Norway's OAK has offered the first track, "Shimmer", from its forthcoming fourth full-length, The Third Sleep, chalked for release on 25 April via Karisma Records on CD, blue/purple smash vinyl and digitally.

The band on "Shimmer": "Those who have listened to OAK's previous releases will probably notice the clear nods, both harmonically and lyrically, to 'Stars Under Water' from the album Lighthouse. The themes of conformity and condemnation are treated in a gloomy soundscape that can send the mind to dark film music. Both harmonically and lyrically, 'Shimmer' builds a bridge from the band's first release to the latest, before towards the end you are led into a suggestive, ostinato-like coda that gives room to process and to move on both concretely and metaphorically".

The Third Sleep album contrasts light and darkness, thematically and musically, seamlessly blending folk-inspired acoustic passages with the raw intensity of progressive metal, evoking echoes of Opeth and beyond.

With a rich musical foundation that spans classical piano, electronica, progressive and hard rock, OAK has carved out a distinctive sound - both captivating and challenging in equal measure.

Recorded in Ljugekroken (Oslo), the album was mixed by David Castillo (Katatonia, Leprous, Opeth) and mastered by Jacob Holm-Lupo (White Willow, Donner) at Dude Ranch Studio, Sandøya. Prepare to experience The Third Sleep, a thought-provoking journey through sound and emotion.

OAK originated as a duo, which expanded into today's line-up of Simen Valldal Johannessen on vocals, piano and keys, Øystein Sootholtet on bass, acoustic and electric guitars and Sigbjørn Reiakvam on drums, percussion, programming, keys and guitars. The fact that OAK's members come from diverse backgrounds, ranging from classical piano to electronica, to prog and hard rock, with references to both the alternative and progressive rock scene, has allowed OAK to create a unique sound. Link