HYBRIS

For me one of the great things in the burgeoning Skandinavian prog in the early Nineties is the blend of Classic 70s prog and the intense Skandinavian folky atmospheres, Landberk, Anekdoten, and Anglagard are still my favorites. This review is about the latter band, from Sweden, with their highly acclaimed debut album entitled Hybris.

The four beautiful, alternating and dynamic tracks (between 8 and 13 minutes) contain obvious hints from King Crimson, Yes and Genesis but the Swedish vocals and melancholical climates (many months in Skandinavia it's dark and cold) add a special flavor to the music. Skills and emotion, not a trademark in progressive rock.

My absolute highlight on Hybris is the final composition Kung Bore, you cannot beg for more as a fan of genuine progressive rock: shifting moods, a lush instrumentation, and lots of tension between the folky parts with acoustic guitars and delicate flute, and the sumptuous outbursts, layered with vintage keyboards (Hammond, Mellotron and a church organ sound), and fiery guitar work (strong elements of Howe and Fripp), topped with intense vocals, an excellent bonus.

If you are up to the wonderful, often intense Swedish vocals this is such a captivating, dynamic and compelling album.