We are happy to announce that Norway’s jazz rockers Krokofant still exists and are ready with their 7th album, aptly named “7”, to be released on the 27th of November.
The band was struck by tragedy last summer when drummer and best friend Axel Skalstad passed away, but guitarist Tom Hasslan and saxophone player Jørgen Mathisen wanted to honour his name and continue the band.
They have this to say about the new era of Krokofant and the new album “7”:
In June 2025, Krokofant suffered a profound loss with the passing of their dear friend and original drummer Axel Skalstad. Guitarist Tom Hasslan and saxophonist Jørgen Mathisen chose to honour his memory by continuing the band, bringing in new drummer Ole Mofjell and bassplayer Rune Nergaard.
The summer of 2025 became a time of deep sorrow and grief, but it also sparked an intense creative outpouring for Hasslan and Mathisen. The new lineup quickly found its voice, with Mofjell delivering a powerful, dynamic style that blends the swinging intensity of Elvin Jones with the thunderous fusion power of Billy Cobham.
Rune Nergaard anchors the music with his signature heavy bass riffing. His muscular, driving style draws natural comparisons to King Crimson’s legendary bassists — particularly John Wetton’s powerful, rock-infused aggression and Tony Levin’s inventive, weighty groove and textural approach.
Unwilling to leave any of the material behind, they are releasing everything as a double album titled “7” — a raw, expansive, and deeply personal work that serves as both a tribute to Skalstad and a bold new chapter for Krokofant.
The first taste from the album is the song Forwards which is released on the 11th of September. Please check out the song here:
The band has this to say about Forwards:
“Forwards” is a simple, happy song for the kids, composed by Hasslan. It starts with a gnarly bass line complemented by a suspended chord. Add a jolly sax melody and — voila! — you have a cake.
Further in, we get some classic Krokofant riffage with serious sax shredding. The happy melody returns before the song ends with a slightly nauseating little ditty that finishes on a high note.
The album features cover artwork by Suka! Mabuk, and the tracklist for “7” is as follows:
- Forwards
- Devil Ship
- Backwards
- Metamorphosis
- Urge
- In the Phase
- Oh Yes
“7” will be available on Digital format, CD and double gatefold Transparent Blue LP. It can be pre-ordered here:
For those who are curious about the name “KROKOFANT”, it is the name of a mythical creature featured in a popular Norwegian children’s song – a cross between an elephant and a crocodile, “a lumbering trumpeting beast with a fearsome array of teeth in its snapping jaws…”
More information about KROKOFANT can be found on the band’s Facebook page.
