My first introduction to Trettioåriga Kriget was their comeback CD Elden Av År. This CD did an amazing job of introducing a 70s band with a new and modern feel. So when I received Hej På Er! I was a little taken back by the retro-sound. Hej På Er! was released in 1978 and this re-issue is the original release, plus 4 bonus tracks. Once you realize that you are listening to a 70s release and not a reworked output, the CD is very enjoyable.
Trettioåriga Kriget relies on the pleasant vocals and harmonies of Robert Zima, backed by fusion-tinged passages of the other musicians. Bass player Stefan Fredin and Drummer Dag Lundquist lay down the basic foundation that everything else moves around. Hej På Er! does not have the dominant keyboards of a Starcastle but much of the overall feel of this release reminds me of Citadel. This release also compares to Caravan with the guitar work of Christer Åkerberg sounding at times like Pye Hastings.
Hej På Er! is entirely in Swedish, but this does not get in the way of appreciation for this CD. Highlights include "Stan Tur och Retur" which has a serious funk groove and "En Kväll Hos X" with its prancing guitar lines that break down into Who like disarray to be picked back up by the Saxophone of Mats Lindberg.
Trettioåriga Kriget was/is a talented group of mucisians that played 70s progressive fusion rock as well as anybody. If you have a passion for late 70s prog, Hej På Er! is a great CD to pick up. It also serves as the perfect counter piece to the fabulous Elden Av År.
Track Listing
1. Hej På Er! (4:32)
2. Natten Som Alltid (4:02)
3. Stan Tur och Retur (4:04)
4. Moln På Marken (3:22)
5. Dagspress (4:15)
6. En Kväll Hos X (5:35)
7. Ser Du Mej? (4:39)
8. En Dag Om Natten (3:14)
9. Andra Sidan (5:30)
Bonus
10. Mot alla Odds (3:58)
11. Rapport (4:48)
12. Hur Står Det Till? (4:31)
13. Rockgift (2:52)