Gazpacho - Magic 8 Ball Review

Magic 8 Ball by Gazpacho was released worldwide on October 31st via Kscope Music. While Norway is often celebrated for its black metal legacy, its progressive music scene has captivated me with its blend of dramatic, theatrical, and heartfelt elements. Gazpacho stands at the forefront of this scene.

The band's 2014 album Demon is considered a modern classic and a widely acclaimed masterpiece at Angry Metal Guy. It began a multi-album narrative about a being inhabiting our collective subconscious, driving us toward our darkest impulses, culminating in the excellent 2020 album Fireworker.

Unlike recent releases, Magic 8 Ball is their first album in decades that is not a concept album, though it loosely explores themes of fate and destiny. This change marks a notable shift in their approach.

New Directions and Sound

Before receiving the promo, the lead single “8-Ball” showed Gazpacho experimenting with fresh sounds—catchier and more sardonic, almost veering into pop territory. Upon listening to the full album, “Starling” immediately reset my expectations, bringing a delicate calm with fragile piano and Jan-Henrik Ohme’s stunning vocals.

“Let us be reborn,”

Ohme sings in dreamy harmony, signaling Gazpacho's willingness to explore new musical landscapes while maintaining their signature melancholic darkness.

Summary

This album showcases Gazpacho’s evolving sound, balancing experimentation with the emotional depth their fans cherish.

Would you like me to add a brief analysis of specific tracks or focus more on the band's history?

Angry Metal Guy — 2025-11-02