The Windmill

The Windmill

The Windmill is a prog rock group from Oslo, Norway, active since 2001. The band forms in autumn 2001, with Jean Robert Viita as the initiator, after he has already worked with Morten Clason and Arnfinn Isaksen. Bent Jensen, Vidar Kleivane and Erik Borgen later join the group. The project begins under the shorter name Windmill.

Early formation and rehearsals

In its early years, the band rehearses only sporadically in the Asker and Røyken area. The music is self-composed, with major contributions from “Jeanni”.

Recording the first album

In autumn 2005 the band decides to record a CD. Both a studio and a permanent rehearsal space are then set up at Bent’s home in Fredrikstad, where the first recordings are made in late 2005. By this point “Bulle” has replaced Vidar on drums and completes the drum parts over a couple of weeks. The recording process continues through 2006 and 2007 with repeated trial and error, and the band works mainly in Monday afternoon sessions, which slows progress. Technical problems also delay the project in 2008.

Line-up changes and live work

The first live performance takes place at Maiden in Oslo in April 2007 as support for the Norwegian prog band Panzerpappa. The second live show follows at Sekkefabrikken in Slemmestad, Norway. Later in 2008, “Bulle” leaves the band and new rehearsal rooms are found in Åros. Sam Arne Nøland joins on drums in 2009, and the band continues studio work alongside live appearances, including a show at Old Slemmestad Pub in June 2009.

Completion of TBC

In 2010 Bent leaves the band, but the album mixing continues and the tracks are sent for mastering at Sterling Sound in New York. The album TBC is completed and a release gig follows in Slemmestad in May 2010. After Bent’s departure, Morten and Erik handle the guitars, and Stig Andrè joins for a July 2010 performance at the Up On The Farm BBQ festival, taking over guitar duties permanently.