by Patrick Little
Swedish band Anglagard is part of a whole breed of young progressive rockers who have cut their teeth on King Crimson's Red. Like the other Crimson Swedes, Anekdoten, Anglagard crams angular hooks and start/stop tempos into every moment they can spare. Writing lengthy symphonic pieces, the band sound like many big '70s acts but always play with a very tough sound. Meaty bass and scorched guitar tones duel it out with organ, mellotron, and hyperactive drumming, while folky Swedish singing and flute occasionally break the tension. Anglagard got itself noticed in the small international circles of progressive rock fandom, and both of their albums were voted album of the year on internet prog newsgroups. They played the U.S. ProgFests in 1993 and 1994 yet disbanded soon after, although they stated that the breakup was not permanent. Buried Alive was a recording of their appearance at ProgFest 1994.
Swedish band Anglagard is part of a whole breed of young progressive rockers who have cut their teeth on King Crimson's Red. Like the other Crimson Swedes, Anekdoten, Anglagard crams angular hooks and start/stop tempos into every moment they can spare. Writing lengthy symphonic pieces, the band sound like many big '70s acts but always play with a very tough sound. Meaty bass and scorched guitar tones duel it out with organ, mellotron, and hyperactive drumming, while folky Swedish singing and flute occasionally break the tension. Anglagard got itself noticed in the small international circles of progressive rock fandom, and both of their albums were voted album of the year on internet prog newsgroups. They played the U.S. ProgFests in 1993 and 1994 yet disbanded soon after, although they stated that the breakup was not permanent. Buried Alive was a recording of their appearance at ProgFest 1994.
