Saturnia - α Ω α. 2012 Portugal

Saturnia is the solo project of a one Luis Simões, a multi-instrumentalist from Portugal. His primary interest is psychedelic space rock, somewhat similar to Sweden's ST Mikael, but more varied and less aggressive. I can remember reading about his albums at the beginning of the millennium. However the idea of a one man show - playing in a style that I prefer the synchronicity of a band - wasn't enough for me to separate some money from the wallet. Fast forward some 20 years, and I have trade credit to use, and there is Saturnia. It was mixed with a pile of other new heavy metal titles, which makes sense when you realize the album was released on Elektrohasch, the house label of stoner extraordinaire Colour Haze. Why not give it a chance? And I was rewarded with a very thoughtful psychedelic journey. The variety of instruments and the decidedly warm tone definitely transcends the genre norms. It sounds very much like something that could have been released in the early 70s. A double album set is almost certain to induce boredom and yet it never feels that way. I didn't pick up any highlights, but I'm certain more focused listens would yield such. Not sure I need a lot more of Saturnia, but as one representative for the collection, α Ω α is a good one.

Ownership: LP: 2012 Elektrohasch. 2 LP set. Gatefold. Wonderful overall presentation. As noted above, recently picked this up in trade with our local friends at What's Left Records.

Mahamudra ~ Portugal

Mahamudra (2005)

Mahamudra* are an obscure five piece band from Portugal, that is unknown even in underground progressive rock circles. Lead by Bruno Fernandes on "efeitos sintetizador", with a traditional four piece band (guitars-keys-bass-drums) behind him. The music balances traditional jamming instrumental space rock with a raw Krautrock edge. The band is clearly going for an early 70s sound, though a dedicated listen will prove these are newer instruments trying to sound old. Nonetheless they do a fine job at what they are attempting to do. Definitely one to seek out if the aforementioned genres appeal to you.

*You will find a few websites that have them confused with a Psytrance act from Israel. Told ya they were obscure.

Ownership: 2005 private (CD). Acquired in 2005.

11//05; 5/31/18 (review / new entry)

Tantra - Holocausto. 1978 Portugal

In my review for Mistérios e Maravilhas, I had mentioned Tantra had an international flavor to it. And that continues here on Holocausto. Once again, you'll hear bands like Carpe Diem and Crucis, not likely direct references, but rather they share similar influences and approach to composition. There are sections of 'Último Raio do Astro Rei' that recall the Spanish group Ñu, especially in the frantic vocal approach. One can also hear the 70s Italian masters peek through on various occasions as well. The music on Holocausto is very much in line with the late 70s Iberian peninsula musical landscape, arguably the area's greatest moment in the sun when talking progressive rock. Easy recommendation for European progressive rock fans, though not the best place to start if just getting your feet wet. As once again, the production leaves much to be desired.

LP: 1978 EMI
CD: 2016 Belle Antique (Japan)

Originals come in a fine gatefold. The Belle Antique release appears to have been independently remastered, and not taken straight from Musea as is their usual protocol. I never did hear the Musea disc, as by the time I went looking for the CD (I already owned the LP, going back to the early 90s), it was long sold out. In any case, this mastering is clearly taken from vinyl, as you can hear the muffled pressing noise.

Tantra - Misterios e Maravilhas. 1977 Portugal

On the surface, Tantra sounds like an odd cross between Mahavishnu Orchestra and Genesis. There really isn't any other band from Portugal that sounds anything like Tantra, and with revisionist history on our side, the band have a somewhat international flavor. The fusion tracks sound like Argentina's Crucis whereas the vocal numbers recall Carpe Diem of France. The heavy use of the Farfisa Synthorchestra and the distant, sparse, and mysterious vocals add credence to this latter claim. Meanwhile, on the middle tracks, the insane bass and drum rumblings with wild soloing made me think of Los Delerios del Mariscal. As many have said, the production is lousy, and detracts from the overall immense potential for greatness here.

Ownership: LP: 1977 EMI. Single sleeve. Online acquisition (2019). Note back cover of the original. There are two pressings, and the one with "1877-1977 100 year" seal is the true original. I started with the 1983 press that I purchased in 1990. That was replaced by the Musea CD. I've decided to part with the latter after capturing the excellent liner notes, and there are no bonus tracks. 

1990; 10/15/15 (new entry); 12/11/19 (LP acquire); 2/18/23

Quarteto 1111 ~ Portugal

Onde, Quando, Como, Porquê Cantamos Pessoas Vivas (1975)

This opus from the Portuguese group Quarteto 1111 would have fit perfectly in the middle of the 1973 Italian progressive rock movement. Mellotron galore with dramatic vocals that would make a band like Celeste, Premiata Forneria Marconi, or Quella Vecchia Locanda proud. In fact, this album has more mellotron than any other album I can think of (really)! And the melodies are sublime, a rare certain sound that is hard to write about, but no one creates music like this anymore, that's for sure. Wonderful synthesizer and electric guitar soloing as well. Unfortunately a very short album that doesn't quite hit the 30 minute mark. I love stuff like this.

Ownership: 2009 Guerssen (LP). Flapback cover. Insert with history in English.

1/12/07 (review); 2008; 3/7/10; 1/8/14 (update / new entry)