ESOTERIC POEM *

Having already entered their most busy period,Asgard did a lot of gigs but still found time to write some new material.Their next work was intended to be an EP before the second full- length release of the band,but ended up to be a 37-min. epic composition divided in 5 tracks.This was called ''Esoteric poem'',released in 1992 again on the German label Music Is Intelligence.

The title says it all.This is for most of its part a very long poem and only at moments a Progressive Rock epic.The first part is a long lyrical introduction with only hypnotic background guitars supporting Grosso's voice,by the second part Asgard remind of the band,which recorded the excellent ''Gotterdammerung''.Sensitive guitar work, dreamy synthesizers, romantic harpsichord and Grosso as a Fish clone,delivering an excellent performance.For the third and longest part Asgard return to the opening style,poetic lyrics surrounded by low backgound keys and guitars and only a MARILLION-esque middle-part close to the likes of ''Misplaced childhood'' remind that this is music and not poetry.The same story with ''Esoteric Poem 4'',which starts off again as a poem (music is totally absent),but after the middle the band offers some nice Theatrical Prog with guitar solos,keyboards and vocals to the front and, at last, some rockin' edge.The last part flows into the lighter side of Symphonic Rock with again plenty of vocals,low-tempo guitars and delightful keyboards,lacking although in terms of energy and passion.

What is really succesful about this EP is definitely the choice of its title.A trully esoteric poem by the band,heading to fans of atmospheric music and with only a few sunbeams of the band's style on the masterful debut.''Esoteric poem'' is propably created straight out of the members' souls,heavily leaning towards the lyrical side of prog,still one can indicate Asgard's creativity and pure talent...2.5 stars.