SPELLBOUND

Hoggwask is a project who begun to take form around 2006 when excellent musician Antony Kalugin from Ukraine and Will Machie from Wales got together and since then the collaboration between them was a real succes. Hoggwash released so far two albums, one in 2007 and second in 2013 named Spellbound. Besides Kalugin and Machie are lots of invited guests to complete the overall sound of this album. The music is on the symphonic/neo prog side, well performed and with good musicianship, what suffers little bit are the ideas, who are far from bad but kinda same with what was done in the past by other bands from this genre. Influences taken from Camel on the smoother parts, Genesis for symphonic side, Saga for the pompous passages, etc. Hoggwash sounds not very much alike with other two great bands from Kalugin sleeve , Karfagen and Sunchild and is a good thing, because is showing how versatile is this musician, being able to come with a vast palete of sounds, twists and turns. I find him one of the best prog musicians in past decade. The best tune of the album to me is the opening Soldier Of Fortune, sets the mood for the entire album, symphonic prog as must sound this style, well performed with great musicianship , nice vocal parts, all is here. The rest are ok, most of the time, maybe to much vocal orientated in some passages, but ok. I wish I can hear more instrumental passges. Anyway good album for sure, Hoggwash needs attention, but I prefere Karfagen and Sunchild more. 3 stars rounded in places to 3.5. Nice art work and overall package, remind me of Pirates from Carraibe.