Record Reviews

BLACK BONZO ~ LADY OF THE LIGHT ROCK SYMPHONY 121 (Barcode: 7898217281212) ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004 1st album by Swedish Prog band Black BonzoFind albums by this artist and certainly one of the most remarkable Symphonic Prog albums in the last decade. From the very first moment you start listening to the album you are immediately transported in time some 30+ years back to the hay days of Classic Rock and melodic Symphonic Prog. Although the band has been often compared to Uriah HeepFind albums by this artist (at their best), based on the heavy keyboards and guitar riffs, it goes way beyond being a modern version of that band. The melodies are much better constructed and interesting and the clever use of the mellotron brings many other associations, mostly early King CrimsonFind albums by this artist. But regardless of what nostalgic reminiscences the album brings about, it is a most remarkable debut effort and quite a stunning listening experience, especially for old geezers like myself, who can proudly nod their heads and confirm that Prog is certainly alive and kicking. Do yourself a favor and get a copy of this, turn the volume up and enjoy life!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

BLACK BONZO ~ SOUND OF THE APOCALYPSE LASER`S EDGE 1048 (Barcode: 763232104822) ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2007 Released: 2007 2nd album by the excellent Swedish Prog group Black BonzoFind albums by this artist, which is a direct continuation of their superb debut album and brings some of the nicest and most clever Symphonic Prog recorded recently. The band sticks strictly to the 1970s Prog formula, even using a distinct "retro" sound in the studio, which makes this album sound as if it was recorded in the 1970s – I´m pretty sure nobody would be able to guess this album was recorded in the 2000s if they didn´t know so. The music, although not innovative and closely related to almost all the 1970s Prog giants (Jethro TullFind albums by this artist, early Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist and Uriah HeepFind albums by this artist in particular), is still original and really beautifully melodic. Lost of Hammond organ and mellotron, great instrumental work all through and superb songwriting – what else can one expect from an album? A great follow up to their debut and no doubt now – these guys know what they are doing and I like it! Symphonic Prog-heads should have a field day with this!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend