EPILOG

Mellotron fans (like I am) will be delighted to listen to "Epilog". Of course, references to the past giants are many, just like in Hybris. It is all well performed, and even if it is true that this type of music is not highly creative (since it was all done already), to listen to these sounds procures me lots of pleasure.

Änglagård's music still combines the early "Genesis" with the most symphonic sides from Crimson (the one I prefer by far) which results in a perfect symbiosis of both styles.

The long "Höstejd" constantly hesitates between these two sources of inspiration. It brings you through the most pastoral notes form "Trespass" and "In The Court", but doesn't forget a darker and stronger Crimson mood available on later releases. At times, it is even as quiet as "Moonchild". As you can see, points of comparison are many.

The most hectic song is by far "Skogsranden. It is the least "Genesis" oriented; so I guess that you know from which band they got their inspiration from. Add a bit of ELP for the keyboards to get the full picture.

Now, to be honest, I can't really say that this work is highly original. It seems that they have it all said in "Hybris" already. So, maybe they wisely called it quit after this one (even if a live album will see the light in 96, but it was recorded in 94).

The last long number is just an extension of what has been heard before and at this time, my interest has dropped dramatically.

Three stars for this good but not creative effort.