VEMOD

This album means way more than just an excellent record. It really means the beginning of a definitive act in the modern era of Prog Rock that I'm sure will be reminded in the future as one of the most important representatives of these times. The next decade we will think of the 90's/00's because of bands like Porcupine Tree and Anekdoten as we think now of Rush and King Crimson for example.

This release is not perfect (almost) but shows the band's potential and quality that would be improved in later recordings and also would find more authenticity, because as we know they started as a KC cover act and in this album they can't hide that fact. Anyway, I don't consider this cd as a clone or a rip-off of the British band and actually it has incredible original moments, dark but bright because of the complexity.

I can say that is a perfectly balanced album, with a smart combination of the dissonant and melodic parts, the heavy and the mellow, the dark and the symphonic, the retro and the modern, the simple and the complex. The use of the instruments is quite equitable too, with the mellotron being the main ingredient but never breaking the equilibrium with the strong and already classic rhythmic section, Nicklas great guitar work and the use of other instruments like cello and grand piano (by Per Wiberg, now of Opeth).

Another distinctive element is the vocal part, sometimes roaring, sometimes melancholic but always deep and emotional. Both Nicklas and Jan Erik maybe won´t be recognized as the best singers, but their voices work excellently with the moodiness of the music, and especially when Anna Sofi is participating too.

Very hard to make individual song reviews after all the great comments about them by many members so I'll just mention my favorites which are "Karelia"(already a classic), "Where Solitude Remains"(Powerful, atmospheric and complex), "The Flow" (Dark tune with excellent bass line), "Longing"(Great Instrumental mellow track with acoustic guitar and cello) and "Sad Rain" (Bonus, amazing mellotron loaded track with beautiful cello).

Excellent debut album that falls just a little bit short from perfection but sets the scenario for wide admiration and recognition for this magnificent band.

4.5 stars

Viva el Prog!

Share this ANEKDOTEN review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to FranMuzak
• Report this review (#137672)
• Buy ANEKDOTEN music online with PA partners
• Show all ANEKDOTEN MP3/Stream
• Go to ANEKDOTEN page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Vemod page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for ANEKDOTEN related discussions