Änglagård

Swedish Progressive Rock Band

Änglagård is a symphonic progressive band from Sweden. Their 1992 debut, Hybris, brought them international acclaim as it is considered one of best albums of this genre released in the last 15 years. Their sound combines elements of Genesis, Shylock, King Crimson, Gentle Giant, and Samla Mammas Manna, though the underlying writing style is not too reminiscent of any one of these bands. Drenched in analog keyboards, mellotrons, dual guitar and flute, their violently dynamic music is backed up by a tight rhythm section featuring a virtuoso classically-influenced drummer. Hybris was voted "album of the year" in a Gibraltar / alt.music.progressive (now rec.music.progressive) poll. They were invited to ProgFest '93 in Los Angeles, and the overwhelmingly positive fan response resulted in them being invited back to headline the first night of ProgFest '94. Their second album, Epilog, was released in November 1994. It features a similar sound as the first, as well as a similar compositional approach on some of the pieces. However, they move in new directions and explore a quieter, gentle feel, more introspective and brooding. Unlike Hybris, it is entirely instrumental. Epilog was also voted "album of the year" in the 1994 Progressive Rock Poll.