23 June 2026

AGUSA – Panacea (2026, LP/CD, Karisma Records)

RELEASE INFO:

Label: Karisma Records

Format: LP, Album, Limited Edition, Turquoise Vinyl (comes with insert sheet & poly-lined inner sleeve), 600 copies

Format: CD, Album, Limited Edition

Release Date: 22 May 2026

Over the last decade, Agusa has been one of the few contemporary European bands that have managed to revive the spirit of vintage progressive and psychedelic rock with as much authenticity and conviction. Emerging from Sweden back in 2013, Agusa quickly established themselves as one of the finest modern torchbearers of the classic Scandinavian progressive sound, blending the exploratory freedom of Krautrock, the pastoral beauty of Nordic folk traditions, heavy psychedelic textures and the adventurous compositional spirit of early ‘70s progressive rock.

What has always set the band apart is their remarkable ability to sound deeply rooted in the golden era of underground progressive music while simultaneously avoiding mere retro worship, creating lengthy instrumental journeys full of hypnotic grooves, fluid dynamics, and constantly shifting emotional landscapes. Throughout the years, they have steadily built an impressive discography, beginning with “Högtid” (2014), followed by “Två” (2015), “Agusa” (2017), “En Annan Värld” (2021), “Prima Materia” (2023), “Noir” (2024), alongside several live recordings that have further cemented their reputation as a truly formidable live act.

Now arriving through Karisma Records, “Panacea” captures exactly that live power in its purest form. Recorded at the Progressive Circus Festival in Malmö in September 2024, this new release — already their fourth live album — presents the Swedish ensemble in full flight, stretching just three compositions into expansive, deeply immersive sonic voyages where progressive rock, psychedelia, folk textures and kraut-infused hypnotism collide with breathtaking precision. For those already familiar with Agusa, this comes as further confirmation of their brilliance; for newcomers, “Panacea” may well be the perfect gateway into one of modern progressive rock’s most consistently fascinating bands.

“Panacea” contains just 3 tracks… “Lust Och Fägring (Sommarvisan)” opens the album in beautifully pastoral fashion, beginning with delicate acoustic guitar passages before gradually unfolding into a warm, groove-driven Prog-Folk journey. Led by wonderful flute melodies, the track slowly expands toward classic ‘70s Progressive Rock territory, effortlessly blending psych nuances, subtle Krautrock touches and unmistakable early Floyd-inspired atmospherics… “Den Förtrollade Skogen” occupies the centrepiece of the album and fully demonstrates why Agusa have earned such a strong reputation as a live act. Across these sprawling twenty minutes, the band masterfully combines vintage mid-70s progressive sensibilities with traditional Swedish folk textures, constantly shifting moods, rhythms and dynamics while allowing improvisation and experimentation to shape an utterly captivating and deeply immersive sonic adventure… “Ur Askan” closes the record with another excellent display of Agusa’s ability to merge Prog and Folk with remarkable ease. Built around a groovy, almost dub-infused rhythmic backbone, the composition leans toward Progressive Rock while subtly incorporating Middle Eastern flavours, funk-laced keyboard passages and powerful electric guitar interplay, before unexpectedly drifting into darker psychedelic territory, eventually concluding with the band’s trademark expansive progressive grandeur…

With “Panacea”, Agusa once again prove why they remain one of the most consistently rewarding acts in today’s progressive underground. Balancing vintage ‘70s aesthetics with inspired musicianship, adventurous improvisation and genuine psychedelic spirit, this live recording captures the band at full creative strength — a thoroughly absorbing journey that every serious Prog and Psych enthusiast should experience! TimeLord Michalis