HYBRIS

This is by far the most successful attempt made by a post 80s band to recreate the atmosphere of the golden age of prog. The startling fact that this appeared in 1992 and most of its band members had barely even be born when that era was taking place adds to the amazement. We should be grateful that Sweden rears such young artists of integrity.

The beautiful evocative soundscapes which Anglagard create are certainly up to the standard of the greatest prog tracks ever, but perhaps the quality of material is not absolutely the highest. This is not to say that it is in any way derivative(although various influences can be heard they are assimilated into the band's mature-sounding style...and this from a band of 18-19 year olds) but merely that it does not achieve the last degree of memorability. When I listen to any of the 4 longish tracks on this album, I get lost in its exquisite world, but afterwards I struggle to recall any of its themes.

Thus I think this a difficult album to rate, not ground-breaking but a work of ethereal beauty, technical excellence and considerable power: 4.5 would be about right.