Original Article By Veronica Karlsen - (Translation by Cindy Kandolf) There won't be many torn jeans, leather bracelets or flexed biceps this time. When a-ha returns, we can expect up-to-date music, a classic image and a complex sound. "Back to the eighties? Not a bit of it," promises a-ha's Norwegian manager Erling Johannessen. But there will also be no spice costumes and futuristic hairdos. "The album 'Minor Earth, Major Sky' reflects a-ha," he says, and adds that the music, although unmistakably Norwegian, is also quite modern. The album's producers are known from the dance and hip-hop genres, Andreas Herbyg and Roland Spremberg respectively. We can expect grooves and rhythms that say "Year 2000". "But it's still a classic a-ha album," Johannessen insists. In 1993, a-ha, Norway's only world-famous pop group, said good-bye with the album "Memorial Beach". Since then, the boys have been working with music, but each with his own project. But speculations about a comeback and reunion have been flying the whole time. "Didn't Warner have an option for another album?" "Yes, that's true. But at that time neither Warner in England nor a-ha were particularly interested in the idea. The group negotiated their way out of the contract and ended their 'unhappty marriage' with the record company. It wasn't until last year that the trio decided to sign a new contract - this time with Warner in Germany - a company that is one hundred percent behind the release and the band. The decision to record a new album had nothing to do with contract requirements or force. The boys simply feel they aren't finished yet. They have more to offer. It means a lot to them to release 'Minor Earth, Major Sky'. "And the recording sessions were friendly?" "In every band made up of strong personalities, there will be conflicts and disagreements. But that makes for good music," claims Johannessen and emphasizes that the chemistry between Paal, Magne and Morten is good. NEW POP ADVENTURE "Minor Earth, Major Sky" contains 13 songs. For the first time, Morten Harket has contributed songs to an a-ha album. When he released his solo albums, he got good reviews for his songwriting talents. "The fact that all three have contributed songs makes for exciting variations," claims Johannessen. The manager adds that he has just spent time with the three when the lads were invited to Germany's version of the Spellemannsprisen: the Eckho Awards. "It was great to see the boys together again, and it seems the Germans thought so too. At the airport the boys were met by hordes of fans wanting autographs." Johannessen won't rule out a new pop adventure in the near future. "What sort of audience are they looking for?" "Probably the music will appeal to the 'old' fans first, I'm guessing the economically powerful group from 25-50 years of age. But through MTV, a-ha also has the chance to win over a younger audience as well," muses Johannessen, and adds: "First and foremost, the boys want recognition for their ability to make good pop." After all, they still have the world-wide name recognition - what's driving them is the need to show that they can still do it. "Will there be many concerts in Norway soon?" "It's too early to talk about plans for touring. We'll see how a-ha Version 2000 catches on first." On Friday 17 March, a-ha will be meeting the Norwegian press, and on 17 April the album will be in Norwegian record shops. a-ha's claims to fame include reaching the top of the charts around the world in 1985 with the single "Take On Me". First place in the US surely not the smallest of their accomplishments. When 100,000 people took part in a vote to name the best music video of all time, they won third place, and they have sold over 25 million albums.