HYBRIS

From the early Nineties Sweden delivered a lot of fine Mellotron-drenched progrock bands like Anekdoten, Landberk, Atlas, Catweazle and Par Lindh Project. But the the first known band in that period was Anglagard with their splendid debut-album Hybris. I was stunned after my first session with this album: four wonderful, vareid and moving compositions containing obvious influences from King Crimson, Yes and Genesis but also a typical Skandinavian touch, especially because of the Swedish vocals and the melancholical undertone. The final track "Kung Bore" is one of the highlights in the last ten years of progressive rock: what a tension between the folky parts and the bombastic eruptions! The 'epic' starts with a twanging acoustic guitar, followed by many quick switches from dreamy climates with acoustic guitar and flute and sumptuous outbursts with powerful organ, fiery electric guitar and a strong and propulsive rhythm-section. Some majestic waves of the 'Mighty Tron' evoke goose bumps and the intense Swedish vocals sound very moving. Halfway the atmosphere with church organ and all kind of sounds strongly evokes "Close to the edge"-Yes but soon the vocals and the use of the Mellotron showcase Anglagard's unique own blend of the 'sympho-dino's'. A slow crescendo leads to a long and emotional 'grand finale' with some mindblowing waves of the Mellotron. After another short mellow piece a menacing part with distorted vocals and propulsive violin-Mellotron turns into lots of bombastic eruptions with great interplay between the organ, electric guitar and Mellotron (imagine a blend of the early Genesis, Yes and The Moody Blues with Fripp as guest musician!). The afterglow on this magnificent track is from the unsurpassed Mellotron with some moving notes (choir, violin and flute), what a way to say goodbey!! ONE OF THE FUTURE CLASSICS!!