RAGNARÖK

I've been drawn to this album cover from the first time I saw it. I didn't know though until I got the album that the dark sky at the top wasn't the night coming but it's actually pollution floating across the sky. RAGNAROK are an all instrumental Swedish Folk band, and this is their debut from 1977.The music here is so tasteful and beautiful, and much like the album cover once you experience it for the first time you will be hooked.

"Goodbye Copenhagen" is led by acoustic guitar melodies throughout. Beautiful song. "Walks" opens with keys and bass as gentle guitar joins in. Electric guitar and drums before a minute then we get this CAMEL flavour. Themes are repeated. "Freshbaked Bread" is led by acoustic guitar and flute throughout. "Foam Of The Days" is by far the longest track at over 8 minutes. It's pastoral to start with intricate guitar. Flute then keys join in. A fuller sound after 3 1/2 minutes. Nice. This is simply gorgeous. "Reel From Kalmer" is a very short flute piece.

"Factoryfunk" has to be a reference to the factory on the back cover of the album where all the pollution is coming from. Intricate drumming and guitar on this great sounding track. "Tatanga Mani" opens with acoustic guitar then it starts to build as flute and bass arrive. "Fiottot" has a good rhythm to it. "Calm-Breaking Up" opens with piano then this beautiful flute / acoustic guitar melodiy takes over. "Pools Of Water" opens with laid back keyboards. Drums and a fuller sound after 1 1/2 minutes. Sax a minute after that. Back to the keyboards to end it.

Easily 4 stars and one of the best Prog-Folk albums I have heard.