Viljans Oga, the third studio album by Swedish progressive rock band Anglagard, was released in 2012, after a nearly 20-year hiatus since 1994's EpilogÂ
.
It's an entirely instrumental album, but the band members wrote short poems corresponding to each of the songs shown in the photos.
They said they'd never reunite. Thankfully, they did, and in 2012 they released this beautiful work.
Four songs, approximately 57 minutes long, on two 45 RPM LPs.
It's an album comparable to the first two in terms of complexity and extreme beauty, but with an even more majestic approach. The dark, almost pastoral atmospheres we've come to expect are still present, as we've become accustomed to. My favorite remains Hybris; some prefer Epilog, some prefer this: you're spoiled for choice.
Jonas Engdegård's guitar is fantastic, and Thomas Johnson makes extensive use of the Mellotron and Hammond organ, splendidly, as is his electric piano.
Anna Holmgren is stunning on flute and tenor saxophone, and the guests are superb on cello and other wind instruments.
It's not an easy listen for those who aren't fans of symphonic rock and Nordic prog (what I call "Northern Prog," which I consider a "school," a genre in itself), but it's perfect for those who listen to and love these genres.
The booklet is beautiful, with photos and poems, which I photographed entirely for you.
A masterpiece worthy of Änglagård, now a classic, and a must-have for any prog enthusiast.
Tracks
1. Ur vilande (15:47)
2. Sorgmantel (12:06)
3. Snårdom (16:15)
4. Längtans klocka (13:22)
Running Time: 57:30
Line-Up
- Jonas Engdegård - guitars
- Thomas Johnson - pianos, Mellotron, synthesizers
- Anna Holmgren - concert flute, tenor saxophone
- Johan Brand - bass, Taurus bass pedalboard
- Mattias Olsson - drums, percussion, effects
Featuring:
- Daniel Borgegård Älgå - clarinet, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone
- Ulf Ã…kerstedt - bass tuba, bass trumpets, and double bass
- Tove Törnberg - cello
