HYBRIS

After a long wait I finally managed to find this work so well reviewed. I must admit that the quality of the album has surpassed all my expectations, "Hybris" is a great record from all points of view, in some ways even unique.

The most striking thing is the great solemnity of music expressed in the four long tracks that make up the album. In production, the band decide to avoid the use of synthesizers in favor of mellotron and Hammond organ: the choice is really excellent as the synth would have debased the great solemnity of some parts. Although the style is clearly derived from the classic progressive era, the majesty of the compositions is such that the album is now a key reference point for many contemporary bands and is therefore not correct, in my opinion, to consider "Hybris" only as an album of derivative music. This work is also a starting point, not lacking some originality.

The four songs are beautiful and there are no weak points. Perhaps only the finale of Kung Bore has not the same intensity of the other parts of the album. The vocals are sung in Swedish and it is certainly not the most harmonious sounding language. Howewer, the importance of the vocals is rather marginal and therefore the slight roughness of Swedish do not bother at all. Difficult to choose the best song since the level is very high everywhere, but probably I prefer the first two tracks (the instrumental Jordrok and Vandringar i Vilsenhet ). Jordrok in particular has an incredible evocative power: it could be the perfect soundtrack for a bloody battle in the cold northern lands! In addition, the frenetic organ accompaniment in the middle leaves me breathless every time I hear it.

Despite some exceptional melodic parts, with the flute of Anna Holmgren in evidence and beautiful guitar arpeggios, the album is mostly experimental, and therefore need a strong dose of attention in order to listen: you can not expect to hear "Hybris" while you prepare dinner or do household cleaning, it takes concentration and repeated listening to appreciate it fully. Like many other progressive albums patient is required! As for me until today I heard this album at least a dozen times and I can say that I consider "Hybris" the greatest contemporary progressive record I've ever heard.

Final rating: 10/10.

Five stars.

Best song: Jordrok

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