Vega ~ Spain

Sol de Oscuridad (1981)

Sol de Oscuridad is Vega's 3rd album, and is a move from Rock Andaluz over to more traditional jazz fusion. The album cover is the first giveaway, as the stunning Puebla paintings are replaced by... well what is that anyway? Side 1 also contains some vocals that add little value. Side 2 gets back to what Vega does best, and the traditional sounds of southern Spain are reintroduced, though a bit more watered down than prior. Side 2 saves the game, and I probably should give to 3 stars, but I'm a fan so... half point more it goes.

Ownership: LP: 1981 Movieplay promo

No reissues exist as of 2/21/25

10/22/10 (first listen); 3/26/16 (review)

3/26/16 (new entry)

Asia Minor ~ France

Between Flesh and Divine (1980)

Between Flesh and Divine is the second and last album (of the original incarnation) from Paris based Asia Minor. The band name is appropriate given the leaders are Turkish, though there is no mistaking this is a group born from the late 70s French symphonic progressive rock tradition. They are certainly one of the most well known and respected among the prog rock faithful, and history has been kind to Asia Minor. And for good reason. Understanding the scene in which Asia Minor derived from will go a long way to erasing the "80s stigma" - France was the one country successfully holding on to the glorious 70s at this time. And I for one do not hear Asia Minor as a "band of the 80s".

The music has a kinetic crispness to it, with flute and psychedelic tinged guitar, and a hyperactive rhythm section propelling the proceedings forward. Camel is often thrown out as a reference, and its probably the most accurate, especially when one considers albums like Mirage, and the fact that Camel were more psychedelic than usually given credit for. If the opening two tracks don't grab you, then I would suggest going no further, as these are arguably the highlights. 'Boundless' sounds like a rougher version of The Alan Parsons Project circa Pyramid, and the murkiness makes it more enjoyable. Side 2 is a mirror image stylistically speaking, though perhaps just a bit lesser in quality. An album worthy of its lofty reputation.

Ownership: 1980 WAM (LP). Acquired in 2013.

First copy: 1989 Musea (LP). With bio sheet. Acquired in 1989. 

1989; 3/22/16 (review); 7/5/26

Also own: Crossing the Line

3/22/16 (new entry)

Ampledeed - BYOB. 2016 USA-California

BYOB is the second effort from Ampledeed of Los Angeles. The Canterbury edges are beginning to get rubbed out, though there's still plenty of excellent instrumental progressive rock to be had, especially on the bookends of the recording. But creeping in the middle is that annoying whiny indie psych that just doesn't resonate with me, and one can only hope it goes away quickly. I think they're trying to do more of an Art Bears thing, and it comes out more like Of Montreal. As Steve of Wayside says about a potential title for the 3rd album: "C is for Canterbury". That would be my vote too. In any case, still a fine effort overall, but they're targeting a different audience I fear.

Ownership: CD: 2016 private. Digifile sleeve. 

3/18/16 (new entry); 11/15/23 (removed)

Obskuria ~ Germany ~ Peru ~ USA

Discovery of Obskuria (2007)

Obskuria, a moniker that is most certainly appropriate, was born out of some impromptu jam sessions that took place in Mannheim circa 2006. The core group is made up of Peru's La Ira de Dios along with the keyboardist from native Karmic Society, and the guitarist from Cleveland, Ohio's Dragonwyck. So not only do we have an international space rock troupe, but one that crosses multiple generations. Most of the music is a fine example of instrumental Krautrock, with Hammond organ starring in a major role, and some fine acidic guitar leads with tribal drumming. It is this element that I would think will be of most interest to potential future buyers. The rest, including the two openers and closers, are cover tunes that give the project a novelty feeling, which is rarely a good thing. Though I have to admit the maudlin cover of Metallica's 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' was intriguing, and interesting to hear the tune swathed in organ. Overall, a very good album for fans of that early 70s German Krautrock sound, without too many surprises.

Former ownership: 2007 World in Sound (2xLP). Gatefold. The final track from the CD was cut. Though it's one of the cover tunes as mentioned above, so I'm not sure how essential it is in any case.

3/11/16 (acquired / review / new entry); 7/6/25 (update)

Gestalt - Gomorrha Vs. Khan. 1999 Japan

Gestalt were a band from Japan, who released this one long forgotten album, and into the mists of time they went. With a title like Gomorrha vs Khan, one might hope for a hard driven Krautrock sound melded with the melodic playfulness of the Canterbury scene. No such luck. Their sound isn't atypical of the 90s Japanese scene, and at first reminded me of Golden Avant Garde, a band that calls themselves "cyber rock". And the alien textures and clipped mid 70s King Crimson clinical sound does give off that impression. It's a bid tough sledding at first, but as the album goes, the ears warm up to it. And then comes the fantastic 'Wakt El Istikhad' which reminded me of the brilliant Happy Family. The Gomorrha side (latter half) has more of a Middle Eastern space rock sound, though again it's more crisp and darkly textured - not psychedelic in the least. 'Black Hole' is the highlight of the latter set. There is a Zeuhl underpinning here, but only in its most aggressive state. A fine album that will appeal to fans of turn of the century hard driving Japanese prog rock. Somewhere between Bondage Fruit, Ruins, Happy Family, and Koenji Hyakkei you will find the sound of Gestalt. 

Ownership: CD: 1999 Musea. Jewel case. Booklet in both Japanese and English.

2000 (first listen); 3/2/16 (review / new entry)

Galaxy-Lin ~ Netherlands

Galaxy-Lin (1974)

Galaxy-Lin were a side project of Dutch superstars Shocking Blue, and is a mix of progressive rock and vocal pop tracks. One unique aspect is the use of mandolin as a lead instrument. The vocal tracks are more commercial in nature (of course they are) and tend to drag the album down a bit. But the instrumentals are particularly well written (especially 'Utopia'). The band were to improve on their 1975 follow up G.

Ownership: 2002 Rotation (CD). Titled G and utilizing its cover, this CD is a compilation of both Galaxy-Lin albums in full - and they still had room for a B-Side single. Why the label doesn't advertise it as such, is anyone's guess. Without knowing any better, you would think you were only getting the second album G with bonus tracks (even the artwork is the second LP only). Acquired in 2009.

2009; 3/1/16 (review); 2/17/24

3/1/16 (new entry)

Drama ~ France

Drama (1995)

Drama were a French band from the heart of Normandy (between Rouen and Le Havre). Their debut is an instrumental neo prog outing, that turns out to be quite engaging despite the premise. Imagine the 80s NWOBPR bands such as Lahost, Tamarisk, and even IQ - as all-instrumental concerns. With a little bit of that medieval Minimum Vital sound to boot. That should give you an insight as to what to expect here. Tight, punchy, energetic, and highly melodic songs in the six to seven minute range is what you'll find on Drama. And despite the lengthy track times, nary a dull moment can be found. Mind you, if you're the progressive rock nut who insists on densely charted scores, or need 70s fat analog instrumentation for your musical diet, then I highly suggest you move on past this title. Otherwise if the bands mentioned above light your fire, and modern synthesizers with non-metal 90s guitar tones are welcoming to your ears, then give it a spin. Personally I have a soft spot for music such as this, so it's a keeper.

Ownership: 1995 Musea (CD). Booklet with photos and recording details. Acquired in 1995.

1995; 2/24/16 (review); 4/12/26

2/24/16 (new entry)

Presto Ballet ~ USA ~ Seattle, Washington

Peace Among the Ruins (2005)

Mannn... had this album only been around in 1979, right? Van Halen walks into the studio and jams with Kansas; Uriah Heep listened to Judas Priest and said "hey, let's add a little guitar muscle here and we can do this!"; Styx grew a pair (or James Young took control of the band - whichever). You know you would have waited all night on the radio to hear this - don't deny it! But alas, it's 2005, and it's a thrash metal guy bankrolling it. A guy who happens to have a vintage keyboard fetish. Not progressive rock - noooo (stop it guys!) - but that wonderful late 70s Pomp / AOR sound - with some 80s crunchy guitar to lap it up with. Why not? I'm buying the concept.

Ownership: 2005 InsideOut Europe (CD)

8/27/10; 2/15/16 (acquired / review)

2/15/16 (new entry)

Nebelnest ~ France

Nebelnest (1999)

France's Nebelnest (stylized as NeBeLNeST, which I find annoying to my eyes) hit the progressive rock world by storm in 1999, though it appears - sadly - that they are largely forgotten today. This debut is an incredible document. Imagine Belgium's Present playing the music of... Group 1850. Never has the edgy 80s and 90s merged with the most exciting and experimental psychedelic bands of the late 60s, as well as Nebelnest has achieved here. The two part 'Psykial Trysm' is something really special, and truly surpasses peak experience status. A high water mark for music such as this. Seriously, it has everything from the tribal drumming, to the mellotronic mystique, to the fuzzy Ratledge-styled keyboards, onto epic psychedelic guitar climaxes with a spastic rhythm section blasting it all to the stars. My goodness, what a piece of music! And that's hardly the end of the journey. It's just the beginning actually, and there are many other examples I could point to. This one will leave you breathless. If you are like me, and the idea of late 60s instrumental psych mixed with high energy angular and angry avant prog sounds like a fetching concept, then by all means grab this CD.

Nebelnest carried on for two further albums, though they were much more towards a direct fashion, similar to the aforementioned Present actually (or mid 70s King Crimson if you insist), but leaving behind the late 60s Pink Floyd / Ash Ra Tempel psychedelic Kosmische... unfortunately.

Whatever the case, this debut album will most certainly be rediscovered, and be considered a highlight of the era in which it was released. Might be a few years yet. My guess? The 2030's...

Ownership: 1999 Laser's Edge (CD)

1999 (acquired); 2/14/16 (review); 6/6/21 (update)

Nova Express (2002)

---5/15/11

When Nebelnest first burst onto the scene in 1999, they were a revelation. A mix of aggressive space rock and cosmic 60's Pink Floyd-like sounds, and for me represents one of the best albums of the 1990s. With Nova Express, the band tightened the ship, and were pretty much all aggressive... all the time. Gone were the hazy psychedelic dreams, and its place dark nightmares became predominant. With this shift towards constant intensity, Nebelnest always seems like they're in the middle of the song. So I do miss the build-ups and ultimate release. Very good album, but not to the level of their debut.

---9/15/25

In hearing the album again for the first time in 14 years, I agree with much of my viewpoints from above. I didn't mention, however, the heavy use of mellotron (confirmed to be real). This does soften the edges quite a bit on what could be a very tiresome effort. I also like that the rhythm section is going bonkers throughout. Reminds me a bit of Corima minus the obvious Zeuhl pacing. 

I'm pretty amped up on this title, and going up a half star, which is where I think I started in the first place back when it came out.

Ownership: 2002 Cuneiform (CD). Booklet with recording details. Sports a top ad strip as well.

2002 (acquired); 5/15/11 (review); 9/15/25 (update)

Also own and need to review Zepto.

5/15/11 (new entry)

Side Steps ~ Japan

Verge of Reality (2005)

Verge of Reality is Side Steps' last studio album. Starting with 'Roppongi Night', it appeared the band were headed more for tropical waters, like their forefathers before them, with a light and breezy fusion sound typical of the early 80s era for example. But it was a head fake, and the abrasive hard guitar was back on the appropriately named 'Edge Trigger'. 'Parallel Reality' amps it up further and includes a couple of nice breaks adding to the excitement. 'Evergreen' is another mellow track, though ultimately more classy in that 5 star hotel lounge sort of way. Throughout, the synthesizer tones remain a problem, with their Nintendo-like sound, but overall the music is on par with some of Kenso's more fusion oriented works. Not going to change your world, but if looking for a solid jazz fusion album, one could do far worse than Verge of Reality.

---8/28/23

At one time I owned four albums from Side Steps. This is all that's left, which is their final studio work. Which tells you that this Japanese fusion group is quite well accomplished, but maybe doesn't have that little extra that gets one excited about an album. There are hundreds of fusion albums out there, and a band needs to bring out the creativity cart to gain attention. Side Steps has proven over the years to be very professional and talented. I need more than that. As I look at the original review I wrote, I find myself agreeing with all of it. But there's no more room in the collection for it either.

Former ownership: 2005 Musea (CD). Acquired in 2016. Downsized in 2023.

2/8/16 (review); 8/28/23 (update)

Formerly owned: Steps On Edge; Out and Out; Points of View

2/8/16 (new entry)

Terraced Garden ~ Canada ~ Toronto, Ontario

Melody & Menace (1982)

Not an easy band to describe, this Terraced Garden, hailing from Toronto, Ontario. Arriving very late in the progressive rock game, it's not readily apparent where the band is coming from. Especially on Melody & Menace. King Crimson is one obvious influence, especially when considering the Fripp sustained leads and the David Cross like violin. Flute and mellotron also call out an early 70s UK progressive rock heritage. But then there's the maudlin, but weirdly accented, vocals (a bit like the Canterbury bands actually) and compact song lengths, very clearly a product of the early 1980s. The album improves as it goes, and is definitely one of the progressive rock highlights of the era.

Ownership: 1982 private (LP) 

Hasn't been reissued in any format (as of 2/21/25).

1998 (first listen); 10/19/10; 1/31/16 (review / new entry); 2/8/21

Dweller at the Threshold - Generation Transmission Illumination. 1998 USA-Oregon

Intriguing album from Dweller at the Threshold who, despite possessing a full 3 piece unit and two guests, sound somewhat like a one man electronic album. In particular, I hear strong hints of Edgar Froese, and the album comes across like a cross between Ages and Pinnacles minus the psychedelic guitar (unfortunately). A band can do worse than that. A fine album for the style, though those looking for more active sequencing will need to move on to the next album in the stack. This is for EM fans who enjoy moody melody lines, and atmospheric sequences.

Former ownership: CD: 1998 Eurock

1/27/16 (review / new entry)

Eden ~ Germany

Erwartung (1978)

Erwartung (Expectation) is the debut album from Eden, a large scale German symphonic band. They were one of the first of the Christian progressive rock bands that appeared in Germany / Switzerland and proliferated through the land in the late 70s and early 80s. And their sound could be considered the prototype, with multi part segments, and varied instrumentation including violin, flute, guitar, sax, etc... Along with dual male / female vocals - the latter sung in the expected soprano tone. The lyrics are sung in German, and the music has more than a passing resemblance to secular groups such as Novalis, Odyssee, Waniyetula, Werwolf, and Anyone's Daughter. Despite being a Christian album, and somewhat verbose, the lyrics clearly support the music rather than the other way around, so it is highly enjoyable strictly from a listening standpoint. That is to say, definitely a symphonic progressive rock band first, a message band second.

Former ownership: 1994 Pila (CD). Acquired in 2016. Downsized in 2026.

1/26/16 (review); 2/14/24

1/26/16 (new entry)

Sieges Even - A Sense of Change. 1991 Germany

My initial reaction to this album was very similar to many reviews you may read - except real time in 1992. To my ears back then, Sieges Even were a prog thrash, or perhaps more to the point, technical metal band who did a fantastic replication / variation on what Watchtower was doing here in the States. Steps was a radical departure from Life Cycle (see the UMR entry for it), so they did tip their hand a bit as to where they were going.

But I never saw this one coming. It was not what I had expected - nor wanted - at the time. I ditched it quick, and left rather unflattering ratings behind. Fast forward another 25 years or so, and I had a chance to source the original SPV CD on the cheap, so why not take another shot at it? As the other reviews have stated so well, A Sense of Change is very much in league with early to mid 80s era Rush. Except far more technical, and "progressive" if you will. Fates Warning's Perfect Symmetry is a good reference as well. In fact, it's not metal at all, at least if heavy sound distortion is a criteria for said sound. Now I hear the album completely different, and is very enjoyable. 

Ownership: CD: 1991 Steamhammer. Jewel case with lyric booklet and photos.

1992 (first listen); 1/26/16 (review / new entry); 4/10/24

Moonwagon - The Rule of Three. 2015 Finland

The Rule of Three, is appropriately enough, Moonwagon's 3rd album. Picking right up from Foyers of the Future, the album starts off more geared towards broad strokes and atmospheric space rock. This goes on for the opening 3 tracks, with 'The Infinite Pattern' being the highlight with its strong melodic content and various meter changes. 'Run to the Sun' recalls the 90s neo psych movement, and  is the only track to feature vocals (in English). 'Skylines at Night' seems almost like a homage to the late 70s French and German guitar oriented electronic scene, with soaring guitar leads, steady beats, and a heavy synthesizer presence, perhaps like Christian Boule's Photo Musik, for example. This leads to the final epic track, where we get the payoff for the time invested. Mostly an old school early 1970s Kosmische Kouriere trip with echoed electric piano, scattered drums, acid guitar leads, and moody synthesizers. The mid section follows - but more towards the jumpy Quantum Fantay variety of Ozric Tentacles, and finally finishes with an almost Zeuhl like bass riff with atmospheric Rhodes electric piano over the top. Not like anything else I've heard prior, though still quite familiar. Superb. A new direction for the band perhaps? We can hope.

Ownership: CD: 2015 Presence

1/15/16 (new entry)

Homunculus Res ~ Italy

Come Si Diventa Ciò Che Si Era (2015)

The Italian National Health continues on with their sophomore effort, with native Picchio dal Pozzo, and irreverent Stereolab, trimmings. Basically a continuation of the debut, with more prominent guest stars than prior (from Muffins, Rascal Reporters, New Trolls). Fine with me, as I can listen to this kind of melodic - and complex - music all day. Xenophobes: so sorry for you, must order from Olive Garden menu.

Ownership: 2015 AltRock (CD)

1/9/16 (review); 12/17/17

Limiti all’Eguaglianza della Parte con il Tutto (2013)

Homunculus Res is a tremendous new Canterbury styled band from Italy. Following in the footsteps of fellow countrymen Moogg, Homunculus Res have perfectly captured the spirit of another era. Brilliantly mixing melody and complexity, with a jazzy undertone, the 18 tracks on here flow seamlessly, and the album is over far sooner than you might expect. Fans of National Health and Picchio dal Pozzo will most certainly want to investigate. There's also a dash of Stereolab at their most insouciant en Francaise moments. The whimsical and positive disposition of the melodies are at complete odds with the distorted nature of the analog (or faux analog) instruments presented here. I never tire of music like this. Let's see if they can take their ideas to the next level. Highly recommended.

Ownership: 2013 AltRock (CD)

1/30/14 (review); 10/9/19

The band continued on to release three more albums which I've yet to hear.

1/30/14 (new enrty)

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)

Aardvark - Tuntematon Sotila. 2006 Finland

Finnish band Aardvark are the true modern group, since they all were living / working in various parts of the globe, and yet managed to record a cohesive band effort through the magic of the Internet (and once again, raise a glass high to The Rascal Reporters, who pioneered this idea in the cassette tape / snail mail era). Aardvark were originally presented to me as an amalgam of all things 70s Finnish rock, calling out Kaamos, Nova, and Nimbus as reference. And since I'm an obscure band kinda guy, I was already enthused. Now, to be honest, I was hoping only one of these references would truly check out. Kaamos were pretty middle of the road, and Nova (of Atlantis fame) could be quite boring in reality. But Nimbus - ah yes, now we're talking! Organ rock! Nothing fancy, just good ole' hard rock with plenty of juicy thick organ and loud lead guitar. And doggone if Aardvark didn't do just that, and zoom in on the ghost of Nimbus. Or Sweden's Rag I Ryggen. Sure, we'll throw in Blakulla since I'm in name-drop city here. 

Aardvark also recorded one track for the Kalevala epic compilation CD (2004). 

Ownership: CD: 2006 Mellow. Jewel case release with lyric booklet (in Finnish and English). Purchased new near the time of release.

2/1/07; 1/5/16 (new entry); 11/8/23

Eela Craig. 1971 Austria

Eela Craig were a band from Austria's third largest city of Linz, and their debut is completely different than the group's later symphonic keyboard heavy works from the mid 70s and beyond. On their debut they are absolutely dead center in the middle of the classic 1971 Krautrock sound, where the whirling and droning Hammond organ is king, with chirping flute melodies laid on top, and angry fuzz bursts are on the ready. Somewhere between Out of Focus, Orange Peel, Thirsty Moon, and My Solid Ground is where you'll find the sound of Eela Craig. This album is a certified classic, and very much earns its reputation. And staying power. These are the albums that bring us back again and again.

Ownership: CD: 1997 Garden of Delights. Jewel case. Comes with copious liner notes and four bonus tracks. As the label admits, the masters were lost, so the CD was mastered from a new LP copy, and it sounds like it. Apparently this is the first CD where they changed from Penner to Garden of Delights. 

1997 (first listen); 1/2/16 (review / new entry)

Aquelarre - Brumas. 1974 Argentina

Brumas is the 3rd album from Aquelarre, a band from Argentina that mirrors what was going on in Italy at the time. For those deep divers of Italian progressive rock, they'll know that the basis of some of the albums were singer-songwriter/romantic romps with long stretches of heavy instrumental rock thrown in at either predictable - or better - unpredictable times. And that's precisely what you get here. There are no head turning and flashy breaks here, so it's definitely workman like in its approach. Final track adds a nice jazzy touch to the above formula. A good album, borderline 3.0-3.5 (Gnosis 9-10), but giving the nod as the longer tracks are, as expected, more interesting. Satisfying overall, but not stellar.

Ownership: CD: 1997 Microfon/Sony. Standard jewel box release with booklet. Recent online acquisition (2016). Master tapes sound (with some hiss), with reprinted lyrics. Also has two bonus tracks from a 45 single. The first one is similar to the album proper while the latter is a throwaway pop number. Removed from collection after revisit (2023).

1/1/16 (new entry); 11/15/23