Review Summary: A dreary ghost that exclusively color in shades of grey.
The progressive rock scene in Sweden never quite bloomed to the same extent as its considerably fiercer baby brother and thereby hasn't gain the same international recognition. Sweden’s vast assortment and export of death metal music during the 80’s and 90’s, for instance, has been met with global acclamation on a considerably bigger scale in parallel to the domestic equivalent of the experimental wave that spurred in England throughout the 60’s and 70’s. Bo Hansson wrote melodic prog in affiliation with Tolkien’s Lord of the rings franchise, Kebnekaise experimented with additives of Swedish folk music and Samla Mammas Manna stirred the cup of odd RIO-tendencies. Being of Swedish inheritance I’ll be one to admit that our quite sparse selection of progressive rock hardly made for an extensive meal, with occasional groups scattered across the country that never until later on really got a fair chance to experience the warmth of a proper spotlight ray. There is however one band that surely most people with an interest in progressive music are familiar with, and rarely with any other remarks to be made than such of positive nature; and that’s Änglagård – Sweden’s most elevated and acclaimed progressive rock group (which in my opinion also happens to be the very best).
Hybris is their magnum opus.
When speaking to fresh ears of Änglagård one is usually referred to their debut, and quite rightfully so. But despite the enchanting charm of
Hybris and its reckless song structure their sophomore effort holds a very precious treat that merely touched upon the surface of
Hybris. A corresponding evaluation is certainly justified. The band is generally known for romantically assembled folk music in consent with restless changes in passages and character that in terms of structure never quite follow any conventional sketch. An eclectic listener will surely find itself in good company as long as a record by Änglagård dwells among its record collection. A carefully arranged formula of melodic guitar work, edgy drums and vast assortment of keyboard sounds (in the traditional progressive rock sense) in assist with a treacherously haunting atmosphere makes for the foundation of
Epilog’s music- and it’s a waterproof recipe for success in terms of inventive character, even in a genre as every so often two-faced as the progressive rock movement. The assessment is in all respects subjective but according to my preferences it’s in which the forlorn and spooky melancholy that broods in the debut its spirit and charm consist. This approach is considerably further molded into the concept of
Epilog which in correlation to a practically uniform quality of the overall compositions decide that the latter has a slightly firmer grip of the high ranking that, truthfully, both of them possess.
This time around the absence of articulating vocals has been filled and compensated for with total focus on a dramatic, distressed and desolate spirit that generates supplementary character. The music that drift through the speakers on Skogsranden", "Höstsejd" and notably "Saknadens Fullhet" is tinged by a dreary ghost that exclusively color in shades of grey and bestow the album with a great sense of ironic depth that its predecessor never fully embraced. The latter track is a short ensemble of sparse piano melodies that in its refined nature embodies everything for which I credit the album. Passages with an intense playfully aggressive touch coalesce with mournfully soothing stillness. Memorably melodies and overall passages with extensive punch and effectiveness succeed each other in nice harmony which guarantees a pleasurable listening experience, no dull moment and many a spine chill. After all, remotely nothing in the industry sounds quite like Änglagård’s legacy to the world of music - apart from occasional plagiarism (Sindakus, I’m watching you!). In consent with the criteria in which something in book has to be fulfilled in order to be regarded as brilliant, this band appears as one of the progressive rock genres most treasurable gems. This is first rate prog rock and nothing you would want to miss out on in case your interest for distinctive music is genuine.
