HYBRIS

Anglagard's debut album is a remarkably confident fusion of symphonic prog influences - the pastoralism of Genesis, the wildness of King Crimson, the tranquility of Camel - into an original and unique sound which provided a much-needed shot in the arm for symphonic prog. Though the band wore their influences on their sleeves, they still had sufficient tricks unique to them to make them a worthwhile listen for any fan of classic, 70s-style prog rock - the flute work of Anna Holmgren, for instance, sounds nothing like Ian Anderson (the usual go-to guy for unoriginal prog bands looking for someone's flute technique to rip off), and doesn't even resemble Andy Latimer's flute playing on, say, Camel's The Snow Goose.

Everyone knows how this album, among others from around the same time, electrified the online prog audience and paved the way for the prog renaissance since then - unlike some albums that become "internet darlings", however, Hybris has the meat to match the hype. It's an unabashed nostalgia exercise, of course - but when the nostalgia's this good I can overlook that.