Ragnarök

Introduction to Fata Morgana

Fata Morgana is the third studio album by the Swedish band Ragnarök. Released in 1981 by the Silence label, this album features a blend of progressive jazz-rock and avant-folk elements. The recording took place at Silence Studio in Koppom, Värmland, between November 1980 and January 1981. The album was engineered by Anders Lind and mastered by Peter Dahl at the Cutting Room.

Band Composition

The lineup of Ragnarök during this period included several talented musicians. Peter Bryngelsson contributed electric and acoustic guitars, keyboards, xylophone, bouzouki, glockenspiel, and African drums. Kjell Karlgren played saxophones, flute, keyboards, and tambourine. Magnus Jarlbo handled trumpet, flugelhorn, and keyboards. Per F. Andersson was responsible for bass, xylophone, glockenspiel, and thumb piano. Thomas Wiegert completed the group on drums, xylophone, and cabasa. The album also features guest contributions from founding member Peder Nabo, who played flute, congas, maracas, and cabasa, in addition to providing photography and cover design.

Musical Style and Structure

Fata Morgana is characterized by its intricate fusion of Nordic jazz-rock and progressive elements. The album's sound is marked by melodic horn arrangements and the use of tuned mallet percussion instruments such as xylophones and glockenspiels. The rhythmic complexities in the music draw from Canterbury and chamber-rock influences, reminiscent of bands like Samla Mammas Manna and National Health. This album contains eight tracks, with a centerpiece suite titled "Leningrad I & II" that spans 9:37 minutes.

Critical Reception and Impact

The album's tracks explore various themes and musical landscapes, with titles such as "Jatora Em Bak," "Vild Av Friden," and "Elefanten På Tåget" contributing to its diverse sound. Each composition reflects the band's unique approach to blending different musical styles. The production quality is evident throughout the album, thanks to the skilled work of the production team and the musicians' performances.

Release Details

Fata Morgana was released on vinyl as an LP under the catalog number SRS 4666 / SRS 4668. The combination of the album's innovative music and the contributions from its members makes it a distinctive entry in the progressive rock genre. Ragnarök's Fata Morgana is a product of its time, reflecting the musical experimentation prevalent in the early 1980s.

The album was recorded and mixed at Silence Studio in Koppom, Värmland.