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Pär Lindh Project - Mundus Incompertus CD (album) cover

MUNDUS INCOMPERTUS

Pär Lindh Project

Symphonic Prog


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Sean Trane
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR
Prog Folk
5 stars This attempt to create and melt classic music and metal drumming is quite fun and surprisingly, it works . All of the ingredients in the previous album were present here and this time it gelled much better. The addition of a mad drummer makes this album very enjoyable (and most woman enjoy it too - interesting to enjoy aural orgasm as well as oral orgasm) and the music grab you by the brain and pull you in an infernal spiral where the light at the end of the tunnel nevers seems to reach you.

Only three track (well suites ;-), but the real tour de force is the title track. The alternance between the string quartyet/quintet and the forceful and bruteful power of the group is simply amazing, and some ten years after this was released, it has not lost on ounce of its freshness. A must for 70's progheads looking for modernized sounds, but retaining the 70's spirit.

Report this review (#4440)
Posted Tuesday, February 3, 2004 | Review Permalink
richardh
PROG REVIEWER
3 stars If 'Gothic Impressions' was Par Lindh's ''Brain Salad Surgery for the nineties'' then this album would be his stab at ''Close To The Edge for The Nineties''.3 tracks (one very long one coming in at 27 minutes) this marks a serious development of style for the band.Many of the collabarators for 'Gothic Impressions' are no longer around as Par Lindh decided to create a band that could go out on the road and play live.Also Magdelena Hagberg takes over the vocal duties so allowing Par Lindh to concentrate on what he does best -playing keyboards.I'm actually a little bit undecided though just how good this record is.In effect it is really a debut album as the earlier Gothic Impressions was a collaborative effort.Here it is a band finding it's feet.Not a perfect album by any means it has a tendency to ramble too much with Par Lindh's Emerson and Wakeman's influences maybe just getting the better of him,but it is still a decent effort.For that reason I will give it a 3star rating and ''approach with caution'' stamped underneath.Will be enjoyed mostly by Emerson and Wakeman fans .Others should go to 'Gothic Impressions' or the later 'Veni,Vidi,Vici' album if checking out Par Lindh for the first time.
Report this review (#4441)
Posted Monday, May 3, 2004 | Review Permalink
The Prognaut
PROG REVIEWER
5 stars "Mundus Incompertus", the last PLP studio album recorded until "Veni Vidi Vici"; was released in 1997. In my opinion, this wonderful CD is the most important and interesting work achieved by PLP; it is constituted of three pieces. In the first track untitled "Baroque Impression No. 1", we can appreciate a BACH & VIVALDI intro exquisitely executed, from which the music evolves to a discharge of sounds and colors in the most intense interpretation Swedish symphonic rock has got to offer. In the second piece, "The Crimson Shield"; we can listen to the operatic voice of Magdalena HAGBERG accompanied by Pär's harpsichord. The third piece, "Mundus Incompertus"; is divided in 13 parts creating an opus composed of recurrent themes and instrumental passages. this is truly the jewel of the band. "Mundus Incompertus" is a fresh and original composition. this is what EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER should be doing if they still had a bit of creativity.

As a musician, Pär LINDH counts with a long successful career as church organist, classic pianist, solo harpsichordist, drummer, Hammond organist, jazz musician, etc. In 1977 and 1978 Pär lined up for two rock bands, but by 1979 he got disappointed about the direction pop music was heading to and decided to quit on rock music to play classic music instead. There's where he has developed himself as a recital pianist and harpsichordist until 1991, when he rediscovered a LP from ELP. Thanks to the classical formation Pär achieved during all these years is that we can enjoy the magnificent and excellent musical gems PLP offer us. "Mundus Incompertus" is an exceptional proof of that.

Report this review (#4442)
Posted Thursday, July 1, 2004 | Review Permalink
Menswear
PROG REVIEWER
4 stars If you could get an album that includes an approach of genuine Baroque and the heavyness of Power Prog, this is the one to get. Solid double-bass drum all the way, thick and slick guitar (a la Petrucci) makes this record Bach plugged on a 500 db amplifier. It shakes the dust from your shelves in a convenient way. Prodigee Ingwie Malmsteen also could give you a taste of neo-prog classical suites.

Pär Lindh now can rest in company of other keyboard sensations like Jürgen Fritz, Keith Emerson and Rick Van Der Linden. His skills are tremendous, dazzling, intelligent and breathtaking. A real killer on the keys...probably the fastest and meanest bloke of the 90's. But, everything is not flawless of course. Lindh brought too much of his influences with him. We clearly have a Brain Salad Surgery feel as well of obvious riffs stolen from Triumvirat on the Pompeii album.

Some stuff looks straight from his cranium in the voice of a lady in a dramatic second track. A hapsicord with back-up voice arrangements that tends to link the first and third track. Which is a nice, relaxing, non-guitarish part that rest your ears.

In general a superb, but somewhat too short album regarding the ENORMOUS talent in writing and playing of our Swedish-keys-pounding-viking.

Do not expect Anglagard approach or Dream Theater interpretation...just the middle of these!

Report this review (#4443)
Posted Sunday, September 12, 2004 | Review Permalink
Eetu Pellonpaa
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR
Honorary Collaborator
2 stars I was disappointed by this album, which I bought as I had seen this line-up on a stage, and it had been a quite nice experience. There are some beautiful themes on the songs, but alas there's very much pointless fooling around to different directions in high speed too. There's also influences of prog metal on this music, and I believe fans of that musical style would appreciate this album much more than me. I sold it away.
Report this review (#4445)
Posted Sunday, April 3, 2005 | Review Permalink
erik neuteboom
PROG REVIEWER
4 stars This music is a treat for keyboard aficionados! The first track "Baroque impression no 1" is a mix of Japanese prog like Social Tension (ELP-like) and Deja Vu (UK-inspired) delivering sumptuous keyboards (church - and Hammond organ) and fiery electric guitar, blended with interludes containing Spanish guitar, harpsichord and flute. In "The crimson shield " we can enjoy a medieval climate with harpsichord and serene female vocals. Halfway delicate Mellotron waves and sparkling harpsichord caresses our ears. The final composition is the titletrack and has a running time of almost 27 minutes, the ELP will be delighted: floods of Hammond organ evokes the days of the young and wild Keith Emerson! Despite the long running time this track never bores. Enjoy the captivating instrumental interludes: from a electric guitar with church organ and acoustic piano like Rick Wakeman to wonderful choir- Mellotron and fiery electric guitar leads. And I have to mention the rhythm-section, they do their work very dynamic. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Report this review (#38670)
Posted Wednesday, July 6, 2005 | Review Permalink
belz
PROG REVIEWER
5 stars 4.5/5.0

This was the group with which I really discovered prog music. Not only did I enjoy their music, but I had the chance to see them in show, and they rock! The was they play music is really post-modern, using all the computer technology possible for sampling, mixing, etc. They have like 5 keyboards and 3 computers on the stage in show! But the sound is not like all those neo-prog "crappy" group. The keyboards are not overwhelming and the sound is rock-solid, with great melodies and this huge metal touch (which, opposed to the fact that a girl is singing, makes it even greater ).

I consider this album to be the group best achievement (the live CD is of even quality, but there is not any new stuff on it beside the AMAZING version of Jerusalem by ELP...).

This is really a great album!

Report this review (#62580)
Posted Saturday, December 31, 2005 | Review Permalink
5 stars I wasn't sure about giving this album 5 stars, but I just can't see giving it less. No weak tracks, no real low points, and only a couple of small complaints. I'll get those out of the way first, as they are pretty insignificant in the scope of this album.

First off, the drummer is way too double bass happy. His drumming is generally quite good, but he really overuses the double bass drums more than even someone like Mike Portnoy (who is also a great drummer). It wouldn't bother me at all, if it wasn't obvious that he is capable of subtlety, as he displays at certain places. But again, this really doesn't take away from the music, and being a short album it doesn't really even get on my nerves that much. There are plenty of places with no drums as well to keep it from marring the album. The other complaint is that the vocal lines sometimes sound tacked onto the music, and Magdalena, while a great singer, has some English pronunciation problems. Since she is Swedish, this is something I can forgive, but it does make it hard to follow the lyrics without the booklet.

As for positives, there are too many to list really. This is, as Sean Trane states in his review, a perfect blend of classical and rock. Sure, it can be a little bit too much like ELP at times, making it sound less original, but I think it is better than most ELP, thanks to the addition of electric guitar as a prominent instrument. Also, because of the rhythm section, this is much heavier than ELP ever got, and in a good way. The singing is sublime, Magdalena has a fantastic voice and stunning range. Each track is extremely well written and has it's own character and feel, though the first and last do share some themes.

This may not come across as a masterpiece because of its similarity in sound to ELP and other classical mixed with rock type of prog bands, but it is probably the most well done of any of these (there is no The Sheriff or Are You Ready Eddie here to spoil the album). There is no doubt that at this point, this is certainly Par Lindh's masterpiece. So, no weak tracks, great compositions and playing, great integration of classical music with hard prog, great singing and interesting lyrics, great guitar playing, great keyboard playing, great rhythm section (aside from my one small complaint above). I can't give this less than 5 stars. If you like ELP and classical rock oriented prog, this is a must. Even if you don't, its worth giving this a listen, as it is the best of them all in my opinion and it may change your mind about this type of prog.

Report this review (#124831)
Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 | Review Permalink
Gatot
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR
Honorary Collaborator
5 stars I have known this band (project) quite sometime ago through various discussions with prog colleagues in my country. I finally purchased a CD of Par Lindh Project titled "Rondo" which did not truly impress me at first spin and I just kept it in my CD shelf and never touched it anymore. A colleague prog head brought with him this "Mundus Incompertus" album for me to listen. Oh man . it blew me away right from the start of the album until the end.

I have been exposed with many kinds of keyboards or church organ sounds in different kind of bands from Rick Wakeman, Keith Emerson, Mathew Fischer and many progressive symphonic bands who use keyboards/ organ to accentuate their symphonic style. But still, I am amazed with what this album by Par Lindh offers. Having read his biography as musician where he started his musical journey dated back in 1977 in which in 1979 he was involved in the symphonic trio while he played a role as multi instrumentalists ranging from church organist, classical pianist, harpsichordist, drummer, Hammond organist, and even jazz musician with extreme success - it is quite clear that he is a brilliant musician.

There is nothing special that I can say with respect to how classical music is being interpreted by Par Lindh because I have been bombarded with may repertoires by other bands like ELP, Ekseption etc who have done best on this part. But when I listen to the opening track "Baroque Impression No. 1" (9:10) for the first time, I did not think much about the classical composition with Baroque style. I was more interested on how the band crafted the pieces or segments of music to become a cohesive and tight composition. The first impression was coming from drumwork which I thought it was really wonderful - dynamic and inventive. Secondly, of course I love the sound of the organ and the way Par Lindh plays it wonderfully. The music flows in high energy and drive, however, it also gives balanced ups and downs with intriguing break. The electric guitar solo followed by acoustic guitar fills in the middle of the track is really cool. Of course, I love this opening track very much.

The second track is totally different style with nice clavinet work accentuated by mellotron at background followed with mellow female singing line performed by Magdalena Hagberg. Oh yes, you might associate this melodic and catchy track with Annie Haslam and Renaissance, it's not because of both of them females but more on the combined music and singing line that is really nice.

The last track is actually an epic "Mundus Incompertus" (26:43) which, due to its wonderful composition, does not create any feeling of getting bored throughout the span of 26 minutes of music. This is of course a brilliant effort that deserves respect by all prog heads in the world. You don't need to challenge me on how this composition would lay nicely into your mind - especially if you love vintage prog music like King Crimson, ELP, Renaissance or Van Der Graff Geenerator. Each of the band has its own characteristic, and Par Lindh is kind like combine all of them together into one beautiful composition as well as delivery. It starts mellow with nice female singer followed with stunning music which moves into dynamic style at approx minute 2. Oh my God .. I really love the way organ is being played as well the guitar work. It's truly a masterpiece composition.

Conclusion:

It's a true masterpiece of progressive rock!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Report this review (#159608)
Posted Thursday, January 24, 2008 | Review Permalink
Ivan_Melgar_M
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR
Honorary Collaborator
5 stars It's strange to see how little recognition PÄR LINDH PROJECT received, their music is structurally perfect from start to end, adapts his style to any Classical Era he wants (In this case to Baroque), adds pure Symphonic and strong Heavy Rock elements,and yet only a couple of reviews. But if we add the fact that PÄR LINDH is a solid Classical Organ performer and responsible for the existence of Symphonic Prog today, this guys should have a monument.

"Mundus Incompertus" is after "Gothic Impressions" my favourite album, mainly because PÄR LINDH'S undeniable skills in the organ is at last complete supported by an outstanding band that helps to create the perfect atmosphere always, but taking good care to keep a sober and academicsound.The pomp is in the music, not in exaggerate performances, nothing is ever out of it's place, but still frenetic, innovative and radical.

"Baroque Impressions N° 1" stars with an impressive church organ solo that reminds of "Bach" in every instant, but suddenly and out of nowhere Jocke Ramsell adds his almost metallic guitar to remind us we're on Rock territory, every note is played with surgical precision, we're jumping back and forth from the 1700 to 1977, and the violin of Inge Thorsson adds the perfect complement.

But about the third minute, the balance changes, we're on frenetic Hard Rock style with the Hammond being the star and if this wasn't enough PÄR LINDH adds his unique 12-string guitar, perfection and balance from start to end.with another Baroque organ coda.

"The Crimson Shield" starts acoustic with the sweet voice of the late Magdalena Hagsberg" guitar and Clavinet, the melody is somehow unusual for this frenetic band, absolutely melodic and paused.

Normally people talk about the similarities between the Swedish master and Keith Emerson, but to be honest I find very few, while Keith is pompous and excessive, Par is calmed and sober, a real genius in a different way.

But the best is yet to come, the 26:43 minutes epic "Mundus Incompertus" brings us everything the band has in their arsenal, starting with a beautiful vocal passage again by Magdalena, they start a extravaganza that brings us from the Gothic period to the Baroque in a matter of seconds, but the impressive drumming of Nisse Bielfeld is what keeps the integrity of the song, the rest of the instruments may wander anywhere, but Bielfeld always keeps the track like a human metronome.

From this point to the end, expect anything, organ solos in Gothic style, jazzy passages, dramatic violin, chorus, frenetic guitar, solid bass, excellent arrangements and radical changes, with outstanding Piano, Moog and Mellotron, in other words pure Progressive Rock.

In my opinion any rating bellow 5 stars is unfair, a perfect masterpiece, maybe a bit too short, but I select quality over quantity any time.

Report this review (#240621)
Posted Sunday, September 20, 2009 | Review Permalink
Mellotron Storm
PROG REVIEWER
3 stars This was Par Lindh's follow-up to his masterpiece "Gothic Impressions". The former was a work that germinated in the seventies and bloomed in the nineties (a labour of love) with the help of many esteemed guests. On this album Par has a band (one that he toured with) and some guests to fill out the sound.This is not nearly as epic or extravagant as "Gothic Impressions" and it's quite different sounding as well. It's like he has this Rock band helping him with this Symphonic, seventies flavoured Prog. In fact there's a picture of the band in the liner notes, and they look like a Heavy Metal band. Make no mistake though this is organ dominated Progressive music done seventies style with a female vocalist.

"Baroque Impression No. 1" opens with female vocal melodies but church organ takes over quickly. It kicks in then settles back as this continues for a while. Aboe and harpichord lead when it calms back down. It kicks back in after 3 minutes. "The Crimson Shield" features clavinet and vocals with some mellotron. Not a fan of this one at all. Some recorder and percussion later.

"Mundus Incompertus" is by far the highlight of this album. Some really aggressive organ and drum work here as the song changes and evolves over it's almost 27 minutes. Vocals and drums to start . It picks up 2 minutes in with organ. Great sound a minute later.This continues until it settles after 9 1/2 minutes. It kicks back in at 11 minutes then another calm 2 minutes later with vocals. Violin before 14 1/2 minutes while organ and mellotron follow.The tempo picks up and it gets fuller before 17 minutes. Violin 18 1/2 minutes then the vocals return 2 minutes later. Guitar follows then organ and violin. It kicks back in after 23 minutes. Nice.

Interesting that Par bought ANEKDOTEN's old twin-keyboard Mark V mellotron and he puts it to good use here. A good album but for me it pales when compared to "Gothic Impressions". 3.5 stars.

Report this review (#295983)
Posted Tuesday, August 24, 2010 | Review Permalink
apps79
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR
Honorary Collaborator
3 stars Par Lindh's contribution to the renaissance of Progressive Rock has finally taken shape in mid-90's after he set the seeds a few years back.More dedicated to his own composing material he released the EP ''Rondo'' in 1995 and the idea of forming a more stable line-up started circulating in his head.Inbetween he found time to collaborate with Björn Johansson in the Tolkien-inspired album ''Bilbo'', released in 1996.About the same time he established a solid core for a new release under the Par Lindh Project moniker.Singer Magdalena Hagberg and guitarist Jocke Ramsell were upgraded to this formation, which also included bassist Marcus Jaederholm and drummer Nisse Bielfeld.The second work by the group was again recorded at the Crimsonic Studios and published in 1997 under the title ''Mundus Incompertus''.

The whole thing is about three long tracks of keyboard-driven Symphonic Rock, however the first kicker ''Baroque Impression No. 1'' with its succesful title showcases Lindh's strong Baroque influences with an updated heavy electric guitar sound at moments, but always twisting around the group's leader's fiery, cinematic and orchestral arrangements.Filled with nostalgic harsichord, grandiose church organ and powerful Hammond organ fanfares, it displays Lindh's impressive Classical background.''The Crimson Shield'' is a completely different story.Smooth, Medieval-styled music, led almost exclusively by Lindh's mellow work on piano and harsichord and featuring Hagberg's angelic vocals all the way.Hagberg and her dreamy vocal colors will also kick off the 21-min. title-track, which comes as a combination of the two previous styles, mixing Medieval soundscapes with powerful, keyboard-drenched Symphonic Rock and Baroque influences.Bands like E.L.P., LE ORME and TRIUMVIRAT are the obvious inspirations here and Lindh often appears as if putting up a personal show with emphatic organ and synth acrobatics, based on plenty of virtuosic solos.The music is still very compentent with great drums and some cool electric guitars around.The atmosphere ranges from romantic to cinematic to extremely self-indulgent with long, technical deliveries, haunting chants, romantic soundscapes and rapid tempo changes but unfortunately the lovely melodies from their debut have been left aside.The grandiose passages with the Mellotron and the moments the group works as a balanced team seem to be the most interesting ones, although Lindh's personal keyboard offerings contain also plenty of challenging textures.

Solid Symphonic Rock of the old school, headed by E.L.P., with everlasting keyboard lines and solos.Not as great as the group's debut, but still a very nice album, especially considering the transitional period of its release.Recommended to all fans of Symphonic/Classical-styled Rock and Retro Prog.

Report this review (#1076508)
Posted Thursday, November 14, 2013 | Review Permalink
BrufordFreak
COLLABORATOR
Honorary Collaborator
5 stars Three years after the debut, a whole new lineup offers some fresh, exciting, and highly polished "gothic prog."

1. "Baroque Impression No. 1" (9:13) more rockin' than Pär Lindh's previous music (except for the heavy parts of "The Iconoclast" and "Green Meadow Lands") it feels as if GRYPHON had chosen to become more rock-oriented. (19/20)

2. "The Crimson Shield (6:38) one of the most gorgeous pastoral prog pieces since Anthony Phillips' "The Geese and The Ghost." Harpsichord and soprano female vocalist Magdalena Hagberg make this sound like something much older than the 20th Century. (10/10)

3. "Mundus Incompertus" (26:43) in my Top 15 favorite long-playing epics of the 1990s. (45.5/50)

Total Time: 42:34

A/five stars; a masterpiece of progressive rock music.

Report this review (#1779694)
Posted Tuesday, September 5, 2017 | Review Permalink
5 stars If you want to hear one of the best marriages between art rock and baroque classical music then you must reach to this album. As close to genuine classical musical as loud art-rock with metallic touches, this album is far from cliches and lifeless cover music. The soul, Pär Lindh, is a Swedish state-of-the-art keyboard virtuoso mastering virtual anything with keyboards on it but sticking mainly to art rock classic and classical instruments (so don't expect cheese synths). Tastefullness, grandiosity and elegance mark the music well. Drums, vocals and keyboards are of the highest quality. Hammond organ, harpsichord and church organ are a must-hear for any fan of classical music and rock music likewise. It's not about how to play it complex but also how to keep style and stateliness and not overwhelm the listener.

The first track may be the most famous one by Pär Lindh because it's the celebration of baroque classical music augmened by metallic rhythm section without sounding cheesy or cheap. Explosive drums, church organ runs, flute+harpsichord 100% classical music, violin. This piece is masterfully balanced between pure classical music and symphonic art rock. Excellently well developed. The guitar solo is quite heavy metal oriented but switches to acoustic guitar soon. The combination of guitar solo and church baroque melody is irresistable.

"The crimson shield" is a completely different chapter. The great female vocal, flute and harpsichord create a comfortable cosy atmosphere, maybe a bit similar to Blackmore's night but with harpsichord instead of acoustic guitar.

The title track is a suite full of keyboard driven passages more or less rock oriented. It is quite reminiscent of ELP stuff with more 70's keyboards like synths/moog, You can hear that organ is the most popular Lindh's instrument, be it Hammond or church organ. I think that this piece is not as well developed as the first track but has a plethora of beautiful symphonic moments and is a very pompeous track.

A must for traditional symphonic prog fans.

Report this review (#2440803)
Posted Monday, August 24, 2020 | Review Permalink

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