AURUM NOSTRUM

Almost as legendary as the mythical ANGLAGARD,SINKADUS were around since 1987 through the collaboaration bettwen guitarist Robert Sjoback and keyboardist Fredrik Karlsson.In 1991 the band takes a more original form with the addition of Rickard Bistrom,while they switch from covering rock songs to write their own compositions.At mid-90's cellist Lena Pettersson and flutist Linda Johansson had already joined SINKADUS,so the band is focused on recording their debut album.''Aurum Nostrum'' was finally released in 1997 on Cyclops.

STYLE: While the music seems a bit laid back at first sight,it is highly professional and intricate at the same time to satisfy anyone into progressive rock music.The album consists of four mini- and grand epics,where Scandinavian folk meets the Crimson-esque inventiveness and the delicacy of symphonic music.What really strikes from the very first listening is the haunting Mellotron sounds and the folk-tinged flutes.Guitar work has obvious Fripp-ian inspirations,while the adventurous interplays are often broken by calm folkish passages with an acoustic sound and there is where (Swedish) vocals are also added.The arrangements are very nice with rich orchestrations,great melodies and a semi-dark atmosphere, characterized by the Swedish traditional music.

INFLUENCES/SOUNDS LIKE: To name KING CRIMSON,GENESIS and Swedish folklore music as the main influences of SINKADUS is a piece of a cake.What is a big surprise is the similarities between this band and ANGLAGARD.They do not only sound like them,but both bands were active in the 90's,released two studio albums and a live in a short period before disappearing,they sung in Swedish and even both debuts contain four lengthy tracks!A few ANEKDOTEN similarities are also present.

PLUS: The mellotron sound is absolutely majestic!Orchestral parts are also top class with beautiful flutes and nice organ throughout.The long instrumental passages offer an untold atmosphere hardly created by an average band.The awesome blending of Swedish folklore with prog tunes is an example of how talented this band was.Guitar work comes out of a seminar.

MINUS: Too much ANGLAGARD references makes tyhe band somewhat unoriginal.Vocals are mediocre,notice though that the album is largely instrumental.Despite the presence of Lena Pettersson,the cello echoes are limited,I would like a heavier dose.

WILL APPEAL TO:...anyone without exception,but especially fans of vintage-sounding prog will love it to death.

CONCLUSION: Call it retro-prog,call it vintage-influenced prog,call it whatever you want...one thing is for sure: ANGLAGARD are dead,long live SINKADUS!The band continues what their compatriots left unfinished in mid-90's and they do it in a great way.Definitely a 90's classic...4 solid stars.