VILJANS ÖGA

This can only have been the most acclaimed return of the history of progressive rock.

Yes, they're back. Anglagard the banda that "resurrected" the prog in 1992 with Hybris, is back to the music scene after an absence of 18 years. Nobody thought that one day they would release another album, but here we are with Viljans Oga. Nobody thought that if they launch a new album this could equate to its two predecessors. Well, just listen Viljans Oga.

A masterpiece? Absolutely! 4 songs (or three, because I do not like the last song) make this album worthy of being in the pantheon of the best of 2012. All between 12 and 16 minutes! This is the prog dream. Well, I suppose vocals are highly unnecessary when it comes to Anglagard, is not it? Could have been taken from Hybris and were not present in Epilog (which I have not heard). The same happens here. It is pure symphonic rock, where the element is prominent flute of Anne Holdgren - who also plays sax in some moments. Guitars are more contained (acoustic guitar is used in abundance), also as Mattias Olson's drums, who still treats us to insane passages (see what it does to the Snardom 6:53)! Johan Brand's bass also has broad highlight, and lots of mellotrons, organ, piano and synths are a treat for the ears! The album is mostly acoustic, especially in the opening Ur Vilande. There slow construction processes and accumulation in the songs, but when they explode, you better be prepared.

It is difficult to describe the music. My favorite is Sorgmantel, even if it is shorter. I dunno, I love everything about her, opening with flute and xylophone, using synthesizers a la Genesis in there a particular part, the section with accordion, how it explodes to 7:27 minutes (this part gives me even a shiver down your spine!), and its end, with a guitar minimalist.

As usual with Anglagard songs are very varied, with several sections and moods, but we are facing a very dark album. There is space for circus music (in Langtans Klocka) and folk (especially in Ur Vilande) and even electronic pieces (Snardom). The album is quite eclectic, and shows a band quite mature (more than it already was in its infancy), who is not afraid to dare. And well, I do not can be more than happy for that, and I know several other proggers are happy for this wonderful feedback!

5 stars? Oh, this is the least we deserve Viljans Oga. Anglagrad handed us another masterpiece, and I'm not alone in wanting them to take less time to deserve another album!

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