Pantokrator is a unique band among Estonian progressive rock acts. It has a distinctive folk feel about it. In fact, it is more folk than prog really. But there is an overriding progressive element throughout the music. Perhaps not as adventurous as folk-prog super-group Hõim, but a lot of the material on this LP is infused with neo-prog and classic prog.

Some of the material does take some getting used to no doubt, but there are splashes of excellence throughout. The vocals of Lauri Saatpalu is distinct and well-loved for its uniqueness and folksiness. Folk instruments are frequently used, and influences from other folk traditions -- ranging from Mediterranean to even African -- can be heard on the material.

The LP starts off already with an interesting song "Pastoraal" {Pastoral}. A semi-yodeling start, with great use of folk instruments and contemporary alike. Cool song, though the ending is a bit strange. It then goes to "Tuul" {The Wind}, which one can hear influences of 1980s Peter Gabriel. Nice guitar work on the song. The song is very catchy as well.

The third track is "Sõjalaul" {War Song} which brings out a major Celtic influence. It has a very Celtic feel, with a strong guitar line that could almost double for pipes. A cool, poppy folk song with nice music. Finally, side A finishes with "Itk" {Lament}. This piece has a lot of Floyd in it, moody and strange at points. It grows to a slow crescendo with someone wailing in the background. Interesting close to the side.

Side B starts with the neo-prog-like "Aas" {Meadow}. One can definitely hear quite a bit of prog influence in this one, with some excellent guitar parts and solos by guitarist Andres Moro. Really cool song, probably the best on the entire album. Next song is the long-titled "Sundimatu jutustus tõeliselt kevadest" {A Light Song about the True Spring}. The song again features some Gabriel influence, mostly in the way the percussions work. Clearly African influenced, even with a small percussion break.

"Püha mägi" {Holy Mountain} follows that same vein, with the drums reminiscent of Manu Katche. The song brings out some unique vocal sounds by Saatpalu, as well as nice keyboard solos by the set of keys players. Another highlight of the album. This is followed by "Jäi servi seisma" {Stayed on the Edge}, a moody folk tune with more interesting drumming. The LP finishes with "Kelle?" {Who?} which is a blip with very high-pitched singing...a strange way to close a strange LP.

Overall, Pantokrator is very unique among prog bands in Estonia and elsewhere. The folk influence is clearly dominating and it does show that the two styles can merge well into a very interesting combination. Hopefully, others will try to fuse the music as well as Pantokrator and Hõim.

Mel Huang
Tallinn, Estonia
12 July 1999

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