Viljans Oga

Anglagard

Viljans Oga (Änglagård Records, 2012)

Of all the progressive rock albums of 2012, Anglagard’s new album Viljans Oga was one of the most anticipated releases and it was well worth the wait. The Swedish band is undoubtedly one of the finest progressive rock ensembles in the current music scene. The current incarnation of Anglagard is an instrumental virtuoso quintet that contains all the ingredients of state of the art progressive rock.

Viljans Oga begins with ‘Ur Vilande,’ beautiful evocative flute, saxophone, piano, mellotron, acoustic guitar and percussion. Gradually it transitions into vibrant drums, electric guitars, organ, synths and more mellotron, lots of exquisite mellotron. There are brilliant interactions between the flute, saxophone, guitars and keyboards.

‘Sorgmantel’ begins with dreamy ambience, with a mix of mellotron, synthesizer, guitars, flute, drums and cello. It quickly transitions into energetic jazz-infused virtuosic progressive rock with inspired time changes and more fabulous interplay.

The great epic of the album is ‘Snårdom.’ The piece begins with an impressive bass-led rhythm section quickly joined by guitars, flute and keyboards. The high energy passages eventually lead to calm after the storm section, with a memorable electric guitar solo joined by outstanding mellotron and flute.

‘Längtans Klocka’ begins with introspective flute and piano that rapidly builds into vibrant interplays of electric guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and flute with unexpected tempo changes.

The current lineup includes Jonas Engdegård on guitars, Anna Holmgren on flute and tenor saxophone, Thomas Johnson on keyboards (including mellotron, Hammond organs and moogs), Johan Brand on bass and Taurus pedals; and Mattias Olsson on drums and percussion.

The CD version comes in a beautifully designed package with mesmerizing artwork.

With Viljans Oga, Anglagard has demonstrated once more that it is one of most talented acts in the international progressive rock scene. This is definitely one of the albums of the year.

Buy Viljans Oga