Änglagård — Epilog
((Not on label) HYB CD 010, 1994, CD)
by Mike Borella, 1995-03-01:
by Dan Casey, 1995-03-01:
The long-awaited sequel to the classic Hybris has brought with it a lot of hype, curiosity, and questions. Epilog clearly squelches any rumors of a sophomore slump, and has answered all doubters with a repeat effort of shocking maturity, serenity, and pure art. Änglagård shows a tremendous amount of growth on this album, and have wisely steered the band in a direction few people would have anticipated. Whereas the band willingly will admit that Hybris was full of a lot of flash (and that is certainly no criticism), Epilog is far more dreamy and pastoral all the way around. The opening "Prolog" is a gentle Mellotron/classical guitar/flute passage with a rich but brief melody. The 16-minute 'Höstsejd' opens with an eerie but alarmingly simple organ line which mutates into a full-band extravaganza through multiple themes, all of which are fairly ambiguous and far more angular than anything found on Hybris. This is very challenging material to become familiar with, but that's part of what will make it endure. The 14-second "Rösten" (nothing but some noise and thumps) leads uncomfortably into the next two tracks "Skogsranden" and "Sista Somrar," which follow the style set in "Höstsejd." Throughout the album, Änglagård experiment with some new sounds such as wah-wah guitar leads, heavily reverbed pianos, flanged bass guitar, and even brief guest spots on violin, viola, cello, and female voice giving them an even richer sound than before. The solo piano piece "Saknadens Fullhet" closes the album with little resolution, in an almost Satie-like manner. In fact the lack of resolution of musical ideas is what makes the album more difficult, and more complex, than their previous effort. While Epilog is sure to reach critical acclaim in all fronts (albeit much of it token), its maturity, artistic vision, and genuine integrity make it worthy of such praise. So, in the end, is it a better album than Hybris? Maybe, maybe not — it certainly is different, both more simple and more complex, but with the same unique signature sound. All of the minimalist passages will likely disappoint some fans, as will the roller-coaster dynamic ride which takes the listener up and down alternately so many times, perhaps too many. Nevertheless, this is moving instrumental music, epic in its conception and flawlessly performed and recorded. Positively essential, and probably the best album of what has been a very strong year for progressive.by Rob Walker, 1995-03-01:
Since Änglagård's superb 1992 debut Hybris, more than a few folks have been eagerly awaiting the follow-up effort from this magnificent Swedish ensemble. Everyone wondered — would they be able to equal the high musical standards they had set on their first release, or even exceed them? Well the answer, in a word, is YES! The six tracks comprising Epilog only reinforce the fact that Änglagård is one of the premier progressive outfits around. Brimming with intricate arrangements and their trademark sudden dynamic changes, Epilog displays even craftier composition and more thorough thematic development than its predecessor. With dual guitars, analog keyboards, flute, and a monster rhythm section, the band has a wide palette of sounds at their disposal, and the wonderfully orchestrated themes are indicative of their skills as arrangers as well as writers. The three long tracks which comprise the bulk of this album are nothing short of fantastic. The music is at times reminiscent of early Genesis or Shylock, but derivative of neither, and in its best moments goes far beyond what either of those groups ever accomplished. The album is permeated by an air of darkness and mystery, and the overall mood is generally brooding. Though the powerful and intense moments are here in abundance, the softer, more delicate side of the music is emphasized, lending a beautiful, dreamy quality to the album. As always, the band remains impressively tight through all the musical complexities. Epilog easily gets my vote for the best new CD release of 1994, and it comes with the highest recommendation to any fan of progressive music.Filed under: New releases , Issue 6 , 1994 releases
Related artist(s): Änglagård
More info
2021-04-01
New Aristocrats Live Album on the Way –
No foolin'! These supreme musicians toured Europe early in 2020, just before touring ceased to be a thing musicians could do, and there were some hot performances captured. On May 7, some of these will be releases as Freeze! Live in Europe 2020. »
Read more
2021-03-25
Return of Jerry Lucky's Progressive Rock Files –
After much consideration and surprisingly, positive feedback, Jerry Lucky is announcing the launch of the progressive Rock Files podcast, featuring the latest progressive rock music from around the world. »
Read more
2021-03-14
Jewlia Eisenberg RIP –
The sad news has come out that Jewlia Eisenberg has died. As a founding member of Charming Hostess, Eisenberg changed the face of music, bringing together Balkan klezmer, American folk, and experimental rock in a distinctive blend that garnered much praise. »
Read more
2021-03-11
RIP Roger Trigaux –
The sad news has come to our attention that Roger Trigaux, the guiding force of Present and former member of Univers Zero, passed away on the evening of March 10, 2021 after a long ilness. »
Read more
2021-02-14
SoundQuest Fest 2021 –
SoundQuest Fest, first experienced as a live festival in Tucson Arizona in 2010 was created by ambient music pioneer Steve Roach. This 2021 event will unite a worldwide gathering of artists and audience members together for a 3-day online event unique in the realm of ambient music. From March 26-28th a continuous flow of streamed performances, audio-video wonder worlds and deep immersion zones will burn bright on Roach’s YouTube channel. »
Read more
Electrum - Frames of Mind – Here are three guys who love Rush and decided to record an album together of songs influenced by the Canadian trio. It's a scenario I've seen played out over and over (see Afterlife in these... (1999) » Read more
Yoshihiro Hanno Meets Mick Karn - Liquid Glass – Mick Karn's distinctive bass playing has found a number of homes over the years since the demise of Japan. Most notable for readers of this magazine have been his collaborations with David Torn and... (1999) » Read more
Gerard - Save Knight by the Night – Keyboardist Toshio Egawa is one of the prime movers in Japan's progressive rock scene since the late 70s – originally with the band Novela, then splitting in the early 70s to form his own... (1996) » Read more
Book of Hours - Art to the Blind – This Swedish band starts off their first album with a nice slice of instrumental rock: two guitars, bass, and drums slipping easily between phrases of three and four beats. It is well arranged, with... (2000) » Read more
Jon Hassell - Last Night the Moon Came Dropping Its Clothes in the Street – Jon Hassell's first ECM recording as a leader is long overdue, but it is an understated ambient percussion mix consistent with the acclaimed trumpet player’s most pervasive recordings. Tone... (2010) » Read more