Kozmic Muffin - Nautilus. 1994 Spain

A couple of years ago I reintroduced myself to Kozmic Muffin's second and last album Space Between Grief and Comfort. It was quite revelatory. I had it in my head they were a space rock band, as it had been so long since I last heard either of them. Of course Kozmic Muffin were nothing of the sort. From that revisit experience I wrote: "Kozmic Muffin are from Galicia, in the far northwest of Spain. Like their location, their sound is miles from anything one would normally associate with the country. But the group took this even further - and went backwards in time by about 25 years. What we have here is the sound of England circa 1971. The familiar labels such as Vertigo, Transatlantic, Neon and Dawn - and the progressive rock bands that were on those labels. Heavy organ, acid guitar, dense compositions, and wild vocals is what you get... This is total retro prog. But released long before Areknames, Diagonal, Astra, and many others...I'm excited to hear again their debut Nautilus, also sitting quietly in the collection gathering dust. That day will be coming soon enough though."

And that day has arrived. In reading the above I think they may have changed vocalist or vocal styles, as Nautilus is more subdued in that department. But otherwise, the review above applies here. It doesn't pack the wow factor as much as its successor though. And there are a couple of places where the music can drag, especially on the ironically named 'Bedlam'. In this case, they sound too much like a 1970 English band. That is to say they didn't filter out the parts that haven't necessarily aged as well. On the flip side, Nautilus contains two of their best tracks - namely the band's namesake, and especially the instrumental closer 'Eleusis' which takes the ideal of Nektar to its logical extreme. Another thought I had while listening to this track is could this be the sound of what an analog Ozric Tentacles might be like? Imagine the Ozrics in 1972? That's an exciting concept, one that band should have pursued (I suppose they still could). In any case, Nautilus is clearly another winner in the retro prog genre.

Ownership: CD: 1994 Man. Purchased new a couple of years after release (1996), but it was likely the first time for me to hear of them. Today both their CDs are hard to source. Both did get pressed - appropriately enough - on vinyl, which was highly unusual in the mid to late 90s. Interesting to note then that the LPs are easier to score than the CDs. Comes with a nice booklet with lyrics in both English and Spanish. The album is sung in the former.

3//96; 11/30/22

Änglagård - Epilog. 1994 Sweden

Similar to my thoughts on Osanna's Palepoli, Änglagård's second album perfectly fits my ideal of what a progressive rock album should be and what it should sound like. Except I don't really feel it. I adore Hybris, but Epilog never hit me the same. Which is not me saying I don't like the album - oh yes, I do. Very much so. But it should be (or I think it should be) a 5 star masterpiece and falls a hair short. Even though the songs on Epilog are varied, they share common traits that become a bit tedious. The soft-loud-soft-loud dynamics are predictable after appearing unpredictable on first impact. I miss the sparse Swedish vocals as well - perhaps too much of the same thing when going totally instrumental. Without a doubt, Änglagård were the best thing going in 1994, and this new album was very much anticipated, and they delivered in grand fashion. Fantastic production too. It would be another 19 years before they released the follow-up - an album that is arguably better than Epilog as they rectified some of the issues I state above. I doubt there are too many people reading UMR who aren't already familiar with Änglagård, but if not, start with Hybris, and make Epilog the 3rd stop on your journey.

Ownership: CD: 1994 private. Jewel case release with thick booklet containing eerie photos, and some poetry for each piece (in Swedish). Full recording details as well. 

LP: 1995 Gates of Dawn (USA). One of only a handful of new/contemporary LP's I bought in the 90s. Part of it is I knew Michael Piper and wanted to support him. But I also knew that Änglagård on vinyl would be a special package. And it is. Thick gatefold with libretto that replicates the CD booklet. Also has a sheet translating the poetry (or lyrics that aren't sung) to English. Stunning package. 

CD: 2013 Arcangelo (Japan). 2xCD. I bought this purely as collector mania. I got the whole Änglagård box set, which is stunning. The Epilog CD comes in a thick gatefold like the original with all the details as the LP. Comes with an additional booklet in Japanese. Also contains the second disc (as released in 2010 by the band) with a 3:40 minute bonus track. Rather excessive. I didn't listen to it on this revisit.

1994; 3/7/10; 7/6/22 (new entry)

Anglagard

Dream Theater - Awake. 1994 USA

As I've mentioned in a couple of posts, but have yet to feature, Images and Words was one of those important "time and place" albums for me. So with that in mind, I was very excited to hear their next album when it was first released, and that was of course: Awake. I can't say I was disappointed but I wasn't elated either. Probably a closer inspection would reveal that the flaws of Awake are similar to the ones of its predecessor, but I was more than willing to overlook those at the time. In addition I think Images and Words came with a certain novelty "wow" factor that had rubbed away after a multitude of listens. 

The album starts off strong with '6:00' that has a hard driving, almost groove metal sound. This leads to 'Caught in a Web' which is also quite heavy and catchy. However the chorus is entirely annoying and this is when things begin to break apart. The next track 'Innocence Faded' begins an unhealthy love affair with the power ballad. The style is hard enough to endure, but when James LaBrie croons them, it's just downright cringeworthy. It seems like a fake sentimentality too - like those guys who feel obligated to tell women they love dogs, even if they don't. This is followed by an instrumental that gives us the expected musical gymnastics, though it no longer sounds as fresh. And there's your album, as the next 7 songs fit into any of the above buckets. There are a few moments that will make you raise your head and go "OK, yea, like that!", only to retract into a song based format that seems incongruous. 

In the end, I wanted way more from Awake than it delivered. This was more my own imagination versus who the band really were. And this isn't like a lot of my collection where I'm unfamiliar with the contents due to neglect. For whatever reason, this album comes up for a listen much more often than usual. Even with that, much of it is unmemorable. I'll always have a soft spot for it, but nothing like Images and Words. And it was also the end of my infatuation with Dream Theater. I didn't even bother to get their next album, one that I only recently acquired at a thrift shop, and which I recently featured.

Ownership: CD: 1994 EastWest. Interestingly enough I purchased this at the same place as the recently posted Frank K. Sensemann album: Life By Design, here in Colorado Springs. Way back when this first came out (see above) in 1994. The booklet is a multi foldout with lyrics and photos. Oh, it also comes with a marketing questionnaire.

1/7/22 (new entry)

Mathematicians - Irrational Numbers. 1994 USA-Indiana

About 8 years ago or so, I had a chance to revisit both Mathematicians albums back to back. My recollection was that the sophomore effort Factor of Four was the superior work. A recent listen to that second album confirmed my appreciation for it. But what about this debut? Is it worth keeping too? And I'm happy to say an absolute yes. It's not quite as accomplished, but it grades out about the same. It's jazz fusion with a slightly rawer edge, and a progressive rock streak. Guitarist Larry McCullough is the centerpiece, but it's definitely a band effort. In its short 34 minute LP length, Mathematicians don't try to do too much. This is the kind of music you could reliably find in 1975, but had long disappeared by the 90s. Good stuff.

Ownership: CD: 1994 Aljabr. Jewel case with booklet containing recording details. Picked up sometime in the 90s. Great label name. 

6/16/21 (new entry)

Hecenia - La Couleur du Feu. 1994 France

Hecenia's sophomore album La Couleur du Feu is exactly the type of progressive rock that has fallen out of favor with the cognoscenti. The sound and textures scream early 1990s technology. Vintage analog was out, and new shiny and bright was in. And while there are few among us who favors the old instruments of yore more than moi, I have no qualms in stating that I love the early 90s progressive rock renaissance. And La Couleur du Feu is one of the finest albums from that era. There are stunning piano driven melodies here, along with harp, and a hyperactive rhythm section. The all instrumental album is always on the move, and never a dull moment arrives. If Trilogy of Here It Is fame had continued on into the early 90's, La Couleur du Feu would be a reasonable facsimile of what we could have expected. A stunning album really, and an exponential leap from their awkward debut.

Ownership: CD: 1994 Musea

1994; 7/21/19 (new entry)

Architectural Metaphor - Odysseum Galacti. 1988 / 1994 USA-Massachusetts

The early 90s were an exciting time for us fans of unhinged space rock. After years of dormancy, the style was beginning a new renaissance, and bands were coming from all corners of the Earth to display their unique talents. Enter Boston's Architectural Metaphor, a band that continues to operate today in one form or fashion.

I had purchased this CD not long after it first became available, on the promises of a modern Ash Ra Tempel and the like. As was often the case back then, disappointment ensued, as this is quite a ways from the original cosmic Krautrock sound. Dutifully I picked up their second album Creature of the Velvet Void some three years later, and filed both away. At some point not long after that, while doing some weeding out of the collection, Odysseum Galacti came up as a candidate, listened - and decided to sell. Gone. And that was my Architectural Metaphor story...

...Until three years ago when the aforementioned Creature of the Velvet Void was rediscovered hiding deep in my collection. I was mightily impressed, and grateful I'd kept it (notes under that entry). In addition I re-added the band to my ever growing want list for the off chance a bargain copy of any of their other CDs would waft under my nose. And that day has come.

So what of Odysseum Galacti and did I let a monstrously great album slip through my fingers in a fit of housekeeping? Well... no. I can understand why I let this one fly. However, my lower rating was considerably off, probably a rationalization of my actions back then. So let's get to the music here (that would be good of you, Genius Hans). The majority of the album was actually recorded in 1988. It's pretty sludgy stuff when one considers the fuzzy guitars and synthesizers and not-so-great production. Then there's the small matter that most of the percussion is of the drum-machine variety. Eck. Still, not all is lost here, and some of these tracks jam rather nicely, especially the final two 'Anu' and 'We've Come For Your Children'. If looking for comparisons here, I'd say Milwaukee's F/i would be a good starting point. The best is saved for last though, as the two live tracks are both from 1994, and the pared down trio has improved leaps and bounds, and real drums are now in play. Deb Young is gaining confidence behind the kit, and her space whisperer voice is becoming more crucial to their sound. One can easily see why their sophomore effort was so much better. 

Ownership: CD: 1994 ArcMet. Jewel case. Booklet with recording details and photos.

1994 (first listen); 2/15/19 (review / new entry); 10/21/24

Inner Sanctum - Knowledge At Hand. 1989-1995 England (archival)

Holy Smokes! This is the good stuff right here. Fans of progressive metal meeting technical metal will be pleased with this archival compilation from Inner Sanctum (pre Fifth Season for the five people who have heard that CD). It features 6 demos, of which 5 of them sound like early Watchtower meets Psychotic Waltz. Very complex metal, yet they never lose sight of the song. And the vocals are somewhat in control, so it isn't non-stop ball squeezer shrieking. Being British, they have an inherent knack for more restraint than their American counterparts - at the points where restraint is needed. I suppose if I had to pick a favorite demo, it would have to be Sensorium (1992) which shows Inner Sanctum at their heaviest, and perhaps most technical too. First demo Fear is Life's Blood (1989), is almost a completely different lineup and the band here is more in the Slayer / Celtic Frost mold. Certainly not a bad thing, and enjoyable in its own right. Different that's all.

Personal collection
CD: 2013 Divebomb (USA 2xCD)

This is a 2 CD set and features full historical liner notes via an interview with the band - and many photos. A must own item that will for certain provide enjoyment over many repeated listens.

CD1:
Tracks 1-3: Knowledge At Hand (1995 demo)
Tracks 4-9: Questions? (1994 demo)
Tracks 10-12: Shine (1993 demo)

CD2:
Tracks 1-3: Sensorium (1992 demo)
Tracks 4-6: Static Veins (1991 demo)
Tracks 7-9: Fear Is Life's Blood (1989 demo)

Today the band has been rechristened Synaptik, and their debut turned out to be awesome as well (see next post).

Last listen: February 24, 2015

Landberk - One Man Tell's Another. 1994 Sweden

Landberk were first. It was they who originally brought the early 70s Swedish analog progressive sound back to light in the prog starved early 90s (yes true). Anglagard and Anekdoten were to follow shortly thereafter. So after a brilliant debut (the native Swedish version being the more preferable of course), there was great anticipation for my friends and I, as to what would Landberk followup with. And it was... not this. Almost ironic in that Landberk, on the grammatically incorrect One Man Tell's Another, copied the more atmospheric and arty portions of Anekdoten's debut. And like the latter band, began to sing in English exclusively. WTF? Well, I never gave up on the album, storing it away for future listens. Today, I judge the band on what they were doing, not what I wanted them to do (a common problem we all deal with). It's still heavily based in psychedelia, with fuzz guitar, Hammond organ, and mellotron everywhere. But the music is geared more towards 90s art rock than 70s symphonic progressive. One can hardly blame a contemporary group trying to be relevant in modern times. This was still 1994, not 2016, where retro prog is now considered cool. Back then, it was not I assure you, and these bands from Sweden were pioneers with a very small audience (there were only a few of us then - and certainly not hipsters!). Of course, even in retrospect, I would have wished for a more developed successor to the debut. But what they recorded is still quite excellent. And has stood the test of time quite well. Perhaps better, yes.

May 22, 2018 update: Sold the CD as I received a great offer. I'll do without for now.

1/6/16 (new entry)

Deterrent - Re-Invention. 1994 Germany

I've had this album on a want list for about 14 years, ever since I heard this band compared to Watchtower, early Sieges Even, etc... And now I've finally secured a CD for myself.

And that's exactly what this is: Old School Technical Thrash Metal. Extremely dense compositions, including acoustic bits and a jazzy disposition - all within the framework of a traditional thrash metal workout. If you're a fan of bands such as Osiris (NTH), Taramis, Realm, Mekong Delta, Deathrow, and the aforementioned two bands, then be sure to hunt this obscure private press down. The vocals are more subdued than most in this genre, and there's no ball-squeezer shrieking to be found here. Which can be a good or bad thing depending on your perspective... Overall, it tracks closest to "Manic Impressions" era Anacrusis, minus the schizophrenic vocal approach. I can listen to stuff like this all day, but certainly not for everyone - even die-hard metal fans.

Ownership: CD: 1994 Pogo Pop

4/7/14 (new entry)

MKII - Burning Daylight. 1994 England

On the surface, MKII's Burning Daylight wouldn't even get a second listen. It's a modern, digital, plodding, sterile instrumental album... with... with bluesy psychedelic guitar. A total anachronistic experience! As if Andy Glass from Solstice walked into the studio and laid down some incredible licks. Then left. For that alone, the atmosphere is splendid. Not the greatest album in the world, but worth hearing. MKII is much different from SI's normal sterilized commercial neo prog fare. 

Former Ownership: CD: 1994 SI (Netherlands). Jewel case.

5//95 (first listen); 4/23/13 (new entry); 5/1/24 (update)

Versailles - Le Tresor de Valliesres. 1994 France

Versailles' 3rd album continues to mine the 1600's French bawdy theme of Don Giovanni, and actually expand upon, the motif artistique of the theatrical French bands like Ange and Mona Lisa. The album cover art perhaps underscores this more than the music itself. Musically, Versailles doubles down on the direction of its predecessor. On Le Trésor de Valliesres, Versailles goes for broke on their early 1970s sound and composition obsession, going as far as adding mellotron and throwing in crazy progressive ideas / meter shifts / thematic inconsistencies wherever they feel like it. Add to that the Chris Squire inspired bass playing, and Gilmour (or perhaps more pointedly, Pulsar) styled glissando guitar, and you're in progressive rock heaven (at least how I define it). Had this album been released in 1974, it would today be considered one of France's all-time great symphonic progressive masterpieces. But alas, this was 1994, an era that is today much looked over. But have no fear fellow intrepid travelers, the eventual discovery is coming. And we'll be awaiting when the ships arrive. For those that love Gallic progressive rock, this one is an all-timer.

Ownership: CD: 1994 Musea. Standard jewel case release with a most fascinating cover. 

1994; 11/8/12 (new entry)

It – Order Through Chaos. 1994 USA-Illinois

It were an obscure group from Chicago led by guitarist Todd Freeman and the keyboards of Scott Munson. These recordings are spread across the period from 1984 to 1993, with the majority of the material coming from the 1980s. Somehow these ended up in the hands of Mauro Moroni who promptly issued them on his excellent Mellow label in 1994 (though it appears The Wild Places' Michael Piper may have been involved as well). I've spoken at length on prior reviews about the Midwest progressive rock scene, and It seems to have inherited many of the traits, carefully balancing complex instrumental passages with FM radio friendly verses. In Chicagoland terms, they are by no means as progressive as Yezda Urfa or Pentwater, but not as commercial as Styx or Neuron either. And there's a bit of a modern edge here, suggesting that perhaps It was aware of what Cheer Accident may have been up to during the same period.

'The Eternal Timeclock' (9:34) from 1984 demonstrates best It's coherent mix of progressive rock and commercial sensibility. The late 1980s finds It at their most radical and progressive, demonstrated best by the 9 minute aggressive guitar driven 'Armageddon' (1987) followed by the lengthy 18 minute space rock feast 'Fictition' from 1988, and is arguably the highlight of the album.

The final 1992/1993 material (though spread evenly across the disc) shows It with a much better production but is far more introspective in nature, with a decidedly mellower tone.

Ownership: CD: 1994 Mellow (Italy). Standard jewel case release. Nice tri-fold out booklet with lyrics, dates, and interesting photography.

8/31/12 (new entry)

Windopane - See? 1994 USA-Indiana

In the early 90's there were a few bands from both the Midwest United States and in the UK which featured guitar centric psychedelic groups that revolved around long improvised and frenetic jams. From the UK you had Bevis Frond, Outskirts of Infinity, Ear Candy, Mynd Muzik and the Incredible Expanding Mindfuck. From Ohio and Indiana there was Many Bright Things, Simones, Tombstone Valentine, and... Windopane. The twist here is that Windopane were lead by a husband and wife team of dual guitarists, with an accompanying booklet that implies a heart wrenching story of a child given up to adoption by the female lead when she was only 16. A fairly active drummer rounds out the trio.

There really isn't anything extraordinary about this album, or the compositions within. But if you like a good old fashioned instrumental wah wah guitar extravaganza without ever going to excess, then this is one you should look for in the dollar bin of your local brick and mortar - or favorite auction house.

They released another album a year later, which I recall as not being up to snuff. Don't remember much about it, but I sold it way back when in any case.

Ownership: CD: 1994 Or

9/25/11 (new entry)

Ship of Fools - Out There Somewhere. 1994 England

Out There Somewhere is the second and last album from Ship of Fools. They were one of the last of the UK Festival bands to emerge before the scene began to die down. Their formula was a bit different than the others, and perhaps they were more a reflection of their era - the early 1990s. While not an electronica group per se, Ship of Fools incorporated many of the key elements of the scene. Primarily Ship of Fools were about atmosphere & melody over pyrotechnics. They would typically use synthesizers along with sampled instruments and voices to build the mood. After which a heavy guitar riff may appear, giving off a hint of something more dramatic than is actually happening. This is the mastery of dynamics, a skill many bands of their era, and even more so today, could learn from. There are rarely any tricky meters, or flashy guitar solos, and yet there are many heart pumping moments to be found.  They quit at a good time I think, as they'd said what they needed to, without becoming mind-numbingly repetitive.

Ownership: CD: 1994 Dreamtime

3/23/10 (new entry)