MUSIC ARTISTS:   Änglagård

"Epilog"

This is what progressive rock should be. Cited as the single best progressive rock release of the 1990's; it was recorded in Sweden in 1994 by a six-piece, now defunct band known as Änglagård . Epilog was their last original studio album. It is incredible. If you are not into progressive rock or not used to hearing it, try to listen to the complete album one or two times. Scroll down for reviews.

Mattias Olsson, drums, percussion

Johan Högberg, bass

Thomas Johnson, Hammond, Mellotron, keys

Jonas Engdegård, guitar

Tord Lindman, guitar

Anna Holmgren, flute

Tracklist:

1. Prolog — 2:00
2. Höstsejd — 15:32
3. Rösten — 0:14
4. Skogsranden — 10:48
5. Sista somrar — 13:10
6. Saknadens fullhet — 2:00

total time 43:44

Epilog has everything, from beautiful melodic passages with mellotron to heavy, dissonant music, pure noise, etc. The opening "Prolog" sounds like a small chamber group, very classically structured. They use the classic 70's orchestra sound often as well, but never sound dated. This is a band that truly updated the 70's sound with a 90's edge and did it successfully. This is classic. The band transitions with extreme ease from heavy to atmospheric (which is no simple task with the dynamic range of this music). There is not a second of music on this disc that I do not like. It is mystical and magical, with feeling and beauty. It is a tragedy to progressive music that this band is not producing music anymore. This is a masterpiece. A must have for any progressive collection. (Eric of Ground and Sky)

While Hybris (Änglagård's previous album), featured some moments of somberness, Epilog finds this emotion intensified in an all-instrumental setting which is sometimes aggressive, sometimes contemplative and almost always heavy with wistfulness and stoicism. The music sometimes sounds closer to the band's Scandinavian roots than the more overt symphonic progressive of their first album. Flute and mellotron are both given prominent roles in defining the morose nature of the sound here, while electric guitar and organ are often at the forefront of the harder sections. In Epilog, drummer Mattias Olsson demonstated that he was one of the most skilled drummers of the decade. The album concludes with a brief piece on solo piano, preventing a feeling of closure and opting instead to finish the album in the disquieting mood that has prevailed throughout.

For those who have not heard the band, they play a form of symphonic prog that is influenced, in parts, by Genesis , King Crimson and Shylock . At the same time there is a unique quality to their music, possibly due to their Scandinavian origins. I cannot recommend this album highly enough; Änglagård is one of the greatest artistic successes of the 90s. (Sean of Ground and Sky)

The first time I heard Epilog I didn't know what all the fuss was about. The second time I wanted everyone in the room to just be quiet and let me listen. The next time I heard it, while alone in my studio, with a simultaneous sunset happening outside, I knew I would listen to this album over and over for the rest of my life.   Änglagård sparked my interest in progressive rock, as performed by Scandinavian and European maestros.  (Audrey Regan - Art-is-Life)