ANGLAGARD

A remarkable thing is that Änglagard doesn't sound very much like that other band that revisited Genesis 10 years earlier. I'd say that while Änglagard picked up the 71-72 sound, Marillion focussed more on the 73-78 phase. For me it's just another proof of how versatile and truly remarkable Genesis was. I'm tempted to say that Hybris pales a bit by that dazzling perspective.

If I may continue with another bit of criticism, I think the vocals are slightly disappointing. In that respect they are nothing like Genesis at all. I'd say it's a bit ironic that the only aspect where they really differ from their idols turns out to be so unfulfilling. They must have felt the same as their next album would be entirely instrumental. Luckily, also here they don't sing all that much.

Looking at it from 2009, there's one big redeeming factor for their lack of originality. I can see the impact this must have had at the time of its release. Unlike neo-prog that took in too much of the 80's glossiness; this 'retro-prog' sprouted a new wave of bands that really re-connected with the musicality, the rich ambience and the feel for melody of the original symphonic prog bands. 4.5 stars for the instrumental tracks. 4 stars on the whole.

Just listen to this music, let it grow on me (already accomplished), or let it disappoint me (weird, it also happened). And if there's rock equivalent of classical music, it's Änglagård. Complex composition isn't descriptive enough. It's also interesting, you can clearly hear melody here, but also it's nothing "just-for-fans", everyone who's able to track 10 minutes song is capable of enjoying it. Well, it's not so hot with being melodic here, it's taken here more as side-effect, than real purpose and I keep being lost in this music from time to time, but one thing is for sure. This music is intriguing a lot and really have a lot to offer.

5(+), Absolute opposite to some endless copies, dull tunes about nothing and recycling of ideas. And proof that you don't have to be melodic to be interesting.

One of the most unique albums I've ever heard. And that's not nostalgia speaking, I know this one for just a year.

Many people criticize this album because it doesn't sound as their two previous and spectacular releases,but they don't seem to understand that the band was practically retired and making a tremendous effort to play without the help of overdubbing, being that their music because of it's complexity can't be reproduced on stage without loosing some of the magic. As a fact in a presentation I saw on video, the had to ask Par Lindh to help them with the double keyboards required to reproduce what was done on studio.

There's another problem that fans often ignore. ÄNGLAGÅRD'S music is so complex an technical that doesn't suit perfectly on stage where yo need more improvisation and emotion instead of surgical precision, that is what the band gives us.

But lets be honest, despite the limitations and obvious lack of emotion of a band that was thinking in an early retirement, they give an excellent concert, with the usual accuracy and quality in their performance, plus gives us a chance to listen them on stage.

I won't review the tracks as I normally do, because the correct analysis was done on "Hybris" and "Epilog", the natural environment in which this material must be listened.

So, if you are a newbie, start with the studio releases, but for any fan of the band, Buried Alive is an excellent addition that deserves no less than 4 stars.

Some reviewers think that absent of vocal lines is a minus there: don't think so. I think that vocal was one of rare weak points in band's debut, and even debut was mainly instrumental. There you have 99,9% instrumental album, and it sounds better than previous one!

The music is more deep, more personal, less guitar driven energy ( but still some Crimsonian sound breakes/peaks included). Think, it's group's highest point ( ok, three albums only were recorded), and perfect mature symphonic rock from early ninetees.

Album is really very strong, classic in melodies and instrumentation. For me it reminds some King Crimson and sometimes ELP sound, but I am sure any fan will have some citates from his beloved classical prog band.

So ,in fact we have there important event: this album accumulates all the best from classic prog albums from 70-th, and at the same time build a base for new prog generation ( at least - in scandinavian progresive, which is very important in first years of XXI century).

It's difficult to find, what is weak points of that album. Very balanced mix of best symphonic rock of it's predescesors. So, if you are not a big fan of innovations, this album is perfectly for you.

I can note at least two weak points there: first, I don't like vocal at all ( happily this album is mainly instrumental), and second - there are nothing new at all. Perfect musicianship without searching of new horizons.

So, very strong and important classic prog album of it's period, but not too innovative one. Strong 4!

You should have this album if you:

-love music -can appreciate musicianship, complexity, songwriting, and beauty in one band -like bands such as Genesis, Moth Vellum, Yes, Sinkadus, and Anekdoten -are breathing -are awake and alive

What a band, I cannot express enough how happy I am to be alive in a time when this band lived.... When I first heard them I said, "oh my god what have I been missing!!!" Drummer is a perfect fit, bass player has a great sound that most bass players should use, the use of mellotron is beautiful, the guitar riffs are great and the flute is spot on and emotional. They have the feeling, the sound, and the skill. This is one of the best examples of an actual "supergroup."

I agree with other reviewers here that the recording quality is a bit off. At times it sounds like the microphones were in the audience. This is most noticable, and annoying, during Prolog, where audience members talking to each other can be heard until the full band joins in for Jordrök.

The performance, however, is exeptional. And since this band was only around long enough to record two studio albums, I suppose we should be grateful that they were able to record at least one live album, despite the recording issues.

A month ago or so, I was thinking of this album. I thought it would be great to get, it is so highly rated, so appreciated... Anyway, this day, I went to a progressive record shop in Montréal in order to find buy some Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso, which I bought; there were something like four or five albums of theirs. So I asked to the guy who worked there: «By any chance chance, do you have Anglagard's Hybris?». I could easily see he was suprised; he answered: « Uh, Anglagard....?». He quit his chair and started looking for the album, and found it. So I picked it, and I got back home.

When I arrived to my house, I directly put the album on my radio. I was in LOVE. It was beautiful, emotional, how could I lived all that time without knowing THIS? The other thing I asked to myself was: «Is that REALLY an album from the nineties?», because it sounded like one from the seventies to me. Since I bought it, I listen to it constantly, it is definitely a must- get

If you are lucky enough to find this album, you really should get it; it is a fantastic masterpiece.

Best moment: Kung Bore, Jordrök

Detractors may not like the complete lack of traditional rock forms in this music, but that's not the point. Listen to Bartok, Stravinsky, or any of the great 20th century masters, and you will hear a lot of what is going on in this album. It's not for the faint of heart, as it can be powerful, ferocious, mesmerizing, and delicate, all at the same time.

Does it sound like I'm fawning over this album? It should! I love it!