Getting to Know You

Band name: Holon

Number of members: 2 (primarily a solo project with drummer Geir Anfinn Halland Johansen)

Hometown: Trondheim, Norway

Year formed: 2015

Genre(s): Progressive rock, atmospheric rock, cinematic, alternative

Latest release: “Love & Behold” (title track from the upcoming album Love & Behold)

Influences

My musical foundation was shaped by Dream Theater’s Images & Words and the fearless experimentation of Frank Zappa. Over time this has been diluted with many more influences including artists such as Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, Pat Metheny, Shakti, Jaga Jazzist to name a few.

Outside of music, I draw inspiration from philosophy and psychology – thinkers like Ken Wilber, Alan Watts, and Chögyam Trungpa have influenced how I approach both lyrics and creativity.

How did the band come together?

holon started after I’d been through several bands that eventually dissolved. I realised I needed full creative control to explore the sound I was hearing in my head. Around 2015, I began working with producer Rhys Marsh on my debut album, and through him I met Geir Anfinn Halland Johansen, who became my drummer and collaborator.

Interestingly, Geir plays drums in a couple of thrash metal bands and listens to a lot of black metal, so progressive rock isn’t really his main thing at all. But he genuinely enjoys playing on holon songs, and that contrast actually works in our favour. He brings a raw energy and feel that balances my more layered and atmospheric approach.

What is your proudest moment to date?

Finishing the upcoming album Love & Behold has been a huge milestone. It’s the most personal work I’ve released so far. I produced, mixed, and arranged it in my home studio, and I also created the music video using 3D programming with the three.js library. Seeing all of that come together – music, visuals, concept – was incredibly satisfying.

What are the biggest challenges of being in an independent band?

Wearing every hat. Artist, producer, mixer, video creator, promoter, tech support… you name it. It’s rewarding because you have full control, but it also requires discipline and persistence. You can’t wait for someone else to push things forward – you have to do it yourself.

What are your views on the impact of streaming on bands?

Streaming has made music more accessible than ever, which is fantastic. But financially, it’s difficult for independent artists. That’s why platforms like Bandcamp are so important – they give listeners a direct way to support artists. Accessibility is great, but sustainability matters too.

What’s next for the band?

Releasing Part 1 of Love & Behold, followed by more singles and eventually Part 2. I’m also continuing to expand the visual side of holon, experimenting with animation in Blender and combining music with digital art and programming.

The goal is to keep building something lasting and meaningful.

Six of the Best – The Last Six Vinyls I Spun

Instead of listing abstract influences, I thought I’d share the six last vinyls I listened to.

My son and I have made it a small ritual to spin records from my late stepfather’s collection while we work out together. There’s something grounding about vinyl – the physical act of putting it on, the sound, the imperfections. It slows you down. And in our case, it also connects generations.

The Beatles – Yellow Submarine

This was actually one I hadn’t properly listened to as a full album before. It’s playful, almost childlike at times, but also surprisingly adventurous. The instrumental side arranged by George Martin adds a cinematic dimension that I hadn’t appreciated enough before.

It reminded me that The Beatles weren’t just masters of pop songwriting – they were explorers. They weren’t afraid to be whimsical or experiment with orchestration. There’s a lightness to this record that feels refreshing in today’s hyper-polished world.

Mike Oldfield – Tubular Bells II

I bought this one myself just before Christmas at my local record store – All Good Clean Records (huge shoutout).

Mike Oldfield has always fascinated me. The idea of a musician building large, almost architectural pieces of music largely on their own resonates with me deeply. Tubular Bells II carries that expansive, almost meditative quality.

It’s patient. It evolves slowly. It trusts repetition and atmosphere. As someone who also works largely independently, I find that inspiring – not just musically, but philosophically.

Guns N’ Roses – Appetite for Destruction

This vinyl was actually my son’s purchase – which made it extra special. I still have my old CD copy somewhere in the basement, probably scratched beyond saving.

Some of the very first riffs I ever learned on guitar are on this album. It’s raw, dirty, and unfiltered in the best way. There’s something honest about its energy – it doesn’t try to be clever, it just is.

Revisiting it now, I realise how much those riffs and that attitude shaped my early relationship with guitar.

Extreme – Pornograffitti

Another Christmas purchase – and my old CD copy is probably worn thin from overuse.

The riff to “He-Man Woman Hater” still blows my mind. It’s rhythmically insane, but it grooves so hard. And then you have “More Than Words,” which sits at the other end of the spectrum – delicate, vulnerable, and beautifully written.

I can still remember slow-dancing to that song in my teens. That album taught me that you can be technical and emotional, heavy and tender – sometimes even on the same record.

I have to mention that the guitarist Nuno Bettencourt is one of my all time favourite guitarists and the guitar playing on this record is over the top.

Led Zeppelin – Celebration Day

Oh, how I wish I had attended that reunion concert. Zeppelin is pure rock mythology.

Listening to Celebration Day reminded me of how dynamic they were – blues, folk, hard rock, and subtle Eastern influences all blended together. That mystical edge in songs like “Kashmir” still gives me chills.

There’s something timeless about Zeppelin – they feel elemental.

Toto – Toto

An incredible debut album. Just a collection of outrageously talented musicians doing what they do best.

The songwriting is clean and confident, the performances flawless. It’s one of those records where nothing feels accidental. Every groove, every harmony, every solo feels intentional.

Sometimes mastery isn’t about complexity – it’s about control and feel. Toto nailed that from day one.

Listening to these records with my son has been more than nostalgia. It’s been about sharing stories, influences, and musical heritage. Music connects generations – and that’s something I deeply value.

Thank you to SonicAbuse for giving me the opportunity to share both my own music and the artists that continue to inspire me.

Support independent artists. Support record stores. And maybe dust off a vinyl or two.