IN ANADI'S BOWER

On this album by Norwegian 'heavy progressive' band Lucifer Was you can hear elements from Jethro Tull (flute) and The Moody Blues (Mellotron) but in general the focus is on harder-edged guitar work. Most of the ten compositions sound pleasant, no more or less. The titletrack delivers a wonderful part featuring the unsurpassed Mellotron (flute like Strawberry Fields Forever) and bluesy, Peter Green inspired guitar play. My highlight is the long Little Child (more than 11 minutes): alternating with halfway the two Mellotrons (played by Knut and Jon-Willy..!) and sensitive electric guitar. In general the guitar is pretty good on this album, the heavy riffs remind me of Black Sabbath but especially the guitar soli are great like fiery in Darkness and wah- wah in My Mind Said Stop. A fine album with some elaborate tracks.

There was no doubt that Lucifer Was were back to stay in bussiness and three years later Record Heaven would release the band's second album ''In Anadi's bower'', this time with fresh material and introducing lead singer Jon Ruder.But they would also develop their sound a bit more, helped by Knut Johannessen and Jon-Willy Rydningen on Mellotron.

While there was no evidence of the muddy production of the previous album, the material on ''In Anadi's bower'' sounds still very vintage, while the Mellotron injections were definitely an addition to the right direction, strengthening the retro inspirations of the Norwegians.So you can imagine more or less a style close to ''Underground and beyond'' but now with a more epic atmosphere and a charming sound with Hard Rock vibes, JETHRO TULL-esque hints and some KING CRIMSON aesthetics due to the heavy Mellotron waves.Jon Ruder's first appearance with the band was much more than a success, his pompous, emphatic voice suited very well to Lucifer Was' rhythmic, passionate and vintage approach.The music remains fairly fascinating and rockin' with excellent riffs, countless electroacoustic patterns in the vein of JETHRO TULL and a solid rhythm section, while almost every track contains these lovely Ian Anderson-like flute drives.Certain pieces present also some deep URIAH HEEP overtones with the display of grandiose keys next to the rhythm guitars and the powerful breaks, while the longer tracks are super-tight Heavy Prog with flute noodling, Mellotron power and electric explosions.Far from this style, the shorter tracks are equally great with hard guitar pounds and sharp vocals by Ruder.

A must have for all fans of Hard Rock, Heavy Prog, JETHRO TULL and any kind of early-70's Rock music.Dynamic music with detailed, rockin' and fairly progressive tunes.Highly recommended.