Record Reviews
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  | ANEKDOTEN ~ A TIME OF DAY
VIRTA 005 (Barcode: 7320470083093) ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2006 - 2007 Released: 2007
5th album by the legendary Swedish Prog band AnekdotenFind albums by this artist, which together with other Swedish bands like AnglagardFind albums by this artist and Isildurs BaneFind albums by this artist are responsible for defining the so called Scandinavian Prog sound. The band released an album every 3-4 years since 1993, maintaining an almost unchanged lineup since formation, as well as being stylistically consistent and remarkably creative. The four musicians (Peter NordinsFind albums by this artist – drums, Anna Sofi DahlbergFind albums by this artist – mellotron, Nicklas BarkerFind albums by this artist – mellotron and guitar and Jan Erik LiljeströmFind albums by this artist – bass) play a vast array of instruments and manage to create the famous “wall of sound” effect using the double mellotron (or mellotron and moog) instrumentation. The Nordic melancholy and gloominess are predominant, but they carry all the mystic and enchanting elements upon which the musical tapestries are woven. The vocal parts (with English lyrics) are an integral part of the overall sound and are kept on the same (musical) plane with the instrumental parts, rather than being pushed to the foreground. This album is every bit as monumental as its predecessors, with slightly less aggressive approach than the first two releases (mellowing with age?) but not one iota less daring or brilliant. Guest flutist Gunnar BergstenFind albums by this artist contributes a few remarkable solos, bringing the sound of the band closer than ever to the sound of the sadly disbanded Anglagard. Although one does not expect anything less than brilliance from a band of such statue, the result simply overshadows all expectations, blessing us with another masterpiece. This is an absolute must for all Scandinavian Prog fans and perhaps a golden opportunity to enter the enchanted world of the Nordic musical wonders for those who are still not familiar with them.
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  | ANEKDOTEN ~ FROM WITHIN
VIRTA 003 (Barcode: 7320470024447) ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1999 Released: 1999
3rd album by Swedish masters AnekdotenFind albums by this artist, as good as the first two and if you liked these you won`t miss this one as well just to find out what else these Swedes have in store for your ears.
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  | ANEKDOTEN ~ GRAVITY
VIRTA 004 (Barcode: 3426300045058) ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003
4th album by the great Swedish group AnekdotenFind albums by this artist, which was quite a surprise after a few years of silence and speculations. The time did mellow them up a bit and this album is less dark and agressive then the earlier works, but still undeniably Anekdoten. They are masters of their trade and fans of the Scandinavian sound will love this one to bits!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ANEKDOTEN ~ NUCLEUS
VIRTA 002 (Barcode: 7320470046968) ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1995 Released: 2004
2nd album by the Swedish group AnekdotenFind albums by this artist. More of the same brilliance that characterised the debut album, with sharp changes and dark atmosphere. Great interplays and interesting compositions. One of the most interesting groups in the 1990`s.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | DAVE KULJU ~ ABSTRACT EXPRESSION
NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 801495186527) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2005 - 2007 Released: 2007
1st album by US guitarist Dave KuljuFind albums by this artist, who is a member of the Prog ensemble ElectrumFind albums by this artist. Recorded over a period of two years (with some music written even before the actual recording), it presents a portrait of a sensible artist, who shares with us his intellectual and emotional travels in search of his musical identity. Kulju plays almost all the instruments involved in the recording, using a few guest musicians to spice the wonderful musical dish here and there. The album’s title fits the musical contents perfectly – although mostly in the vein of instrumental Prog, it includes many different moods and influences, such as contemporary classical music and Fusion. The music is both intelligent and emotional, flowing smoothly from one theme to the next, merging perfectly the electric and acoustic instruments. The lead guitar is not trying to show off or dazzle, but simply plays the lead parts in perfect harmony with the other instruments. It’s quite evident that Kulju wished to present a total musical portrait of himself as a composer and player, rather than enter a pissing contest with others. The longest track on the album, called “Somnium”, (which lasts for over 15 minutes) is quite brilliant and my favorite tune, but all the music is truly excellent. Somehow the mood of the album reminds me of Scandinavian Prog, perhaps a bit of AnekdotenFind albums by this artist, but that’s just my association. This album will probably (and sadly) be heard by a very limited number of people, but if you’re up to an intellectual challenge please don’t miss it. The beautifully designed packaging will be a bonus. Kudos Dave!
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | TRETTIOÅRIGA KRIGET ~ ELDEN AV ÅR
MELLOTRONEN 010 (Barcode: 7320470044872) ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2004
6th album by the legendary Swedish Prog band Trettioåriga KrigetFind albums by this artist (The Thirty Years War) recorded after the band reunited in 2002 and decided to continue recording new albums, closing the 24 years long gap between the last album made by the “original” group. The reunion brings together all the original band members: Stefan FredinFind albums by this artist (bass & vocals), Dag LundquistFind albums by this artist (drums), Christer ÅkerbergFind albums by this artist (guitars), Robert ZimaFind albums by this artist (lead vocals) and Mats LindbergFind albums by this artist (keyboards) as well as the lyricist Olle ThörnvallFind albums by this artist, which is truly remarkable considering how much time has passed since they all worked together. The material is mostly new, written especially for this album, but some “unfinished business” from the 1970s is taken care off, by finally being recorded and even one track originally recorded in 1977 is included. The central piece of the music is the lengthy suite in four parts, which gives the album its title. The music is absolutely stunning, bringing the best days of the group back to life and expanding and updating the sound, although the mellotron is used extensively to link to the 1970s sound. Although the musicians are obviously not young any more, the music is alive and contemporary, with a mighty kick, bringing them back again to the forefront of Scandinavian Prog with other groups like AnekdotenFind albums by this artist. Being more or less of the same age as the wonderful musicians involved in making this remarkable music, it makes me feel really proud that our generation can still contribute something to the process of creating great music. A must to all Scandinavian Prog fans.
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  | TRETTIOÅRIGA KRIGET ~ I BÖRJAN OCH SLUTET
MELLOTRONEN 023 (Barcode: 7320470086247) ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2006 - 2007 Released: 2007
7th album by the legendary Swedish Prog band Trettioåriga KrigetFind albums by this artist (The Thirty Years War) and the 2nd recorded after the band reunited in 2002. All the original band members: Stefan FredinFind albums by this artist (bass & vocals), Dag LundquistFind albums by this artist (drums), Christer ÅkerbergFind albums by this artist (guitars), Robert ZimaFind albums by this artist (lead vocals) and Mats LindbergFind albums by this artist (keyboards) as well as the lyricist Olle ThörnvallFind albums by this artist take part in the recording. The music continues on a similar track established by the 1st reunion album (Elden Av ÅrFind albums with this title) and is in fact the 2nd part of a planned trilogy, similar to the trilogy that the band created on the first 3 albums recorded 30 years ago. The overall atmosphere of the album is more melancholic and laid back than the previous album, with strong bass lines and beautiful mellotron work painting the typical dark Scandinavian musical vistas. It’s obvious that the band has a lot of music left yet for us to enjoy. This music requires several listening sessions to sink in, but is full of beauty and profound musical pleasures. Considering that this band served once as an inspiration to a whole generation of Swedish Prog bands (LandberkFind albums by this artist, AnglagardFind albums by this artist, AnekdotenFind albums by this artist and others) one might hope that now they can inspire a whole new generation to follow, creating more of this wonderful music. This is a delightful and most warmly recommended album, which will stay with the listener forever.
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  | TRYO ~ CRUDO
MYLODON 007 ~ CHILE ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1997 - 1998 Released: 1998
2nd album by the Chilean Prog band TryoFind albums by this artist, which is considered as one of the most interesting South American groups. Tryo are in fact two distinct entities in one – an electric trio (guitar / bass / drums) and an acoustic trio (acoustic guitar / cello / percussion), playing two quite distant types of music. The electric version plays superb complex music fairly similar to late King CrimsonFind albums by this artist or the Swedish band AnekdotenFind albums by this artist. Heavy, somewhat distorted guitar and odd rhythm patters are the main characteristics. In complete contrast the acoustic version plays serene, delicate music, complex as well but melancholic and subdued, somewhat similar to OregonFind albums by this artist or another Swedish band Isildurs BaneFind albums by this artist. On this album the electric trio is documented performing live, while the acoustic trio provides a set of studio recorded tracks, which constitute the second part of the album. This is music of the highest caliber, not easy listening but a highly rewarding musical experience. Highly recommended.
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