re-released.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information about the timeline for the reissue of White Willow's back catalogue, it would be best to check directly with Karisma Records or their official announcements. The reissue campaign is a testament to the enduring appeal of White Willow's music and a chance for new listeners to discover the band's unique sound.
- The remastered and re-released versions of White Willow's debut album, Ignis Fatuus, showcase Sara Trondal's evocative vocals, a key element of the album's appeal.
- The upcoming reissuing campaign by Karisma Records will include the EP, Ex Tenebris, which was initially envisioned as a solo project by Jacob Holm-Lupo.
- The progressive nature of White Willow's music is evident in their third album, Sacrament, which expanded on the band's initial sound with a broader range of influences.
- The new White Willow album, with contributions from Lars Fredrik Frøislie from Wobbler and Mattias Olsson from Änglaga
