Search - Sinkadus :: Cirkus

Great symphonic Prog - vast improvement on their debut!

Paul Byrne | London, England | 09/18/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With their second album, Sinkadus have taken steps to overcome the weaknesses inherent in their debut, 'Aurum Nostrum'. They continue with the same influences (Genesis, Yes, King Crimson, and, of course, Anglagard) but this time the material and production are stronger, making for a much more rewarding listen.The 5 tracks here vary in length from 6 to 13 minutes, and all are much better than those from their debut. As usual, flute, mellotron, guitars and keyboards are in the forefront, with the cello in the background. The sound is much fuller and than that of the debut, and the playing seems more committed. This complements the improved songwriting, and at times I was even reminded of the classic Italian Prog sound of the early Seventies.The highlights for me were the opening track 'Jag, Anglamark's Bane', which after a gentle flute and cello beginning really opens up into an epic symphonic sound, and the atmospheric, mellotron drenched final track, 'Ulv I Faraklader'. When added to excellent packaging, with English translations of the Swedish lyrics included, this makes 'Cirkus' a must for anyone wanting excellent symphonic progressive rock. As long are you not expecting the brilliance of Anglagard's 'Hybris' or 'Epilog', the excellence of 'Cirkus' will suffice."

An average rate,if you consider the best prog from Sweden

Lethe | Milan, Italy | 12/19/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Well this work is not bad,nevertheless by comparing this work to the best stuff-for example- of Anglagard and Dice, Sinkadus'"Cirkus" can not stand in the same place... anyway you find here some interesting ideas, as from the 14 minutes suite "Jag, Anglamarks bane":the romantic intro, by means of a pretty flute and cello as well, which introduces a more dramatic/epic instrumental section, enriched with a lot of riffs, interesting themes, even if the majority of the track is "organ-driven" and mellotron-oriented(I don't like this approach very much, expecially if We regard this one as a 90's album !!).Besides the emulation of "Tarkus" by ELP,by considering above all the typical Emerson sound at the organ, doesn't add anything new, in order to improve the originality of this work...moreover I don't like the mellow female vocal harmonies, despite of being helped by a stunning choir and, this time, an intelligent use of mellotron!! The best track is "Valkyria"-in my opinion-which maintains a quite personal approach, by means of the mellow mood of their own, soon replaced with more dynamic passages and interesting riffs. At the end there is the most symphonic track of the album "Ulv I faraklader", where you find also some guitar passages, whose riffs resemble the style of Fripp and King Crimson (how could They avoid to make some citations, at least, concerning such this famous art-rock band?).As for the above considerations, don't believe to be in front of a new, extraordinary prog band!! Nevertheless there are some interesting passages, which can be quite worth checking out !!"