See, what I don't understand is, why the Swedes and Norwegians can nurture prog bands that make top-notch music that's up there with the best British and American groups, and why the Danes and French cannot. Where's the difference in culture, mentality, or whatever. I mean, Sweden has A.C.T, Andromeda,Seventh Wonder, Opeth, Flower Kings, Pain of Salvation, Dark Tranquility; Norway has Circus Maximus, Pagan's Mind, Spiral Architect, Gazpacho, Jørn Lande; bands that really have something to offer the world.
Most Danish heavy groups are doing Helloween-type stuff, which doesn't get me rocking. The Frenchies, I don't know about, but you don't see them mentioned much in prog forums. There's Magma, who are doing weird stuff that's more avant-garde than prog. Then there's Nemo, who I haven't heard yet, but certainly will check up.
If I try to find a difference in mentality between Danes and Swedes, I see the Swedes much more internationally minded; therefore Swedish proggies are probably more active searching for excellent music worldwide, and the Swedish groups want to compete with the best groups in the world.
A poll was made recently, concluding that Danes are on average the happiest people in the world. Well, we certainly have a great social order here in Denmark (and probably the most beautiful girls in the world). The reverse side of the coin is that Danes are rather self-sufficient.
Well, although the French society is not as well-ordered as the Danish, the French seem even more self-sufficient than the Danes. So, I guess, they just can't imagine that anyone not French can make great music. Exaggerating here, but isn't that the point?
Nicky.
