BURIED ALIVE

I held off getting this for years because of the complaints about the sound quality. What the heck ! It sounds freaking amazing ! Now i'll admit that when compared to their studio albums it's not nearly as good, but you have to understand that no other band were as worried about doing everything perfect as ANGLAGARD. So yes their studio albums weren't released until they were flawless. Unfortunately live albums aren't. The band wasn't happy with their performance here but I guarantee you that they have never done a concert where they were satified with the results.This concert (ProgFest 1994) was actually performed after the band had already broken up, but they wanted to (or had to) fulfill their obligations. Some amazing pictures in the liner notes including one of a youthful Greg Walker who was instrumental in bringing these guys to America the first time in 1993 I believe. Listening to this album is humbling. I am just so in love with their sound that is so complex and melancholic.The upfront bass and storms of mellotron make me weak in the knees. All of "Hybris" is on here and most of "Epilog". So only 3 songs are missing which translates into just 13 minutes of music missing from their two studio albums.

"Prolog" is simply gorgeous with those mellotron flutes. "Jordrok" opens with piano as the mellotron rolls in. It kicks in with power before 1 1/2 minutes. Killer sound ! Love the bass and guitar here. A calm after 3 1/2 minutes. A beautiful section with flute and acoustic guitar. It kicks back in at 6 minutes as it continues to shift back and forth. "Hostsejd" has some chunky bass early before it settles down with flute and keys 2 1/2 minutes in. It kicks back in quickly. So good.The contrasts between the pastoral and powerful continue.The mellotron is amazing after 6 minutes. Great sound 10 minutes in too. It settles then builds with mellotron 12 minutes in.This is insane !

"Ifran Klarhet Till Klarhet" has an interesting intro then it kicks in after a minute. It settles with vocals a minute later.The mellotron is moving. It kicks back in at 5 1/2 minutes then settles with flute and cymbals. It's heavy again. Incredible ! Love the growly bass with mellotron to end it. "Vandringar I Vilsenhet" is laid back to start then it starts to build 2 1/2 minutes in. It settles back a minute later.The vocals arrive 4 minutes in then it kicks in. Man this is good as it winds along shifting and changing. "Sista Somrar" is intricate early on. A calm after 2 1/2 minutes then it picks up as contrasts continue. Lots of mellotron here.

"King Bore" like many of these tracks contrasts the beauty and anger of music. Check out the bass 2 1/2 minutes in. It kicks back in at 6 1/2 minutes. How good is this ! Spoken words 8 1/2 minutes in then it turns powerful with a flood of mellotron. Not worthy !

4.5 stars and a must for ANGLAGARD fans.