Saga — Saga 1974 (Sweden, Heavy Progressive Rock)

Saga — Saga 1974 (Sweden, Heavy Progressive Rock)

The only album from the Stockholm-based band. Formed by Christer Stålbrandt, the vocalist/bassist for the now-defunct band "November," the album is considered one of the best Swedish progressive guitar albums of the 1970s. The vocals are in Swedish.November is generally known as Sweden's finest heavy band (although I personally don't agree) due to three albums, a handful of singles, and live shows remaining cherished memories by those who attended them. When the power trio disbanded, bassist and singer Christer Stålbrandt formed a new band on New Year's Eve 1973, Saga. They released only one album, but what an album it is!

Of course they share some traits with November including the melancholy moving close to the surface, but Saga's overall sound is more developed and complex (but seldom over-complicated) than Stålbrandt's former band's. ”Saga” is slightly symphonic in style, certainly progressive but more important: always interesting. Stålbrandt also sings better here than in November, possibly because the songs demand more focused performances. Kenny Bülow is an asset to the group, with a heavy yet lyrical, powerful yet economical guitar style that taps perfectly into the nature of the songs. The weakest link in the musician's chain is drummer Sten Danielsson, but that's marginal criticism because the playing is really on a generally high level.

It's hard to mention any particular track because all of them are good, making for an album that puts many other album's in the progressive vein to shame. An excellent effort!

Originals are very expensive but the album's been reissued a couple of time. There's a 1000 numbered copies Record Store Day edition on the original Sonet label from 2013 that's both good and still affordable. Reissue label Mellotronen has also put out several albums with previously unreleased material from the Saga archives.

Tracks:

01. Djävulens Läppar - 0:00

02. Gamla Goda Misstag - 6:31

03. I Ett Glashus - 8:42

04. Önskebrunn - 12:15

05. Soliga Barn - 20:05

06. Jakten Tillbaka - 21:31

07. Sång För Sylvia - 26:10

08. Källardrottning - 28:01

09. Ensamma Rum - 32:35


Personnel:

Christer Stålbrandt – vocals (01-04, 06, 07, 09), bass (01-09), arranger
Mats Norrefalk - lead guitar (01, 03, 05, 07-09), guitar (02, 04, 06), vocals (01, 03, 06)
Kenny Bülow – guitar (01, 03, 05-09), lead guitar (02, 04), vocals (01, 03, 04, 06, 09)
Sten Danielsson - drums (01-09), percussion (05), Helenakören (06)
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Sylvia Olin - piano (01, 09)
Christer Eklund - soprano saxophone (01, 04)
Björn Isfält — cello (01, 02, 08)