Synopsis Black Science & White Lies

"Black Science and White Lies" is a complex narrative exploring themes of faith, identity, and redemption. The story is divided into two parts: "Devolution" and "Evolution," each portraying a distinct phase in the protagonist's journey.

Introduction: Doctrine

The narrative begins with an exposition of the teachings from the sacred text, Azamoth, which describes the creation myth and the dichotomy between good and evil. The protagonist's society believes they are the chosen ones, destined for salvation in Seenithe, the divine home of their mother. Those who stray are condemned to Nidir, a place of eternal damnation.

Part I: Devolution

1. Debasement The protagonist reflects on his oppressive upbringing under his father, a preacher. Struggling with the rigid doctrines and the prevalent despair, he ultimately abandons his faith. He engages in self-destructive behavior, feeling isolated and hopeless, and contemplates returning to his mother in Seenithe for solace.
2. Apostasy After a failed suicide attempt, the protagonist is rescued by a city guard from Periophous, who introduces him to a new ideology and a life free from the constraints of his former religion. This new belief system, coupled with a vaccine, liberates him from his previous afflictions.
3. Heresy The protagonist grapples with guilt and the loss of faith. His newfound beliefs bring peace but at the cost of his self-identity. He experiences a transformation, integrating into a collective society devoid of individuality.

Part II: Evolution

1. Vacillation Now part of Periophous, the protagonist finds himself in a seemingly perfect society. However, he feels misplaced and begins questioning the true nature of this utopia. Doubts about the society's intentions and the absence of suffering lead him to flee and seek the truth.
2. Dissension The protagonist escapes and reflects on his past, finding solace in a relationship with a broken woman. He battles inner turmoil and confronts the violent, indifferent world. The war-torn landscape and the genetic cleansing initiatives expose the harsh realities of his society.
3. Redemption Returning to his birthplace, the protagonist seeks reconciliation with his estranged father. He reflects on his life's mistakes and the burdens of his past. In a final act of introspection and atonement, he acknowledges his imperfections and expresses a desire to return home to his mother, symbolizing a quest for ultimate redemption.

• Redemption and Atonement: The pursuit of forgiveness and redemption through introspection and reconciliation with the past.

Hans Andreas Brandal // Lead vocal, backing vocals

Stig André Clason // Guitars, backing vocals

Kristoffer Utby // Drums, backing vocals

Bård Thorstensen // Keyboards, backing vocals

Emil Olsen // Bass, baritone horn, backing vocals

Stian Delbekk Johansen // Special thanks for contribution

with backing vocal on album, and as a faithfull live member. 

Music by Infringement

Lyrics by Hans Andreas Brandal

Arrangement by Infringement

Produced by Infringement and Simon Dolmen Bergseth

Recorded by Infringement

Mixing by Simon Dolmen Bergseth

Mastering by Kjetil Bergseth

Artwork, artwork concept by Beate Persdotter Løken

Photo of artwork by Per Buhre

Post work, colours and grading by Kristine Clason

Graphical design by Stig André Clason

Infringement is proud to highlight the talented artist behind the cover artwork for our album Black Science & White Lies.

Beate Persdotter Løken is a Swedish-Norwegian artist who holds a BFA from Tromsø Art Academy and an MFA from Valand Academy in Gothenburg. She is also active in the field of theatre as a scenographer, prop maker, and lighting designer.

One of Beate’s main areas of interest and research is memories—specifically remembering, misremembering, and gaps in memories. The outcomes of her research are often manifested artistically through installations that incorporate scenography, filmed, and audio-recorded elements. By using methods inspired by crime scene investigations, forensic psychology, and memory studies, combined with elements from her theatre background—such as puppets, lights and shadows, props, and scenic performance—she strives to understand different aspects of human memory and its intricate pathways.

In her work for Infringement, she has interpreted the mythos within the album and created a miniature model visible only as a shadow cast on a textile screen.

Support real art!

Process pictures

Our story so far

Infringement is an Oslo-based progressive rock band that formed in November 2015. The group’s origins trace back to a cold evening when Stig André Clason (guitar), Kristoffer Utby (drums), and Hans Andreas Brandal (vocals) met for the first time. Over whiskey and conversation, they began to forge the idea of creating a new musical project. The trio quickly bonded over their shared love for progressive rock and started to lay the groundwork for what would become Infringement.

By the spring of 2016, bassist Espen Larsen had joined the lineup, completing the core of the band. With the full ensemble in place, they decided to embark on an ambitious first project—a concept album titled Transition. Released in May 2017, Transition tells the story of a local community’s evolution over the course of centuries. The narrative is centered around one family, whose experiences are chronicled across generations, all viewed through the unique perspective of an anthropomorphized house. To bring their music to life on stage, keyboardist Bård Thorstensen joined the band for their live performances and soon became a permanent member of the group.

After the release of Transition, Infringement spent the next two years meticulously crafting their follow-up album, Alienism. Released in 2019 to critical acclaim, Alienism delves into the minds of patients at the fictional Gentmire Institute, a cutting-edge psychiatric facility. The album provides listeners with a glimpse into the world of The Alienist through the eyes of the Commissioner of Lunacy, who documents his findings in a series of journals. Alienism is a sonically ambitious work, characterized by its dramatic scope, intense atmosphere, and intricate storytelling.

Shortly after the release concert for Alienism, bassist Espen Larsen departed from the band, with Emil Olsen stepping in as his replacement. Despite the lineup change, Infringement continued to build momentum following the success of their sophomore effort.

Now, the band is gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated third concept album, Black Science & White Lies. Set within the same intricate universe that ties all of Infringement’s albums together, this upcoming release promises to expand on their unique storytelling approach and further solidify their reputation as innovators in the progressive rock scene. With each new project, Infringement continues to push the boundaries of their genre, blending deep narrative elements with complex, emotive musicianship.

Live member

Stian Delbekk Johansen // Backing vocals 

Former member:

Espen Larsen // Bass