01	Baroque Impression, No. 1			P. Lindh			09:12
	02	The Crimson Shield			P. Lindh			06:38
	03	Mundus Incompertus			P. Lindh, M. Jonsson			26:43

Par Lindh, organ, piano, harpsichord, Hammond, Mellotron, synths, percussion, 12-string guitar;
Magdalena Hagberg, vocals;
Nisse Bielfeld, drums, percussion;
Marcus Jaderholm, bass;
Jocke Ramsell, guitars;
with
Singillatim Choir;
Jonas Bengtsson, recorder; Inge Thorsson, violin; Michael Axelsson, oboe; Aron Lind, trombone

Baroque Impression No1 ( 9.10 )
The Crimson Shield ( 6.38 )
Mundus Incompertus (a suite with 14 parts) ( 26.43 ):
I. Singillatim mortales, eunetim perpetui - Part1
II. Baroque Impressions No: 2
III. Vincebus Eruptum
IV. ad - libitum
V. Vincebus Furioso
VI. Fanfare
VII. Motett ( choir )
VIII. Mysterioso
IX. Singillatim mortales - Part2
X. Song of the Dryad
XI. Singillatim mortales - Part3
XII. Fugato
XIII. Vincebus Eruption
XIV. Conclusion

Bob Eichler:
This is an album that fans of keyboard-heavy prog generally go nuts for, but I can't say it really does a lot for me. If I had heard it ten years ago when I was really into symphonic prog it probably would have blown me away; as it is when I listen to this CD all I hear is a not particularly original blend of ELP, King Crimson and Bach.
For the opening track - imagine Keith Emerson's DNA being somehow crossed with Bach's, with the resultant clone being pumped full of steroids, and you've got "Baroque Impression No: 1". Lots of chops on display, and a wall of big, bombastic sound, but if you've listened to prog for a decent amount of time the odds are you've already heard everything this track has to offer. There are passages that are lifted straight out of ELP songs.
"The Crimson Shield" comes right out in the title and tells you what to expect - a song in the style of King Crimson's earliest albums, but dominated by harpsichord instead of mellotron. I agree with Brandon about the length - around the three and a half minute mark there's a spot that would have been perfect to end the song. Instead it's dragged out for another three minutes.
The epic title track is...well, an almost stereotypical prog epic. With the vital "mellotron washes", light and airy sections contrasting with heavy and bombastic sections, tons of keyboards, symphonic melodies, big pipe organ, more bits lifted straight from the ELP songbook...did I mention all the keyboards? Problem is that it goes on and on and on but doesn't really seem to have anything new to say.
If you're the type who really likes symphonic prog and Emerson/Wakeman style displays of keyboard virtuosity, and isn't bothered by a lack of originality in the compositions, then you'd probably love this disc. Personally though, I have little use for this band's studio work. They're kinda fun to see live though.
Brandon Wu:
If Mundus Incompertus were simply "Gothic Impressions with Magdalena Hagberg on vocals", it would probably have been a classic to my ears. Instead, the Project moves onwards, though not necessarily upwards.
For Mundus Incompertus, Par Lindh enlists a full-time band, including drummer Nisse Bielfeld and guitarist Jocke Ramsell, both of whom lend a power-metal feel to parts of the album. Bielfeld's drumming in particular is horribly loud and bombastic. Lindh's keyboard playing, meanwhile, has become increasingly bombastic to match, and his unforgiving barrage on the 26-minute epic title track will be of interest to die-hard ELP fans, but may turn off those who dislike gratuitous keyboards.
It's no surprise, then, that said title track bores me to death, Magdalena or no; Lindh's playing is simply too much for me; though it is certainly quite technically accomplished. The opening track is a pretty good instrumental piece, closer to Gothic Impressions though with that pseudo-metal tinge to it. There's a passage in this track that illustrates the problems with this album: a very pretty acoustic guitar line enters, then seems to fade without any kind of resolution. After a brief pause, a burning electric guitar riff straight off a metal album interrupts, and the acoustic guitar is nowhere to be found for the rest of the piece. Seems like an overdose of testosterone really hurt this album.
The exception is the second piece, which goes to the opposite extreme. It's all percussion, harpsichord, and Hagberg's vocals, which sounds great but doesn't manage to be great enough to last for six and a half minutes. A couple minutes of this would have been great, but for God knows what reason the band drags it out for much longer than necessary.
This album gets no high praise from me. ELP fans, particularly Emerson fanatics, will no doubt be enthralled, but those expecting, as I said before, "Gothic Impressions with more Magdalena" will be rather disappointed.

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Илья Прутов: Прекрасный альбом великого (не сочтите за преувеличение!) шведского музыканта Пэра Линда, записанный уже с полноценной группой. Пэр Линд - музыкант с классическим образованием, имел довольно долгую карьеру органиста и клавесиниста, играл в составе Шведского Королевского камерного оркестра, но:именно в 90-х годах он, как ни странно, получил возможность играть "ту музыку, которая ему всегда нравилась" - то есть фантастический, блистательный, умопомрачительный арт-рок. Линд - не только великолепный органист - он и гитарист, и барабанщик, причем с очень агрессивной манерой игры - double bass и все такое прочее, - ну, как вам такой "академист"? :) Линд не очень-то жалует цифровые синтезаторы, предпочитая им старый добрый орган "Hammond", церковный орган, рояль, клавесин и аналоговые синтезаторы. Но при всем при том, его музыка - не экскурс в семидесятые, его арт-рок очень современен и временами даже агрессивен, не переходя при этом в прог-метал, как ни странно. Звук на Mundus Incompertus ОЧЕНЬ тяжелый и жесткий, исключая прекрасную балладу The Crimson Shield, но всегда находится место для скрипки, гобоя, и других классических инструментов. Baroque Impression No1 - композиция начинается с величественного органного соло, переходя в барочную, воздушную мелодию, но и она длится недолго, дальше начинается почти "металлическое", дикое действо - агрессивные гитарные партии, мощный бас, молотобойные барабаны и контрапунтом - легкие, воздушные партии органа. Партии ударных - пожалуй, наиболее агрессивные из всех, что я слышал в арт-роке, сравнимые с партиями Кеииси Нагасе, барабанщика японской арт-рок/Zeuhl/RIO/металлической группы Happy Family - а это, как известно, - верх агрессивности! Гитарист Йоке Рамселл играет тоже очень агресивно, порой даже брутально - но, как ни странно, все это не превращает музыку группы в банальный прог-метал. Басист Маркус Йедерхольм играет, наоборот, довольно мягко, но при этом - виртуозно и мощно. Сверхэнергичная, мощнейшая музыка, но при этом - магическая, светлая, жизнеутверждающая. The Crimson Shield - нежная баллада, Клавесин, гитара и потрясащий голос вокалистки группы Магдалены Хагберг, бывшей солистки церковного хора(!). Воистину эльфийская музыка, потусторонняя, волшебная, таинственная, - но при этом очень добрая. Mundus Incompertus - заглавная композиция альбома, монументальная двадцатишестиминутная сюита. В ней есть все - и агрессивные гитарные партии, и органные соло, и тихие, акустические моменты. Часть вокальных партий - на английском, часть - на латыни. Вокал - выше всяких похвал, несмотря на то, что у Магдалены Хагберг есть явный акцент - но и он не портит впечатления! Пожалуй, на этом я закончу - ТАКОЕ описать почти невозможно, это непременно надо услышать! В дополнение могу сказать, - именно Линд приложил немало сил для возрождения арт-рока, основав Шведское арт-роковое общество, звукозаписывающую компанию Crimsonic и организовывая арт-роковые фестивали.


THE REVIEWS ON MUNDUS INCOMPERTUS

It is rare, nowadays, to find a rock musician that is exciting, original and evocative. Most rockers contend themselves by being "someone" else... It is dishearteningly painful to see a new generation of rock stars be exactly like the old ones. Sure they need to learn from the early masters but, having done so, they need to progress and expand rather than stagnate and imitate. One of the rare exceptions to this trend is Par Lindh, a classically-trained, modern-thinking Swedish organist par excellence and the new giant of symphonic rock - the rightful heir to Keith Emerson's masterful keyboard playing. Thor-like, Par Lindh delves into his vibrant world with animalistic fury and virginal virtue. He lets the Pegasus of his Imagination fly into the uncharted territories of complex creation and magnificent incantation. His current album, Mundus Incompertus, is truly a masterpiece of classically inclined, resplendently succulent, unique feast for your inner sanctum. Swirls of powerful organ changing into sweet guitars and Harpsichord in acoustic elegance, kissed by Magdalena Hagberg's resplendent operatic voice, offer a glimpse of the mysterious, Northern lights-illuminated, Norse paradise. Beyond being just an album, this, like expensive brandy, is an experience to be savoured slowly but passionately. Extra highly recommended.
United Nations Journal FAO Casa Gasette & Luna cafй Internetpage

First of all, the Par Lindh Project is the child of Swedish keyboardist Par Lindh. He gathers around him some musicians to create his great Cds. Par Lindh released his first album, Gothic Impressions, by the time Anekdoten and anglagеrd were sweeping the prog nation. One might say he was part of the ЁSwedish InvasionЁ of 1993. The new release by the Par Lindh Project is Mundus Incompertus has just been released. I say it right away : It is a gem. Mundus Incompertus is short (around 45 minutes). Short like all the best records. There is not a single second that doesn_t have its right place here. There is none missing either. Mundus is made of three songs. The first, Baroque Impression No. 1, is 9 minutes long and borrows themes from Bach and Vivaldi to create a sonic orgy where a delicate harpsichord fights with thunderous drums. By doing so, Par Lindh kicks ELP right back into the 70s. The next track, The Crimson Shield, is a calm song with an almost romantic atmosphere where the voice of Magdalena Hagberg shines like a diamond. Finally comes the tour de force, the coup de grбce : the title track, 27 minutes of the most impressive progressive music of the last decade. A 13 parts suite, Mundus Incompertus is made of a recurring theme and instrumental passages demonstrating fantastic writing capabilities. This is symphonic prog like it should always be. ELPish, but not pompous. Simply great symphonic prog. Period. As always, Par Lindh plays only on vintage keys and that gives depth and a richness to the sound of the CD. Finally, the artwork (cover and booklet) is beautiful and generous, making this a very enjoyable CD. Mundus Incompertus is already a very serious candidate for the title of the best 1998 prog album. It will quickly become a classic. This record goes beyond progressive . it summarizes in 45 minutes what intelligent accessible music is and should be.
Thanks, Par Lindh. All the progressive fans owe you one.
Dйlire musical CFLX, Quebec CANADA

We haven't had a chance to have the review translated but Japans biggest Rock Magazine ЁBURRNЁ gave Par Lindh Projects new release, Mundus Incompertus, higher points than Motorhead, Metallica, Pearl Jam, Joe Satriani, Bon Jovi etc. etc. and that says it all I think...doesn't it!

===============

Par Lindh - Mundus Incompertus

Released: 1997
Label: Crimsonic
Cat. No.:
Total Time: 42:31


Review courtesy John "Bo Bo" Bollenberg, July 2000
After the imposing release of Gothic Impressions, Par Lindh delivers his second new album by means of Mundus Incompertus. In between the long wait we were treated to Bilbo, a collaboration between Par and guitarist Bjorn Johansson plus the mini-CD Rondo.

This new album is the rightful sequel to Gothic Impressions with strong references towards the man's classical tuition. Baroque and gothic elements are all over the place. The title song, a true classical masterpiece if ever I heard one, is composed out of 13 parts and lasts a cool 26 minutes. Par feels at home between church organ and clavinet yet this time he's surrounded by new blood in order to deliver something "new." Drummer Nisse Bielfeld and guitarist Jocke Ramsell deliver a doom metal sauce during "Baroque Impression N° 1," a song which otherwise is larded with classical references, such Bach and Vivaldi.

In "The Crimson Shield" we hear the ethereal voice of Magdalena Hagberg who together with the clavinet gives this song a medieval feel. With bombastic kettledrums the title track is announced; it's an epic that contains all of the ingredients of the best music [from Lindh]. Also, the Hammond organ plays a prominent role, which is not surprising knowing that Par is a huge ELP fan. Furthermore, there are nice parts on grand piano and choir that once again illustrate Par's talent. This CD can be seen as a cross between the work of Par we already know well and the work of Anglagard and White Willow. Certainly recommended for fans of analogue keyboards and pure symphonic rock. Lovers of pure classical music are also welcomed to this outstanding release by one of the world's better composers!

[See also anon's review - ed.]

More about Mundus Incompertus:

Track Listing: Baroque Impression No. 1 (9:10) / The Crimson Shield (6:38) / Mundus Incompertus (a suite with 14 parts) ( 26:43 ) - Singillatim mortales, eunetim perpetui-Part1 - Baroque Impressions No. 2 - Vincebus Eruptum - ad-libitum - Vincebus Furioso - Fanfare - Motett ( choir ) - Mysterioso - Singillatim mortales-Part 2 - Song of the Dryad - Singillatim mortales-Part 3 - Fugato - Vincebus Eruption Conclusion.

Musicians:
Par Lindh - keyboards
Magdalena Hagberg - vocals
Nisse Bielield - drums and percussion
Marcus Jaderholm - bass
Jocke Ramsell - guitars
Jonas Bengtsson - recorder Inge Thorsson - violin
Michael Axelsson - oboe
Aron Lind - Trombone





Par Lindh - Mundus Incompertus

Released: 1997
Label: Crimsonic
Cat. No.:
Total Time: 42:31


Reviewed by: unknown, but courtesy Alternate View
This is the third release from this Swedish keyboardist - and this is definitely the best work to date from Par Lindh and his band. The line-up on this album is Par Lindh on keyboards, Magdalena Hagberg on vocals, Nisse Bielield on drums and percussion, Marcus Jaderholm on bass guitar and Jocke Ramsell on electric and acoustic guitar.

Within his own studio Par had re-captured the spirit of the Seventies and combined it with modern components, to produce an impressive and non-repetitive work. The influence of Keith Emerson is very clear. Perhaps this characteristic comes from the vast experience that Par has had playing in this genre. In an informal chat, Par told me that he has two Hammonds, a mellotron and two minimoogs in his studio - no wonder the sound is familiar!

The album consists of three tracks; the last one being a 26-minutes suite. The first track, "Baroque Impression No. 1" is a killer instrumental. The drum has a strong presence with a hard influence - sometimes almost heavy metal - which was amazing. The drummer and the guitarist both have solo sections on the track which passes from heavy metal into blues. "The Crimson Shield" follows. This is the perfect track for the magic voice of Magdalena Hagberg. It has some great lyrics; add a nice arrangment of harpsichord and the tune is complete.

"Mundus Imcompertus" is a voyage into progressive rock Swedish-style. It managed to combine heavy influences with a new look at the musical genre of the Seventies. The bass playing of Marcus Jaderholm was astonishing; and the layering of keyboards from Par Lindh was out of this world. The female backing vocals, guitar and drums forms an instrumental sound quite new to Brazil. Overall this CD is of the top quality.

[I received this review by e-mail, and saved it to disc before reading it later. By then I had already deleted the original, and so have no idea who sent it to me. If someone out there wishes to claim responsibility, I will happily add their name. I have taken editorial decision to tighten up the English from the original version, but feel I have retained the original content and feel to the review. -- Frank (Blades, Alternate View)]

[see also Bobo's review -ed.]

More about Mundus Incompertus:

Track Listing: Baroque Impression No. 1 (9:10) / The Crimson Shield (6:38) / Mundus Incompertus (a suite with 14 parts) ( 26:43 ) - Singillatim mortales, eunetim perpetui-Part1 - Baroque Impressions No. 2 - Vincebus Eruptum - ad-libitum - Vincebus Furioso - Fanfare - Motett ( choir ) - Mysterioso - Singillatim mortales-Part 2 - Song of the Dryad - Singillatim mortales-Part 3 - Fugato - Vincebus Eruption Conclusion.

Musicians:
Par Lindh - keyboards
Magdalena Hagberg - vocals
Nisse Bielield - drums and percussion
Marcus Jaderholm - bass
Jocke Ramsell - guitars
Jonas Bengtsson - recorder Inge Thorsson - violin
Michael Axelsson - oboe
Aron Lind - Trombone

Contact:


Website: www.algonet.se/~larry/plp/
Note: will open new browser window

Email: crimsoni@algonet.se
For US/North America ordering rlladuca@rs01.kings.edu

Discography

Gothic Impressions (1994)
Rondo (EP) (1995) (w/ Bjorn Johansson)
Bilbo (1996) (w/ Bjorn Johansson)
Mundus Imcompertus (1997)
Live In America (1999)
Veni Vidi Vici (2001)
Live In Iceland (2002)