Black Bonzo. 2004 Sweden

Black Bonzo were a Swedish retro band who distinctly went for the early 1970’s progressive hard rock sound. Think Uriah Heep mixed with some Caravan and early King Crimson. Definitely more of the former, warts and all. Opening track 'Lady of the Light' lays it out clearly: The fat Hammond organ, driving rhythms, fuzz guitar, and plenty of progressive rock styled changes. Vocalist Magnus Lindgren even manages to nail that super cool David Byron tone. Nicklas Åhlund plays an arsenal of analog keys including the aforementioned Hammond, mellotron, Moog, and various other synthesizers. 'Brave Young Soldier' sets a haunting mood, before breaking into a very cool wah-wah bass, mellotron, and Moog sequence. The vocals even have that Pye Hastings lilt, and thus the Caravan connection is solidified. On 'These Are Days of Sorrow', guitarist Joachim Karlsson obtains some great wah-wah guitar sounds. 'Sirens' opens in heavy mellotron/organ mode, and comparisons to Anglagard are inevitable. And first era King Crimson also rings a bell. 'New Day' and 'Freedom' have more of a 70’s rock-n-roll feel as does 'Jailbait' though with a heavier, almost metallic sound. Tracks like 'Fantasyworld' and 'Leave Your Burdens' strike a balance between straight ahead rock and progressive breaks, with moody acoustic guitar and the usual heavy analog ivory dose. Mellotron laced 'Where the River Meets the Sea' is an apt, if not overly melancholic, closer. Once again, the ghost of classic 70's Uriah Heep is called for one more encore. It's easy to do some band spotting throughout as each track has different influences, but the cool thing is they don’t really sound like anyone exactly - so they manage to open a new door. Certainly one of the best retro hard prog rock albums I've heard to this point (2005). Proves there’s plenty of oil left in that well. It’s not a stoner thing either, or a tribute band. Just exploring a genre they like. I’d prefer more emphasis on their progressive tendencies, where the instrumentation and creative ideas explode with reckless abandon. Still a winning album that shows even more potential. Exciting.

Ownership: CD: 2004 B&B Records. Jewel case release with lyric booklet. I first received the album from the band in 2005 and wrote the above review (since modified a bit) not long after. While Lady of the Light is the first track, there's no indication anywhere that the album is titled that. Not sure where that came from. 

2005; 7/18/06 (Gnosis); 10/15/11; 3/5/19 (new entry)

Black Bonzo - Sound of the Apocalypse. 2007 Sweden

Following on my review of the first album, here is Black Bonzo's highly anticipated second album. While the debut represented the early 70s UK sound - anywhere from the heavy rock of Uriah Heep to the gentler tones of Caravan - Black Bonzo's second album Sound of the Apocalypse shows the band moving to top billing on the arena stage. This album has what I would call a BIG sound. Mellotrons and organ, fat bass, loud guitars, and crashing drums. From the dynamic moments of King Crimson and Yes, to the more progressive sounds of Kansas and Styx is where you'll find the music of Black Bonzo's second album. You'll also spot Gentle Giant and VDGG, so all the big names are here. In effect, Black Bonzo moved the needle of the time machine from 1971 to 1976. And perhaps they also sailed from England to America. I find the album lacks a distinct personality, but it's hard to root against it. This is hardball progressive rock.

Ownership: CD: 2007 Laser's Edge (USA). Purchased not long after release. Fine tri-fold digipak with a booklet filled with lyrics.

2/22/11 (new entry); 2/27/22