LIVE AT PROGFEST '97

When this 2-CD was released in 1997 and I listened to it, my first reaction was "Anglagard is dead, long live Sinkadus!". Their sound is also based upon powerful Hammond organ sound, fiery electric guitar, floods of Mellotron and folky elements but Sinkadus sound more mellow, in the vein of the Italian Celeste. The live-CD contains five songs, the studio CD four tracks, the same as on their debut CD but in a more raw version. Wonderful music but a bit overkill if you want to listen to both CD's in one session because all four studio tracks are also on the live-CD. A NICE SET FOR SKANDINAVIAN PROGROCK FANS!

I like the cover of this cd, showing a picture of the venue in L.A.(THE VARIETY ARTS CENTRE) where SINKADUS played. The sign says LIVE AT PROGFEST 97 and then underneath SINKADUS. A piece of history as they say. More important though is the music that SINKADUS played that day. And on this live disc is the whole first album "Aurum Nostrum" and a song from "Cirkus" called "Jag, Anglamarks Bane".To the band's surprise the record company also added a second disc, an alternate studio version of their first record, which as Eric Neuteboom points out is more raw then the original. I must confess I love the music of SINKADUS. I know it's similar to ANGLAGARD, just not as complex (probably why I like it so much) and the flute plays a bigger role by the very talented Linda Johansson.

This is evidenced right away on the first track "Manuel", as we are graced with beautiful flute playing on my favourite SINKADUS song. The song moves slowly along, bass, keyboards and drums leading the way until they are magically joined by the flute, mellotron, guitar and Swedish vocals. Although all vocals are in Swedish, it's not a negative thing at all. It actually adds to the Scandanavian Folk element, and besides, all lyrics are translated in the liner notes to English.

The second song "Agren" is heavier than it's predecessor, with the organ, drums and mellotron all contributing beautifully. The song "Jag, Anglamarks Bane" starts out quite dark and gloomy almost sinister-like before light is cast upon the mood, great song ! Lots of time changes on "Snalblast". The melloton and flute really shine throughout this whole live record.

No wonder there was such an enthusiastic ovation as SINKADUS finished their set !