1985 marked a-ha's breakthrough year topping the charts in 24 countries with "TAKE ON ME", its video garnered 8 Mtv awards, the album "Hunting High and Low" would sell over 10 million world wide. But since a-ha were not the new pin up poster boys that the label wanted, they pretty much dropped off the face of the earth in America, ot having an official release here after 1993 with "Memorial Beach". But during that time they maintained popularity in most regions, in the UK having 17 top 20 singles, and then finding HUGE success all over South AMerica, where in 1991 they played Rock In Rio where their show sold the most tickets ever for any concert at 198,000 a record still standing for one artist and a paying gig.

a-ha would take a Hiatus in 1994 and not record together till they played at the 1998 Nobel peace award event, playing a new track "Summer Moved On" and 2 classics, they began to talk recording. they recording a new album released in 2000 to great success, and followed with an album in 2002, 2005 and then in 2009 called "Foot of the Mountain" which at the time of release garnered praise from critics and put them again in the UK top 10, but 3 months after it was released and while touring for it, they announced that 2010, their 25th year, would be the last. They played a world tour going to markets that many don't and also returning to America for 6 shows, including 3 record breaking sell outs in NYC at the Nokia Theater. They toured the world and closed it out in their home land of Norway with 3 sell outs. THe tour ranked in the top 20 tours of 2010, playing close to 100 dates worldwide.

During their split lead singer Morten Harket would release 2 solo records but not much was going on outside of writing and producing for others from the other 2 artists. But then something began to happen, the Rock In Rio event would be turning 30 it begged a-ha to play a one off gig at the show this september, a-ha agreed, but that was it. This brought about rumors of reunions, and countdowns via twitter and Facebook and then a press conference held. they gathered and told they would be signing a 2 year deal to do an album and world tour through 2016.

Well September 4th saw the release of this project called "CAST IN STEEL" and its pure pop perfection. Possibly there most solid record to date, ironically when they held the conference the album was barely worked on yet. So alot was up in the air, long time producer of the early work of the band (first 3 albums) Alan Tarney was brought in on some tracks and various producers also as this album was once again not recorded together.

The Kick off Single was "UNDER THE MAKEUP" and marked the first time in 20 years an a-ha single was released in AMerica also, via itunes. the song is a lavish return to orchestration and strings, with beautiful lyrics, a very dark love song.

Many don't realize that a-ha is a very DARK band, because of Mortens voice and smooth vocals, he makes "difficult" lyrics and subjects very easy. Other amazing tracks include the title track which is pure beauty! "Objects in the Mirror" is all about them, "the Wake" is said to be the next single, but "FOREST FIRE" is quickly becoming a huge favorite as the keyboard riff takes people back to the 80's. "She's humming a Tune" is an old song never recorded but finds its way here. "Door Ajar" has some great beats, "LIving at the End of The World" is a beautiful love song. start to finish possibly their epic album.

Though released everywhere on the 4th, it is only on iTunes here in america. The CD release was all over the world, and carries a bonus disc of One song that didnt make the record and 6 other tracks of demos and original mixes from the "Foot Of the Mountain" album which show the original idea and path they were going on that record. BUT not to miss is the release on the 18th of HUNTING HIGH AND LOW as a 4cd 1 dvd 30th anniversary package, which a hard cover book!! AMAZING package and they really emptied the vault on this, and have said they will do it for their first 5 albums.

Official Video for "Under The Makeup"

Amazing acoustic Version

Live on UK tv last week