HYBRIS

Anglagard appeared on the scene at just the right time. Without the Internet to bring us together, the search for good progressive music after 1980 was often fruitless. Old favorites, like Yes, Genesis, Rush, and even the mighty King Crimson had removed much of what was interesting about their music in order to continue their major label contracts. There was an inkling of new prog on these labels, but most of these were heavily arena rock oriented, or Genesis wannabes. The only reprieve we had was through independent suppliers, like Wayside Music, where we had to take a chance on an artist we had never heard of before.

But by the early 90's the foundation of the Internet was gaining popularity, and it was on one of those text based discussion groups someone informed me of this new fantastic band from Sweden that would restore my faith in the prog scene. And looking back, it signalled the emergence of Scandinavia as the up and coming center of the new prog universe.

The opening of Jordrök gives the impressing that Anglagard is going to be a dark chamber rock band, in the vein of Univers Zero. But once the full band joins in, the music becomes a fabulous blend of the classic seventies era prog masters. There is the darkness of King Crimson (and the Mellotrons), the soaring vocals and complex virtuosity of Yes, some nods to Genesis in keyboard and vocal passages, and even (as shown in the bonus track on later editions) the intricate arrangements of Gentle Giant.

Aside from the fact that this album refreshed my enthusiasm for progressive rock, it is a nearly perfect endeavor.