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

SAMMAL ~ MYRSKYVAROITUS SVART 370 (Barcode: 6430050663452) ~ FINLAND ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2014 Released: 2015 This is the second album by Finnish Prog group SammalFind albums by this artist, which consists of vocalist Jan-Erik KiviniemiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Jura SalmiFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Juhani LaineFind albums by this artist, bassist Lasse IlanoFind albums by this artist and drummer Tuomas KarivaaraFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original pieces, written by the group members and featuring lyrics in Finnish. The music takes off exactly where the debut ended and follows the quest of direct continuation of the Prog / Hard Rock idiom that crystallized in the late 1960s / early 1970s during the original early Prog / Hard Rock wave (Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, Uriah HeepFind albums by this artist and of course many others), which blossomed in Finland in parallel to other Prog centers across Europe. Sammal, like several other contemporary Finnish Prog groups, decided to skip over the dreaded Neo-Prog wave, which proved to be mostly derivative, and decided to return to the source of the music, at the height of its magical powers. They also decided to use vocals in Finnish (or in one case in Swedish, which is the second formal language in Finland), rather than ridicule the vocal parts with broken English pronunciation and accent. As a result of these conscious decisions and of course their talents and abilities, they offer a retro sound / style of the idiom, which is authentic and at the same appealing. The music is excellently structured within the idiom´s boundaries, offering great melodies, strong riffs and superb soloing. The instrumental execution is spotless, as are the vocals, and original Prog connoisseurs should be delighted to hear this music, which is able to bring on waves of nostalgia and excitement at the same time. The pieces on this album are every bit as strong and stimulating as those on some the best albums created in the past. This album was followed by the third album "SuuliekkiFind albums with this title", which affirms the group´s success to bring Prog back to its former glory. For people who already have numerous Prog albums, but are not aware of Sammal, it is a high time to discover them. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 21/09/2021Posted: 24/10/2020

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

TOE FAT ~ TOE FAT / TOE FAT TWO BGO 278 (Barcode: 5017261202789) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1969 - 1970 Released: 1995 1st and 2nd albums by short-lived British proto-Prog band Toe FatFind albums by this artist, founded by vocalist Cliff BennettFind albums by this artist, a veteran of UK Rock scene in the 1960s, and including an impressive lineup consisting of future Jethro TullFind albums by this artist bassist John GlascockFind albums by this artist and future Uriah HeepFind albums by this artist founders keyboardist / guitarist Ken HensleyFind albums by this artist and drummer Lee KerslakeFind albums by this artist. Bennett´s impressive vocal abilities and the band´s instrumental strength turned the band into a notable unit, which played powerful Rock music with many Prog elements, similar to early Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist and other proto-Prog outfits. Unfortunately the band never achieved much success, despite their grueling touring schedule both in UK and USA, which led to their demise just after one year of activity and two studio albums. By the time the second album was recorded, almost at the end of their days, Hensley and Kerslake left the band and were replaced by Alan KendallFind albums by this artist and John´s brother Brian GlascockFind albums by this artist. The second album is even more Prog oriented, with longer tracks and more instrumental solos. In retrospect these two almost forgotten albums reflect perfectly the UK scene at the end of the 1960s with Rock becoming heavier and louder, transforming in the process into Prog. Listening to this music, which still holds all its merits, is still quite an experience and surely deserves to be re-visited, not only for nostalgia´s sake. Worth investigating!

CD 2 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

	URIAH HEEP ~ ABOMINOG ESSENTIAL 571 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Another great album by this band. If you are a fan, you`ll want this one as well. Remastered and with bonus tracks.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	URIAH HEEP ~ FALLEN ANGEL ESSENTIAL 561 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Another great album by this band. If you are a fan, you`ll want this one as well. Remastered and with bonus tracks.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	URIAH HEEP ~ HIGH AND MIGHTY ESSENTIAL 468 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Another great album by this band. If you are a fan, you`ll want this one as well. Remastered and with bonus tracks.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	URIAH HEEP ~ INNOCENT VICTIM ESSENTIAL 560 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Another great album by this band. If you are a fan, you`ll want this one as well. Remastered and with bonus tracks.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

URIAH HEEP ~ KING BISCUIT FLOWER HOUR KING BISCUIT 88027 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded in 1974 in San Diego, this live album captures the UH Mk.1 at the peak of their popularity, after releasing a series of superb studio albums. With David Byron on lead vocals UH were a powerful and well oiled rock machine, irresistable to their many fans. The album includes their all time favorites, such as: `Easy Livin`, `Gypsy`, `Look At Yourself` and `Sweet Freedom`.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	URIAH HEEP ~ SALISBURY ESSENTIAL 317 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock 2nd album from 1971 by this legendary band, and considered their most Prog oriented work, with the 17 minutes long title track (with orchestra). One of rock`s true masterpieces. Remastered and with bonus tracks.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	URIAH HEEP ~ THE MAGICIAN`S BIRTHDAY ESSENTIAL 339 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock 5th album from 1972 by this legendary band. Also hugely successful commercially, but it is more Prog oriented then `Look At Yourself`, with a Roger Dean cover to prove it. Remastered and with bonus tracks.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	URIAH HEEP ~ VERY `EAVY VERY `UMBLE ESSENTIAL 316 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock 1st album from 1970 by this legendary band, still active today! From the first chord, the unmistakable sound takes you right back to where it all started. And it sounds as fresh today as it did then, a true masterpiece. Remastered and with bonus tracks.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	URIAH HEEP ~ WONDERWORLD ESSENTIAL 380 ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Another great album by this band. If you are a fan, you`ll want this one as well. Remastered and with bonus tracks.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend