HYBRIS

Many bands are influenced by Genesis and Yes. There is nothing wrong with it as such. But there is a difference if bands sound as if Genesis/Yes made another album, which would be great. Or if well known sounds are simply reused, which is bad. For me the latter is the case with this album.

Hybris of Anglagard sounds as if the best Genesis and Steve Hackett tunes are simply mixed together. A Genesis/Hackett hybrid so to say. I am a massive Genesis/Hackett/Yes fan, and while I was listening to this album, it all the time reminded me of certain pieces of music from the 'orignal' bands I have already heard before. Here a bit mirror-inverted guitar solo of Firth of Fifth, or was it The Lamia? There a bit flute from Voyage of the Acolyte, vocal arrangements like Schindleria Praematurus, acoustical guitar pickings where I expect "Walking across the sitting room...", rhythms like Apocalypse in 7/8, keyboards like in The Knife, mellotron use like...oh I can't tell. Is it only me that I hear Barclay James Harvest's Mockingbird in Kung Bore? And where have I heard that kind of church organ again? I could go on nearly note by note through the whole album, and comment what it reminded me of.

Moreover, I have the impression that all those musical pieces are put together a bit like in a medley, and the songs overall lack some structuring. After having listened to the album, it rather made me want to listen to all the 'original' albums of the 70's again.

With the fifth song Gånglåt från Knapptibble, which is only the bonus track, I have difficulties to find, what it reminds me of. Probably a sign of originality at last? The beginning sounds dark and a bit crimsonesque (I am also a huge King Crimson fan), interrupted by some smooth flute, and interesting vocal arrangements. To conclude, the music is technically well done and in a whole nice to listen to. But because I hear so many musical allusions I find it more amusing. And the bonus track is worth a more attentive listening.

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