Jeseter - Slavnost Pro Jednoho! 2008 Czech Republic

In the last decade or so, there have been a couple of excellent Czech groups performing music in the retro progressive rock genre: Hokr and Cuprum. Unbeknownst to me there was a 3rd band also hiding under the cover of darkness. And that would be our subject today. Jeseter (translates to Sturgeon) are a band from Ostrava, located on the eastern part of what is now known as Czechia, bordering Poland.

Apparently Jeseter began their career as a Yes cover band. There are worse ways to build out one's prog chops than studying at the hallowed halls of Yes. So when it was time to branch out into original material, most assuredly Close to the Edge and Relayer would be the sound path they followed right? Wrong. Instead, Jeseter looked inward (similar to the above two groups) and researched their own country's respectable past. Czech is the language of choice, and the influences come from the late 70s and early 80s Czech progressive scene. You won't hear Modry Efekt or Flamengo here, but rather more Synkopy and Progres 2. There's also a strain of neo prog blending throughout - similar to IQ maybe. At times the music here is brilliant. Jeseter does continue to circle greatness but doesn't quite achieve it - at least here on their debut (the only one of 3 albums I've heard to date). The vocals can be a bit stiff, which was a problem for the communist era bands as well. Sometimes the music can be a bit too straightforward, but make no mistake, this is still certainly progressive rock for fans of the style. Compared to Hokr and Cuprum, Jeseter finds themselves behind the curve. But the potential is certainly there, and I'm most interested in hearing their later works. High side of the Gnosis 10 / RYM 3.5 rating.

Personal collection
CD: 2008 private

The CD is obscure as all get out. I had to add it to Discogs and it appears I'm the only one to own it on RYM as well. Comes in a very fine tri-fold professional digi-pak.