In The Name of God (Aragon, 2004)

I do think Aragon are an underrated band. These Australian musicians (all born in different European countries) surely like traditional neo-prog atmospheres and melodic songs, but they also know how to write and perform excellent songs, like this "In The Name of God", taken from their 2004 album "The Angels Tear". The acoustic first half is a beautiful and peaceful moment, based on warm and charming chords. The keyboards rise up slowly and the song gets deeper and depper, until the guitars come in for the "rock break".

"The Angels Tear" was the sixth album by Aragon.

The final section is more diversified, but still is down tempo and melodic, with an acid twist here and there. Really, I find  here some 9 minutes of musical pleasure, crowned with the sax solo between minute 7.30 and 8.00... so good! And what about the final gilmour-esque guitar/sax interplay? Well, it tells me: "quick, play this once more!" I'll surely obey.

The Changeling (Aragon, 1992)

Please don't ask me why, but Aragon are one of those those bands that progfans strongly like or dislike. I think they're among the most interesting Australian bands and some of their songs are really, really good. This is the case with "The Changeling", coming from the album "The Meeting". Strongly influenced by Fish-era Marillion, this track has a higly dynamic and intense structure, based on sharp guitars and baroque keyboards, a contrast I especially appreciate.

"The Meeting" was Aragon's second studio album.

Les Dougan's vocals are excellent, as he alternates strong and delicate moods in a convincing way. The melodies are full-bodied, and sometimes catchy. I also like some original touches: a slide guitar, some unusual electronic effects, very well found bass lines and so on. In short, this is an ever changing song, featuring unpredictable passages and - most of all - there's an emotional hardcore in "The Changeling" that gives a special, inner sense to the big picture. So, like it or not, this is prog rock at its best.

The Crucifixion (Aragon, 1987)

This 15:39 minutes epic by the Australian band Aragon is a beautiful specimen from the '80s so called neo-prog scene and one of the very few from Southern emisphere. Strongly influenced by the British models of its period, the song - taken from the debut album "Don't Bring The Rain" - has nonetheless its own character, combining in the opening section syncopated drumming reminiscent of IQ with passionate vocals à la Fish and lots of good musical ideas with no specific inspiration. The central part of "The Crucifixion", featuring a rarefied atmosphere and suggestive vocals is maybe my favourite one.

This was the first of six studio albums by Aragon.

Les Dougan really cries out its soul here, and Tom Behrsing's keyboards create a magic universe I still like, with a hint of lost childhood inside. The sound quality isn't perfect (oh, not at all...), but I get the feeling nonetheless and the final sorrowful instrumental brings on the typical kick inside good prog always gives to me. Later in their career, Aragon will grow a more personal style, but I'm grateful to those musicians for this early, easy, bittersweet song.