ELDEN AV ÅR

4.5 stars. "Elden Av Ar" means "The fire of years". Four of these songs actually had their beginnings in 1977, but this project was shelved at that time.The only complete song from back then was the instumental "Night Flight-77". The incomplete others were "Elden Av Ar", "Mote" and "Molnbudet". The other four songs are brand new. So this record is actually a reunion of the band, which can be disasterous as you know, but this couldn't have been more successful. Some feel this is the best record they have ever put out, which is really saying something considering that ANGLAGARD and LANDBERK both count TRETTIOARIGA KRIGET as a big influence on their music. The guitar really is the focus of this band's sound, although organ, mellotron and piano definitely add to the soundscapes.

The first song "Liuset" is the longest. The arrangments on this song are genius, we don't hear the Swedish vocals until about 3 1/2 minutes in.The song ends with a nice extended guitar solo. "Night Flight" is another beautiful song. Again the guitar playing is out of this world ! Amazing !

"Lang Historia" has some nice drum / guitar interplay, but it's all about the beat on this one. I'm sure this guy can make his guitar speak and sing. The vocals come in and then it's back to the groove sound of the start, and the guitar not the vocalist made this happen ! The guitarists name is Christer Akerberg, you and I need to know this. He's at it again on "Mote" a beautiful intro leading to some really inspired playing. We're not worthy !

This record really surprised me in many ways, and i've found a new guitar god as well. I will be hunting down their earlier releases to see what so inspired LANDBERK and ANGLAGARD, although I think I already know.