Trettioåriga Kriget are a modern progressive rock band from Sweden. I wish I could give you more history, but because I don't read Swedish, here is what I can tell. Back in 1977 the band started laying down tracks for an album For whatever reason that project never got developed. The suite, "Elden Av År", "Møte", "Molnbudet", and "Night Flight-77" are all based on the early recording sessions. 27 years later, we finally have the full modernized project via Elden Av År. This title suite both rocks and sets great themes and soundscapes. These are talented musicians that apparently have been hiding for years. I am so glad we finally found them.
All songs are in Swedish so I will treat the vocals as simply another instrument, since comments on the lyrics would be futile. Right off the bat, the thing that caught my attention was the bass playing of Stefan Fredin. His bass is high up in the mix, and his interaction with drummer Dag Lundquist and Guitarist Christer Akerberg is fantastic. Opening track "Ljuset" is one of the best songs on this CD. It does a good job of showcasing each performer and blends lead and background vocals into a powerful force.
The ballad "Night Flight" is a calm interlude that is well written and performed. The pace picks up with the excellent "Lång Historie". This mainly instrumental again has the bass way up in the mix and works like few other progressive tunes released recently.
Elden Av År is recommended for all fans of melodic-progressive rock. Even if you are not used to listening to non-English lyrics, the talent of Trettioåriga Kriget is worth taking this risk. Trust me, after a couple of listens you will not even notice. If I would have received this CD before the cut off, it would have been in my top 10 for 2004.
Track Listing
1) Ljuset (9:00)
2) Night Flight (5:44)
3) Lång Historie (7:45)
Elden Av År
4) Elden Av År (5:15)
5) Møte (4:37)
6) Molnbudet (2:25)
7) Night Flight-77 (6:09)
8) Gnistor (8:03)