Cowboy Music

Norway's Rune Grammofon label has, since its inception over a decade ago, gradually broadened its horizon, though the majority of its music remains highly experimental and unequivocally eclectic, often exploring the nexusof musical styles that might seem, on the surface, to be incongruous. Certainly Bushman's Revenge, led by guitarist Even Helte Hermansen, brings together elements of free jazz and heavy metal, recalling label-mates Scorch Trio and Shining (the latter of whom is a member). With a fervent combination of rock-centricity and reckless abandon, Bushman's Revenge suggests how Jimi Hendrix might have sounded had he focused more on expanding the open-ended playing of "Third Stone from the Sun," from Are You Experienced (MCA, 1967), or how Albert Ayler would have turned out, had he chosen the guitar over the saxophone.

They don't call them "power trios" for nothing, and Bushman's Revenge certainly qualifies for that moniker. Bassist Rune Nergaard and drummer Gard ...