This very cool band from Norway, bearing a very cool name as well, was formed in the 70's. They have had a few names changed since then, firstly known as EMPTY COFFIN and later on EZRA WEST and finally in 1972 to LUCIFER WAS.

Back then, they played regularly in the Oslo area until 1976. From 1976 to 1996 they played the odd gig now and then and spent most of their time in the studio, and finally got back on full time basis around that same year and released in 1997, their first full length album entitled "Underground And Beyond". On this album, they recorded all the material from between 1970 to 1972; following that was "In Anadi's Bower", then "Blues From Hellah", with this one starting in 1982, and only finalized by 2003, after that they released "The Divine Three" in 2007, and in 2010, "The Crown Of Creation". These guys have been around for ages, and whatever has happened for them to take so long to release their first album only themselves know, but at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter because what they have given us is just pure good music. I have been to Norway, saw the country, met the people, and I love that country, and the people are so proud about their country and that reflects on their music; amazing really!!! Great stuff.

If you like Progressive/Hard Rock/Heavy Metal, then I suggest you to go out there and get LUCIFER WAS, as it kicks ass, and right now they have a new album coming out called "DiesGrows", a masterpiece with no doubt. The first track "After Life", sets the sails away to a fantastic trip into the infinity, soft guitars and Jon Ruder with his amazing voice and chants all over the place. Fans of DREAM THREATER will love this album, great solos reminding me of PINK FLOYD.

"The Devil Is The Boss" indeed, is a very medieval sounding song but quite modern as well, soft to the ears with great rhythm, and this "Crazy World turns To Me", a bit of cool keyboards with a nice melody and great bass lines, soft drumming, all comes together nicely just like a love history with a happy ending.

I really like the addition of the flute, it really brings the music to another level. "I'm Cornered" and "I Am Outside", are two excellent songs, very smart built with lots of variation and great use of the flute, nice chorus too. "Glass Shoe", another classic sounding, very modern and very classic too. I mean, all the songs are just great work, good music, well thought thru and performed like a Swiss watch. I would definitely love to see how their live performance would be, if there would be any special effects and computer use because the music is out of this world.

The production is utterly good and the art cover is very cool indeed. "DiesGrows" is a masterpiece waiting for you to discover, wonderful music made by wonderful musicians from a wonderful country, Norway!!!