SAGAN OM DEN IRLÄNDSKA ÄLGEN

In 1982 Isildurs Bane had their first real big tour, performing lots of concerts, at a time when original keyboardist Bengt Jonsson had already left the band.Not to be confused though with sax player Bengt Johnsson, who was making guest appearances with his sax for the band since early-80's, like in the band's second offering ''Sagan om den Irländska Älgen'', an album treating with nuclear war and its consequences in human life.The album was recorded in late 83' at Farm Studios in Helsinborg and released in 1984 on the band's newly established Isildurs Records.

The album follows more or less the style already offered in Isildurs Bane's debut, smooth Symphonic Rock in the vein of KAIPA with beautiful, dreamy instrumental textures but also plenty of skillful moments.However it is a more tight listening that ''Sagan om Ringen'' and the main reason for this is the extremely coherent 29-min. eponymous symphonic suite, divided into six movements.This is a fantastic epic with strong KAIPA and GENESIS vibes, highlighted by the incredible instrumental opening with its tremenmdous interplays as well as the elegant flute parts, the sensitive Swedish lyrics, the strong moog synths of Mats Johansson and the diverse guitar workouts of Mats Nilsson.There are a fair number of changes between atmospheric themes and more complex ideas and the folk elements remain always a main component of the band's overall symphonic approach.The pair of shorter closing tracks show the more Fusion side of Isildurs Bane, even some nice saxes appear in ''Marlboro Blues'' (played by the now guest musician Bengt Johnsson), while the performance is still quite strong with plenty of breaks.Great guitar work again by Nilsson and lots of synth solos by the talented Mats Johansson.

Excellent sophomore work by this daring Swedish combo, highly recommended to all Progressive Rock fans.Both ''Sagan...'' albums have been released in 1992 in a single CD, certainly easier to find than the original vinyl pressings.