Gösta Berlings Saga - Detta Har Hänt [2009]

This one comes as per the request of Anonymous Dave. (how's that for a sweet title?)

Yet another well-hidden gem from the country top-filled with Progressive Rock goodness, of course I'm speaking of Sweden. Three Years after GBS' first heralded release ('Tid Är Ljud') comes this, their sophomore effort. For those who don't know GBS, their sound "ranges from full-blown epic soundscapes via dissonant darkness to minimalistic powerful grooves without compromising when it comes to the strong melodies the band is known for". Strong quote eh? Accurate too.

A slight line-up change in the space between the times, as original guitarist Mathias Danielsson left the band, replaced by Einar Baldursson. Boy can this new guy really play! He has a real Fripp-inspired (Frippsired?) style of playing, often in a rather subtle manner but also in frantic yet sophisticated displays with layers of disharmonic, dissonant escapades. On a whole, this is just classic instrumental prog, awesomely produced and with a quirky RIO/Zeuhl flavour. While their influences are traceable, their sound is still very original and inspired.

To throw a few names out there, think Magma, Gentle Giant, Crimson, as well as modern day groups like Anekdoten & Anglagard. But really this is for most anyone with an interest in challenging, instrumental progressive rock. Recommended.

Try It - Buy It - Myspace

Strange Waves [A Psychedelicompilation] [SludgeSwamp Exclusive]

Sorry for the lack of posts (again) folks.. but i've returned with something special for you! You all should be familiar with the mighty SludgeSwamp blog? Over the years i have discovered a hell of a lot of good tunes over that way. The regular fan base is pretty incredible, and the staff are always free for a chat. It's a really rewarding blog to frequent, that's fo' sho. Anyway, i couldn't help but notice they are now taking Reader Compilations for the Fall, and thought to myself what better way to begin giving back to their community than mixing my very own.

Here I've compiled a great mix of psych, post-rock, prog and doom, and mixed them in a unique way, editing track segueing and playing around with layers etc. I think you guys will really dig the diversity and how it all flows along nicely. This is basically my soundtrack while browsing the NASA picture of the day archive: (http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/archivepix.html) It's a really sweet place to kill some time and read up on all the incredible cosmic fuckery, while listening to the appropriate tunes of course. In turn, my cover designs were influenced by these images, hope you folks dig. Keep watching the skies! ;)

Link: http://sludgeswamp.blogspot.com/2009/09/freak-out.html
Alternative: http://sharebee.com/a2f6038d

Richard Wright - Wet Dream [1978]

At this point obviously Richard needs no introduction, we're coming up to 1 year since his passing. Thinking on that got me listening to this amazing album again recently. I'm not usually one for over-comparisons but 'Wet Dream' certainly ranks high amongst the other solo member's own albums. Out of all of them it probably demonstrates the most accurate display of that good old "Floydian style", if there is such a thing.

The album is richly laden in deep textures of prog and jazz, and it's all spaced out so beautifully. Kind of a strange thing to say, but i think some of the direction that went into creating the score for the video game Super Mario Galaxy was based on Rick's playing, and perhaps some stuff from this record. Just a feelin', ya know! Besides Rick and his amazing-as-ever performance here, Mel Collins is on fire! Some of his best work i've heard. Snowy White chips in on both acoustic and electric guitars (the man behind the rare Pigs On The Wing solo) and does a fantastic job.

If you're a fan of the band or 'Dark Side' in particular, you should already have this. It's really amazing to learn just how much of Rick's style and direction contributed to the Floyd sound we all love. This record, trunk-filled with emotions is very telling of this. R.I.P.

Try It - Buy It

Ancestors - Of Sound Mind [2009] [Review]

Over the last few months I have briefly conversed with band guitarist Justin Maranga through blog comments and the odd email with regards to the band's first release, and this, their sophomore release - due out October the 6th on Tee Pee Records. Judging from his opinion and my own excitement, i had huge expectations for this record. I was lucky enough to score a full preview the other night.

I really enjoyed 'Neptune' last year. It was so different from everything else i'd heard at the time. I came into this one expecting to be surprised and certainly was. For starters the riffs are just as gigantic as Neptune, but we knew they would be! This time around they have tightened it all up.. adding and including all different sounds, dimensions and themes to keep it fresh. Structure wise, there are 4 monster tracks - each clocking in at around 15 minutes give or take - and a series of short and contrasting interludes.

The opening track 'From Nothing' is the shortest on the album and is filled with all kinds of bizarre fidgety sounds, as if the band were preparing to deliver the collective wallop you know is on it's way. It leads into the doomy beginning of 'Mother Animal', which after 3 minutes of slow thunder turns into a short funky desert-like groove you can't help but smile and nod along with. The song builds and builds with momentum. You think you're at the peak of it and bam! Things eventually simmer down as the vocals re-appear, returning us to the stable gravity pull we know - if only for a moment! The bass and percussion keep it driving slow and doomy throughout, while the mesmerizing guitar and haunting organ paint all over the open canvas.

'Not The Last Return' is the first of two short and great piano pieces, letting your ears adjust. You can be sure another ass-kicking is waiting for you in a few moments. 'Bounty of Age' is currently streaming on the Tee Pee site, check it. The bluesy guitar playing in the middle parts is absolutely breath taking. It actually kinda reminds me of something from Neil Young's 'On the Beach' album, one of my favourites. Again the organ is just pushing the entire thing along from the background, it seems to be a common theme throughout the record and works very well. 'A Friend' is a new and interesting dimension to the band, making use of electronics and synthesizers, sounding like a lost part to Jean Michel Jarre's 'Oxygene'.

It leads in to arguably the greatest song the band has created to date, 'The Trial'. The moment i heard the guitar come in i was amazed, the tones are just so damn powerful and majestic. This is clearly Justin's time to shine and he does as it slowly burns along. It's truly incredibly how these guys can turn the most sonically beautiful sound into such an evil, menacing beast. Such is the case as the song dips down into uncharted darkness, at which point Sera Timms of label-mates Black Math Horseman enters. I've been obsessed with their own album since it's release, and needless to say the Ancestors setting suits her to a tee! Never mind the fact i can't understand a word she says, she possesses one of the most distraught and powerful voices i have heard in a damn long while. She seems to be buried a little low in the mix, granted she still sounds great.. perhaps just a little quiet. I'm sure this was the sound they were going for though, and therefor is but only a minor quibble.

'Challenging', much like 'Not The Last Return' sees the return of the lonely piano as it's chord patterns pulsate throughout the quieter track - this time accompanied by some lovely acoustic guitar playing, which was a pleasant surprise. It serves as a great intro to stylistically, the most straight-forward of the longer pieces. Consider it the melodic ending to the insane trip, the rockin' journey back to our home planet! It moves quick, stays just long enough and kicks a great portion of ass before slowly coming to a close. This really sounds like all that 70's hard rock influence just gushing out. An outstanding closing to an outstanding album.

You can really tell the production has been amped up a few notches here. I absolutely love the keys spread all over this album, the bluesy guitar solo's are very tasty as well. Every track was firing on all cylinders, but if i had to I'd say 'The Trial' definitely blew me away the most. It's not very often you get that stunned in amazement feeling that this song left me with. Running in at just over an hour usually pushes it for me, but i still didn't want this one to end. I can tell i'll be revisiting it over and over again.

Be sure to pick this one up when it drops. Album of the year material for sure.

Tee Pee Records
Ancestors Myspace

Terje Rypdal - Whenever I Seem To Be Far Away [1974]

Terje Rypdal is a marvelous, fluid guitar player, who manages to sound natural in every setting in which he appears. On this one we get a few radically different styles throughout. First up it's heavy and fuzzed, technically weaving in and out very sparingly and tastfully. Towards the end of the album though is some full-flight Gilmour-like playing, complete with the backing of the Sudfunk Symphony Orchestra.

Pete Knutsen (Electric keyboards and Mellotron) is amazing on this record, reminding me of Ian McDonald.. as if he had come straight out of 'In The Court'. Odd Ulleberg on the French horn also blows a whole lot of awesome! I'm not really familiar with these backing guys but i'm interested in seeking out some of their other works after hearing this.

It's an interesting mix of free jazz and the jazz fusion flavour of the time. The use of Mellotron gives it a unique European symphonic-proggy kinda sound, progressive jazz? I don't know.. tags are stupid but this is great, check it out.

Try It - Buy It

Will-o-the Wisp - A Gift For Your Dreams [2007]

This was one of my favourites of 2007. New and old fans of Prog will find something to enjoy here, be it the classic song structures, or the superb modern day production. For such a relatively unknown group they have a remarkably mature and rich sound.

For those who may recall, i featured their instrumental track 'Serpent's Kiss' on my StW Mix 1.0 a year or two ago. That was a great example of what the band has to offer. Needless to say if you enjoyed that, check this out! Some of my favourite flute playing on any record to date. Not a lot is known of them but just trust me on this one, it's great! Enjoy. Let me know what you think.

Try It

Astra - The Weirding [2009]

Vintage space/prog-rock fans rejoice! Astra's debut record is an excellent throw-back to the wonderful time that was. The moment i seen the Arik Roper designed artwork i immediately knew what i was in for.

To lead you into what lies ahead, the opening track is five minutes of pure build-up. Spacey flutes simmer over some ridiculously rockin' Hawkwind-like guitar exploration. Like i said, build-up. It segues into argueably the absolute highlight of the album, the title track. It is in these next 15 minutes you really get a sense of what this band has to offer. First up is the 'Echoes' like vocal harmonies, as well as the melodic guitar work. Up until this point it all sounds like an early Floyd epic, that is however until the KC-like Mellotron, Brass & Sax take over and blow you the fuck away. Hell, throw in some early Iommi-like riffs in for good measure. The other high point for me is the short psych-folk piece, 'Broken Glass', making use of some nice acoustic Mediterranean-like guitar, which serves a great contrast to the rest of the ear-raping awesomeness.

If you're a fan of all the bands who did this kind of thing back in the day, you will really get a kick out of it. The production is a little dodgy, but i'm sure they've locked into this retro kind of sound and production on purpose. One can only wonder what this might of sounded like had it taken advantage of all the modern day crystal clear production techniques. Having said that, it most certainly kicks ass! I wouldn't have it any other way.

Try It - Buy It - Myspace

Wobbler - Afterglow [2009]

Here's a special treat for all you classic prog fans. Wobbler formed at the end of the 20th Century in the land of Norway, made up of members from White Willow & Jagga Jazzist to name a few. "Afterglow" is the self released and self-financed sophomore album from the band. It includes their two (legendary) demos re-recorded, a track that they were working on at the time of their debut "Hinterland" but never completed and two other older, unrecorded tracks as well.

Although the album only clocks in at 35 minutes, you can expect a few long and complex tracks featuring lush, vintage keyboard sounds, extensive use of the mellotron, mini-moog, hammond C-3 and harpsichord, beautiful electric and acoustic guitar playing, complex rhythm sections, flutes, recorders, saxophones, mandolins and various other instruments providing a very tasty symphonic sound.

"Hinterland" was one of my favourites of 2005 and this is an excellent follow up effort. Think Genesis, think Gentle Giant, think Yes, think PFM, think Gryphon. Along with newer symphonic prog bands like Anglagard and Anekdoten as well as some Scandinavian folk and classical influences thrown into the mix, and there you have the awesome Norwegian five piece, known as Wobbler.

Link: Link Removed By Request
Purchase: termo.myshopify.com - theomegaorder.com - lasercd.com

Armaggedon - Armaggedon [1970]

First things first, the spelling is correct. Do not get these guys mixed up with the similarly named 'Armageddon' band who came later on in the decade, which by the way is another excellent record featuring members of Captain Beyond, The Yardbirds and Colosseum. Back on topic of these Germans though.

Why didn't this group record more than just one album? Their self-titled album is a heavy progressive masterpiece with excellent, Hendrix-influenced guitar work and vocals by Frank Diez. Armageddon was the start of his long and impressive career. Their album had six tracks, and two of them were cover versions. Most impressive was the 10 minute version of Jeff Beck Group's "Rice Pudding". This track had some of the greatest heavy guitar riffing to appear on a German record.

Armaggedon's album has rocketed in price during recent years, due to the ever increasing interest. However, demand for the group was poor way back in 1970, and they soon broke up. Diez never played material with a similar energy again, his next step was to join the 'slightly-above-average' jazz-rockers Emergency.

With these six tunes, Armaggedon can cement themselves into your mind. The band as a whole is a unique voice that can raise eyebrows with ease, but has gone almost entirely unnoticed in the hard rock realm…unfortunately.

Link: http://sharebee.com/8f8ecc42

Pink Floyd - Welcome To The Machine [1977]

So here is another one of my favourite Floyd boots/ROiOs. For ages i searched for a show that had a decent variety of tracks from both 'Wish You Were Here' and 'Animals'. Stumbled apon this beauty, which has both of those albums in their entireties, as well as 'Money', 'Us and Them' and 'Careful With That Axe, Eugene'. The quality is probably as good as you will find for any of the shows during the WYWH and Animals tours. It is not perfect however, the start is a little bit dodgy and might scare off a few but it does improve. There are also a few distracting bumps in Track 9 (Wish You Were Here) but other than those this is a very listenable and enjoyable bootleg.

For ROiO collectors note that this is in .mp3, how dissapointed you must be. The band was really rocking on this particular night. Dave in particular, seemed absolutely on fire pummeling out those solo's throughout the 'Animals' tracks. You can hear Dave and Roger fucking up at the start of 'Have a Cigar' and both share a laugh.

To thank the well-behaved crowd the band reward the audience with the extra encore "Careful With That Axe Eugene", the only time the song was played during the tour and the final time ever by the full band. It's a short version and the scream isn't as blood curdling as in the past. It is however very nice to hear the mature band pulls out this early classic.

Link P1: http://sharebee.com/9d75de96
Link P2: http://sharebee.com/384e2071

Schicke Führs & Fröhling - Symphonic Pictures [1976]

I know what you're thinking and the answer is no, Al Pacino was not in this band. Stunning resemblance though isn't it? This album is very influential to say the least. If you've heard Anglagard's music, then listen to this record and i'm sure you will agree that SFF had to be a big influence on their sound. Frank Zappa himself was so enthusiastic about this bands sound that he was willing to produce their first album, but ultimately had to drop out to record his own album that was to be recorded at the same time.

Two members of this trio, Schicke and Fröhling, came right out from the ranks of Spektakel, joining forces in order to pursue a more focused kind of music, with one foot in the British symphonic melodic trend and the other in the cosmic realms of krautrock in a most stylish fashion. Once they casually met a young classically trained keyboardist named Gerhard Fürhs, the band was completed right after a common artistic goal had been properly agreed.

The music here is absolutely superb. Think of Novalis or 73-75 Floyd. Think of Moonmadness era Camel. There are also fusion elements, soaring synthetic experimentations and somber ambiences; just a few more ingredients in the band's magnificent sonic melting pot. Enjoy!

Link: http://sharebee.com/be82c4c3

Pink Floyd - Wembley [1974]

The interest in collecting and trading Floyd bootlegs all over the world is incredible to say the least. There are hundreds of message boards spread all over dedicated to just this. Of course there are a lot of horrible bootlegs, barely listenable but tolerable to the die hard fanatic. Every once in a while one RoiO will sneak through and sound absolutely amazing, making you wonder why it was never officially released. Such is the case with this, the Wembley Pre-FM master.

If your looking for a dsotm tracklist of great quality than this is the one you want. The quality is just amazing! Most tracks have been extended and they encore Echoes. This is easily my favourite Floyd ROiO. Check it out, you won't be dissapointed this time.

Link P1: http://sharebee.com/da117991
Link P2: http://sharebee.com/3d7a3a6c

Elephant9 - Dodovoodoo [2008]

This is what i'm talking about! One of my many favourites from 2008 right here. This might be the Norwegian trio's debut disc, but we already know keyboardist Ståle Storløkken from his many years with Supersilent, and drummer Torstein Lofthus will be familiar to many as a member of Shining, those fellow purveyors of Gothic thrash-prog. It's only bassist Nikolai Haengsle who is unfamiliar outside Norway.


Subtlety is employed only occasionally, as the trio hurtles straight into the maelstrom that is the album's title cut. It's Emerson, Lake & Palmer territory, perhaps. The riffing is single-minded, but the structure is jerkily funky, or maybe funkily jerky. Recording live in the studio, Elephant9 careen along with spiny edges, knocking down any obstacles. Some numbers might begin sensitively, but their ultimate destiny lies in a thundering brawl. The only exception is Hymne, which remains in a creepy state.

I imagine their full damage is probably done during a live show, in front of a very worried audience. If you're up for a deranged session of acid prog headbanging, grab a hold of this!

Link: http://sharebee.com/acc52965

Taï Phong - Taï Phong [1975]

I had a request the other day for some killer rare symphonic prog, Taï Phong jumped to mind. These guys' backgrounds are a little odd, in the sense that they are a French band founded by the Vietnamese brothers Kahn and Taï Ho Tong. The mystery here is not why this album was never very popular, but why it is not highly regarded among fans of the genre. This is truly a symphonic progressive masterwork, with plenty of good playing and writing, but mostly excelling in the arrangement category.

The music is an excellent mix of Yes, with added Floyd like atmospheres. Hell, lead singer Khanh has even has a higher vocal pitch than Jon Anderson and he is not afraid to let it rip! Be this good or bad it certainly is a thing to behold. The playing is absolutely first rate. These guys knew how to write and craft prog.

Link: http://sharebee.com/7a451e71

Jan Dukes de Grey - Mice And Rats In The Loft [1971]

Jan Dukes De Grey are a forgotten relic of progressive music. Their brilliant free-form album "Mice And Rats In The Loft" was the pinnacle of their musical expression, a semi-improvised journey into madness.

The album opens with the awesome 'Sun Symphonica' which embodies everything that was excellent about this band. Starting rather lighthearted, bracing you for the sonic assault soon to be unleashed in your mind. Lots of clever instrumental work and 12 string strumming, Noy and Bairstow create a spiraling maelstrom with many different instruments including saxophones, flutes, trumpets, trombones, even a zelda chord. All made with the help of a backing orchestra, which gives the music a symphonic and epic feel. A more sinister atmosphere is revealed halfway through the song, describing the beheading of a young girl, made even more disturbing by Derek's theatric voice. An intense instrumental section kicks in after this, and we are taken on an incredible improvised journey. The song then reprises the beginning, but in a negative light.

The album never does return to the intensity of Sun Symphonica, but the last two tracks are still excellent. Highly recommended for fans of Jethro Tull, Spirogyra & Comus.

Link: http://sharebee.com/6e101065

Dead Man - Euphoria [2008]

It seems i just keep stumbling apon excellent records from 2008, in 2009. This is another one i would have to include when i revisit my best of 08 list, without a doubt. With a name like Dead Man you could assume they are some ordinary death metal band, wrong. Their sound is an interesting mix of psych rock and folk, which is all brought together brilliantly. I first got a chance to hear them through their self titled ep which was available on the Melloboat cruise, i did not attend however.

These Swedes bring the same sort of organic psychedelic rock & roll that you would here from other modern bands like Howlin Rain and fellow Swedes, Dungen, but it's much easier to compare them to the founders of their sound. Granted it's not the most original thing out, but it's damn good.

Link: http://sharebee.com/16544ad6

Lotus - Lotus [1974]

The style of this little-known Swedish quartet from the mid-70’s is hard to describe as it escapes most comparisons; the closest would be Finnforest, and perhaps Danish fusion band Secret Oyster. This is fusion at its best: energetic instrumental jazz-rock featuring dual guitars, electric piano/Hammond organ, bass and drums, and stunning musicianship all around. After the release of their second album in 1976, the band split up.

Although the tracks on their first album are rather short, each one is chock full of ideas and beautiful catchy melodies based on tight, 70ish-like jazzy grooves, all charmingly and distinctively Swedish

If you’re a fan of early Zappa or like bands such as Kebnekaise, Camel, Finnforest or Trettioariga Kriget, don’t let Lotus pass you by.

Link: http://sharebee.com/e41ed85a

Pure Reason Revolution - Amor Vincit Omnia [2009]

This one has been one of my most anticipated releases of the year. I've already expressed how much i enjoy this band in the past, and was very interested to see how they would follow up after their amazing debut. After a fair few listens i am a little dissapointed. It seems they have dimmed down the spacey Floyd influence and upped the modern day IDM glitchy disco sound. I'm not sure whether or not this direction was taken for more mainstream media attention, but i would of much rathered to see them build and expand apon that modern day prog-rock approach they had going.

All is not lost though. What is gone in delicious spacey interludes is made up with a tight flowing piece that ultimate packs a harder, and quicker punch. The multi-vocal harmonies are still as pleasant as ever. We previously got a glimpse at a few of the tracks on the live Nearfest recording, it's interesting to hear how they have been slightly tinkered with since then.

It will be interesting to see where PRR go next in the future. All in all a decent record, but truth be told i was hoping for something else.

Link: http://sharebee.com/d2d27c4f

Clear Blue Sky - Clear Blue Sky [1970]

The debut album from Clear Blue Sky was released at a time when the rock world was undergoing a number of radical changes. The psychedelic era was coming to a close with progressive rock taking over the mantle of rocks' leading genre. However, not all bands followed the modus operandi of progressive rock bands, using classical music and jazz music as the platform for their musical trip. Some bands, most notably those within the hard rock genre, used a form of heavy blues as their launching pad.

Clear Blue Sky were just one of these bands that have a most definite blues influence. However, their ability to introduce a number of variations within their musical structure such as subtle classical influences as well as a degree of complexity that went beyond the average band enabled their music to be appreciated by a wider range of audiences.

Highly recommended stuff. Dig that Roger Dean cover, dude.

Link: http://sharebee.com/7e5c30cd

Zombi - Spirit Animal [2009]

So here we go, the first 09 post from what i personally expect to be a fantastic year in music. For years now this Pittsburgh instrumental twosome (collectively known as Zombi) has put out a mesmerizing brand of synth-happy, goblin-esque prog. 'Spirit Animal' for the most part is the same, this time delivering warmer textures and ever more cosmic soundscapes. It all makes up for some delicious retro 70s stuff. With an outpouring of genuine emotion and melody, 'Spirit Animal' gives instrumental music the punch in the gut it needed by blending a genuine sense of warmth and emotion with the darkness the band is heralded for.

The drumming is also great here, as is the elephant on the cover, seemingly bounding through the cosmos. Check this out if you dig Jean Michel Jarre, Novalis or Goblin, or if you're just interested in exploring some great new instrumental stuff.

Link: http://sharebee.com/bd7e5dcf