Search - Asgard :: Imago Mundi

High concept neo-progressive rock

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 01/10/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Released in 1996, Imago Mundi is the fourth (and I believe final) album from Italian neo-progressive rock band Asgard. This album was my first experience with the band, whose sound relies heavily on old school Marillion and Saga. They have a keyboard-driven sound with ethereal vocals, and don't seem prone to much in the way of instrumental excess (no 12-minute solos here).



Imago Mundi is a concept album about traveling through the legendary lands of gods and myths, so there is a level of consistency throughout the album. Given the concept, I expected something a bit more grim and heavy, or at least incorporating some folk elements, but I suppose not all Norse-inspired music has to sound like Amon Amarth! The grandiose song titles and highly dramatic vocals and keyboards can seem a bit pretentious at times, but for the most part the album really works. I love that early 80's prog sound, and these guys definitely fall into that category. Some of these songs would have fit right in on the Legend or Ladyhawk soundtracks.



Imago Mundi is an impressive entry in the neoprog genre, and should appeal to fans of bands like Pendragon, Collage, Saga, and most especially Marillion and Fish.



The track listing is as follows:



1. Transmigration (On a Blow of Immense)

2. Justice - Land of the Silver Drakkar

3. Violence 1 - Land of Brutality

4. Violence 2 - Land of Ulfhedwar and Beserkir

5. Virtue - Land of the Eternal Snows

6. Fortitude - Land of the Waves

7. Serenity - Land of Green and Flowers

8. Disharmony - Land of Chasms

9. Courage - Land of the Dark Wood

10. Imagination - Land of Thule and Tir Na N'Og

11. Vulgarity - Land of Slimes

12. Nobility - Land of Borealis Auroras

13. Egoism - Land of the Burning Sands

"