Fysisk Format are a brilliant record label that operate out of Oslo, Norway. They are linked to local record store Tiger and are right in the centre of the Oslo metal scene. Fysisk Format pride themselves in releasing records by truly original artists, including some of the most exciting metal bands to come out of Norway for a long time.
They specialise is quality releases, including cassette, vinyl and special CD releases, including that of Kollwitz - Like Iron I Rust, which was released in a minimal card sleeve, to minimise impact on the environment.
A while ago, I caught up with Kristian from Tiger to discuss Fysisk Format:-
How is 2011 going for Fysisk Format? What are your plans for this year?
2011 has been a wild year so far. We kept releasing albums - nothing new about that - but what's different is that we all of sudden get responses from people all of the world who are into specific bands and releases on our label. The plan is to just keeping the releases coming and hopefully get as many of the bands out on the road as possible. We're looking for people who want to put on shows with our bands, so if there's anyone out there reading this who would like to host a gig with a Fysisk-band - be it diy-floorshow or arenas - give us a shout!
I've only just come across Fysisk Format after reading Terrorizer Magazine here in the UK. How are you spreading the word about your label and the great bands you are working with?I think most people get into our stuff just by word of mouth. I think that's how most people discover new bands nowadays anyway. Our bands are quite different from each other and seem to reach different kinds of people, but sometimes there are unforeseen relations between the bands and people who would normally not get into, for instance, a band like Next Life get into it because they like Kollwitz, or the other way around. I think the best way to spread the word is for the bands to get out there and play. All kinds of places and with all kinds of bands and just meet people and get to know their fans.
I've only just come across Fysisk Format after reading Terrorizer Magazine here in the UK. How are you spreading the word about your label and the great bands you are working with?I think most people get into our stuff just by word of mouth. I think that's how most people discover new bands nowadays anyway. Our bands are quite different from each other and seem to reach different kinds of people, but sometimes there are unforeseen relations between the bands and people who would normally not get into, for instance, a band like Next Life get into it because they like Kollwitz, or the other way around. I think the best way to spread the word is for the bands to get out there and play. All kinds of places and with all kinds of bands and just meet people and get to know their fans.
I recently bought Kollwitz's album, Like Iron I Rust, and I was blown away by the quality of the release and its packaging. What is your philosophy regarding your releases?Well, most of the ideas and input come from the bands, so for us as a label, the task is to interpret and undestand each band's politics, aesthetics and network and trying to do transfer that with as few compromises as possible to a representable format. Some of the bands do the artwork themselves, like Le Corbeau, Knuste Ruter and Arabrot. Others have friends and related dudes who do it for them. It is very seldom that we as a label need to come in and be proactive about the artwork. It's all about channeling quality in the purest possible form (The Fysisk Format New Age Mantra #1) hahahaha
Some of the bands you working with, like Kollwitz, Okkultokrati and Arabrot are starting to get more exposure and go on tours in the UK. Is the UK and important place for you to get your music/bands heard?
We don't think in territories - we go anywhere there's interest and enthusiasm. And it seems to be a lot of that in the UK. Its a good scene going on in Norway too these days, but its always good to get out and get some fresh air
How has it been to see Okkultokrati touring with Kylesa?Its cool, top props to Kylesa for taking the gamble and bringing along the beast of forest drugs and mayhem which Okkutlo-on-tour is. However black the Okkulto-sound is, they've got solid riffs and a primal rhythm to them that make them the perfect show opener.
What bands are you working with this year and what will you be releasing? On the horizon now is Hope I Die Virgin's debut album, the new Le Corbeau album and further on we have the new Next Life album and a split 12" with Arabrot and Okkultokrati
Can you give any tips about bands to check out from your local music scene and the Norwegian scene as a whole?
Yes, come over and visit our shop and I'll introduce you to all the good stuff!
As mentioned at the start of this feature, the bands/artists on Fysisk Format are quite wide reaching and will appeal to different metal and music fans in general.
Årabrot are a metal duo from Oslo, who's latest record Revenge is out now on Fysisk Format. You can listen to tracks and check them out on Facebook at - http://www.facebook.com/ARABROT and on Myspace at - http://www.myspace.com/arabrot. You can also visit their website at - http://www.arabrot.com.
Aristillus are a young hardcore/screamo band from Oslo that weave indie style guitar into their music to add their own stamp to the music. Their release Devoured Trees & Crystal Skies is available now. Check them out on their Myspace page at - http://www.myspace.com/thearistillus and via Facebook at - http://www.facebook.com/Aristillus.
Blood Command are a punk/hardcore trio from Bergen, which includes members of Jeroan Drive and who have just released their new record Hand us the Alpha Male through the label recently. Go listen like them at Facebook at - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blood-Command or Myspace at - http://www.myspace.com/bloodcommand.
Death is not Glamorous are a melodic hardcore band from Oslo, featuring members of Damage Control. They are about tour alongside Touche Amore and La Dispute in the UK. Check them out on Myspace at - http://www.myspace.com/deathisnotglamorous.
Di Kjipe are a Bergen based punk band. Their current LP Kor E Du No? is available through Fysisk Format now. Hear more on their Facebook page at - http://www.facebook.com/dikjipe and on Myspace at - http://www.myspace.com/dikjipe.
Dominic are a screamo band from Trondheim. They've been together as band since 2001 and their latest records Nord, is available now. Check them out on Facebook at - http://www.facebook.com/dominicnord and on Myspace at - http://www.myspace.com/dominicdgb
Eskatol are a hardcore band from Oslo, which features members of Ingen Utvei, Cruoris, Betongbarn and Summon the Crows. Their split LP with Black Blood World is available through Fysisk Format now. Visit them on Facebook at - http://www.facebook.com/eskatol.
Hope I Die Virgin are an indie/alternative band, and give you an idea of the variation of bands on Fysisk's roster. Join them on Facebook at - http://www.facebook.com/HopeIDieVirgin.
Kaospilot are another hardcore band from Oslo. Some of their members have recently formed the band Soul Mountain to explore different musical Ideas. Check Kaospilot out on Facebook at - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kaospilot and on Myspace at - http://www.myspace.com/kosepilot.
Knuste Ruter are an Oslo based punk band. You can their CD Gjennom Veggene from the label now. Check them out on Facebook at - http://www.facebook.com/Knuste-Ruter and via Myspace at - http://www.myspace.com/knusteruter.
Kollwitz have already been featured on this very blog, alongside a review of their quite brilliant album Like Iron I Rust, so go read that while you're here! The band play hardcore interspersed with slower, almost doomy atmospheric sections. Like them on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kollwitz.
La Casa Fantom are an experimental hardcore duo from Rælingen in Norway. Their latest release Selection by Elimination is now available through Fysisk Format and through their own label Iskrem Plater (IceCream Records). If you want to find out more about the band, go to their website at - www.lacasafantom.com.
Livstid are a crust-punk band from Bergen in Norway. You can currently get their split with Hungarian punks Human Error, through the label, but they will have a new record out soon. Go check them out on Facebook at - http://www.facebook.com/Livstid and on Myspace at - http://www.myspace.com/livstid.
Manhattan Skyline are another band from the Oslo scene signed to Fysisk Format. They are a mathcore band who use a number of different musical influences in their songs, including Jazz and experimental electronica. Their album Curses available through the label now. You can check them out on Facebook at - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manhattan-Skyline and on Myspace at - http://myspace.com/manhattanbitches.
Nernes/Skagen are a experimental metal duo featuring members of fellow Fysisk Format band Arabrot, from Oslo. Their recent release Confession is out now. You can find out more about on Facebook at - http://www.facebook.com/NernesSkagen and via Myspace at - http://www.myspace.com/conceptvirus.
Next Life are an experimental metal band, who use experimental samples in their music. They have various records available through Fysisk Format, including their Ressurection CD. You can find them on Facebook at - http://www.facebook.com/pages/NEXT-LIFE and on Myspace at - http://www.myspace.com/next_life.
Obliteration are another slightly more well known band that have been on the Fysisk Format roster. They have toured in the UK with the UK's own Ramesses and their album Nekropsalms LP gained critical accliam amongst the UK underground. Check them out on Facebook at - http://www.facebook.com/Obliteration and via Myspace at - http://www.myspace.com/obliterationnorway.
Okkultokrati are another member of the Black Hole Crew, alongside label mates Haust. They recently toured the UK alonside US behemoths Kylesa. Their latest releases No Light for Mass and Ingen Veit Altare out on Fysisk Format now. Listen to them now on Facebook at - http://www.facebook.comOKKULTOKRATI and via their blog - http://okkultokrati.blogspot.com/.
Siste Dagers Helvete are a punk band from Moss in Norway, who've been around since 1983. They have a discography record out on Fysisk Format called Hele Helvete (83-09). You can find out more about them on Facebook at - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Siste-Dagers-Helvete.
Snöras are a more traditional punk band from Norway. You can pick up their latest record Plague Water up via Fysisk Format. You can check them out on Facebook at - http://www.facebook.com/Snoras and on Myspace at - http://www.myspace.com/snoras. They also have their own website you can visit as well at - http://www.snoras.org.
If you want to listen to some of the music from the above bands, you can go and visit Fysisk Format's website at - http://www.tigernet.no/shop/fysiskformat.php.
So, if you're bored of the cooky cutter mainstream metal and want to listen to something with both variety and venom, listen to any of the above bands. Fysisk Format are a lable that are doing things properly and deserve your support, I know they#ve got mine!
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