Höstsejd (Änglagård, 1994)

It sounds incredible for such a mixed and struggling fandom, but Änglagård are one of the rare bands every prog fan likes and many of them adore. That could be because of their undeniable links with the Golden Era prog rock, or maybe for their morn, heartbreaking atmospheres. Be as it may, this "Höstsejd" ("Autumn Rites") is one of their longest and most interesting songs, taken from the album "Epilog".

This was the band's second CD... their third work came 18 years later!

The ruling mood is that of nostalgy and quiet contemplation, the kind of nature-based atmosphere Swedish bands know how to conjure up and master so well. But there are also many beautiful changes both in volume and in tempo, taking advantage of the band's abundant choice of acoustic and electric instruments. A guest string trio adds the mellow touch an autumnal song surely needs. In short, another masterpiece from one of the most prominent contemporary prog bands.

Ur Vilande (Änglagård, 2012)

The long awaited third Änglagård's album, "Viljans Öga", wasn't a disappointment, being as intriguing and deliciously intricated as the previous ones. This opening track, "Ur Vilande", is my favourite one from this CD featuring four long epics. I like it because of its fairy taste, its acoustic and vintage instruments, its beautiful and ethereal themes, but also because of its changes.

We had to wait nearly 20 years to hear some new music from them.

Yes, it was worth waiting.

 

There are some lunar and delicate sections in this track (especially in the first and last parts), but you'll also find intricate and full-bodied passages and even a psychedelic bridge. The sound, the volume, the tempo and the mood range between the calm and the tempest, the crescendo and the calando, but the whole track is full of the natural, pastoral taste I like so much in Änglagård's music. The suite is instrumental, but we don't need the words to see the magic in it.

Kung Bore (Änglagård, 1992)

Änglagård know very well how to revive and re-cook in Scandinavian sauce good Old Prog and they prove it in this wonderful "Kung Bore" ("King Winter" in English), taken from "Hybris". There's some Genesis inside it, of course, and a pinch of King Crimson too, even a teacup of Jethro Tull, but the final cake is like new, a folk based progressive song with a medieval scent and a stunning melancholy nursery song pace.

 

Give me a view Into the land of dreams,

only then will I be happy. (Kung Bore, 1992).

I think this is one of the best prog songs of the '90s and also one of Änglagård's best ones, a real treat for every progfans out there. And as we are all but children, I could compare this track to a perfect Christmas gift, equally welcome for its contents and its wrapping. Enough words, it's time to listen to "Kung Bore" once more.

Jordrök (Änglagård, 1992)

This is actually a jewel, one of the best prog songs of the '90s, IMHO. It's an instrumental track, full of nostalgy and with a scent of Trespass era Genesis. The folk influence is present (the title itself is the name of a spontaneous plant, the "fumaria" or fumitory in English), melt with all the 70s sound you can desire. The winning point is the perfect balance of acoustic and electric instruments, producing a sweet but not sweetish athmosphere. And it's not an useless replica of the golden era songs: the volume and tempo changes give its own character to the track, along with that northern, crepuscular touch.

Änglagård in their '90s lineup.

All the "Hybris" album is a gem, to say the truth, and this track is maybe its most representative one, summing up all the best qualities of the group. A never compromising but always enjoyable progressive rock song.