HYBRIS

Music is such an enigma. Anglagard is a band that popped practically out of nowhere, none of the members were known from other projects and they were also considerably young. But somehow, their first release is still one of the greatest records of its genre. I discovered this album and band from this site because I had never heard about them. It's no doubt that they deserve all the credit they get.

It's safe to say this record is a cult classic. Very unknown, but hailed as a masterpiece. It has only four tracks, three of them very lengthy, clocking over ten minutes. But not ten long, boring and overextended minutes, instead ten minutes of excellent symphonic prog.

The first track, Earth Smoke, is a dynamic and generally fast-paced instrumental. It has a really high number of sections that flow surprisingly well. It features flute solos, guitar solos, keyboard solos, in other words it's the quintessential track of the album. It ends with a calm flute and Mellotron.

The second track, Wonderings In Confusion, has amazing flute work and constantly changing time signatures. It features flamenco influence in multiple sections and the Mellotron never fails to provide a great sense of suspense, emotion and mystery.

The third track, King Winter, is my favorite from the album, and in my opinion the most beautiful track of the record. The main chorus is wonderful, and it features a small build-up around the middle that explodes in the best section of the record, a dramatic instrumental section with some powerful guitar work. The song and album ends with a faint flute that always sends chills down my spine.

This album has grown alot on me and it has become one of my favorite symphonic prog albums ever. It's a true statement for its genre and it's without a doubt worth at least one listen.