Norwegian rock legend Sivert Hoyem releases his UK debut.

'Moon Landing' is less one small step, more one giant leap for Sivert Höyem, former vocalist of Norway's biggest ever rock band, Madrugada.

He will release his chart-topping solo opus on 5 April, 2010 in the UK, preceded by the title track, "Moon Landing", a week earlier.

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Madrugada were together for thirteen years and sold 1.2 million records worldwide. Then, suddenly, guitarist Robert died, and the band were left in tatters. They finished the album they had been working on at the time of Robert's death, toured one last time, and called it a day.

"The whole break-up of the group after he died was very painful for me," recalls Sivert. "Two months later, my father died as well. I didn't know what to do with myself or my music."

'Moon Landing', then, evolved as Sivert withdrew to a cabin in the mountains, accompanied by a host of musician pals (including Kalle Gustafson, of Swedish group The Soundtrack Of Our Lives).

Sivert Hoyem had worked on two solo albums during his time in the band, but now found himself - in the worst possible conditions - creatively free. Hence, songs began to evolve, despite the occasional health hazard (the 16-track tape recorder caught fire a couple of times). From these sessions, Sivert seemed to find salvation in music, claiming that he "just could not quit. I have great, maybe even unrealistic expectations of my abilities."

The resulting album sees Sivert's own expectations met, and surpassed. It was mixed by John Agnello (Sonic Youth, The Hold Steady), and is by turns widescreen and intimate, epic and insular. It is a self-consciously, big-sounding Rock Record, influenced by the psychedelic splashes of The Doors, the drama of Scott Walker, and the taut energy of Krautrock.

First single "Moon Landing" has "a West Coast rock, almost Neil Young feel to it," whilst "Lost At Sea" has an intentionally urban sensibility (simultaneously summarising Sivert's mental state). "I was ready to put all that behind me," explains Sivert, "but, of course, it's still there in the songs."

'Moon Landing' will be released on Sivert's own label, Hektor Grammofon, and distributed by Universal back home in Norway.

2010 will see him tackle all corners of Europe, following support slots with the likes of Leonard Cohen. "He's been a huge influence since I was a kid. He was always there, and I've developed my own relationship with his music in what I've done."

Having landed on the moon, Sivert will reach British soil nearer the time of the album release.

Sivert Höyem
Album: 'Moon Landing' out 5 April
Single: "Moon Landing" released 29 March

Sivert Hoyem Official Website

Madrugada Official Website