Permafrost - new single 'Ultimo August'

Permafrost is a post-punk band, originally from Molde in Norway, which was formed in 1982 by school friends Frode Heggdal Larsen & Kåre Steinsbu. Robert Heggdal & Trond Tornes joined in 2001, and Daryl Bamonte in 2016. They take their name from a song by Magazine, and other influences are Joy Division, The Cure, Talking Heads, Pere Ubu, Fad Gadget, The Residents, Wire and Wolfgang Press. Trond Tornes left the band in 2022 to pursue other projects.

To date they have released the five critically acclaimed singles, 'Femme Fatale', 'Closed Eyes', 'Restore Us' and 'Come Back To Surprise', which all reached #1 on the Indie Disko Top40 chart (“Closed Eyes” for 6 consecutive weeks) as well as listing high on both the Deutsche Alternative and Native25 charts. They were added to numerous playlists including Apple Music’s 'New in Rock'. This year 'Wrong Heart' went top 5 in the ID Top40.

'Ultimo August' is the latest single from their forthcoming album 'The Light Coming Through', which will be released in Autumn 2024 on their own Fear of Music label.

Permafrost is: Kåre Steinsbu Frode Heggdal Larsen Robert Heggdal Daryl Bamonte

Video Produced & Directed by Permafrost Published by Archangelo Music/BMG (except Trond Tornes publishing: Copyright Control) P&C 2024 Fear of Music

The new Permafrost single ‘Wrong Heart’ is released on 4th July 2024.

“If you are a fan of the sinister menace of Interpol, the jagged guitar lines of Gang Of Four or the grandiose gloom of The Cure, here is a band which is a mix of all three but has its own unique post-punk aesthetic – Permafrost.”
XS NOIZE

“Brooding and upbeat, here we have a classically post-punk vibe with compositions still centred on starkly compelling melodies.”
AMPLIFY MUSIC

“With a powerful melody and plenty of reverb and appealing synth, there is still a charming quality here amidst this ominous hymn – impressive.”
SPILL MAGAZINE

Nearing two years since the release of ‘Come Back To Surprise’, the Nordic-British post-punk quartet Permafrost return with their latest single, ‘Wrong Heart’, on 4th July. This release kicks off the lead up to their new album, ‘The Light Coming Through’, set to unveil in October this year. In addition to the single, Mental Overdrive (aka Per Martinsen) has remixed the single, which will also be available on 4th July.

Formed originally in Molde, Norway in 1982 by school friends Frode Heggdal Larsen and Kåre Steinsbu, Permafrost has undergone numerous transformations over the years. Now joined by fellow Norwegian Robert Heggdal and Daryl Bamonte from the UK (who worked very closely with Depeche Mode and The Cure for several years), they continue to deliver the authentic post-punk sound of the early '80s. While many contemporary musicians attempt to replicate this era, Permafrost have lived it. Their latest single, ‘Wrong Heart’, has also evolved over time, ultimately resulting in a dark, bass-driven post-punk track that transports listeners back to the shadowy, goth-filled clubs of the '80s.

Alongside the single, they have released the music video for ‘Wrong Heart’. In a wholesome contrast to the song’s dark sound and nature, the video follows four young girls as they set out to create a music video. Of the video they said “In another dimension Permafrost could be a girl band. In this reality they are planning to create

a music video. They have to drag their equipment into the forest to get to the preferred spot, making it into a road movie with a lot of obstacles on the way - like grazing sheep and deer in the blossoming Norwegian nature. When they finally arrive at the spot and want to start playing, the song finishes. All that work for nothing.”

Spread across Trondheim, Oslo and Margate, Permafrost's creative process is a challenge which the band have had to overcome. During the pandemic, they held weekly video meetings to plan new songs and other band-related issues, leveraging improved long-distance collaboration technology to maintain momentum. The songwriting process typically begins with one member suggesting an idea, which bassist Robert (Bob Frost) then develops in Logic Pro, programming drums and other elements. Singer Kåre (Curry) creates a melody to match, and lyrics are selected from a collective vault they have accumulated over the years. The song is refined through a collaborative process, passing back and forth between all four members until everyone is satisfied.

Utilising their refined songwriting process, Permafrost meticulously crafted their forthcoming album, ‘The Light Coming Through’. Describing their sound as “Optimistic Melancholy” the album aims to offer inspiration and escapism during challenging times. Infusing politically charged lyrics with dark, synth-infused post-punk instrumentation, Permafrost employs metaphors to convey their message effectively.

Permafrost has built an impressive discography over the years. They debuted with the 'Godtment' EP in 1983, released on a limited edition of 50 numbered cassettes. In 2019, they followed up with the 'Permafrost' EP on vinyl, later making it available digitally in 2021. Throughout 2021, the band dropped three critically acclaimed singles. ‘Femme Fatale’ and ‘Closed Eyes’ both achieved remarkable success, reaching #1 on the Indie Disko Top40 chart, with the latter maintaining the top spot for six consecutive weeks. These singles also performed well on the Deutsche Alternative and Native25 charts, while earning placements on influential playlists such as Apple Music’s ‘New in Rock’. The third single, ‘Restore Us’, continued their streak of success by hitting #1 on the Indie Disko Top40 and the Native25 chart.

‘Wrong Heart’ and its accompanying music video will be available from 4th July whilst their upcoming album ‘The Light Coming Through’ is due to release this October. Alongside the single, Mental Overdrive (aka Per Martinsen) has remixed the single, which will also be available on 4th July.

FOLLOW PERMAFROST

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'Stuck In My Throat', the debut single from Hence

Hence is a music collective that goes beyond the typical band. It started in Berlin at a climate conference. It's not just about music; it's a community and a movement. Hence was born from a chance meeting between Knuth and Daryl Bamonte. They met when Bamonte offered to release a track they created. Hence values artistic freedom and embraces fate and modular creativity. The band collaborates with diverse artists to shape their music, making each creation unique.

Copenhagen, May 2024: A meeting in Berlin led to the formation of Hence. They are releasing their debut single 'Stuck In My Throat' on June 5, 2024. The song features singers Kennie Orsted and Yasmin Haddad, with a remix by music producer Phaser. Published by Archangelo Music/BMG.

NAEON TEARDROPS - Let me Love You

N∆EON TE∆RDROPS is a new artist alias from Norwegian techno and electronica veteran Per Martinsen, mostly known under his Norwegian Grammy-awarded guise MENTAL OVERDRIVE. 

Stepping out of his familiar instrumental electronic productions and into vocal-based songwriting, N∆EON TE∆RDROPS explore influences of the synthpop and darkwave of his formative years, while aiming to put these influences into a more contemporary context. 

The debut album TESTIMONY was released in September 2023, and contained 10 tracks flirting with alternative electropop, echoes of eighties darkwave, breakbeat-fuelled nineties power-ballads and noughties electronica – all brought to life with a 2023 twist.

The brand new single LET ME LOVE YOU, to be released on January 19th 2024, is a cover version of DJ Snake and Justin Bieber’s smash hit from 2016.

The song became a personal earworm when Norway – as one of the few countries in the world – decided to shut down FM radio and transition to digital broadcasting back in 2017, leaving only a single local Top 40 station available on the FM car radio. 

LET ME LOVE YOU was then on heavy rotation, and somehow never lost its grip, so it was decided that the best way to deal with it was to make a cover version. 

A music video for the song, shot and directed by Carl Critical in a derelict building in the town centre of Tromsø, features Per Martinsen diving into the world of improvised dance. 

A music video for the song, shot and directed by Carl Critical in a derelict building in the town centre of Tromsø, features Per Martinsen diving into the world of improvised dance. 

The previously unreleased song HEAVEN is bundled as a «b-side» to the single. 

The music of N∆EON TE∆RDROPS was born out of Martinsen’s writing project PYRAMIDS ON THE MOON – a fictional autobiography in three parts where he explores three alternative timelines of his own life, and where each of his three imagined personalities create music under different artist aliases.

PYRAMIDS ON THE MOON is still an ongoing project, where the most recent texts are exclusive to those supporting the project on Patreon.

Contact Love OD Communications for bookings, interviews or additional artist info.

N∆EON TE∆RDROPS in the charts:

N∆EON TE∆RDROPS released the single AMNESIACS in 2021, reaching no 8 in the Deutsche Alternative Charts, followed by SHADOWSISTER in 2022, which reached no 12 in the same chart.

The following single WATERS RISING, released in March 2023, peaked in the DAC chart at no 20, but also stayed the maximum of 10 weeks in the Indie Disko Top 40 chart. 

The single OUTBOUND, released in May 2023, peaked in the DAC at no 21 and the album TESTIMONY peaked at no 4 in the same chart.

Media quotes on N∆EON TE∆RDROPS:

“Per Martinsen’s otherworldly alter ego unveils sonic tapestries that resonate with the heart, transcending the boundaries of space and time, and bear witness to a dimension awash in emotion and introspection…” (POSTPUNK.COM)

“Naeon Teardrops’ veteran creator, Per Martinsen, has clearly put a lot of effort into crafting a unique sonic landscape that is both captivating and somber. The song’s powerful and emotive nature make it an excellent choice for fans of dark wave and synth pop who want to explore the more melancholic side of the genre.”(ELECTROZOMBIES)

“N∆EON TE∆RDROPS’ unique blend of synthpop, reminiscent of legendary acts like Pet Shop Boys, Röyksopp & Robyn, and Goldfrapp, invites listeners to a world of emotion, reflection, and musical innovation.” (DEATHORDESIRE.COM)

““Haunted”, another phantasmagorical single from N∆EON TE∆RDROPS’ debut album TESTIMONY, is out today.” (POSTPUNK.COM)

“N∆EON TE∆RDROPS, the alias of Norwegian techno and electronica veteran Per Martinsen, has just dropped the single version of HAUNTED. This track is an ecstatic synth-pop journey featuring stunning vocals and melodies that will directly get under your skin.”  (LASTDAYDEAF.COM)

“AMNESIACS by NΔEON TEΔRDROPS is already one #futurepop legend.” (WHITE LIGHT/WHITE HEAT)

“N∆EON TE∆RDROPS delivers in their debut. What they bring is a neat little darkwave and synthpop combo wrapped in depressing and cold, yet warming synthesizers.” (BRUTAL RESONANCE)

Naeon Teardrops - debut album 'Testimony' OUT NOW

N∆EON TE∆RDROPS is a new artist alias from Norwegian techno and electronica veteran Per Martinsen, mostly known under his Norwegian Grammy-awarded guise MENTAL OVERDRIVE. 

Stepping out of his familiar instrumental electronic productions and into vocal-based songwriting, N∆EON TE∆RDROPS explore influences of the synthpop and darkwave of his formative years, while aiming to put these influences into a more contemporary context. 

The music of N∆EON TE∆RDROPS was born out of his writing project PYRAMIDS ON THE MOON – a fictional autobiography in three parts where he explores three alternative timelines of his own life, and where each of his three imagined personalities create music under different artist aliases.

N∆EON TE∆RDROPS released the single AMNESIACS in 2021, reaching no 8 in the Deutsche Alternative Charts, followed by SHADOWSISTER in 2022, which reached no 12 in the same chart.

The latest two singles, WATERS RISING and OUTBOUND, released in March and May 2023, both entered the DAC chart and also stayed the maximum of 10 weeks in the Indie Disko Top 40 chart, peaking at no 20 and no 21 respectively.

The debut album TESTIMONY is now ready for release, and contains 10 tracks that catch up on the influences of thirty years of electronic music, flirting with alternative electropop, echoes of eighties darkwave, breakbeat-fuelled nineties power-ballads and noughties electronica – all brought to life with a 2023 twist.

TESTIMONY will be released through Love OD Communications on September 8th 2023, and will also be available on vinyl and CD through Apollon Records.

PYRAMIDS ON THE MOON is still an ongoing project. The most recent texts are exclusive to those supporting the project on Patreon, and the tale is also rolled out as an “NFT-story” on objkt.com, with text excerpts, AI-processed photographs and music from the three characters minted as NFT’s in limited numbers.

Contact Love OD Communications for bookings, interviews or additional artist info.

Press quotes on the single WATERS RISING:

“Per Martinsen’s otherworldly alter ego unveils sonic tapestries that resonate with the heart, transcending the boundaries of space and time, and bear witness to a dimension awash in emotion and introspection…” (POSTPUNK.COM)

“Naeon Teardrops’ veteran creator, Per Martinsen, has clearly put a lot of effort into crafting a unique sonic landscape that is both captivating and somber. The song’s powerful and emotive nature make it an excellent choice for fans of dark wave and synth pop who want to explore the more melancholic side of the genre.”(ELECTROZOMBIES)

Press quotes on the debut single AMNESIACS:

“AMNESIACS by NΔEON TEΔRDROPS is already one #futurepop legend.”
(WHITE LIGHT/WHITE HEAT)

“N∆EON TE∆RDROPS delivers in their debut. What they bring is a neat little darkwave and synthpop combo wrapped in depressing and cold, yet warming synthesizers.”
(BRUTAL RESONANCE)

Naeon Teardrops - debut album 'Testimony'

N∆EON TE∆RDROPS is a new artist alias from Norwegian techno and electronica veteran Per Martinsen, mostly known under his Norwegian Grammy-awarded guise MENTAL OVERDRIVE. 

Stepping out of his familiar instrumental electronic productions and into vocal-based songwriting, N∆EON TE∆RDROPS explore influences of the synthpop and darkwave of his formative years, while aiming to put these influences into a more contemporary context. 

The music of N∆EON TE∆RDROPS was born out of his writing project PYRAMIDS ON THE MOON – a fictional autobiography in three parts where he explores three alternative timelines of his own life, and where each of his three imagined personalities create music under different artist aliases.

N∆EON TE∆RDROPS released the single AMNESIACS in 2021, reaching no 8 in the Deutsche Alternative Charts, followed by SHADOWSISTER in 2022, which reached no 12 in the same chart.

The latest two singles, WATERS RISING and OUTBOUND, released in March and May 2023, both entered the DAC chart and also stayed the maximum of 10 weeks in the Indie Disko Top 40 chart, peaking at no 20 and no 21 respectively.

The debut album TESTIMONY is now ready for release, and contains 10 tracks that catch up on the influences of thirty years of electronic music, flirting with alternative electropop, echoes of eighties darkwave, breakbeat-fuelled nineties power-ballads and noughties electronica – all brought to life with a 2023 twist.

TESTIMONY will be released through Love OD Communications on September 8th 2023, and will also be available on vinyl and CD through Apollon Records.

PYRAMIDS ON THE MOON is still an ongoing project. The most recent texts are exclusive to those supporting the project on Patreon, and the tale is also rolled out as an “NFT-story” on objkt.com, with text excerpts, AI-processed photographs and music from the three characters minted as NFT’s in limited numbers.

Press quotes on the single WATERS RISING:

“Per Martinsen’s otherworldly alter ego unveils sonic tapestries that resonate with the heart, transcending the boundaries of space and time, and bear witness to a dimension awash in emotion and introspection…” (POSTPUNK.COM)

“Naeon Teardrops’ veteran creator, Per Martinsen, has clearly put a lot of effort into crafting a unique sonic landscape that is both captivating and somber. The song’s powerful and emotive nature make it an excellent choice for fans of dark wave and synth pop who want to explore the more melancholic side of the genre.”(ELECTROZOMBIES)

Press quotes on the debut single AMNESIACS:

“AMNESIACS by NΔEON TEΔRDROPS is already one #futurepop legend.”
(WHITE LIGHT/WHITE HEAT)

“N∆EON TE∆RDROPS delivers in their debut. What they bring is a neat little darkwave and synthpop combo wrapped in depressing and cold, yet warming synthesizers.”
(BRUTAL RESONANCE)