Record Reviews

ERGO SUM ~ ERGO SUM ROCK SYMPHONY 042 (Barcode: 7898217280420) ~ CHILE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1997 - 2001 Released: 2001 1st album by the great Chilean Prog group Ergo SumFind albums by this artist. On this album the band continues the legacy of the so-called first generation of South American Prog, modeled after European groups of the early 1970s (mostly UK and Italian ones). At first the group sounds very much like an instrumental version of Jethro TullFind albums by this artist or the Hungarian group SolarisFind albums by this artist, mostly due to the fact that the flute is the leading solo instrument. The folksy JT approach is also present, changing only when the heavy lead guitar licks take the stage occasionally. The music is excellent all the way with constantly changing rhythmic patterns and imaginative melodies. Both main soloists (flute and guitar) play some blistering solos and the rhythm section provides an excellent backing. The percussion player adds some nice touches using exotic percussion instruments. All in all an excellent Prog album, perhaps not very innovative (their next release will be much more daring), but perfect in every sense. Considering how good this stuff is, it’s not wonder that the second generation of Chilean Prog bands (TryoFind albums by this artist, Akinetón RetardFind albums by this artist) were to conquer the top of the Prog scene. This is a reissue of the original LP, with 2 added tracks recorded especially for this CD edition. Highly recommended!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ERGO SUM ~ MIXOLIDIO ROCK SYMPHONY 045 (Barcode: 7898217280451) ~ CHILE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1999 - 2001 Released: 2001 2nd album by the great Chilean Prog group Ergo SumFind albums by this artist. Following their excellent eponymous debut album, the band went through a personnel change (a new bassist and drummer) with the original drummer switching to vibraphone, which enhanced their sound considerably. The also updated their musical approach considerably, switching from symphonic Prog to a much more ambitious material, jazzier and more improvised them before. Late King CrimsonFind albums by this artist and Scandinavian groups like AnglagardFind albums by this artist could serve as reference points, but the music is quite unique and original. The album consists of several studio tracks and a long suite called “Trilogia” performed live. This is a very strong album in every respect, which puts the group in the same category with other excellent Chilean groups like TryoFind albums by this artist and Akinetón RetardFind albums by this artist. This is a reissue of the original LP, with 2 added tracks recorded especially for this CD edition. Wholeheartedly recommended!

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend