PATH

Do not confuse this band with the New Zealand symphonic prog group or the heavy metal outfit from the 80-90's! Those Swedish people belong to the first period of the Swedish Progressive wave during the 70's. The band vanished in the 80's but the leader Peter Bryngelsson could be heard in various groups (Triangulus, Urban Turban?) or as a solo artist. Ragnarök reformed in 1991 and published "Well", an unnoticed opus at that time. So, one could pretend that the real return of our Swedish musicians occurs now. The line-up is complete and even the original engineer Anders Lind answered the call. What a welcome return! They are a typical example of atmospheric and melancholic prog made in Sweden. Their first albums (four were published) are real classics among prog heads. "Fjärilar I Magen", the second one, is a gem. I remember finding this album in a second hand record shop in Lyon, when prog was underground, much more than now since no CD reissues and no online vendors existed. A diehard Crimso lover, I was seduced by this album and its blend of fragility with power, ethereal atmospheres with nervous guitar parts, plus some folk influences and great effects. Yes, the first era of King Crimson but without the mellotron. It was one those rarities I often played during my first radio shows. "Path" includes eight delicate instrumental tracks, essentially based on the acoustic and electric guitars. For sure this album is not the masterpiece I was waiting for (I am a bit too nostalgic, I know). But there are some great moments though. So I recommend it.