Record Reviews
18 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | 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.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | ISILDURS BANE ~ CHEVAL-VOLONTE DE ROCHER
ISILDUR 00489 ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1989 Released: 1989
5th album by Isildurs BaneFind albums by this artist, clearly pointing to the direction the band is taking to involve in a multi-media artistic concept, linking music with visual arts. More great composition and magical atmosphere. Rich orchestral arrangements weave a surrealistic background for the melancholic and multi-layered music. A masterpiece not only in the Prog genre but in contemporary music.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ISILDURS BANE ~ GOUVEIA ARTROCK 2004
PP-AC (Barcode: 5311039040542) ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005
The 2004 Gouveia Prog Rock Festival in Portugal was a most successfull event, but the most important contribution for posterity is of course this 3 hours long DVD documenting the event, with half of it dedicated to a remarkable performance by the best Prog group on the scene - Isildurs BaneFind albums by this artist. The bands plays a fantastic set, which includes material never prevously heard and is as breathtaking and magnificent as anything else they do. The performances by the 2 Italian bands (La Torre Dell`AlchimistaFind albums by this artist and Periferia Del MondoFind albums by this artist) are excellent as well, but honestly everything pales in comparison to the mighty Swedes. Get it now!
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ISILDURS BANE ~ LOST EGGS
ISILDUR 00194 (Barcode: 7391946064304) ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1976 - 1993 Released: 1994
7th album by Isildurs BaneFind albums by this artist, containing a collection of some great previously unreleased material from the band`s history. Not to be missed!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ISILDURS BANE ~ MIND VOL.1
ISILDUR 00197 ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1995 Released: 1995
8th album by Isildurs BaneFind albums by this artist, which is one of the greatest masterpieces of Prog in all times. The band reached here a maturity and perfection rarely achieved by any other musical outfit. Rich orchestration perfectly integrated with the band, ellaborated melodies and fantastic atmosphere. A milestone!
| | | CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | ISILDURS BANE ~ MIND VOL.2:LIVE
RECORD HEAVEN 24 (Barcode: 7320470029626) ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Released: 1996
9th album by Isildurs BaneFind albums by this artist, a 2CD set which proves that even though it`s almost impossible to equal or even surpass their previous achievements, if anyone can do it, they can. This is absolutely amazing music, not only Prog but also contemporary classical. The group emerges here as the leader of world Prog without equals. Stunning booklet with 48 pages of text and photographs included.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ISILDURS BANE ~ MIND VOL.3
ATARAXIA 1 (Barcode: 7320470038253) ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003
10th album by Isildurs BaneFind albums by this artist and another milestone in the history of contemporary music. The group moves even more in the direction of classical music, as they cooperate on this album with an Italian acoustic ensemble called Metamorfosi TrioFind albums by this artist. A perfect blend of seemingly contrasting elements such as electric / acoustic, composed / improvised and extrovert / introvert. Brilliant!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ISILDURS BANE ~ MIND VOL.4:PASS
ATARAXIA 2 (Barcode: 7320470038277) ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003
11th album by Isildurs BaneFind albums by this artist and another superb creation by Sweden`s Masters. Although the return to lyrics/vocals (they have been playing instrumental music for almost a decade) was quite a shock to the band`s followers, this is as far from the traditional song format as one can imagine, with modern approach and almost classical formats. They just can´t go wrong!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ISILDURS BANE ~ MIND VOL.5:THE OBSERVATORY
ATARAXIA 3 (Barcode: 7320470044575) ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2004 Released: 2005
If anybody needed confirmation about Isildurs BaneFind albums by this artist being the best Prog group alive (althought this has been obvious in the last 5 years), here comes a visual / sonic proof of such calibre that silences all sceptics. Over 3 hours of amazing, fantastic, beautiful, complex, heartbreaking, mindbuggling, unbelievable music! The main concert was filmed in 2004, but loads of additinal documentary footage comes from earlier performances. This is beyond recommendations...
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ISILDURS BANE ~ SAGEN ON DER IRLANDSKA ALGEN
ISILDUR 00392 (Barcode: 7391946059041) ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Released: 1992
1st & 2nd LPs on 1 CD by the phenomenal Swedish band Isildurs BaneFind albums by this artist that many consider to be the finest there is. This first recordings already show the brilliant compositional skills and the fine instrumentation using mellotron, guitar & flute as the leading instruments. This material is reminiscent of the Celtic & Scandinavian `folk` motives.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ISILDURS BANE ~ SEA REFLECTIONS / EIGHT MOMENTS OF ETERNITY
ISILDUR 00492 (Barcode: 7391946059058) ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Released: 1992
3rd & 4th LPs on 1 CD by Isildurs BaneFind albums by this artist, showing rapid development of their unique sound and mystical atmosphere. The core of the brilliance is already there of course but it will come to full bloom starting with the next album.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | THIEVES` KITCHEN ~ THE WATER ROAD
TK 4 (Barcode: 634479659010) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2007 Released: 2008
4th album by British (well almost) Prog band Thieves` KitchenFind albums by this artist, which comes five years after their splendid previous release ShibbolethFind albums with this title – quite a long time of course, but plainly worth the delay in view of the result. TK are one of the very few bands, which manages to make giant leaps between consecutive albums, all in the right direction. Each of their albums has not only been different stylistically and conceptually, but they consistently keep growing up and expanding their musical and lyrical vocabulary. Whereas the last album took them into the ambitious RIO direction, this one takes another turn and brings the band very closely to Scandinavian Prog, with Isildurs BaneFind albums by this artist and AnglagardFind albums by this artist coming to mind almost immediately. The fact that the band has a Scandinavian member (ex-AnglagardFind albums by this artist keyboards player) and a few of the guest musicians on this album are Scandinavians as well might have something to do with this, but I prefer to give them the credit for choosing this path as part of their intentional direction-seeking. In view of the fact that Scandinavian Prog is definitely the most advanced and aesthetically rewarding on the contemporary Prog scene, TK could have chosen no better bearing than this. Fronted by the remarkable vocalist Amy DarbyFind albums by this artist, the band includes also four exceptional instrumentalist: Phil MercyFind albums by this artist – guitars, Thomas JohnsonFind albums by this artist – keyboards, Andy BonhamFind albums by this artist – bass and Mark RobothamFind albums by this artist – drums. Although Darby’s vocal parts are the most striking and immediately noticeable feature, there are plenty of great instrumental parts here, which are worth listening to attentively. Darby (as I already mentioned in my review of the previous album, her first with TK) continues the great tradition of outstanding unconventional female vocalist like Julie TippettsFind albums by this artist (Julie DriscollFind albums by this artist) and Annette PeacockFind albums by this artist. On this album she also occasionally reminds me of Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist, another great model to follow. As if her singing abilities are not sufficient, Derby also wrote all the original lyrics on this album (two of the tracks feature lyrics translated from Chinese and one uses Sanskrit) and took care of the elegant and exquisite graphic design of the album’s artwork (and the band’s web site). Definitely a talented lady! The music is mostly contemplative, slowly developing the intricate melodies, with plenty of breathing space and long instrumental passages. Expanding the band with guest musicians playing flute, cello, oboe, saxophone and other instruments, the music receives a loving treatment and intimate chamber character. Kudos to TK for creating this beautiful piece of music. I only hope that many people will enjoy this album as much as I have. Wholeheartedly recommended!
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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.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | ZORN TRIO ~ PLAYS MATS JOHANSSON
ISILDUR 00196 ~ SWEDEN ~ Progressive Rock
Mats JohanssonFind albums by this artist is of corse the leader / composer of Isildurs BaneFind albums by this artist - undoubtedly one of the greatest contemporary Prog groups. In addition to his work with IB, Johansson is a prolific composer of modern contemporary music with hundreds of pieces composed and recorded. This album presents his music performed by the excellent classical Swedish trio. Two extended pieces are present: `La Ruche` and `The Voyage`. The second was later expanded and arranged for IB and recorded as an album of the same name.
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