ELDBERG

In the cold grounds of Iceland Eldberg were born in 2008, led by the Sigurdsson brothers, Jakob Gretar on drums and Asmundur Svavar on bass plus guitarist Reynir Hauksson.They operated with a five-piece line-up, but departures led them back to a trio the following year.Sometime later they welcome Eybor Ingi Gunnlaugsson as the lead singer and Heimir Klemenzson on keyboards, while the original members had already started recording original tracks.They were discovered by Mylodon Records, which launched the band's self-titled debut in 2011, a limited press of 500 vinyl copies became also available through the band's website.

This is 100% Scandinavian Retro Prog with heavy and psychedelic leanings, end of story.Members state that listening to Focus, Procol Harum, Jethro Tull and Yes were the basic inspirations that led them to the formation of Eldberg, but the music here follows the vein of all these underground Icelandic Heavy/Psych Rock bands of the 70's, ICECROSS, MANAR, PELICAN plus a strong dose of the Swedish scene, TRETTIOARIGA KRIGET or RAG I RYGGEN.The music is driven by the powerful psychedlic guitar explorations and the omnipresent sounds of the Hammond organ, supported occasionally by a Wurlitzer and a Rhodes piano plus some synthesizer.Cool bluesy influences, tempo variations and a mixture of vocal- and instrumental-led moments with some nice rockin' explosions in the process.Needless to say that all lyrics are sung in their native language.They sure know how to create and promote this charming vintage feeling of the Scandinavian lands, some great atmospheric moments are present here and the 15-min. epic closer ''Hlidarlif vor tima'' is one of the darkest pieces of Scandinavian Prog to be created in the recent days, featuring monumental vocals, sinister rhythms, some lovely acoustic breaks and dominant Hammond organ, great piece.

Scandinavian Prog is a genre of its own.Eldberg are among its representatives and actually among the very good ones.Nice Psych-flavored Heavy Rock/Prog with irritating vocals, strongly recommended...3.5 stars.