AFTERGLOW

Why didn't Wobbler impose himself at the time as Anglagard did? It will always remain a mystery for me? We are nevertheless in the same register: acoustic / electric alternations, many changes of tempo, an exacerbated contrast between violence and calm, harshness and softness, complexity and simplicity, traditional and modern music. We therefore find the same mixture of influences: Scandinavian folk and progressive rock from the 70ths like Yes, King Crimson or Gentle Giant (the only difference being that Anglagard included in Hybris contributions from Genesis). The quality of the quasi-instrumental compositions is there, the recording is irreproachable, the instrumentation rich (flute, cello, medieval instruments).

So what, what have you to sulk about your pleasure? Maybe it's because what Woobler was offering was less aggressive and less tortured? Or that you blame him for imitating Anglagard? For my part, I could only praise them for making me relive the emotions I experienced when I discovered Hybris. Afterglow is a perfect success where three short acoustic pieces frame two epic long suites. The keyboard and leader of the group, Lars Fredrik Froisli, uses a very wide range of instruments (Mellontrons, Hammond, Moog, Rhodes, clavinet, piano) and mainly complements his playing with that of Rick Wakeman (for example the grandiose finale of Armory!). We also find to a lesser extent the influences of Keith Emerson and Kerry Minnear. The atmosphere of this record is rather dark, with multiple sublime passages loaded with emotion. This is really what I expect from a Scandinavian band, typical of their culture and mythology.

I also like Wobbler.2 which is more in line with current progs' expectations, but my preference will always go to the first two Wobbler.1 albums. Afterglow is a record that I will probably never get tired of.