KRIGSSÅNG

Trettioariga Kriget's debut was considered as the first true Heavy Rock album from Sweden, but actually it was more than that.It did receive some excellent reviews and the band had a chance for an exhausting tour on Swedish ground as well as extended visits on the Swedish radio.The second album of the band ''Krigssang'' carried again an epic title (means ''War song'' in Swedish) and it was recorded in summer 75' at the Polyvox Studios in Stockholm, but not released until early 76'.This time the vinyl was marked with original CBS press.

This was another great example of hard-hitting, powerful Progressive Rock with psychedelic overtones, highlighted by the monumental Scandinavian feeling, the poetic lyrics and the dynamic, passionate performances of the band.While mainly guitar-driven, their style had still plenty of clever moves, complicated breaks and a good balance between instrumental variety and vocal performances.Plenty of unexpected shifting tempos and influences from KING CRIMSON, DEEP PURPLE and LED ZEPPELIN are always in the menu.Moreover they also dish out some lovely acoustic textures with a melancholic touch, while Mellotron waves appear quite often, adding a nice orchestral flavor to the passionate sound of the band.The centerpiece of the album is of course the 17-min.''Krigssang 2'', a nice piece of complex, guitar-based Progressive Rock with the usual Mellotron showering as the absolute highlight and some surprising synth lines as well.It often sounds like a mix of RUSH with YES, although being far from any symphonic tendencies, but certainly drawing some inspiration from STEVE HOWE's acrobatic guitar moves.It passes from vocal-based Rock to early-70's Psychedelic Rock to stunning Progressive Rock in a blink of an eye with numerous gear shifts and very tight executions.

Yet another thumbs up for one of Sweden's leading Rock bands from the 70's.Combination of passionate Hard Rock ala LED ZEPPELIN and DEEP PURPLE with intricate Progressive Rock in the vein of YES, RUSH and KING CRIMSON.Strongly recommended...3.5 stars.