Symphonic Prog
Denmark 
The Danish band ZARAGON was formed in 1979 under the name THIN ICE. Together with a bass player, the brothers Ralph and Bjorn Hoel (respectively keyboards and drums) experimented with various kinds of symphonic prog rock. THIN ICE lasted about a year, but then was replaced with a new trio of the Hoel brothers and guitarist Finn Jansen under the name ZARAGON. The band continued practicing and playing realizing the need for a bass player. This was filled with Martin Nielsen. In addition to playing the bass, Nielsen could also play guitar and was an excellent singer. Nielsen took over the lead vocals and the band brought in another bass player, Jim Andersen. In April 1984, ZARAGON released their first and only album called "No Return." It featured two 10+ minute epics and was strongly influenced by CAMEL and GENESIS, with keyboards being the dominant instrument. ZARAGON also has similarities with DRUID, ELOY, NOVALIS, and maybe SOLARIS. Guitarist Finn Jansen had a style similar to Andy Latimer and David Gilmour. It is presumed that ZARAGON broke up shortly after this.
ZARAGON reunited in 1993, encouraged by a record deal with Ad Perpetuam Memoriam. As a result of this, they recorded "Fear to Fight," a song dating back to their early days. It was included as a bonus track on the reissue of "No Return" in 1994. The bonus track sounds similar to SAGA, and a little like GENESIS and IQ.
ZARAGON's only release is one of the best of the dark era of prog in the 1980's and one of the best from Denmark. Highly recommended to fans of symph/neo prog.
Theodore Vrandt (progaeopteryx), State College, Pa., USA
Musicians
- Ralph Hoel / keyboards
- Martin Nielsen / vocals
- Finn Jansen / guitars, backing vocals
- Bjørn Hoel / drums
- Jim Andersen / bass
1984 - NO RETURN
Tracks Listing
Side 1
1. Stretched out Hands (7:54)
2. Thoughts (11:43)
Side 2
3. Lightrace (5:20)
4. No Return (12:46)
5. Exit (2:24)
Bonus Track on Ad Perpetuam
6. Fear to Fight (5:33)
Total Time: 45:40
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