Soundscape of Thinking Patterns

AEON ZEN - The Face of the Unknown

2010-11-26T14:34:00.008-06:00

AEON ZEN is the great work from Rich Hinks and in this 2nd release he really shows off....... is exactly the mix of calm, technical and killing riff that I personally love.....

A great album I need to share with the rest of you prog-metal lovers !!! \m/

AEON ZEN - The Face of the Unknown
Studio Album, released in 2010

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Salvation (10:31) Vocals: Michael Eriksen (Circus Maximus)
2. Visions (3:58) Vocals: Andi Kravljaca (Silent Call)
3. The Heart of the Sun (7:12) Vocals: Michael Eriksen
4. Crystal Skies (8:13) Vocals: Nick D'Virgilio (Spock's Beard))
5. Natural Selection (4.49) Vocals: Jem Godfrey (Frost*)
6. The Face of the Unknown (7:00) Vocals: Andi Kravljaca
7. You're Not Alone (5:22) Vocals: Rich Hinks (Aeon Zen)
8. My Sacrifice (5:11) Vocals: Rich Hinks & Jonny Tatum (Eumeria)
9. Start Over (4:26) Vocals: Rich Hinks
10. Redemption's Shadow (7:01) Vocals: Jonny Tatum

Total Time 63:43

Line-up / Musicians

-Rich Hinks / Guitars, bass, keyboards & drumsThanks to progmetalhead for the addition

Review by Mellotron Storm
PROG REVIEWER
This is the latest from AEON ZEN called "The Face Of The Unknown". I should mention right off the top that AEON ZEN is basically the project of multi-instrumentalist Rich Hinks.He does it all here although he does have many guests helping him out mostly in the vocal department.Rich even does the drumming on this one which he didn't do on the debut.I can't stress enough at how talented this young guy is.He basically notates the music,then records and produces the songs, playing all the instruments and doing some of the vocals. I was blown away by his debut called "A Mind's Portrait".This one doesn't appeal to my tastes in Metal like the debut did.For only being 21 years old this follow-up album is much more mature and i must admit for me that's a step back,only because it's not as in my face and aggressive. "Salvation" opens with some steller drum work then we get this calm before 1 1/2 minutes with vocals.It starts to build and synths and drums lead after 3 minutes.Some nice bass 4 minutes in.It's rocking pretty good after 5 minutes.Vocals are back before 7 minutes.Great sound to end it. "Visions" features some double bass drumming early as the guitar then vocals join in.The tempo continues to shift. "The Heart Of The Sun" turns heavy a minute in.Vocals before 2 minutes as it settles some.Piano a minute later.Nice guitar solo before 5 minutes. "Crystal Skies" is mellow with vocals(Nick D'Virgilio) and piano as drums join in.It picks up 3 1/2 minutes in with guitar out front.It's heavier with synths a minute later but it's brief. "Natural Selection" is my favourite.Surprisingly Gem Godfrey is on vocals here.It's heavy to open as vocals join in quickly.Synths before a minute.I really like the sound of this one.Guitar before 2 1/2 minutes takes the spotlight.It turns softer after 3 minutes but thankfully that changes 4 minutes in. "The Face Of The Unknown" opens with piano as drums arrive and it builds.It's heavier after 2 minutes.A calm with vocals as the tempo and mood continues to change. "Your'e Not Alone" opens with piano as these sugary vocals come in.It's fuller 1 1/2 minutes in.A calm after 2 1/2 minutes with mellotron-like sounds.The guitar takes off after 4 minutes.Nice. "My Sacrifice" opens with synths as the heaviness joins in.It settles right down with vocals then kicks back in as it continues to change. "Start Over" opens with piano as soft vocals join in.Some orchestral-like sounds too on this ballad. "Redemption's Shadow" kicks in quickly and the vocals join in before a minute.It's surprising how relaxed the vocals are as the riffs make lots of noise.Good tune. 3.5 stars from me.I still value the debut greatly, but this one just doesn't scratch the itch.

Mike Portnoy Leaves Dream Theater

2010-09-09T11:10:00.000-05:00

Mike Portnoy Leaves Dream Theater

MYRATH - Desert Call

2010-04-15T15:54:00.004-05:00

Tunisia, quite exotic country for Prog music, right ? Quite exotic for Metal at all.

But from there came MYRATH and what an splendid surprise....

Studio Album, released in 2010

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Forever And A day (5:38)
2. Tempests Of Sorrows (4:40)
3. Desert Call (7:43)
4. Madness (6:16)
5. Silent Cries (10:43)
6. Memories (4:51)
7. Ironic Destiny (5:42)
8. No Turning Back (5:36)
9. Empty World (7:04)
10. Shockwave (7:15)

Total Time: 65:28

Line-up / Musicians
- Zaher Zorguatti / lead vocals
- Malek ben Arbia / guitar
- Elyes Bouchoucha / keyboards & vocals
- Anis Jouini / bass
- Seif Ouhibi / drums

Tunisia ROCKS !!!

BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME - The Great Misdirect

2010-04-14T23:22:00.006-05:00

Extreme death metal prog.......growls and melodic singing....

Originally formed in 2000 by members of Prayer For Cleansing, Between the Buried and Me play an unpredictable combination of countless styles, generally centering around an extremely complex variety of metalcore with death metal influences. Their constantly shifting song structures and tight musicianship have combined with intense agression and remarkable variety to gain them a noteworthy following. Their style of extreme metal was introduced on their debut album in 2002 and began to gain increased attention with all the following album including this 2009 release !!

Studio Album, released in 2009

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Mirrors (3:38)
2. Obfuscation (9:15)
3. Disease, Injury, Madness (11:03)
4. Fossil Genera - A Feed from Cloud Mountain (12:11)
5. Desert of Song (5:33)
6. Swim to the Moon (17:54)

Total Time 59:34

Line-up / Musicians
- Tommy Rogers / vocals, keyboards
- Paul Waggoner / guitar
- Dan Briggs / bass
- Dustie Waring / guitar
- Blake Richardson / drums

Enjoy !!!!!

Rush 2010 "Time Machine" Tour

2010-04-08T09:47:00.000-05:00

Rush 2010 "Time Machine" Tour: "feature the Moving Pictures album live in its entirety."

THE FRACTURED DIMENSION - Towards The Mysterium

2010-03-18T15:33:00.004-05:00

The Fractured Dimension is a trio of musicians: Jimmy Pitts (piano & keyboards), Jerry Twyford (5,6 strong bass), Alex Arellano (drums & percussion). They play a mix of styles, influenced by and merging classical, jazz and metal as those three musicians have a rich and vast background. Their 2008 album, Towards The Mysterium, presents this mix of styles, with high level musicianship, haunting melodies and intricate compositions.
Their influences as stated on their Myspace are:
Frank Zappa, Bach, Schoenberg, Ravel, Chick Corea Elektric Band, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Spastic Ink, John Coltrane, Iron Maiden, Dream Theater, Marco Minneman, Fates Warning (Mark Zonder), Terry Bozzio, Shawn Lane, Jens Johannson, Jonas Hellborg, Return to Forever, Glenn Gould, etc.

Studio Album, released in 2008

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Prelude
2. Towards the Mysterium
3. Prism I: Reflection
4. Prism Ii: Refraction
5. Fibonacci's Notebook
6. Strangeness
7. The Mathematics of Divinity
8. Out of the Summer Sky
9. Worshipping Slonimsky in a Ravellian Mood
10. Piano Improv Take 1
11. Falling Down Stairs
12. Despair
13. Fractured Are the Nine Principals
14. Slendro: and Improv for Lane
15. Reiteration and Extemporaneous Noodling
16. Preparatory Action
17. Lecture

Line-up / Musicians - Jimmy Pitts / piano & keyboards
- Jerry Twyford / 5 & 6 string bass

Part 1

Part 2

Fates Warning to release deluxe edition of “Parallels” on March 16th, 2010!

2010-02-12T15:35:00.003-06:00

Fates Warning to release deluxe edition of “Parallels” on March 16th, 2010!
Fates Warning has announced the release of the deluxe edition of their seminal 1991 album, Parallels! Fans can get their hands on this new take on the album on March 16th, 2010. The deluxe edition has been completely re-mastered and contains well over 3 hours of music and live footage. Parallels is the sixth record from the prog metal pioneers and was one of their music successful releases due to the commercial success of the singles Eye To Eye, Point Of View and We Only Say Goodbye. Also, James LaBrie of Dream Theater fame makes a guest appearance on the track Life In Still Water. Parallels has proven to be one of the most influential albums in the prog and metal genres, despite its hotly debated status among fans as a "commercial" sounding album.

Vocalist Ray Alder comments further, "I think it’s one of the best albums we ever put out and I’m happy that fans have the chance to take a second look at this important record. The lineup, the songs and the cover art all came together to make a great package when originally recorded and the bonus DVD really adds a fresh perspective to the album."

Fans can watch a trailer for the DVD portion of this deluxe edition now on Metal Blade’s youtube channel:

Disc 1
Parallels
1. Leave the Past Behind
2. Life in Still Water
3. Eye to Eye
4. The Eleventh Hour
5. Point Of View
6. We Only Say Goodbye
7. Don’t Follow Me
8. The Road Goes on Forever

Disc 2
Parallels - recorded LIVE in Hollywood, CA January 23rd, 1992
Live tracks
1. Leave the Past Behind
2. Don't Follow Me
3. Eleventh Hour
4. Point of View
5. Eye to Eye
6. Nothing Left To Say
7. Quietus
8. Through Different Eyes
Demo tracks
9. Leave the Past Behind
10.Eye to Eye
11.Eleventh Hour
12.Point of View
13.Don't Follow Me

DVD
80 Minute concert filmed LIVE in New Haven, CT February 13, 1992
Original Promotional Videos for Eye To Eye and Point Of View.
75 minute documentary on the making of Parallels. Includes: current interviews with all band members as well as acclaimed producer Terry Brown and Metal Blade Records CEO and founder, Brian Slagel. Plus, studio footage from the Parallels sessions and additional live performances from the 1992 tour.

http://www.fateswarning.com
http://www.myspace.com/fateswarning

Information taken from: www.PerfectProg.com

THE ALGORITHM - The Doppler Effect

2010-02-11T14:42:00.003-06:00

Extraordinary original...and this is a DEMO...free to download by the way...

From France:

THE ALGORITHM

Band Members:
Remi Gallego (Guitars, Drums, Electronics)
Florent Latorre (Voices)

The Doppler Effect

1. Attack
2. The Doppler Effect
3. Lost Frequencies
4. In a Dispersive Medium
5. Decay
6. Geometric Progression
7. Two Plane-polarized Waves
8. Release

Download for free from the ban's MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/thealgorithmband

AN ENDLESS SPORADIC

2010-02-01T13:03:00.002-06:00

AN ENDLESS SPORADIC is an instrumental progressive metal band from Texas. The band is comprised by Zach Kamins (guitar, keyboard, bass) and Andy Gentile (drums).

The band got some attention when they received the opportunity to appear in the videogame Tony Hawk's American Wasteland in-game soundtrack. The song "Sun of Pearl" was featured in the game and was written only through the internet as Andy lives in Los Angeles and Zach in Texas. Another song called "Impulse" was featured as a bonus song in the videogame Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock which was released in 2007.

In March 2008 AN ENDLESS SPORADIC released their debut EP entitled "Ameliorate" which contained their two previously released songs.

Even when Andy plays for the band Stasera and works with Neversoft Entertainment, and Zach lives in Boston where he attends Berklee School of music, they both are still writing music and would eventually record a new album in the near future.

Studio Album, released in 2009

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Waking Hours
2. From The Blue
3. Point Of No Return
4. Shell
5. Treading Water
6. The Triangular Race Through Space
7. Eternal Bloom
8. Subliminal Effect
9. Beyond The Horizon

Line-up / Musicians

Zach Kamins - Keyboards, Guitars, and Bass
Andy Gentile - Drums

An Endless Sporadic

ANIMATIONS

2010-01-31T09:09:00.006-06:00

ANIMATIONS is the first release of the band of the same name. From Poland great sounds and a fresh approach to Prog Metal.

"This first album is already a good sign for the future of the band. In my opinion, Animations already confirms with this release that they're great musicians and compositors. We only have eight songs on the CD but the average length of each track is near of nine minutes, and this is evidently impressive. A bit like with Dream Theater (it's impossible to avoid this name when you listen to Animations) the m usic of Animations is a complex mix of Metal, Jazz and Rock. This is progressive of course, all the songs have a ton of breaks, rhythm changes, the keyboards are really present and this is complex as hell. You can already expect a lot of guitar soil and I think that the fans of the genre will like to listen to this musical demonstration…" Review

Studio Album, released in 2007

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Intro / Dare You Enter? (2:56)
2. Sonic Maze (4:18)
3. 911 (14:32)
4. The Four Symptoms (9:57)
5. Oranges (6:02)
6. Lost In Infinity (9:32)
7. 912 (The Day After) (3:59)
8. Animations (18:03)

Total Time 60:09

Line-up / Musicians

- Bartek Bisaga / bass
- Kuba Dêbski / guitars
- Tomek Konopka / keyboards
- Pawe Larysz / drums

Part 1

Part 2

HOURGLASS - Oblivious to the Oblivious

2009-12-21T10:58:00.004-06:00

A huge amount of music and of great quality !!!

Hourglass biography
Formed by guitarist Brick Williams, Hourglass is a Prog Metal group from Utah, USA. The band's first effort was the hard-to-come-by "This Lonely Time and Place," followed up by the much more polished "The Journey Into" in 2002 and 2004's "Subconscious." The band has now released the excellent double album "Oblivious to the Obvious".

54 months is a long time to work on an album. But that is exactly how long it took Hourglass to finish their new double album "Oblivious to the Obvious." Four and a half years of writing, recording, mixing, mastering and the result is 139 minutes worth of music. Even though it is a lot of music, it is only 10 songs. Hourglass has never worried too much about the length of their songs, and epic songs have always been a part of what the band does. "Oblivious to the Obvious" is no exception. The album has a little of everything, from heavy metal riffs and screaming vocals, to laid back piano and acoustic passages, and some very tasteful groove sections. Vocal harmonies are scattered throughout the album as are many guitar, keyboard, and even bass solos. There is something for everyone on "Oblivious to the Obvious."

Studio Album, released in 2009

Songs / Tracks Listing

Disc 1:
1. On The Brink (12:39)
2. Homeward Bound (9:58)
3. Pawn II (13:41)
4. Faces (11:53)
5. 38th Floor (21:22)

Disc 1 Time 69:33

Disc 2:
1. Facade (14:50)
2. Skeletons (6:58)
3. Estranged (7:05)
4. Delirium (Instrumental) (10:20)
Oblivious to the Obvious (30:33)
5. Part 1 - No Chance
6. Part 2 - Realization
7. Part 3 - Remember Me
8. Part 4 - In My Hands
9. Part 5 - Redemption (Instrumental)

Disc 2 Time 69:46

Line-up / Musicians

- Brick Williams / guitars
- Michael Turner / lead vocals
- John Dunston / drums
- Jerry Stenquist / keyboards
- Eric Blood / bass, vocals

Part 1

Part 2

DGM Frame

2009-12-08T11:55:00.005-06:00

A great finding from my personal library....this band from Italy usually more in the Power-Metal side offers an amazing display of skills in their latest album 'FRAME". Being considered among the best of 2009 progressive albums this is an album that will ROCK the crap out of you from track one....definetely an album to be fully awaken and listening to all the soundscape !!

Enjoy

Studio Album, released in 2009

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Hereafter 04:33
2. Enhancement 04:22
3. Not in Need 04:22
4. No Looking Back 05:25
5. Trapped... 02:01
6. ...In a Movie 04:03
7. Away 05:19
8. Heartache 05:29
9. Rest in Peace 03:46
10. Brand New Blood 05:05
11. Fading & Falling 04:36
12. Rose in the Wind Line-up / Musicians

Mark Basile - Vocals
Simone Mularoni - Guitar
Andrea Arcangeli - Bass
Fabio Constantino - Drums
Emanuele Casali - Keyboards

Get Album

Mirror:

SHADOW GALLERY Digital Ghosts

2009-12-03T12:18:00.004-06:00

After the dead of Mike Baker I was afraid of losing such a great band as Shadow Gallery, thanks god they found a suitable replacement for the vocals and hit us in the face with this great release..more symphonic than before but still amazing !

This version have 4 extra tracks !!!

Studio Album, released in 2009

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. With Honor (9:59)
2. Venom (6:21)
3. Pain (6:22)
4. Gold Dust (6:45)
5. Strong (6:50)
6. Digital Ghost (9:37)
7. Haunted (9:36)

Total Time 55:26

Line-up / Musicians - Brendt Allman / guitars, vocals
- Carl Cadden-James / bass, vocals, flute
- Gary Wehrkamp / guitars, keyboards, vocals
- Brian Ashland / lead vocals
- Joe Nevolo / drums

Guest musicians:
- Ralf Scheepers / vocals
- Clay Barton / vocals

Part 1

Part 2

SUBSIGNAL Beautiful & Monstrous

2009-12-01T14:51:00.004-06:00

LINKS REMOVED DUE TO REQUEST OF THE ARTIST......

A pleasure posting again......

and with a great album.......Subsignal is basically a broader reincarnation of Sieges Even so I just have to say the music is majestic.....Enjoy !

Subsignal biography
German outfit SUBSIGNAL was at first a side project for Sieges Even members Arno Menses (vocals) and Markus Steffen (guitars), and was set up in 2007. The first creative output from this duo actually made it onto the Sieges Even album Paramount - a track called Eyes Wide Open.

In the summer of 2008 they left Sieges Even, and decided to turn this side project into a band, and with the addition of Ralf Schwager (bass), Roel van Helden (drums) and David Bertok (keyboards) a full line-up was in place. The aim of the band is to more or less continue where Sieges Even left off, but with a greater variety in terms of musical expressions.

In the spring of 2009 they started recording material for their first production, and in September 2009 the debut album Beautiful and Monstrous was released.

Studio Album, released in 2009

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Where Angels Fear to Tread (6:04)
2. Paradigm (6:29)
3. The Sea (7:00)
4. The Trick Is to Keep Breathing (6:21)
5. Walking With Ghosts (7:40)
6. I Go With the Wind (4:54)
7. To Hope the Road Is Long (4:15)
8. Beautiful & Monstrous (9:38)
9. The Last Light of Summer (4:02)

Total Time 56:23

Line-up / Musicians

- Arno Menses / vocals
- Markus Steffen / guitars
- Ralf Schwager / bass
- Roel van Helden / drums
- David Bertok / keyboards

SIEGES EVEN Playgrounds (Live)

2009-10-27T11:36:00.003-05:00

If you love SIEGES EVEN music wait until you heard them live !!!!

Live, released in 2008

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. When Alpha And Omega Collide (5:33)
2. Tidal (4:21)
3. Unbreakable (9:31)
4. The Waking Hours (4:55)
5. Iconic (5:03)
6. These Empty Places (9:06)
7. Duende (5:10)
8. Paramount (8:14)
9. The Lonely Views Of Condors (6:43)
10. The Weight (11:08)

Total Time 69:51

Line-up / Musicians - Arno Menses / vocals
- Oliver Holzwarth / bass
- Markus Steffen / guitars
- Alex Holzwarth / drums

Part 1

Part 2

Coming soon......

2009-10-24T17:11:00.001-05:00

New 2009 Albums from:

SHADOW GALLERY

TRANSATLANTIC

ADAGIO

&

IQ

BEARDFISH Slepping in Traffic Part 2

2009-10-23T14:32:00.004-05:00

The 2nd part of the Sleeping in Traffic album...great follow up....

The Hunter, South of the Border and Cash Flow
are awesome tracks !!
Studio Album, released in 2008

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. As The Sun Sets (1:13)
2. Into The Night (8:52)
3. The Hunter (5:57)
4. South Of The Border (7:43)
5. Cashflow (6:08)
6. The Downward Spiral/Chimay (7.10)
7. Sleeping In Traffic (35.44)
8. Sunrise Again (1.37)

Total Time: 74:24

Line-up / Musicians - Rikard Sjöblom / vocals, keyboards
- David Zackrisson / guitars
- Robert Hansen / bass
- Magnus Östgren / drums

Album Review
'Hey baby, what would you like for breakfast in the morning?'

That's gotta be one of the lamest pick-up line ever, and one of the funniest; and the song South of the Border is full of that college fun. Humor is a part of Beardfish that is not to be negliged when judging their albums...and what a masterpiece this is.

Where to start frankly? There's nothing to throw out yet, and this is like my 10th listening. Every song is carefully crafted, and compared to Sleeping part 1, this one has more instrumental passages, more time changes, more technique, better melodies and more punch...well you get the picture, it's a band that finally found their ground and sound.

Their influences goes from Frank Zappa (South of the Border) to Gentle Giant (everywhere!) and Radiohead (Sleeping in Traffic part 2) but their main strenght is again to create a retro-1973-sound-but- it's-actually-2008 atmosphere with amazing brio. The musicianship is not absolutely complex or flamboyant, but it's a perfect mix of 70's classic prog and modern ideas.

This record has stolen my heart completely and deserves a place in your home, your head and your life.

Perfection is rare but does happen.

Part 1 http://www.sendspace.com/file/7n3c9s

Part 2 http://www.sendspace.com/file/64dxas

LINK UPDATES

2009-10-22T15:31:00.004-05:00

Links updated for:

SIEGES EVEN Paramount

Tribute to ELP: Encores, Legends & Paradox

BEST PROGRESSIVE METAL ALBUM 2009 POLL

2009-10-22T12:12:00.003-05:00

There is an interesting poll at http://www.perfectprog.com asking to vote for the
best Progressive Metal Album of 2009...running candidates are:

BEST ALBUM 2009
Some of this albums have been posted in this blog some don't (not for long I guess...I will hunt them down) !!

Which you consider best ???

PELICAN What We All Come to Need

2009-10-05T12:55:00.002-05:00

New Release from PELICAN, great sounding album with a similar creative ideas as the Ephemeral EP.

Love the sound scape that this band creates !!!

Studio Album, released in 2009

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Glimmer
2. The Creeper
3. Ephemeral
4. Specks Of Light
5. Strung Up From The Sky
6. An Inch Above Sand
7. What We All Come To Need
8. Final Breath

Line-up / Musicians

- Trevor de Brauw / guitars
- Laurent Lebec / guitars
- Larry Herweg / bass
- Bryan Herweg / drums

Guest musicians...
- Greg Anderson (Sunn O)
- Aaron Turner (Isis)
- Ben Verellen (Harkonen)
- Helms Alee and Allen Epley (The Life & Times and Shiner)

Review:

Pelican have been around for 8 years now and this is their 4th album. Their sonic evolution from pummelling riffage on the early EP and Australasia to City of Echoes' more stripped down and textural approach has been topic of discussion of many a heavy music fan. You see - lovers of Pelican's music can usually be separated into two camps; a) the heavy sh-t and b) the swirly psychedelic progressive sh-t. I myself enjoy both aspects but tend to lean towards the heavy stuff. The monstrous riffing on early tracks like `The Woods' and `Drought' is hard to ignore.

With subsequent albums, Pelican have become masters of weaving instrumental guitar passages in and out of one another: of spiralling intertwining distorted melodies up into the heavens where the God of the Almighty Riff nods his approval. Yet, nothing really seems to happen anymore. There aren't any tension and release moments - no big build-ups into cathartic crescendos. Sure, it's fun listening to their riffs bob, weave and uncoil for 7mins at a time but us fickle listeners need a reward at the end of it. The early material was so brutally simple and powerful in it's sheer relentless heaviness that it was cathartic in itself - no crescendo needed - you're already in one my friend. The newer material - particularly their previous album, City of Echoes, sacrificed the simple, heavy riffs for the (actually quite stunning) intricate guitar interplay that they're now renown for. The primal factor has been overthrown by sophistication. Whilst it's impressive and still brilliant music it's just not as engaging as before.

What We All Come to Need definitely continues in the same vein as City of Echoes - textural, intricate and generally shorter track lengths. City of Echoes wasn't received particularly well when it was released back in 2007 because of this change. The majority of material on What We All Come to Need is more direct and a smidgen heavier than City of Echoes. The whole album has a lot more impact and whilst it's not a return to the massive churn of Australasia, it's a lot more satisfying.

Appearances by esteemed musical colleagues also serve to spice up Pelican's sound slightly. Greg Anderson (Sunn O))), Goatsnake) appears on the `The Creeper' to heavy it up a bit. Aaron Turner (Isis, Old Man Gloom) lends some textural effect-making to `Specs of Light'. Allen Epley (The Life & Times, Shiner) adds some - shock horror - vocals to the final track. For everyone wondering what Pelican sound like with vocals, now's your chance. It actually works pretty well - Epley's vocals are clean and melodic and compliment rather than impose upon Pelican's backing. Whilst it's an interesting experiment I don't think it will catch on as they're obviously still an afterthought.

What We All Come to Need is a decent album and noticeably more focused, purposeful and also more varied than City of Echoes. If you're a Pelican fan there's nothing not to like on here but as I've mentioned they're strongest when they're pummelling your brain into a fine paste and sadly I can't foresee any return to such states of high drama.

Get Album

REDEMPTION Snowfall on Judgment Day

2009-10-02T16:12:00.004-05:00

POST UPDATED...LINK REMOVED by request of the artist !!

The 4th album from REDEMPTION follow a similar
concept and sound that the 3rd Origin of Ruin but is definitely more mature in term of songwriting and ideas....I will need more listening to get a final review but this album can become a real masterpiece in progressive metal !!!

Studio Album, released in 2009

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Peel (6:31)
2. Walls (6:57)
3. Leviathan Rising (6:42)
4. Black and White World (8:03)
5. Unformed (6:30)
6. Keep Breathing (7:37)
7. Another Day Dies (5:15)
8. What Will You Say (5:20)
9. Fistful of Sand (6:35)
10. Love Kills Us All / Life in One Day (11:00)

Total Time 70:26

Line-up / Musicians - Ray Alder / vocals
- Nicolas van Dyk / guitar, keyboard
- Bernie Versailles / guitar
- Sean Andrews / bass
- Greg Hoshariah / keyboard
- Chris Quirarte / drums

Guest musicians:
- James LaBrie / vocals (7)

Review:
Imagine if the two best progressive metal acts, Dream Theater and Fates Warning produced? Most likely it would turn out to be something like Redemption, the band led by guitarist Nick van Dyk and Fates Warning’s own legendary vocalist Ray Alder infuses heavy moments, melodic moments, symphonic moments and profound lyrics. On their new album Snowfall On Judgment Day the band shows that they are at the forefront of the progressive metal scene along with the two aforementioned bands.

With the latest release, it is evident that the torch has been passed to Redemption as this is truly remarkable stuff. Ray Alder, while he can’t reach the vocals he was able to produce in his early years, brings an emotional impact to the band’s superb musicianship that only he can produce.

The album is the most diverse album of the band’s career. Unlike their previous album The Origins of Ruin where they went in a more melodic direction, there are plenty of heavy tracks on the album such as the opener “Peel” that has Alder with harsher vocals juxtaposed to ripping guitar solos. This is not to say though that they have done away with the melodic moments though. “Walls”, “Black and White World” and “Keep Breathing” are excellent representations of Redemption’s melodically beautiful moments.

What will amaze some is that the band has matured even more so than they already were. “Walls” for example shows that this band is not just about musicality but that they have something to say with lyrics such as “I’ve been peeling away the layers/Digging to the center/Trying to find some common thread to follow.” Unlike some of the more European prog metal bands and metal bands in general, the lyrical content while understandable is not as much “on the nose” as most tend to be. In fact, most of the tracks, with the exception of “Leviathan Rising”, has a lot to do with personal relationships, breaking barriers and making the best out of life.

Also featured on the album is a surprise duet between Alder and Dream Theater’s James Labrie that is prog fan’s wet dream. Despite it being the most mainstream track on the album, the duet works with the band itself doing what it does best, play great music with alternating time signatures done to perfection. What truly stands out more than anything in the track is the rhythm’s section’s preciseness that give the guitars a backseat midway through the track.

The true landmark of the album though is the 11 minute epic “Love Kills Us All/Life In One Day” that exemplifies the best in prog metal with ghostly, atmospheric keyboards in the beginning that work to perfection with Alder’s emotional delivery, to the eerie piano playing that precedes the epic musicianship that continues to, well, progress throughout the rest of the track. The end is pure gold with beautifully sang vocal lines at the conclusion “Will you think about the chance for love you threw away/Will you think about the mistakes you made along the way/Will you think about the place that we might be today/What will you say…” – the perfect capper to an album of such variety, musicality and thought provoking messages.

Simply put, Snowfall On Judgment Day, while not the magnum opus of Porcupine Tree’s The Incident, is a guideline to what progressive metal should be and proves that Redemption are at the forefront of this underground genre. The question remains though, will Redemption stay in that underground area like Fates Warning has been stuck in for 25+ years or will they gain the legion of fans Dream Theater has? Only time will tell, but at the end of the day, they made the album of their career thus far and that’s what really matters.

SYMPHONY X - V: The New Mythology Suite

2009-09-25T14:10:00.003-05:00

Another of the great albums by Symphony X.
Considered their best album by many !!
This time around with a concept album about ancient mythology from Atlantis to Egypt!! A progressive metal masterpiece this album will full anyone's expectation on power, heavy riffs, orchestral arrangements and powerful melodies !! A must have !!

Enjoy !!

Studio Album, released in 2000

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Prelude (1:07)
2. Evolution (The Grand Design) (5:20)
3. Fallen (5:51)
4. Transcendence (0:38)
5. Communion and the Oracle (7:45)
6. The Bird-Serpent War / Cataclysm (3:59)
7. On the Breath of Poseidon (3:04)
8. Egypt (7:04)
9. Death of Balance / Lacrymosa (3:42)
10. Absence of Light (4:58)
11. A Fool's Paradise (5:48)
12. Rediscovery (1:24)
13. Rediscovery pt. II - The New Mythology (11:57)

Total Time: 63:01

Line-up / Musicians

- Michael Romeo / guitars
- Michael Pinnella / keyboards
- Jason Rullo / drums
- Russell Allen / vocals
- Michael LePond / bass

Part 1

Part 2

RUDESS/MORGENSTEIN PROJECT

2009-09-25T13:30:00.003-05:00

Rudess/Morgenstein Project is an album by the duo of the same name. They play a jazz-rock fusion music with a great talent and virtuosity.

The duo is made up of Jordan Rudess and Rod Morgenstein. The album came about after a power outage during a Dixie Dregs concert caused all of the Dregs' instruments to fail except Jordan's, so he and Rod improvised with each other until power was restored and the concert could continue. The chemistry between them was so strong that they decided to pair up and make an album out of their crazy ideas !!!

Track listing

1. Don't Look Down – 7:23
2. Sloth – 3:34
3. Drop the Puck – 3:50
4. Crossing Over – 7:35
5. Never Again (For Nan) – 3:46
6. Tailspin – 3:06
7. Odd Man Out – 3:43
8. Masada – 7:11
9. Cartoon Parade – 4:12
10. Over the Edge – 6:20

Personnel
Jordan Rudess - keyboards
Rod Morgenstein - drums

Album Review

Former Dixie Dregs/Winger drummer Rod Morgenstein has joined forces with keyboardist Jordan Rudess to combine multi-sectional rock anthems, shifting meters, highly-orchestrated drumset parts and powerful ballads into an electric yet cohesive recording. Morgenstein is able to stretch his percussive wings in the project as he plays and integral part in reinforcing the melodic lines of each tune. Many of the tunes have twisting, turning melodies and frequently alter the feel or groove to keep the listener intrigued. Elements of funk, rock and odd-meter playing permeate the disc. His solo in 5/4 time "Odd Man Out", is worth noting, as is his double bass drumming. This is recommended for those who appreciate a drummer who doesn't just "keep time".

Part 1

Part 2

TRANSATLANTIC The Whirlwind Video Trailer

2009-09-24T18:05:00.003-05:00

Check out the video trailer for the upcoming 3rd album from TRANSATLANTIC

http://bandwidth.csrtechnologies.com/RadiantRecords/new_trailor.php

THE GOURISHANKAR 2nd Hands

2009-09-22T13:42:00.006-05:00

From Russia comes an authentic blend of musical genres and a unique music voyage.....

EXTREMELY RECOMMENDED for EVERY PROGRESSIVE ROCK listener! Open your minds and enjoy!

The Gourishankar biography
THE GOURISHANKAR (meaning "the mountain as high as Everest") is a unique blend of old and new, music that blurs the line between Modern Prog and Retro Prog-- imagine DREAM THEATER mixed with TAAL and PORCUPINE TREE. They refuse to label themselves as a Prog band but it is obvious they are. Marked with outstanding professionalism, these musicians (Nomy Agranson - guitars, basses, backing vocals; Doran Usher - keyboards and programming; Vlad MJ Whiner - lead vocals; Cat Heady - drums, loops) got together in Russian provincial town Syktyvkar. They already knew each other from activity in related projects, and they still participate in them (from alternative rock to electronics).

After releasing some demo-works (one of them included GENTLE GIANT's "For Nobody"), they've managed to sign to the UNICORN label and this Spring released their first official CD "2nd Hands". It is utterly spectacular-- we have influences from almost every musical genre and a strong melodic basis supplied with mindblowing complexity.

"2nd Hands" can be recommended to all Prog fans due to its universal beauty. One of the most promising bands from the Russian scene.

Studio Album, released in 2007

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Moon7 (10:11)
2. Endless Drama (7:45)
3. Queer Forest (6:30)
4. Taste A Cake (1:47)
5. The Inexpressible Chagrin (6:54)
6. Syx (11:08)
7. ...End (8:40)
8. Marvelous Choice (18:16)

Total Time: 71:11

Line-up / Musicians

- Vlad MJ Whiner / lead vocals
- Doran Usher / keyboards, programming
- Nomy Agranson / guitars, backing vocals
- Cat Heady / drums, loops

Guest musicians:
- Vladimir Ratorguev / viola
- Dmitry Ulyashev / saxophone, flute
- Alla Izverskaya / backing vocals

Album Review:

One may consider me a maniac giving 5 stars to every Prog band from post-Soviet area.I must disappoint you - I'm a quite adequate person and use 5 stars pretty rare. These incredible guys truly deserve every star from all 5!Participating in a number of other projects (from alternative rock to electronics), guys distancing themselves from Prog label as well as from any other.Come on, don't be shy - you're Prog! Welcome!

OK, sceptics, look here - we have amazing blend of Retro and Modern Prog with perfect equilibrium. Don't stuck to PORCUPINE TREE or TAAL comparings - they are used only to denote that THE GOURISHANKAR is the same way beautiful, challenging and essential. If you'll miss it, then go and burn your CD collection: you're progger no more.

The album starts from oriental flavour of "Moon7" - energetic complex instrumental evoking best ANGLAGARD's moments, but with dozens of other influences from almost EVERY musical genre we - humans - have. THE GOURISHANKAR have probably wider range of influences ;). One can notice that flavour in almost every track - the following "Endless Drama" (think of GENTLE GIANT jams with DREAM THEATER) has it, and "Queer Forest" with unexpected Reggae mid-part too. That's great - the band named in eastern way MUST have some mystic eastern tunes!And it has and in a good way. Short "Taste a Cake" leads you to "The Inexpressible Chagrin", a wonderful H's MARILLION-like ballad (a radio piece? ;) ), which proves how strong these guys are in songwriting - complex but never chaotic, melodic but never cheesy!!! Awesome! Another dark instrumental follows ("Syx"), and seventh track frightens us with its name ("End"). Hell no! The good MUST last for some long time, and closing 18-min long monster ("Marvelous Choice") is alone worth buying of this CD!

Get Album !

Part 1

Part 2

SPHERIC UNIVERSE EXPERIENCE Unreal

2009-09-14T16:43:00.003-05:00

Newest album from this excellent band from France, they keep their great songwriting and heavy powerful music. Lyrics are all related to Supernatural "unreal" situations and therefore the name of the album !!

The atmosphere of this album varies from mysterious to enlightening. The music itself is not epic, nor is it technical (although there are some complex passages spread throughout Unreal). However is a very good release !! Enjoy

Studio Album, released in 2009

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. White Willow (6:28)
2. Down Memory Lane (3:58)
3. Lakeside Park (5:37)
4. 3rd Type (7:24)
5. Near Death Experience (1:46)
6. Lost Ghost (6:17)
7. Dragged (6:05)
8. O.B.E. (3:59)
9. Tomorrow (8:08)

Total Time 49:42

Line-up / Musicians
- Franck Garcia / vocals
- Vince Benaïm / guitars
- John Drai / bass
- Christophe Briand / drums
- Fred Colombo / keyboards

Part 1

Part 2

VARIOUS ARTISTS Encores, Legends & Paradox

2009-09-09T12:29:00.005-05:00

Tribute time !!

This is a magnificent tribute to the great Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The covers are not simply copies of the original but have been changed and reviewed to give them a more contemporary and heavy feel. The quality of the musicians and the production of this album is excellent. I enjoy it very much I hope you do also !!

Boxset/Compilation, released in 1999

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Karn Evil 9 1st. Impression (8:51)
2. Bitches Crystal (4:41)
3. Toccata [Adaptation of Alberto Ginastera's 1st Piano Concerto, 4th Movement] (8:07)
4. Knife Edge [adapted from Janacek's Sinfonietta] (5:20)
5. A Time and a Place (6:14)
6. Hoedown [taken from Rodeo by Aaron Copeland] (3:46)
7. The Sheriff (5:57)
8. The Endless Enigma (10:18)
9. The Barbarian [adapted from Bela Bartok's Allego Barbaro] (4:44)
10. Tarkus (6:45)

Total Time: 64:43

Line-up / Musicians

- Robert Berry / bass (1, 4, 6, 9, 10), guitar (1, 9), vocals (1)
- Trent Gardner / keyboards (2, 3, 5, 7, 8), vocals (7, 8)
- Wayne Gardner / bass (2, 3, 5, 7, 8), acoustic guitar (7)
- Simon Phillips / drums (1, 4, 6, 9, 10)
- Marc Bonilla / guitar (4, 6, 10)
- Jordan Rudess / keyboards (1, 6)
- Pat Mastelotto / percussion (2, 3)
- John Wetton / vocals (2, 7)
- Igor Khoroshev / piano (2), keyboards (9)
- Peter Banks / guitars (3, 7)
- James LaBrie / vocals (5, 10)
- Mike Portnoy / drums (7, 8)
- Mark Wood / violin (1)
- Matt Guillory / synthesizer (3)
- Glenn Hughes / vocals (4)
- Erik Norlander / keyboards (4)
- Doane Perry / drums (5)
- Martin Barre / guitars (5)
- John Novello / organ (5)
- Jerry Goodman / violin (6)
- Mark Robertson / Hammond (7)
- Geoff Downes / synthesizer (8 lead solo in outro)
- Derek Sherinian / keyboards (10)

Part 1
http://www.sendspace.com/file/tajikl

Part 2
http://www.sendspace.com/file/m2xy79

PORCUPINE TREE The Incident

2009-09-08T12:00:00.004-05:00

Ok...so I know many were waiting for this.

The complete new album from Porcupine Tree "THE INCIDENT" in decent quality however there are some noticeable sound issues in some tracks. This is a 2 cds albums the 1st one is complete the 2nd also but the 1st track is actually all the 4 tracks in just on single track ( don't ask me why ??)
so Flicker ends after 3:42 mins and the rest are the other 3 songs. Well anyway..it is complete !

I will encourage to get this album in its original format you can use this version to check it out. And hurry since I believe it will not last very long until it gets removed.

Studio Album, released in 2009

Songs / Tracks Listing

Disc 1 - 55:08
1. The Incident
I. Occam's Razor (1:55)
II. The Blind House (5:47)
III. Great Expectations (1:26)
IV. Kneel and Disconnect (2:03)
V. Drawing the Line (4:43)
VI. The Incident (5:20)
VII. Your Unpleasant Family (1:48)
VIII. The Yellow Windows of the Evening Train (2:00)
IX. Time Flies (11:40)
X. Degree Zero of Liberty (1:45)
XI. Octane Twisted (5:03)
XII. The Séance (2:39)
XIII. Circle of Manias (2:18)
XIV. I Drive the Hearse (6:41)

Disc 2 - 20:34
1. Flicker (3:42)
2. Bonnie the Cat (5:45)
3. Black Dahlia (3:40)
4. Remember Me Lover (7:28)

Total Time 75:42

Line-up / Musicians

- Steven Wilson / vocals, guitar, piano
- Richard Barbieri / keyboards, synthesizer
- Colin Edwin / bass guitar
- Gavin Harrison / drums

The Incident Disc 1
Part 1

Part 2

The Incident Disc 2
Part 1

Part 2

PORCUPINE TREE Out Absentia

2009-09-07T13:10:00.003-05:00

This is a rare disc with demos, outtakes, remixes of several songs from Porcupine Tree from the In Absentia recording sessions. The sound quality and overall value of this album is very high.

01 - Strip The Soul (Video Edit).mp3 [5MB]

02 - The Creator Has A Mastertape.mp3 [14MB]

03 - Lips Of Ashes (Demo).mp3 [8MB]

04 - Wet Ribbon.mp3 [11MB]

05 - Trains (Extended).mp3 [15MB]

06 - Drown With Me.mp3 [9MB]

07 - Wedding Nails (Demo).mp3 [11MB]

08 - Untitled Instrumental.mp3 [4MB]

09 - Imogen Slaughter.mp3 [4MB]

10 - Chloroform.mp3 [12MB]

11 - The Rest Will Flow (Orchestral).mp3 [3MB]

12 - Shesmovedon (Tim Palmer Remix).mp3 [7MB]

13 - Is Not (Website Exclusive).mp3 [5MB]

14 - Collapse The Light Into The Earth.mp3 [16MB]

15 - Strip The Soul (Extended).mp3 [37MB]

Part 1

Part 2

BOUD DEUN The Stolen Bicycle

2009-09-03T17:56:00.003-05:00

This is a great jazz-rock fusion band with much talent and an incredible sense of timing. Heavy tendencies in controlled riffs and intricate melodies....much recommended.

Boud Deun biography
Virginia based instrumental quartet with influences of MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA, with the guitar, bass, drums and violin format. the intricate tempo changes bring DIXIE DREGS right away to the experienced listener. The band has an excellent reputation when live on the stage. Blistering albums of instrumental progressive fusion evoking bands like KING CRIMSON and The DREGS. Recommended to Fusion fans!

Studio Album, released in 1998

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Wateford (4:01)
2. Rails (3:01)
Churches
3. Belfast (2:07)
4. Saints (3:27)
5. Cotton's Sermon (1:53)
6. No River Deserves A King (1:10)
7. a) Ten Pence
b) Bridges (4:05)
8. A Terrible Accident (1:37)
9. a) Orlando
b) Jacks (3:01)
10. Burnsville (2:51)
11. The Last of a Southern Days (3:05)
12. A Famous Rabbit (2:44)
13. Lantern Effect (2:12)
14. Desperate Albert Sloop (1:44)
15. Train, Rain, Zero (2:14)
16. a) A Horseshoe Invasion
b) A Church In York (4:21)
17. Broken Spokes (4:45)
18. Two Words (5:50)

Total Time: 54:08

Line-up / Musicians

- Rocky Cancelose / drums
- Shawn Persinger / guitar
- Greg Hiser / violin
- Matt Eiland / bass

Review

If you want to hear some real scrumptious violin with guitar, bass and drum interplay then you must pick this band's work up. "The Stolen Bicycle" marks their second and arguably most comprehensive work to date. This album is soaring and full of some absolutely tasty instrumental work outs. "The Stolen Bicycle" is actually a large number of smaller vignettes which get the opportunity to individually explore some new musical ground. This is a magical little album which demands much listening attention and is a real instrumental work of art. Greg Hiser's violin work is simply "exemplar" and when juxtaposed with Shawn Persinger's guitar offerings we are treated to a wild instrumental contrast. Overall songs are highly calibrated and well crafted with precision execution... Folks who like an electric "progressive jazz'fest" will need to own this recording... simply amazing!

Part 1

Part 2

PELICAN Ephemeral

2009-09-03T12:50:00.004-05:00

I got recently introduced to this band that is cataloged as Experimental / Post- Metal but I consider them technical-metal.

This is a small EP just 3 tracks but gives a great glimpse into the future LP coming soon from this band.

Pelican biography
PELICAN were formed in Chicago by guitarists Trevor de Brauw and Laurent Lebec.Brothers Larry and Bryan Herweg round out the line-up on bass and drums,respectively.Pelican are a purely instrumental outfit and were signed to Aaron Turner's(ISIS)Hydra Head Records.In 2003 they made their debut with a four song,eponymous EP.

PELICAN released their first full length effort in 2004,the critically acclaimed "Australasia" album.In 2005 PELICAN released their second full length effort,"The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw".In 2007 PELICAN released the album "City of Echoes",an album that saw the band take their music in a more accessible direction.

With sounds that alternate between dreamy sounscapes and crushing riffs,PELICAN is leading the pack in a new era of instrumental progressive metal.Highly recommended for fans of progressive and post metal,with a sound highly evocative of the inspirational NEUROSIS and other post metal bands like ISIS,CULT OF LUNA,CALLISTO & MOUTH OF THE ARCHITECT

Singles/EPs/Fan Club/Promo, released in 2009

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Embedding the Moss (5:25)
2. Ephemeral (7:46)
3. Geometry of Murder (Earth cover) (7:38)

Total Time: 20:49

Line-up / Musicians

- Brian Herweg / bass
- Larry Herweg / drums
- Trevor De Brauw / guitar
- Laurent Lebec / guitar
- Dylan Carlson / guitar (3)

Get Album

BEARDFISH Sleeping In Traffic Part 1

2009-08-27T17:04:00.005-05:00

If there is a modern group that can represent the 70s prog music with today's heavy rhythms and fresh ideas it is Beardfish....a very interesting and definitely UNIQUE mix of Gentle Giant + Zappa + ELP + Jethro Tull...plus...some heavy riffs.

This is the 1st part of a 2 Albums Concept history. I will post the 2nd album soon !

Favorite tracks "Sunrise" & "Roulette"

Beardfish biography
Beardfish were formed in 2000 by guitarist David Zackrisson and singer, guitarist, keyboardist Rikard Sjöblom. The group includes bassist Robert Hansen and drummer Magnus Östgren. The first album was recorded as a quintet with Stefan Aronsson on keyboards and flute. Their primary influences are a diverse range of Zappa, King Crimson, and Gentle Giant.

The group should be checked out by anyone looking for a good solid modern Art Rock group. Strongly recommended.

Studio Album, released in 2007

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. On The Verge Of Sanity ... (0:47)
2. Sunrise (7:54)
3. Afternoon Conversation (3:42)
4. And Never Know (5:59)
5. Roulette (12:07)
6. Dark Poet (3:24)
7. Harmony (7:20)
8. The Ungodly Slob (6:42)
9. Year Of The Knife (7:28)
10. Without You (2:39)
11. Same Old Song (7:51)

Total Time: 65:53

Line-up / Musicians - Rikard Sjöblom / vocals, guitars, keyboards, accordion, percussion
- David Zackrisson / guitars, percussion
- Robert Hansen / bass
- Magnus Östgren / drums, percussion, screaming

Part 1

Part 2

AEON ZEN A Mind's Portrait

2009-08-27T16:43:00.003-05:00

Great prog from England. 2 multi-instrumental minds behind this new and great band including a list of great special guests. Very heavy pieces and some other nostalgic themes.

I recommend the last track
"The Demise Of The Fifth Sun"
fantastic track including some death metal growls...

Aeon Zen biography
AEON ZEN is a progressive metal band from London, England consisting of the duo Richard Hinks (multi-instrumentalist) and Lloyd Musto (drums). The duo formed a musical friendship when they both were 17 years old and would attend the same University in London studying music.

In May 2009, AEON ZEN has released their debut album "A Mind's Portrait" on Time Divides Records. On this release the duo combines the extraordinary talents of Andi Kravljaca (SILENT CALL), Matt Shepherd (TIMEFALL), Nils K. Rue (PAGAN'S MIND), Cristian van Schuerbeck (ALL TOO HUMAN), Elyes Bouchoucha (MYRATH) and Andreas Novak (MIND'S EYE).

AEON ZEN is currently in rehearsal with UK musicians creating a proper line-up for live shows to support their debut album.

Studio Album, released in 2009

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Existence (4:10)
2. Time Divine (4:18)
3. Blinded Rain (6:33)
4. Hope's Echo Pt.I - The Wake (3:48)
5. Hope's Echo Pt.II - The Aftermath (4:36)
6. A Mind's Portrait (3:44)
7. The Circle's End (1:54)
8. Heavens Falling (6:38)
9. Into The Infinite (6:52)
10. Goddess (4:23)
11. The Demise Of The Fifth Sun (12:28)

Total Time: 59:24

Line-up / Musicians

- Richard Hinks / guitars, keyboards, bass, vocals
- Lloyd Musto / drums, vocals

Guest musicians:
- Andi Kravljaca / vocals & guitar
- Andreas Novak / vocals
- Elyes Bouchoucha / vocals
- Nils K. Rue / vocals
- Matt Shepherd / guitar
- Cristian Van Schuerbeck / keyboards

Part 1

Part 2

TRANSATLANTIC'S THE WHIRLWIND - Coming in October! 26th August 2009

2009-08-27T11:48:00.001-05:00

3rd TRANSATLANTIC ALBUM THE WHIRLWIND - Coming in October! 26th August 2009

TRANSATLANTIC'S THE WHIRLWIND
Coming in October!!

TRANSATLANTIC - the Progressive Rock Supergroup featuring DREAM THEATER's Mike Portnoy, MARILLION's Pete Trewavas, THE FLOWER KINGS' Roine Stolt and Neal Morse (Ex-SPOCK'S BEARD) – will release their long-awaited third album in October 2009.

THE WHIRLWIND is a 77-minute piece of music that is sure to satisfy the band's legions of fans that have patiently waited almost the entire decade for the reunion of these 4 musicians.

THE WHIRLWIND will be available in two formats:
A Regular Edition Single CD of the entire 77 minute Epic as well as a 2-CD Special Edition containing a Bonus Disc with 8 newly recorded Studio Tracks.
(4 new Transatlantic compositions and 4 Cover Songs)

The Track Listing for the Special Edition is:

Disc One:
THE WHIRLWIND

Disc Two:
SPINNINGLENNY JOHNSONFOR SUCH A TIMELENDING A HANDTHE RETURN OF THE GIANT HOGWEED (Genesis)A SALTY DOG (Procol Harum)I NEED YOU (America / The Beatles)SOUL SACRIFICE (Santana) TRANSATLANTIC'S THE WHIRLWIND is currently scheduled for the following release dates:

October 23rd 2009: Germany, Austria, Switzerland
October 26th 2009: Europe
October 27th 2009: North America

SPIRAL ARCHITECT Sceptic's Universe

2009-08-26T13:07:00.005-05:00

I simply can say this is the most technical extreme progressive metal band ever ! POINT.

Unless you are a super computer or a robot you will need many, many, many listenings to start to get some sense to this complicated and heavy music, definitely craziness transformed into music.

Enjoy !!

Spiral Architect biography
SPIRAL ARCHITECT is a five members progressive metal band from Norway. These guys play more notes in the space of 30 seconds than some rock bands play in their entire career. The riffs are intricate and layered, often with guitar harmonies. The sound is a mixture of guitar-based melodic, technical metal to the extreme and classic prog vocals. The music reminds me almost like if heavy metal was crossed with improve jazz with a power metal singer in the front. The vocals are densely layered and harmonized in the style of YES. There are so much and refreshing you can do with this style that there's no reason to stop the evolution at DREAM THEATER and FATES WARNING.

After several years of anticipation, SPIRAL ARCHITECT CD "A Sceptic's Universe" emerged in early 2000. This release placed them firmly a top progressive metal, with writing and playing superior to all other non-instrumental progressive metal bands. Overall, the music is very original and captivating. If you like this you'll probably enjoy ANDROMEDA, GORDIAN KNOT, and most definatly FATES WARNING. Its definitely not for everybody. A "Sceptic's Universe" sets the standard for technical metal.

Studio Album, released in 2000

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Spinning (3:23)
2. Excessit (6:13)
3. Moving Spirit (3:44)
4. Occam's Razor (1:32)
5. Insect (5:54)
6. Cloud Constructor (5:25)
7. Conjuring Collapse (6:30)
8. Adaptability (4:34)
9. Fountainhead (6:30)

Total Time: 43:45

Bonus track on Avalon/Marquee release (1999 Japan/Asia):
10. Prelude To Ruin (7:32)

Line-up / Musicians - Oyvind Haegeland / vocals
- Steinar Gunderson / guitar
- Kaj Gornitzka / guitar
- Lars K. Norberg / bass
- Asgeir Mickelson / drums

Review:
A Sceptic´s Universe as a classic tech/prog metal album and in my eyes a masterpiece. If you like bands like Atheist, Cynic, Watchtower and Spastic Ink you will probably like this too.

Spiral Architect don´t have death metal vocals like Atheist and Cynic though, so there is a big difference there. The vocal melodies are indeed very beautiful on this album and rather special too. It seems to me that it should be impossible to put vocals to music this technical, but Oyvind Haegeland does a really fine job doing just that. The vocal melodies and his voice sometimes reminds me of early Fates Warning ( first singer) and Buddy Lackey from Psychotic Waltz.

The music is as i mentioned very technical and there a literally hundreds of small riffs in every song. Isn´t this confusing ? You might ask. And yes to start with it is very confusing and not very accessible, but after a lot of spins this album reveals it´s secrets. The riffs become memorable and especially the beautiful vocal lines binds the songs together. I find this much more accessible that for instance Watchtower or Spastic Ink even though they are in the same catagory of insanely technical metal.

My favorite songs are: Excessit, Insect and Fountainhead. If anyone tells you that they can´t differentiate between the songs it´s because they haven´t listened enough ( and many will say this).

I will rank this as a masterpiece of progressive music as I´m having a hard time seeing how anyone can top this in this sub-genre. This one belongs in the hall of Fame with: Atheist - Unquestionable Presence, Cynic - Focus, Watchtower - Control and Resistance.

MASTERPIECE

Part 1

Part 2

SPHERIC UNIVERSE EXPERIENCE Anima

2009-08-24T19:17:00.002-05:00

I found out this band after reviewing some web pages in which it was ranked as the Best Prog Metal album for 2007. I got it right away and was impressed. This is a real amazing album, all tracks are strong and really well produced.

Musicianship and creative are in high counts and the story behind the album is really concise. Coming from France don't affect the fact of having multiple language lines in this record.

"End of Trauma" & "The Key" are my personal favorite tracks.

Spheric Universe Experience biography
In 1999 guitarist Vince Benaim and his friends bassist John Drai and a drummer simply known as Sam decided to form a progressive metal band.They gigged around southern France using the name GATES OF DELERIUM,but knew they were being limited because they weren't incorporating keyboards or vocals so keyboardist Fred Columbo was brought onboard in 2001 along with vocalist Alex.Now using the moniker AMNESYA,they played some live shows and recorded one demo.
The band then split in 2002,leaving Vince,John and Fred alone to continue under the name SPHERIC UNIVERSE EXPERIENCE.
After 8 months of writing the band had enough material for a full album and a demo was home-recorded using session vocalist Frank Garcia,who was brought in on short notice,literally days before recording.After the recording sessions Garciia joined the band full time.
The band then began recording their debut album "Mental Torments",using session drummer Volodia Brice,in 2003.Drummer Nico "Ranko" Muller joined the band in 2004 and now SPHERIC UNIVERSE EXPERIENCE'S line-up was finalized."Mental Torments" was released in 2005 and the band continued touring and writing.Their sophomore album "Anima" was released in 2007.
The music of Spheric Universe Experience is technical,melodic progressive metal,and can be compared to bands such as DREAM THEATER,PAIN OF SALVATION and FATES WARNING,but filled with an incredible intensity and an original identity of their own.Highly recommended to all progressive metal fans.

Studio Album, released in 2007

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Sceptic
2. Being
3. The Inner Quest
4. Neptune's Revenge
5. Stormy Dome
6. World of Madness
7. End of Trauma
8. Heal My Pain
9. Questions
10. The Key
11. Black Materia
12. Waltz opus 64 no.2 (Frédéric Chopin cover)

Line-up / Musicians - Vince Benaim / guitars
- John Drai / bass
- Franck Garcia / vocals
- Fred Colombo / keyboards
- Nicolas "Ranko" Muller / drums

Album Review
There are many many prog metal bands out there sounding the same. This avalanche of newcomers inspired on Dream Theater and Symphony X is quite annoying at times because when a good band appears it's difficult to give them a try due to this overflow of clones. Luckily I got to listen to Spheric Universe Experience's Mental Torments, an awesome album but with lack of production work. Well, the point is that because of this I was very excited waiting for their next release and what an album they made!! I got caught into this progressive power metal from the very first track. It's a highly technical and yet passionate release, sounding way much better than Mental Torments, it's full of catchy tunes and there's no way to get bored. Every single song is precisely where it should be, it's length is enough for appreciate it but not too long for wishing for it to end, the riffs are magnificient (specially "The Inner Quest" and "The Key") and most of all, the whole band sounds like there wasn't anything they'd enjoy more than making music. Anima's highlights for me are "The Inner Quest", "Neptune's Revenge", "The Key" (the best song in my opinion, with an intro clearly influenciated by Nobuo Uematsu's music for Final Fantasy VII) and the insane closing intrumental "Black Materia". Easily the best progressive metal release of 2007, 5 stars.

Part 1

Part 2

SIEGES EVEN Paramount

2009-08-18T16:31:00.003-05:00

If you liked the previous album by Sieges Even you will surely like this one. This is different but with the same feeling and great song writing. The last 2 tracks are really creative and genius work. I found a little more metal/heavy feeling in some tracks which is very well welcome. I'm sure you will enjoy !

Studio Album, released in 2007

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. When Alpha And Omega Collide (5:53)
2. Tidal (5:16)
3. Eyes Wide Open (5:41)
4. Iconic (4:59)
5. Where Our Shadows Sleep (7:08)
6. Duende (5:11)
7. Bridge To The Divine (5:56)
8. Leftovers (7:16)
9. Mounting Castles In The Blood Red Sky (5:37)
10. Paramount (8:50)

Total Time: 61:47

Line-up / Musicians - Arno Menses / vocals
- Oliver Holzwarth / bass
- Markus Steffen / guitars
- Alex Holzwarth / drums

Guest musician:
- Sven Rossenbach / saxophone

Review:
Well, I didn't expect the band is able to improve once more. Therefore I'm really excited! This album is an excellent follower of 'The Art Of Navigating By The Stars' which was released 2 years ago when SIEGES EVEN surprised me much with their special blend of Art Rock and Metal elements. Now the same line-up basically has not changed the style (why shouldn't they?) - except some details. Again we have complex and very emotional songs with impressive hooklines, grooves and breaks dominated by Arno Menses' vocals. For a summary musically and technically perfect with a few song pearls as the result. You can enjoy clear guitars with many variants and there is no doubt about the qualities of the Holzwarth rhythm branch. On 'Paramount' SIEGES EVEN now additionally uses saxophone, samples, synths and the lyrics also contain catchy refrains. So I can even state more variety and sophistication. (more)

Part 1 : http://www.sendspace.com/file/2yjra1

Part 2: http://www.sendspace.com/file/gdwfx8

CONTINUUM - free tracks download

2009-08-18T11:51:00.005-05:00

New progressive metal band CONTINUUM from Brasil is promoting it's music with 2 free downloads at: http://soundcloud.com/continuumofficial

Check the band at: http://www.myspace.com/continuumofficial

LEMUR VOICE Insights

2009-08-18T11:02:00.003-05:00

I believe this is not a well known band and is sad since it is a magnificent progressive metal representative.

I consider many of the tracks as "Intuition" & "Akasha Chronicles" prog/metal masterpieces.

Enjoy !!

Lemur Voice biography
LEMUR VOICE consisted of five members who, together, create a musical landscape much greater than the sum their parts. The influences of the individual members are very diverse, they all have their own style and interest that goes from classical music to DREAM THEATER and STING. They play sort of neo-progressive hard rock combined with metal-tinged guitars. LEMUR VOICE takes this formula to a high level of execution.

Studio Album, released in 1996

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. INTUITION (6:47)
2. AKASHA CHRONICLES (5:05)
3. CELESTIAL HAZE (2:37)
4. DEEP INSIDE (9:39)
5. MORE OF NOTHING (6:37)
6. ALONE (12:37) -
A) STABS OF THE PAST - B) ALONE AGAIN
7. PRIME OF PASSION (6:49)
8. MEMORY LANE (6:30)

Total Time: 56:54

Line-up / Musicians - Marcel Coenen / guitars
- Franck Faber / keyboards
- Barend Tromp / bass, acoustic guitar
- Nathan van de Wouw / drums
- Gregoor van der Loo / lead vocals

Review

I will go to such lengths and say that this band, especially this album, even outclasses DT. While you could certainly argue about the musicians abillities and the complexity of their arrangements, you can't look past the fact that Lemur Voice manages to create an unique atmosphere that is existent throughout the whole album. It's kind of an melodramatic key note which probably originates from the vocalist's sousing voice.

Let alone the opener "Intuition", even though it's only instrumental, should give you a good impression on what these musicians are capable of. And at the latest by hearing the guitar solo in the opening of the song "Prime Of Passion" you should be absolutely blown away.

I could go on and on and tell you about the ultimate precision the band members use their instruments or the variety of the compositions they created, but you have to listen to this for yourself in order to believe that this album is truly oustanding.

Part 1

Part 2

TIME'S FORGOTTEN ..became a fan

2009-08-12T18:29:00.003-05:00

Became a Fan of Time's Forgotten in Facebook and support the independent release of their 2nd album: Dandelion

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?src=fftb#/pages/Times-Forgotten/49561443944?ref=nf

You can heard this great band at MySpace

Review of their albums at ProgArchives

Get more details of this great band at their Official Site

SYMPHONY X The Divine Wings of Tragedy

2009-08-12T17:42:00.004-05:00

"Looking up to the heavens
I can see what I left behind
Beneath the stars, moon and
warm sun
And all I know,
is my paradise has begun ..."

This can't be named a progressive rock/metal blog without Symphony X. A balanced mix of orchestral, heavy metal, headbanging, technical passages and unbelievable individual playing creates one of the more interesting progressive metal bands.

Compared often to Dream Theater and Fates Warning, this band is much heavier, sometimes more progressive, and sometimes a lot cheesier. Their style and music concepts are completely different, playing complex timings and odd meters while incorporating elements of symphonic metal and more traditional heavy metal into their sound. Their music also contains strong neo-classical elements reminiscent of Yngwie Malmsteen.

The five musicians have the best songs of all US-prog-metal-bands of the post-Dream-Theater-generation in their repertoire, play live nearly the complete competitors into ground and bottom, have with Russell Allen the most charismatic and stage-compatible singer of the genre in their line-up and enjoy in insider-circles undeniable god-status.

If there is an album that can define the Progressive Metal genre it is definitely "The Divine Wings Of Tragedy". Including several accomplishments: the Queen-tributional choruses and quotations, the Malmsteen-alike highspeed guitar work by Michael Romeo, the over boarding bombast-prog (the 21 minutes long title track should be well known by any one who is familiar with the power/prog subgenre), the hardmetallic earworms ("Of Sins And Shadows", "Out Of The Ashes") and Michael Pinnellas heartwarming keyboard-licks ("The Accolade").

Studio Album, released in 1997

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Of Sins and Shadows (4:58)
2. Sea of Lies (4:18)
3. Out of the Ashes (3:39)
4. The Accolade (9:51)
5. Pharaoh (5:28)
6. The Eyes of Medusa (5:26)
7. The Witching Hour (4:15)
8. The Divine Wings of Tragedy (20:41)
9. Candlelight Fantasia (6:45)

Total Time: 65:21

Line-up / Musicians

- Michael Romeo / guitars
- Michael Pinella / keyboards
- Jason Rullo / drums
- Thomas Miller / bass
- Russell Allen / vocals

Once again please check and leave comments !

NIACIN Time Crunch

2009-08-12T17:10:00.003-05:00

Niacin is a rock/jazz/funk (neo-fusion) trio created by 3 great players, John Novello, Billy Sheehan and Dennis Chambers. Founded in 1996, the band's name comes from the timbral foundation of the Hammond B3 organ but also vitamin B₃ is also known as niacin, so reallywe don't know the source but the fact is this trio will simply blow your mind !!

While the members pursue solo and sideman projects, they have continued to record and tour as a unit to remarkable critical and fan success given the narrow and decidedly non-commercial focus of instrumental fusion as a genre.

Niacin biography
NIACIN features John Novello on Hammond B3 organ & keyboards, Billy Sheehan on bass and Dennis Chambers on drums. All are seriously accomplished musicians and play everything from rock, funk, jazz, fusion, progressive and beyond. They are an instrumental group, so the focus is obviously on interesting composition and inspired improvisation. Yet the musical roots of the band's members go back to the late 60's and early 70's progressive rock giants with whom they are so often (and rightly) compared to, like:YES, GENESIS, EMERSON LAKE & PALMER, KING CRIMSON, TRAFFIC.

Studio Album, released in 2001

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Elbow Grease (5:17)
2. Time Crunch (3:13)
3. Stone Face (6:09)
4. Red (8:00)
4. Invisible King (4:27)
5. Daddy Long Leg (5:18)
6. Hog Funk (5:06)
7. Glow (3:05)
8. Damaged Goods (4:25)
9. Outside Inside Out (5:02)
10. Blue Wind (5:51)

Total Time: 56:13

Line-up / Musicians - Bill Sheenan / bass
- John Novello / Hammond B3, piano and synths
- Dennis Chambers / drums

ANEKDOTEN Vemod

2009-08-11T12:45:00.004-05:00

Excellent progressive rock/metal, with the spirit of King Crimson inspired music but with their own soul. !!

Enjoy !!

Studio Album, released in 1993

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Karelia (7:20)
2. The Old Man and the Sea (7:50)
3. Where Solitude Remains (7:20)
4. Thought in Absence (4:10)
5. The Flow (6:58)
6. Longing (4:50)
7. Wheel (7:52)
8. Sad Rain (10:14)

Total Time: 56:58

Line-up / Musicians

- Jan Erik Liljeström / bass, voice
- Nicklas Berg / guitar, mellotron, voice
- Peter Nordins / drums, percussion
- Anna Sofi Dahlberg / mellotron, keys, cello, voice
- Per Wiberg - grand piano

Anekdoten biography
In the early 90s a wave of King Crimson inspired new progrock bands emerged in Scandinavia. One of the first was four piece formation Anekdoten from Sweden and they are still alive and progging, unlike their promising contemporaries Anglagard and Landberk. (more)

Album Review
Anekdoten's Vemod is probably the most impressive (and heaviest) debut album from the last two decades along with Anglagard's Hybris, and they have little chance at being dethroned, Paatos' Timeloss included. This quartet seems to have come out of Sweden's Boreal Forest or even more north the Polar Tundra, with their incredibly somber but beautiful melancholy that one our Scandinavian brothers can express so forcefully. Not least helped by the ironic pagan artwork (notice the ironing encircling the high priestess Anna-Sofi, the voodoo doll and its throne), the group manages to find its own sound right from the first mellotron and cello lines, even if it is obvious that their main influence is Crimson.

Please check the comments and leave your own !!

PAGAN'S MIND Enigmatic Calling

2009-08-07T15:08:00.002-05:00

Another Norway band....in a similar line as Circus Maximus but with a unique sound, more Power Metal infuences and a very distintive vocals by Nils K. Rue. This is their 3rd album and a very good one !
Strong powerful riffs, great melodies and headbanging feeling !! Rock On !

Pagan's Mind biography
Pagan's Mind, a Norwegian Progressive Metal band, formed in 2000 with Nils K. Rue on vocals, Stian Kristoffersen on drums, and Thorstein Aaby on guitar, They all played together in a 80s metal inspirated band but wanted to aim higher and quickly replaced the old bass player with Steinar Krokmo. Guitar virtuoso Jorn Viggo Lofstad joined with Steinar and brought a change to this new band. Jorn and Steinar added with them the Progressive edge that the band would have in the coming years.
(more)

Studio Album, released in 2005

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. The Celestine Prophecy (7:37)
2. Enigmatic Mission (5:17)
3. Supremacy, Our Kind (6:01)
4. Entrance To Infinity (7:50)
5. Coming Home (Instrumental) (2:37)
6. Celestial Calling (7:01)
7. Taken (7:35)
8. Resurrection (Back In Time) (6:37)
9. Appearance (Instrumental) (1:52)
10. Search For Life (5:01)
11. New World Order (8:11)

Total Time: 65:39

Line-up / Musicians

- Steinar Krokmo / bass
- Ronny Tegner / keyboards
- Nils K. Rue / vocals
- Stian Lindaas Kristoffersen /drums & percussion
- Jørn Viggo Lofstad / lead guitar

Review:

Amazing and true progressive album! Certainly one of the best albums of the year 2005. Celestial Entrance was excellent, but this one is even better!

The compositions are technical but not demonstrative, well arranged and have a particular atmosphere. The solos are very "cool"! ("Enigmatic Mission", "Taken", "New World Order") This is not easy listening, and on average, the tracks are longer than 6:00. The songs are an interessing combination of heavy, thrash, and prog and also progressive rock. In each song you can find a "killer" riff (for example, the intro of "Supremacy, Our Kind). The ballad ("Search For Life") is interessing too (it is not a love song!!!). The musicians are excellent and the vocals are powerful and melodic. These elements give an identity to Pagan's Mind. Of course, the mixing is excellent.

You can hear this album dozen of times, and it still sounds great!

This is the future of progressive metal!

Please check and give out some comments !!

CIRCUS MAXIMUS Isolate

2009-08-07T13:21:00.002-05:00

This is a great band from Norway, this is their 2nd album with heavy sound and very interesting ideas. "Sane No More" and the "Abyss" are my personal favorites. "A Darkened Mind " is a great opening track.

I will try to get a hold on their first album and post it here !!! Anyone have it ? Let me know.

Enjoy !!!

Studio Album, released in 2007

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. A Darkened Mind (5:33)
2. Abyss (5:00)
3. Wither (4:46)
4. Sane No More (3:55)
5. Arrival of Love (4:10)
6. Zero (4:50)
7. Mouth of Madness (12:42)
8. From Childhood's Hour (4:28)
9. Ultimate Sacrifice (9:17)

Total Time 54:41

Line-up / Musicians - Mike Eriksen / vocals
- Mats Haugen / guitar
- Glen Mollen / bass
- Truls Haugen / drums
- Espen Storo / keyboards

Circus Maximus biography
Norwegian CIRCUS MAXIMUS became a full line up in 2000, consisting of long time band-mates Michael Eriksen on vocals and brothers Mats & Truls Haugen on guitar and drums respectively. In addition the band consists of keyboard mastermind Espen Storø and Mats' old high school buddy Glen Cato Møllen on bass. The band has a wide variety of musical influences, from pop/rock to 70's Prog-Rock to Heavy and Death metal, all of which is melted together and gives the guys their unique sound. The melting pot creates a mixture of great melodies, groove, heavy riffs and weird odd time signatures.
(more)

Album Review
This is in my mind the best album of 2007 so far and the "Abyss" is the best song, all categories! The main difference between Circus Maximus and other prog metal bands is that CM has great melodies and harmonies. It's also an incredibly tight band with Truls Haugen's drumming being the main item keeping the band together. Add to that Mike Eriksen's incredibly clear and sharp voice and you have a mix that beats most of the prog metal out there. This is what DT were when they peaked in the late 90's. You can argue that they don't create anything new and truly progressive, and that they are leaning more towards power metal than prog, but I don't really care since the music sounds sooo good.

Isolate as an album is a logical follow-up to 1st Chapter but slightly better in every aspect. There are no flat spots in the album but all songs are given 4 to 5 stars from me. Standing out of the 9 songs is the second song Abyss. It's a masterpiece that has everything mentioned above and despite 20+ listenings it's still getting better.

If you like Symphony X, DT or any prog metal band with great melodies this is the album for you.

MINDFLOW Destructive Device

2009-08-04T14:50:00.005-05:00

From Brasil comes MINDFLOW a powerful band with a great album. This was considered the best Prog-metal album from 2008 in several web sites and it surely deserve it.

Is really a well balanced production, heavy sound and electronic moods. Very creative and intelligent music.

Mindflow biography
MINDFLOW's style of prog rock was born in 1999 with the proposal of creating technically complex songs yet accessible to everyone. Linked with all types of artistic expressions, from literature to plastic arts, the band is able to project a film from it's sound track.

- "We try to activate memories and feelings through sound, which makes our song a painting with colours and contrasts."

Many classical bands inspired MINDFLOW, such as: RUSH, YES, DREAM THEATER, PINK FLOYD, MEGADETH. The energy emanated from the band members can be noticed by heavy riffs with traces of electronical music like in the powerful song "Meeting her eyes", the feeling and simplicity evident in "Invisible Messages" and "Touch of Immortality". (more)

Studio Album, released in 2008

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Destructive Device (6:44)
2. Lethal (5:29)
3. Breakthrough (5:09)
4. Under An Alias (4:05)
5. Inevitable Nightfall (5:40)
6. Said & Done (5:19)
7. Fragile State Of Peace (6:05)
8. Not Free Enough (7:09)
9. Inapt World (6:25)
10. First Things First (3:36)
11. Shocking Death Bed Confession (11:50)
12. The Screwdriver Effect (3:06)

Total Time 70:36

Line-up / Musicians
- Danilo Herbert / vocals
- Rodrigo Hidalgo / guitar
- Ricardo Winandy / bass
- Miguel Spada / keyboards
- Rafael Pensado / drums

Please check on the comments !

JORDAN RUDESS Rhythm of Time

2009-08-03T17:12:00.004-05:00

Another release by wizard keyboard player Jordan Rudess, great album, heavier with a great line-up as you can see below.
Melody, jazz, funk and electronics craziness are all in this album.
Tracks #3 and #7 really rock my day !!!

Studio Album, released in 2004

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Time Crunch (6:28)
2. Screaming Head (7:19)
3. Insectsamongus (9:33)
4. Beyond Tomorrow (9:56)
5. Bar Hopping With Mr Picky (4:37)
6. What Four (6:50)
7. Ra (7:54)
8. Tear Before The Rain (9:06)

Total Time: 59:16

Line-up / Musicians - Jordan Rudess / keyboards, backing vocals
- Bert Baldwin / backing vocals
- John Guth / acoustic guitar
- Greg Howe / guitar
- Daniel J. / guitar
- Dave LaRue / bass
- Vinnie Moore / guitar
- Rod Morgenstein / drums
- Steve Morse / guitar
- Bill Ruyle / tabla
- Joe Satriani / guitar
- Kip Winger / lead and backing vocals

Part 1

Part 2

ProgPower USA X

2009-08-03T11:43:00.003-05:00

ProgPower USA X

September 11-12, 2009
Center Stage Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia

Tickets

ProgPower USA X tickets are NOW AVAILABLE via Ticketmaster.com.
Please use this link to purchase your tickets for the show!
Ticket price will be $120 (limited to 800 tickets)
Advance gold badges are sold out.

Schedule

Doors (both days):

Gold Badges
Regular Tickets

2:30 pm
3:30 pm

Friday:

Crimson Glory
Royal Hunt
Sabaton
Diablo Swing Orchestra
Mindflow
Cage

11:30 pm - close
9:45 pm - 11:00 pm
8:15 pm - 9:15 pm
7:00 pm - 7:45 pm
5:45 pm - 6:30 pm
4:30 pm - 5:15 pm

*ProgPower USA XI video presentation immediately follows.

Saturday:

Fates Warning
Brainstorm
Pagan’s Mind
Orphaned Land
Circus Maximus

11:30 pm - close
9:45 pm - 11:00 pm
8:00 pm - 9:15 pm
6:15 pm - 7:30 pm
4:30 pm - 5:45 pm

ProgPower USA Showcase

September 10, 2009
Center Stage Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia

Tickets

ProgPower USA Showcase tickets are NOW AVAILABLE via Ticketmaster.com! Please purchase ProgPower USA Showcase tickets using this link, thank you!
Ticket price: $38.00

Schedule

Doors:

Doors Open

To be announced…

Band Set Times:

Primal Fear
Vanden Plas
Suspyre
Future’s End

Times to be announced…
Times to be announced…
Times to be announced…
Times to be announced…

Mid-Week Mayhem

September 09, 2009
The Loft @ Center Stage Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia

Doors:
6:00pm - show starts at 7:00pm

Tickets

$20 You can purchase your tickets via Ticket Alternative by clicking this link.
Limited to 500 tickets.

Details
Pagan Maximus (acoustic show featuring combined members of Pagan’s Mind & Circus Maximus)

Mindcrime (Queensryche tribute band featuring Chris Salinas of Zero Hour on vocals) will perform the classic “Operation: Mindcrime” in its entirety.

Live Queensryche karaoke to follow

SIEGES EVEN The Art of Navigating By the Stars

2009-07-31T18:10:00.003-05:00

'The view from here is frightening'

I was thinking what to write down...but at then end I just can say, please listen to this BEAUTIFUL MASTERPIECE !!!
This is truly art, genuine created with detail and care. Magnificent conceptual album compositions, not all the heavier we may want but incredible.

Top tracks:

"The Lonely view of Condors"
"Stigmata" (top track 5 stars)
"To The One Who Have Failed"

Bio Facts:
The german band Sieges Even started life in 1986 as a clone of Tech-Metal pioneers Watchtower, but moved into their own with their fourth album Sophisticated. They made a long overdue comeback in 2005 with the highly regarded The Art of Navigating by the Stars which takes their sound into a more melodic style with shades of Dream Theater and Fates Warning.
As of September 2008, the band decided to split due to internal differences.

Studio Album, released in 2005

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Intro: Navigating By The Stars (0:30)
2. Sequence I: The Weight (10:14)
3. Sequence II: The Lonely Views Of Condors (6:14)
4. Sequence III: Unbreakable (9:00)
5. Sequence IV: Stigmata (8:22)
6. Sequence V: Blue Wide Open (5:13)
7. Sequence VI: To The Ones Who Have Failed (7:26)
8. Sequence VII: Lighthouse (7:41)
9. Sequence VIII: Styx (8:55)

Total Time: 63:35

Line-up / Musicians

- Markus Steffen / guitars
- Arno Menses / vocals
- Alex Holzwarth / drums
- Oliver Holzwarth / bass

Album Review:

The Art of Making Beautiful Music

The Holzwarth brothers are European Progressive Metal legends. The creatvity and skill of these two alone is downright amazing. After ten years, Sieges Even has finally released a new album. Arno Menses and Markus Steffen are the latest musicians to walk through the revolving door the Holzwarths frequently open.

Progressive Metal is a sophisticated genre. There is a myriad of adjectives that can be used to describe many albums made by amazing musicians in this genre. This album however is one of the few I would use the world beautiful to describe. That's right, this album is downright beautiful music that can be absorbed by a listener each and every time. (more)

Get Album

CYNIC Traced in Air

2009-07-31T15:00:00.004-05:00

I was never into extreme Death Metal so Cynic was never part of my music library, but along came "Traced in Air"...and wow..technical progressive jazz metal with melody and growls ...amazing !! Check it out !!

Studio Album, released in 2008

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Nunc Fluens (2:56)
2. The Space For This (5:46)
3. Evolutionary Sleeper (3:35)
4. Integral Birth (3:53)
5. The Unknown Guest (4:13)
6. Adam's Murmur (3:29)
7. King Of Those Who Know (6:09)
8. Nunc Stans (4:13)

Total Time 32:54

Line-up / Musicians
- Paul Masvidal / Guitar and vocals
- Sean Reinert / Drums
- Sean Malone / Bass, Chapman Stick
- Tymon Kruidenier / Guitar and death growls

Album Review

So surprisingly for me I download an album from sub genre I've never listened before - ext/tech prog metal.And that is the new album by Cynic - Traced in Air.At the beginning the sound was very strange for me,but after five listenings I think this album is really of high quality.The songs show the creativity by the musicians.There are no wear songs on this album.The sound is strong and contains short-piece tunes,which I think are typical for this sub genre.My favourite song on the album is The Space for This.It is really great song for me.Something that I don't like very much is the track listing.I think it could be better,excluding the first and the last song,which made the composition completed.I think this sub genre has a lot to offer in near future!

Get Album

SHADOW GALLERY Legacy

2009-07-30T16:29:00.002-05:00

This is the album between "Tyranny" and "Room V". Not as strong as the conceptual albums but have very powerful tracks like "Cliffhanger", "Society of The Mind" and "Legacy". The last track, 30 min pic is not as good as expected from a lasting song but worth hearing.

Studio Album, released in 2001

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Cliffhanger (13:05)
a) Hang On
b) The Crusher
2. Destination Unknown (7:01)
3. Colors (7:02)
4. Society Of The Mind (5:23)
5. Legacy (5:04)
6. First Light (34:18)

Total Time: 71:53

Line-up / Musicians

- Brent Allman / guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals, keyboards (4)
- Mike Baker / lead and backing vocals
- Carl Cadden-James / bass, vocals, flute
- Chris Ingles / keyboards
- Joe Nevolo / drums
- Gary Wehrkamp / guitars, keyboards, vocals, bass, sound effects

Album Review:

If you followed Shadow Gallery's career in a chronological order, chances are you heard Tyranny before listening to this one. So, as with me, your first reaction must've been something like "man!... this is not in the same level as Tyranny!"... Because, for sure, following in the footsteps of such a FLAWLESS album as that is no easy task, as with every band that has ever released their "ALBUM"... But after the initial shock, what you have here is a pretty good, at times equally masterful collection of (sadly only) 6 songs....

What striked me the most is the lack of anthemic, superhuman choruses that SG delivered in Tyranny.... As in the follow-up to this one, Room V, the choruses here are nowhere near the level of tracks like "I believe", "Roads of thunder" or "Mystery".... and believe me, one of the greatest assests of SG are their choruses, and honestly, I can't find a band that matches their ability.... But, as usual, the instrumental performance by each individual is amazing, especially from the guitars: SG is mainly a guitar band more than a keyboard band (a la Royal Hunt), and here we have excellent playing courtesy of Wehrkamp and Allman.... But another highlight in this band is Mike Baker: he's truly one of the BEST singers in all prog-metal and in all rock... his is a truly unique voice, a little mellow at times, but very effective and, most of all, GREAT with melody singing....

If we'd have to mention the biggest influence in SG's sound and Baker's singing, for sure we would have to talk about Queensryche, but a lot more "prog"....But never did Tate's band played songs with the beauty that SG's opuses have: even more than their choruses, it's their skills with MELODY that truly make them one of the greatest in all progressive metal (for me, only second to DT). But SG also have an "arena rock" vibe within their sound...

Part 1

Part 2

BOZZIO LEVIN STEVENS Situation Dangerous

2009-07-28T18:00:00.002-05:00

The 2nd album by this power-trio..
Situation Dangerous.
I can say I like this one a little better basically because the tracks were a little more planned versus jammed like in Black Light Syndrome.
I got this one basically as an extra and was not expecting anything majestic but I was surprised.

They repeat their genius and actually add even more musicianship into this effort. Great album.

Studio Album, released in 2000

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Dangerous (6:38)
2. Endless (10:09)
3. Crash (5:08)
4. Spiral (4:36)
5. Melt (3:37)
6. Tragic (6:58)
7. Tziganne (4:26)
8. Lost (6:24)

Total Time: 47:56

Line-up / Musicians

- Terry Bozzio / drums, percussion
- Tony Levin / basses, cello, Stick
- Steve Stevens / guitars, effects

WITH:
- Marcus Nand / flamenco guitar

Review

These 3 guys are really,sort of a muscle prog fusion power trio!! Imagine Cream on Steroids and speed...then induce some folk (spanish)music... then add some Planet x..there you have it!!! Great prog/rock/fusion in a power trio...an believe me they´re good!! Superb musicisians....great soloing....great songs(why is it called songs,when there´s absolutely no singing?)..nevermind..this is a great album!! Try it out!! This is their second outing!! Go for the first one...then this one !!! Enjoy!!!

Get Album

JORDAN RUDESS Feeding The Wheel

2009-07-28T15:42:00.008-05:00

Mr. Rudess, one of the best progressive keyboard players alive....Dream Theater & Liquid Tension Experiment member.....a master in creativity. In this album he plays along an incredibly diverse set of player to create a unique mix of sounds and ideas. Don't expect a very heavy album rather you will find a more electronic feeling.

Jordan Rudess biography
Jordan Rudess is a classically trained keyboardist who entered the world of prog with the release of the album 'Listen' in 1993. It is a bombastic album full of various keyboard sounds, with many odd-time signatures and Jordan provides also his vocals to a couple of songs, being backed by a female vocalist. (more)

Studio Album, released in 2001

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. The Voice - Intro (0:19)
2. Quantum Soup (11:02)
3. Shifting Sands (6:00)
4. Dreaming in Titanium (4:08)
5. U-Can Icon (5:41)
6. Center of the Sphere (1:37)
7. Crack the Meter (6:13)
8. Headspace (3:58)
9. Revolving Door (8:33)
10. Interstices (4:03)
11. Feed the Wheel (10:12)

Total Time: 61:52

Line-up / Musicians

- Jordan Rudess / keyboards
- Terry Bozzio / all drums and percussion (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11)
- Steve Morse / guitars (2, 7)
- John Petrucci / guitars (2, 5, 9 & 11)
- Eugene Friesen / cello & voice (2, 4, 8, 9)
- Billy Sheehan / bass (7)
- Mark Wood / electric violin (2,5,9,11)
- Peter Ernst / acoustic guitar (3)
- Barry Carl / The Voice (1)
- Bert Baldwin / keyboard strings (5)

Part 1

Part 2

MAGELLAN Test of Wills

2009-07-28T12:22:00.003-05:00

This is for my the best of Magellan albums, compared to the previous posted album, this is overall more progressive, complex and brings a richer flavor to the table.
I love the riffs and the crazy ideas...the trombone is absolutely a "new" for progressive music. This is the Magellan release more aligned to prog-metal so far !!

Studio Album, released in 1997

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Gameface (4:30)
2. A Social Marginal (7:28)
3. Walk Fast, Look Worried (5:54)
4. Test Of Wills (11:28)
5. Bully Pulpit (Part 1) (2:01)
6. Jacko (4:23)
7. Crucible (4:49)
8. Preaching The Converted (5:30)
9. Critics Carnival (9:01)

Total Time: 53:44

Line-up / Musicians - Trent Gardner / lead vocals, keyboards, trombone
- Wayne Gardner / guitars, basses, backing vocals
- Brad Kaiser / drums and percussion

Review

Magellan is a great band, and this - their 3rd outing - is a fine effort, heavier than the first two. For the uniniated, Magellan is a bit like a head-on collision between ELP, Queen and Rush. A critic's nightmare, but a prog-fan's delight.

"Test of Wills" features massive keywords, tricky and tasty drumming, and big wall of sound Queen-like choruses. The tempo and time signatures change CONSTANTLY - so you never know what's next. And Trent Gardner writes great lyrics - he somehow manages to be cynical and optimistic at the same time, and ever a great social critic.

Highlights: "Gameface," "A Social Marginal," and "Critic's Carnival." Check it out.

Get Album

BOZZIO LEVIN STEVENS Black Light Syndrome

2009-07-27T17:06:00.004-05:00

A great band formed in the 90's Bozzio Levin Stevens brings to the table a great jazz, funk, metal, flamenco fusion with great musicianship and complex creations. Bozzio's melodic playing is unique and brings a complete different approach to drum playing. Enjoy.....I will post their 2nd album also. "Falling in Circles" & "Duende" are great tracks.

Bozzio Levin Stevens biography
This trio formed by the former drummer of Frank ZAPPA and UK Terry BOZZIO, the former KING CRIMSON bass-player and the guitarist prodigy Steve STEVENS plays a sparking, really powerful and energetic hot-fusion. On tense rhythms which evoke KING CRIMSON in its "Red" period, the guitar starts to play an astonishing power metal jazz full of tortured and energetic solos, sometimes reminding of Jimi HENDRIX or at times of Robert FRIPP but which is always devastating. This band has a tremendous virtuosity associated to a bursting strength.

Studio Album, released in 1997

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. The Sun Road (14:37)
2. Dark Corners (8:31)
3. Duende (7:25)
4. Black Light Syndrome (8:45)
5. Falling In Circles (9:07)
6. Book of Hours (9:38)
7. Chaos/Control (8:49)

Total Time: 47:56

Line-up / Musicians - Terry Bozzio / drums
- Tony Levin / basses, Stick
- Steve Stevens / guitars

Album Review

Back when BillY Idol was at his peak in the eighties, word was out that Steve Stevens was a phenominal guitarist. I never got that at the time, pigeonholing him as "the guitarist with the poser". Here, I began to understand what the buzz was about. Terry Bozzio and Tony Levin had a long track record of playing fantastic music, but Stevens' virtuosity in many styles was a revelation.

The disk begins with "The Sun Road", a song who's mood seems a bit reminiscent of post-Waters Pink Floyd, and ends up sounding something like the coda of King Crimson's "Larks' Tongues In Aspic IV". Following that is "Dark Corners", a sond that could have been on Crimson's "Red". Stevens shines on acoustic guitar on the Spanish-flavored "Duende".

Although the music is mostly improvised, there are quite a few twists and turns, mostly done flawlessly.

I highly recommend this to any hard rock fusion fan.

Part 1

Part 2

PLANET X Moonbabies

2009-07-24T17:12:00.003-05:00

Links removed due to request from the artist !

Ok, so completing Planet X discography with their 2nd release, Moonbabies. In this one you can find several guest musicians at bass including the great Billy Sheehan. Difficult to say which Planet X album is the best, all are very technical, complex and definetely from another universe, honoring their name they seem to be from another Planet.

Studio Album, released in 2002

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. MoonBabies (5:38)
2. The Noble Savage (6:12)
3. Ataraxia (6:16)
4. 70 VIR (4:00)
5. Micronesia (5:56)
6. Interlude in Milan (4:29)
7. Digital Vertigo (4:23)
8. Ground Zero (6:01)
9. Midnight Bell (3:54)
10. Ignotum Per Ignotius (9:29)

Total Time: 56:18

Line-up / Musicians

- Derek Sherinian / keyboards
- Virgil Donati / drums
- Tony MacAlpine / guitar

GUESTS:
- Tom Kennedy / bass (1,4,5,6,10)
- Jimmy Johnson / bass (3,7,8,9)
- Billy Sheehan / bass (5)

Album Review:
Planet X's MoonBabies is among the most technically proficient albums of all-time. Virtuosos Derek Sherinian (keyboards), Tony MacAlpine (guitars), Virgil Donati (drums) team up with a few bass masters (as they did not have a permanent at the time) to perform their unique, highly demanding and complex jazz-metal fusion.

The compositions here are mind-boggling. Filled with bizarre beats, odd times/polyrhythms galore (Sherinian once said "Our most exotic time signature is four"), virtuosic guitar and keyboard work, atmospheric syth backdrops, and more. For a musician, it doesn't get more difficult than this. Some critics say Sherinian is doing this to one up Dream Theater in the technical department. Don't mind such criticism; it really is inconsequential. Furthermore, as I read the linear notes, Donati is the prime writer here. Out of spite or not, Sherinian proves his excellence. MacAlpine's soaring leads and magical solos are very prominent, and hardly ever can be considered "mindless shredding." The melodies and solos from all instruments are very inspired and enthralling. Everyone holds their own here, as is mandatory for such music.

Their debut effort, Universe, was rather bland and also much less technical throughout. MoonBabies is more varied, unique and accomplished. All of the tracks are on the same level of quality. There is more focus on theory and atmospheres than melody. The melodies are there, but they are sometimes hidden by the foreground activity (there is a lot to take in on this album). As a result the listener may feel an emotional void, or may lose interest towards the end. Call it complex for the sake of being complex if you wish, but I see much more.

PLANET X Quantum

2009-07-24T12:33:00.005-05:00

Following with albums related to Virgil Donati, here is the 3rd album from Planet X.... important fact Tony Macalpine doesn't play in this record however you don't notice it. Also, if you check yesterday album from "On the Virg" you will find a pleasant version of "Alien Hip-Hop" in this album actually opening the craziness.

This is a great Planet X album, I will upload the 2nd one also. Enjoy

Studio Album, released in 2007

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Alien Hip-Hop (7:09)
2. Desert Girl (6:02)
3. Matrix Gate (4:07)
4. The Thinking Stone (4:10)
5. Space Foam (4:44)
6. Poland (5:21)
7. Snuff (4:55)
8. Kingdom Of Dreams (6:46)
9. Quantum Factor (7:09)

Total Time: 50:33

Line-up / Musicians

- Derek Sherinian / keyboards
- Virgil Donati / drums

Guests:
- Brett Garsed / guitar
- Allan Holdsworth / guitar (2), guitar solo (4)
- Jimmy Johnson / bass
- Rufus Philpot / bass (5,9)
- Virgil Donati / orchestration (1)

Album Review:

Planet X's new album, Quantum, is an excellent powerhouse of fusion-prog-metal that equals their previous album Moonbabies. It sounds heavy, futuristic, powerful, and fascinating. Odd-time rhythms propelled by the drumming colossus Virgil Donati form the basis for this album, along with Derek Sherinian's ever present keyboard expertise and Brett Garsed playing most of the guitars, with Allan Holdsworth playing on two tracks with his trademark unique tone and legato madness. The opening track Alien Hip-Hop starts with a short - barely ten seconds - orchestral introduction which at first listen seems genuinely pointless, a complete non-sequiter - but that's fine. It adds to the overall strangeness of this album, and is short enough to be unobtrusive. Also, when the rolling, chugging rhythm crashes in afterward it has more impact. You then have mysterious keyboard chords syncopated over a fairly heavy syncopated metal rhythm, which sets the tone more appropriately for the album. The usual Planet X trademarks unfold: Crazy odd time signatures, unsettling scales, and heavy sections that just slam you in the face with strange rhythms, along with the obligatory stratospheric solos from all involved. The insanity is not quite as rampant as on Moonbabies - three of these songs even stay in 4/4 for a substantial amount of time - but this does not detract from the music. Brett Garsed's guitar solos are wonderful; soulful, yet intruiging - he might not be doing the no-holds-barred shredding that Tony Macalpine espoused on the previous albums - but he's not exactly sticking to pentatonics either. His remarkable ability to slide into outside tonalities and make it sound completely effortless and fitting with the music is showcased here, along with his formidable chops - this is a Planet X album, after all. Holdsworth is equally unique and ferocious, but he only plays two solos on this album, as well as the strange rhythm chords on Desert Girl".

SBX - NEW SPOCK'S BEARD CD PRE-ORDER

2009-07-23T18:01:00.002-05:00

Through the Spock Beard web page and Facebook page the band announced the pre-production of their 10th album independently and request the fans help to do it by pre-ordering the not yet existing album.

http://www.spocksbeard.com/

Yes, that's right a new CD! Most of the material has already been written and we're ready to go to the next phase of tightening up arrangements, making changes where needed and starting production.

We've decided to go commando on this one... lean, mean and without record label support.

We have been free agents since the release of our last CD and after lots of deliberation have decided to release our next CD independently rather than re-sign with InsideOut or shop other labels.

There have been a lot of great suggestions relating to this topic by the members of our forum, and the one that made a lot of sense to us was to take pre-orders for our not-yet-recorded CD similar to the approach that Marillion has taken in the past.

We will organize a retail store distribution deal at some point in the future, but the initial release will be an independent limited edition offering of only 5,000 CDs.

This pressing will be a one-time only release, with at least one bonus track that will not exist on any subsequent pressing. By pre-ordering, you will receive our next CD one full month before it exists in any other form or is (legally) available in any other way. In other words, it won't be in stores, it won't be on iTunes, it won't be available on Amazon or anywhere else on Earth except directly from us for at least one month after the release date, and the special version that you pre-order will never be reprinted again after those first 5,000 units are gone.

We will also not be sending pre-release copies to the media for CD reviews because frankly we're tired of seeing our new CD available as a "free" bittorent download weeks before release date. Not sending out pre-release copies will stop this leak and guarantee that the people who pre-order our CD will be the very first people to hear it besides the people directly involved in the recording and production process.

Release date depends on how quickly the CD is "financed" by pre-orders, but our initial goal is to have the CD finished and the pre-orders filled by the end of this year or early 2010.

During the pre-production and recording process, we'll keep you up-to-date with the progress here as well as with a video blog on YouTube (subscribe there if you haven't already).

So... to be the first one on your block to have the next Spock's Beard CD, click here to pre-order!

ON THE VIRG Serious Young Insects

2009-07-23T15:17:00.008-05:00

This is simply one of the more progressive albums based on a talented drummer, Virgil Donati, for me among the best progressive drummers on earth !

This is a must heard for any drummer or for any one who likes metal-jazz-odd time signatures music. If you like Planet X you will love On The Virg.

Highlights:

"Alien Hip-Hop"
"Sort Yourself Out"
"Pyramids on Mars"

Studio Album, released in 1999

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Native Metal
2. Malfunction
3. Alien Hip-Hop
4. Sort Yourself Out
5. Pyramids on Mars
6. Dragon Bones
7. Trencherman
8. Out of The Haze
9. Invasion of the Ants
10. Running from the Aliens
11. Pentathlon

Line-up / Musicians
Virgil Donati - Drums
Phil Turcio - Keyboards
Simon Hosford - Guitar
Evripides Evripidou - Bass

Special Guests:
T.J Helmerich
Ric Fierrabracci
Brett Garsed

Check comments on this album on Virgil Donati's web page:

Album Review:

To put a label on the music of On the Virg, an Australian band led by drummer extraordinaire Virgil Donati, would be downright difficult. While there is an obvious metal feel, the harmonic level of sophistication and complex arrangements elevate this above standard prog/metal fare. The maturity of the musicians and their sensitive interaction prevent this from being just another technical showcase. That being stated, all these guys can certainly play -- but the drumming acrobatics of Donati truly make this a recording worth seeking out. His rhythmic abilities are on a par with Dave Weckl, while his footwork will give even the speediest thrash metal drummers a fit. The term jazz-metal has been thrown around for years to describe everything from Mike Stern to Allan Holdsworth; if the label is necessary (as pointless as such stylistic labelling can sometimes be), perhaps it could best apply to the music on this album. After hearing Serious Young Insects, one has to wonder how much higher the bar for technical competency could be raised.

SCALE THE SUMMIT Carving Desert Canyons

2009-07-22T17:33:00.006-05:00

When I noticed the change in the upcoming Progressive Nation tour I was curious about the new bands and was able to obtain a real interesting material from Scale The Summit, this is like Canvas Solaris but lighter. Real technical and melodic themes together. I imagine this band playing live before Dream Theater....cool !!

Please check it out !!

2 tracks I recommend:
"Sargasso Sea"
"Giants"

Studio Album, released in 2009

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Bloom (2:09)
2. Sargasso Sea (5:14)
3. The Great Plains (5:11)
4. Dunes (4:27)
5. Age Of The Tide (5:35)
6. Glacial Planet (4:52)
7. City In The Sky (5:03)
8. Giants (7:20)
Total Time 40:53

Line-up / Musicians
- Chris Letchford / guitar
- Travis Levrier / guitar
- Jordan Eberhardt / bass
- Pat Skeffington / drums

Band Bio:

"Scale The Summit can be perceived as many things: young, skilled, ambitious, progressive, instrumental, and unique among many other perceptions. Conceived from the imagination and talent of Chris and Travis, the Los Angeles, CA founded band was born in late 2004. Chris and Travis set out with the objective to create something different, a type of instrumental music that could be widely accessible while not abandoning a technical and melodic foundation. Pat joined the band in March of 2005 adding his own infusion of vigorous percussion and drumming. As the songs continued to develop in August of 2005, Jordan became the newest addition to Scale the Summit as the bass player. The four-piece band emanates an unparalleled musical chemistry including symphonious guitar playing, dynamic bass, and thundering percussion. With several shows under their belt and a fan following that only shadows the many possibilities and opportunities to come for this band, Scale the Summit has set its mark to enrapture worldwide audiences with their upcoming album release."

Webpage: http://www.scalethesummit.com/

Review:

This is a great to see: a modern day devoted to nothing but the music. Not the gimmicks or the unnecessary flashiness. This band is made of technical virtuosity! But better yet, the music does not get so entangled by technicality to such a degree that the music becomes formulaic and, although impressive, difficult for an audience to keep up with (as is the case in most tech/extreme prog metal groups). This band weaves emotion and dynamics into their music so that they're not just pretentiously rocking out the whole time. The variety off sounds and syncopations presented on this album will keep you involved. This is a band that sounds like nothing else I've ever heard before. I am excited to see real progressive rock gaining momentum like this. Music that takes you a journey and entices the intellect, not only the body. I expect to see great things from this band. Pick up this album today and see exactly what I mean.

Part 1

Part 2

SHADOW GALLERY Room V

2009-07-21T19:05:00.004-05:00

Room V continues the history started in Tyranny and overall I believe is a little stronger and powerful. Definitively must heard these tracks:

"Manhunt"
"The Andromeda Strain"
"The Archer of Ben Salem"
"Room V"

Studio Album, released in 2005

Songs / Tracks Listing

ACT III
1. Manhunt (2:07)
2. Comfort Me (6:49)
3. The Andromeda Strain (6:44)
4. Vow (8:25)
5. Birth of a Daughter (2:38)
6. Death of a Mother (2:13)
7. Lamentia (1:02)
ACT IV
8. Seven Years (3:35)
9. Dark (1:01)
10. Torn (8:21)
11. The Archer of Ben Salem (7:26)
12. Encrypted (7:59)
13. Room V (7:42)
14. Rain (8:59)

Total Time: 75:01

Line-up / Musicians

- Mike Baker / vocals
- Gary Wehrkamp / guitar, keyboards & vocals
- Brendt Allmann / guitar, vocals
- Carl Cadden-James / bass, flute, vocals
- Chris Ingles / keyboards
- Joe Nevolo / drums

Review

"We will rock with the thunder of a thousand mighty horses".This is a line from the song "Room V",and is an apt description of a lot of what your going to hear on this album.As others have mentioned this is the same story line as was in "Tyranny" and so in "Room V" the story continues,beginning with "Manhunt" opening with violin,guitar and keys all played at a million miles an hour.Things get mellow though with light guitar and piano before this short instrumental is over."Comfort Me" sounds absolutely incredible!A duet with piano that features some great guitar before it ends."The Andromeda Strain" opens with an absolutely ripping guitar solo,that comes back throughout the song.The guitar,keyboard interplay is fantastic.The vocal harmonies are wondrous as well.And check out the amazing guitar melody with the drums pounding away."Vow" features acoustic guitar and vocals that are quite moving.More awesome guitar."Birth of a Daughter" is an instrumental with some heavy riffs."Death of a Mother" is another instrumental that features some high speed guitar and piano. I was amazed at how fast he played the piano."Lamentia" is like a reprise of "Comfort Me" so short and also so sad."Seven Years" is another instrumental with violin and flute and a guitar solo that is inspiring from none other than Arjen Lucassen.Great song! "Dark" is a minute long song of samplings."Torn" has a wonderful guitar intro.There is some piano melodies, and i love the guitar and vocals working together.This is a powerful song."The Archer of Ben Salem" features lots of tempo changes and powerful vocals.There is hammond organ as well as some wicked guitar and pounding drums."Encrypted " opens with gentle vocals and toned down guitars.This may be slower paced but is it ever powerful(there's that word again).Some more amazing guitar towards the end of the song."Room V" is a heavy duty rocker that ends calmly with the sound of rain and piano.The final song "Rain" opens with heavy riffs and a long scorching guitar solo followed by a fantastic guitar melody,then vocals.There is mind numbing guitar throughout this song.I reviewed their first record not too long ago,and i swear you wouldn't know they were the same band,they've come so far.From a good debut to a masterpiece!

Part 1

Part 2

SHADOW GALLERY Tyranny

2009-07-21T18:49:00.004-05:00

I was hearing at Shadow Gallery's albums in my car this past week and realize this is one of the greatest progressive metal bands ever. Both their concept albums Tyranny and the following Room V are masterpieces and they must be shown to the world....

Here is Tyranny, a classic masterpiece. Highlights:
"Mystery"
"I Believe"
"Chased"

Shadow Gallery Bio

Shadow Gallery is a six-piece American progressive metal band formed in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, United States, during the early 1980s, originally under the name Sorcerer. After changing their name to Shadow Gallery (taken from the graphic novel V for Vendetta by Alan Moore) and recording a short 8-track demo, the band was signed to Magna Carta Records in 1991. Shadow Gallery's eponymous debut was released the following year in Japan and Europe. In mid-2005, Shadow Gallery released their fifth studio album, Room V, on the European-American independent label InsideOut. more....

Studio Album, released in 1998

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Stiletto In The Sand (1:58)
2. War For Sale (5:35)
3. Out Of Nowhere (4:20)
4. Mystery (5:42)
5. Hope For Us ? (6:00)
6. Victims (5:13)
7. Broken (1:54)
8. I Believe (8:41)
9. Roads Of Thunder (6:06)
10. Spoken Words (4:38)
11. New World Order (8:11)
12. Chased (4:36)
13. Ghost Of A Chance (5:19)
14. Christmas Day (5:40)

Total Time: 73:00

Line-up / Musicians

- Carl Cadden-James / bass, vocals, and flute
- Brent Allman / guitars and vocals
- Chris Ingles / piano and synthesizer
- Gary Wehrkam`/ guitar, piano, synthesizer and vocals
- Joe Nevolo / drums
- James LaBrie / Vocals
- D.C. Cooper / Vocals
- Larry Burke / Speech/Speaker/Speaking Part
- Paul Chou / Violin
- Laura Jaeger / Vocals
- Gary Sloyer / Speech/Speaker/Speaking Part
- Mike Baker / lead vocals

Review

Tyranny - has no equal in prog metal , an underrated album by many

What we have here is prog metal of the highest calibre, i don't know why so many consider this album a mediocre one. So far, "Tyranny" has to be regarded, as Shadow Gallery's top achievement, and I'm saying this without any intention of dismissing the previous or posterior albums they released - it's just that this concept-album brings the best of the band in terms of songwriting, performing skills and progressive moods in a prog metal vein, and so it comes to be a prog metal masterpiece for the 90s, and for sure one of the best in prog metal. I will not take each song to review but, i will note the best ones: the opening track Stiletto In The Sand, great opener, instant you know that this is not an every day album, War For Sale, Out Of Nowhere , Mystery and New world order. Must add that here is some well known guests as James LaBrie and D.C. Cooper ( ex. Royal Hunt voc, and Silent Force, now on Amaran's Plight). The production is excellent. It's clear and creative. The guitar tones are some of the most original sounding in the genre, and the keyboards are flawless. The bass is a real good. The vocals are definately the mixing highlight. Mike Baker's vocals are dynamic, clear, and enunciated. 5 stars, highly recommended.

Part 1

Part 2

Progressive Nation 2009 North American Tour - Lineup Change

2009-07-21T15:31:00.003-05:00

http://www.progressivenation2009.com/

For those that didn't know this change.

"It is with the utmost disappointment that I am forced to share the unfortunate news of both Pain Of Salvation and Beardfish having to pull out of this summer's Progressive Nation tour....

Their label Inside Out just recently lost the financial funding for the tour as a result of their distributor SPV recently claiming bankruptcy...which effectively meant that both Pain Of Salvation and Beardfish lost the tour support that was essential to their ability to come to North America for Progressive Nation.

All parties involved (myself, both bands, Inside Out, etc) are beyond devastated at this turn of events and are truly sorry to all of the fans that were looking forward to this lineup. We tried everything we could do to salvage the situation, but in the end it was not possible...

Well as the album title says, every Black Cloud does indeed have a Silver Lining....so with this unfortunate news, I bring to you the good news of 2 incredible bands that will be jumping on board Progressive Nation to join Dream Theater and Zappa Plays Zappa this summer: Bigelf and Scale The Summit.

Los Angeles' Bigelf are my personal favorite new band to come along in many years...their latest CD "Cheat The Gallows" is my favorite album of the year and I already had positioned them onto the European run of Progressive Nation in the Fall....with them now joining us on PN09 in North America as well, it looks like world domination is now not that far out of reach for them!
Pretty soon, everyone will hopefully be falling for their retro, psychedelic, progressive, hard rock, doom metal as hard as I have!

Houston instrumental band Scale The Summit are a recent discovery for me and their top notch musicianship will be a perfect fit to this Progressive Nation lineup stylistically falling very nicely between the musicality of Dream Theater and Zappa Plays Zappa. They bring the instrumental elements of prog rock and fusion into today's contemporary hard rock/metal sounds and are one of the most talented group of young musicians I've seen assembled in many years.

Once again, apologies to anybody disappointed in this unexpected and unavoidable lineup change...but the circumstances were beyond our control...
In any event, PN09 will carry on and still deliver the most musical bang for its buck this summer throughout North America and we look forward to sharing the evening with you! "

Sincerely,
Your Progressive Rock Ambassador,
Mike Portnoy

ANDROMEDA The Immunity Zone

2009-07-21T14:04:00.004-05:00

Ok so to finish with all the albums from Andromeda here is the 4th and latest " The Immunity Zone", quite different, more straightforward metal with very progressive sections. The last track "Veil of Illumination" is an epic clocking at almost 18 mins, must heard.

Studio Album, released in 2008

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Recognizing Fate (7:19)
2. Slaves of the Plethoria Season (5:34)
3. Ghosts on Retinas (4:28)
4. Censoring Truth (6:42)
5. Worst Enemy (6:01)
6. My Star (5:40)
7. Another Step (5:58)
8. Shadow of Lucent Moon (7:22)
9. Veil of Illumination (17:25)

Line-up / Musicians - David Fremberg / vocals
- Johan Reinholdz / guitars
- Fabian Gustavsson / bass
- Thomas Lejon / drums
- Martin Hedin / keyboards

Review

Sweden's answer to Dream Theater, the accomplished Andromeda, return with their fourth studio offering, The Immunity Zone, and first for Nightmare Records. The band seems to be going for a slightly more straightforward and heavier sound here, though fear not progressive metal lovers, there's still plenty of instrumental wizardry on display, the band just decided this time around not to beat you over the head with overall complexity, solos, and intricate arrangements.

Opening cut "Recognizing Fate" is a pretty crunchy tune, over 7-minutes of solid melodic metal, with a really proggy mid-section featuring loads of haunting synths and lead bass lines. The more riff-driven approach continues on "Slaves of the Plethoria Season", guitarist Johan Reinholdz really driving the 'metal' aspect of the band while keyboard player Martin Hedin provides lots of proggy bits and drummer Thomas Lejon really is locking in deep with some fusiony beats and complex fills. "Ghosts On Retinas" is a more pop flavored, somewhat futuristic sounding piece, and very symphonic, with lead singer David Fremberg really putting on a fine performance, while "Censoring Truth" is just a sizzling progressive metal treat, again with lots of crunchy riffs and synths fluttering around the mix. Furious guitar and keyboard exchanges abound on "Worst Enemy", and the band really hits the early Dream Theater vibe on "My Star". Drummer Lejon really drives the speedy metal rocker "Another Step", Fremberg's vocals soaring to the heavens and supported by complex riffery and symphonic keys, and the the lengthy prog piece "Shadow of Lucent Moon" has plenty of atmosphere, melody, and heavy moments. This sets the stage for the album closer and epic 17-minute track "Veil of Illumination", proof positive that despite some more straightforward numbers here, this band still knows how to cook when it comes to complex & symphonic progressive metal. Expect lots of melody on this track, plenty of solos, crazy exchanges, and intricate arrangements.

Andromeda has been releasing solid stuff for a few years now, and it's debatable as to how The Immunity Zone ranks when compared to their back catalog. Tricky thing is their contemporaries like Seventh Wonder and Tomorrow's Eve have just released complete scorchers, so this one definitely has some competition when you are looking at the overall best prog-metal CD's that have come out here in 2008. No matter how you look at it though, this release is a winner for sure.

Part 1

Part 2

ANDROMEDA Chimera

2009-07-20T16:56:00.002-05:00

Sorry I haven't been updating lately.....many things to take care of..

As promised the 3rd album from Andromeda. I consider this one a better overall album than II=I heavier, it is much more song oriented, less wanky and a lot more focused than the previous one. Includes highlights as "Periscope" & "Going Under". Check the last track "Chameleon Carnival" for a taste of Andromeda in concert.

Studio Album, released in 2006

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Periscope (6:11)
2. In the end (4:58)
3. The hidden riddle (5:51)
4. Going under (6:27)
5. The cage of me (7:08)
6. No guidelines (6:23)
7. Inner circle (7:03)
8. Iskenderun (5:30)
9. Blink of an eye (12:29)
10. Chameleon carnival - Live! (5:12)

Total Time: 67:16

Line-up / Musicians

- David Fremberg / vocals
- Johan Reinholdz / guitars
- Fabian Gustavsson / bass
- Thomas Lejon / drums
- Martin Hedin / keyboards

A lbum Review

This new album, in my opinion, is much better than the second one in terms of composition and how the recording is done. The music is very close to power metal than any typical progressive metal. But even though it's pure power metal, I totally disagree with the statement that anything metal is bad.

From the opening track "Periscope" (6:11) the band has indicated their musicianship through a keyboard-based power metal music with good melody. Sound mixing is really good so when it moves to second track "In the end" (4:58) it stays coherent with their music style. What surprises me, really, is the use of acoustic guitar style performed in relatively fast speed (hmm it reminds me to the guitar style of Berndt Stredl) at the opening of "The hidden riddle" (5:51). The vocal enters the scene smoothly and brings keyboard solo and music that flows naturally. It's a good track really. I assure you that this track is quite accessible to many ears - slow tempo indeed.

The other tracks are basically a stream of hard rock music with good natural flow from segment to segment, track to track in good melody. Track that really caught my attention is "No guidelines" (6:23) which provides really good structure, composition and melody - and a bit of complexity. All tracks 7-10 starting from "Inner circle" (7:03) until "Chameleon Carnival" are all good tracks. I enjoy all of them.

It's a good album, especially if you like metal music. If you don't, you'd better try it! Metal is good for your health! It has one thing at least: energy!

Part 1

Part 2

ANDROMEDA II=I

2009-07-17T13:28:00.003-05:00

Hoping you enjoyed the 1st album from Andromeda, as promised here is album #2 named: II = I ...

Good follow up with excellent tracks as "Encyclopedia", "Reaching Deep Within" and the instrumental "Morphing Into Nothing". A vocalist change mark this album and you will notice the focus on instrumentalism is lower than in the first album. Melody and somehow the vocals are strong in II=I. Guitar player Johan Reinholdz takes over both guitar and bass also !

Studio Album, released in 2003

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Encyclopedia (7:35)
2. Mirages (5:42)
3. Reaching Deep Within (4:50)
4. Two Is One (10:09)
5. Morphing Into Nothing (7:34)
6. Castaway (6:16)
7. Parasite (6:54)
8. One In My Head (8:02)
9. This Fragile Surface (8:04)

Total Time: 65:06

Line-up / Musicians
- David Fremberg / vocals
- Johan Reinholdz / guitars and bass
- Thomas Lejon / drums
- Marin Hedin / keyboards

Review

I have noticed this album has gotten quite a few poor reviews and quite frankly I'm dumbfounded! However, I will say that I heard II=I and have still not listened to Extension of the wish simply because I love Fremberg's voice. It may throw you off at first, but he's got a superb voice. In fact, I frequently am unimpressed with vocalists in progressive metal bands. The title song Two is one really displays their diversity and dynamics. I grew to like this album more and more as I listened to it. It's certainly not for the faint of heart and contains dazzling displays of instrumentality. Expect not any 4/4 time signatures...well maybe a little. All in all, I think this is a wonderful album. Lejon displays tremendous chops and dynamics, with ghost notes and some double bass...but not too much. I give it 5 big ones!

Part 1

Part 2

ANDROMEDA Extension of the Wish

2009-07-16T17:59:00.003-05:00

This is definitely one of my favorite bands and I will be placing all their 4 albums here.

Progressive Metal at its finest, hard, on your face and very technical.

Andromeda biography
It was 1999 when ANDROMEDA officially made their appearance: Johan Reinholdz, guitars, submitted the demo "Welcome to forever" to the record label WAR-music. There was interest from the label so later that year Thomas Lejon, drums, Martin Hedin, keyboards, Johan Reinholdz and bass player Gert Daun started rehearsing the songs for the band's first album.

The band entered the studio in March 2000 to record the album with Daniel Bergstrand as the producer. Lawrence Mackrory was hired to perform the vocals in "EXTENSION OF THE WISH" which was mixed and ready a month later, hitting the record shops in February 2001. In the meanwhile, David Fremberg joined the band as a vocalist in August 2000. The sound of their debut can be described as heavy-intense but at the same time very melodic progressive metal and received significant attention from the press and fans. A tour of Sweden and an appearance at the Progpower festival in the Netherlands in October came to support this release.

The vocals were re-recorded and a re-mixed version including two new tracks was released in France by the label NTS in November 2000. The next step of the band was a French tour with Evergrey in February 2001, while tracks for their upcoming release "II=I" started taking shape. Recordings of the new tracks continued throughout the year with Martin Hedin as the producer and finally the album was completed in August. This time the style can be described as more complex and vocal-oriented.

Fabian Gustavsson, bass, replaced Gert Daun in 2003 and after a world wide release of the album and tours, the band started composing material for "CHIMERA" in the spring of 2004. This time, the approach was towards a heavier, more in-your-face solid rocking sound, creating a new, fresh chapter in ANDROMEDA's history. Martin was again the producer and the album was finally released in the spring of 2006.

The band's first live DVD "PLAYING OFF THE BOARD" was released in April 2007, following the European tour appearances. The band's latest release, "THE IMMUNITY ZONE" was released in fall 2008 to show yet again a new approach of the band's musical galaxy: "dark, brutal, energetic and intelligent"!!! Recommended to fans of melodic progressive metal.

For a little sample check: In the Deepest of Water live at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59eX8dwDbVM

Studio Album, released in 2001

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. The Words Unspoken (5:28)
2. Crescendo of Thoughts (5:25)
3. In the Deepest of Waters (7:07)
4. Chameleon Carneval (5:00)
5. Star Shooter Supreme (5:18)
6. Extension of the Wish (10:03)
7. Arch Angel (5:55)

Total Time: 44:18

Line-up / Musicians
- Thomas Lejon / drums
- Gert Daun / bass
- Johan Reinholdz / guitar
- Martin Hedin / keyboards
- Lawrence Mackrory / vocals

Album Review

Without doubt this is one of the best progressive metal albums of the recent years. Prog- metal of the highest quality. This album surprises me a lot, I don´t expect it will so good. If you like the technicall prog-metal in the vein of Dream Theater this is your album. All the tracks are simply awesome, except maybe the suite Extension of The Wish, that is just very good for me, bur not a masterpiece like the rest of the cd. You have only to hear the track number four "Chameleon Carneval" to know what I'm talking about.

One advise, get the "Definitive Extension" release. This album was recorded at first with another singer, and he is very weak, but the new one is great and the "Definitive Extension" have two bonus songs too.

What are you waiting for? Listen to this exceptional album, you will not be disappointing.

Album Part 1

Album Part 2

PORCUPINE TREE Bristol Carling Academy Bootleg

2009-07-16T15:15:00.000-05:00

Porcupine Tree - Bristol Carling Academy - 24th April 2007

Ok so while we wait for the new album lets get
some live performance.
This is a bootleg so don't expect an excellent sound, the track list is very interesting.

Released in 2007

Songs / Tracks Listing
1. Fear of A Blank Planet
2. Lightbulb Sun
3. My Ashes
4. Anesthetize
5. Open Car
6. Gravity Eyelids
7. Down With Me
8. Sentimental
9. Blackest Eyes
10. Half Life Sever
11. Way Out of Here
12. Sleep Together
13. Even Less
14. Mother & Child Divided
15. Halo

Line-up / Musicians

Steven Wilson – vocals, guitars, piano, synthesizers
Richard Barbieri – keyboards, synthesizers
Colin Edwin – bass guitar
Gavin Harrison − drums

Bootleg Review

An excellent recording from the Fear Of A Blank Planet tour which is presented in crystal clear quality with good sleeve artwork too. The recording captures Steven talking to the masses, as well as John Wesley's terrific vocal contribution to the live set (especially during My Ashes and Half Light). Incidentally Sentimental is an In Absentia outtake.

Part 1

Part 2

TRANSATLANTIC Bridge Across Forever

2009-07-15T15:42:00.000-05:00

Supergroups.....yeah !!

Another of the great supergroups is Transatlantic. Created by Neal Morse and Portnoy this great band was amazingly successful with their 1st albm (SMPTe) and with the 2nd album that I share here with you. Duel with the Devil is a great track and will keep you rocking. Stranger in your Soul is indeed a progressive rock classic with it complexitiy and of course it long run (26 minutes)!

There are news of a 3rd album so lets keep our ears open for news about this awesome band !!

Studio Album, released in 2001

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Duel with the devil (26:43)
2. Suite Charlotte Pike (14:30)
3. Bridge across forever (5:32)
4. Stranger in your soul (26:06)

Total Time: 72:51

Line-up / Musicians

- Neil Morse / vocals, keyboards
- Mike Portnoy / drums, vocals
- Roine Stolt / vocals, guitars
- Pete Trewavas / bass, vocals

GUESTS:
- Chris Carmichael / violin, viola, Cello
- Keith Mears / saxophone
- The "Elite" choir / backing vocals

Album Review:
Last time these guys graced my stereo I was completely blown away and with "Bridge Across Forever" they have repeated once again. Big difference this time is around is a much reduced emphasis on the SPOCK'S BEARD'isms and a more varied soundscape. Once again the incredible talents of Neal MORSE, Roine STOLT, Peter TREWAVAS and Mike PORTNOY will fill your livingroom with their musicanship and songwriting thoughts. "Bridge Across Forever" is comprised of only 4 songs (3 of which are quite long) with the whole package clocking in around 76 Mins. The last track "Stranger In Your Soul" (26 Mins) would have to be the best thing they have ever done yet with some real incredible and diabolical sonic twists and tempo climaxes. God, I hope these guys keep recording music as with each release they keep getting deeper and deeper. Go get this album kids!

Part1 Part 2

OSI Blood

2009-07-13T17:12:00.000-05:00

Well, after some days without posting lets get something fresh and nice.....

OSI Blood,:
To continue the review of OSI albums we have the latest super group release now featuring Gavin Harrison from Porcupine Tree at the drums and I can tell you this is the type of music that suits Gavin style perfectly. Also Mikael Åkerfeldt from Opeth is guest in 1 track.

Some heavier tracks and a more consistent sound make this a much better album.

Studio Album, released in 2009

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. The Escape Artist (5:51)
2. Terminal (6:30)
3. False Start (3:05)
4. We Come Undone (4:04)
5. Radiologue (6:05)
6. Be The Hero (5:51)
7. Microburst Alert (3:48)
8. Stockholm (6:41)
9. Blood (5:26)

Total Time 47:21

Line-up / Musicians

- Kevin Moore / vocals, keyboards, samples
- Jim Matheos / guitars, bass
- Gavin Harrison / drums
- Tim Bowness / guest vocals on Blood
- Mikael Åkerfeldt / guest vocals on Stockholm

Album Review

Blood is the third album from supergroup OSI. Composed at its core of Jim Matheos and Kevin Moore (ex-Dream Theater), this band first shook the progressive world with the release of their self-titled album back in 2003. Thanks to an eerie soundscape built by Moore's keyboards likely during his time working on Chroma Key the album enjoys status as a cult classic in the experimental progressive world, a pure mix of atmosphere and metal textures. They followed this up with the release of Free in 2006, an album less focused on being traditionally progressive and more about electronics and hard rock. Free was also the first album I ever reviewed for this site, so I find it appropriate to be typing away on their third release, Blood.

This has been a fairly anticipated album thanks to a number of things, and first off on the list is the guest stars. Recruited on drums this time around is percussion master and Porcupine Tree member, Gavin Harrison, who lends his very distinguishable sound to the album without drawing it close to PT comparisons. The other addition to the album isn't around throughout, but does make an appearance on Stockholm, and that would be none other than Opeth frontman, Mikael Akerfeldt. He definitely switches up the music a bit thanks to his very dark voice which admittedly sounds a lot less robotic than Moore's, although he is very restrained on the tune. Anyone expecting Akerfeldt to unleash some death growls will be disappointed, but those who just love his singing voice will likely approve.

Style wise, this album may well have been a literal combination of the band's last two efforts. I makes for a very refreshing album overall, since the songs are not quite as long in length, but are no doubt just as ''progressive'' as one would expect them to be. They're still harshly dark, maybe more so than previous albums, and a little less on the electronica side of things, which is a nice change from Free and the EP Re: Free.

Part 1

Part 2

Porcupine Tree - News

2009-07-13T16:38:00.000-05:00

Porcupine Tree - News

a little more information on the upcoming album

STREAM NEW PORCUPINE TREE, CHECK OUT FAN REVIEWS | Roadunner Records News

2009-07-13T16:34:00.000-05:00

STREAM NEW PORCUPINE TREE, CHECK OUT FAN REVIEWS | Roadunner Records News

Listen to a medley of the new Porcupine Tree Album !!!!!! Leave your comments............
I personally liked what I heard !!!

OSI Free & Free Special Edition

2009-07-10T15:48:00.000-05:00

Jim Matheos (Fates Warning) and Kevin Moore (Dream Theater, Chromakey) return with the second installment of O.S.I. (Office of Strategic Influence), with their latest CD entitled "Free". In tow they bring along drummer, Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) & bassist extraordinaire, Joey Vera (Armored Saint, Seven Witches) to once again set the Prog Rock world alight.

Is very riff driven with a good amount of electronic ambiance and soundscape so it tends more to Kevin Moore's work than from Fates Warning or Dream Theater material. But it is definetely a decent follow-up to their first release.

Also included is a 2nd CD with special edition tracks.

Studio Album, released in 2006

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Sure You Will (3:46)
2. Free (3:28)
3. Go (4:16)
4. All Gone Now (5:15)
5. Home Was Good (5:04)
6. Bigger Wave (4:33)
7. Kicking (3:54)
8. Better (4:06)
9. Simple Life (4:00)
10. Once (6:38)
11. Our Town (3:21)

Total Time 48:16

Line-up / Musicians

- Jim Matheos / guitars, keyboards & programming
- Kevin Moore / vocals, keyboards & programming

With performances by:
- Mike Portnoy / acoustic drums
- Joey Vera / bass (1, 2, 4, 6 & 7)

CD 2 Special Edition Cover

Special edition bonus disc

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. "OSIdea 9" (3:33)
2. "Set It On Fire" ( 3:42)
3. "Communicant" ( 3:47)
4. "When You're Ready" (demo from Office of Strategic Influence) (3:09)
5. "Remain Calm" (4:08)
6. "Old War" (1:06)

Album Review

This is OSI's new album, featuring the famous Prog trio of Jim Matheos, Mike Portnoy and Kevin Moore. It kicks off with the rockers Sure You Will and Free. These songs mix experimental rock, metal and of course Kevin moore's Chroma Key. I had a strange craving that this what was going to firmly put into place, seeing Dream Theater's latest album, Octavarium and Fates Warning's FWX was simpler and less pretentious. This, however, was a good thing in both cases with Octavarium and FWX being better than the albums before such as the ambitious, heavy Train Of Thought album that tried to be a bit too heavy, but never brutal. The mixture of Kevin Moore's project is evident in the song structure and the electronic beats.

This album highly reminds me of a Porcupine Tree album, with the simple Metal riffs, the electronic background music and simple lyrics, but Kevin Moore's voice really stands above everything. Even though Kevin Moore is not the master of voice projection, his voice stands out as beautiful, soothing and relaxing. The beautiful emotions that he has are highly reminiscent of that sad, legendary Dream Theater song.

This album is very good and deserves a lot of praise. Definitely a step up from the first OSI album. Ignore all the un-pleasant comments about this album, because this album is very good.

Free Part 1
Free Part 2
Free Special Edition

CANVAS SOLARIS Cortical Tectonics

2009-07-09T15:21:00.001-05:00

A Heavier release than The Atomized Dream, this album really rocks you and gives the sense of all the technical craziness that Canvas Solaris is capable to do. Really recommended, however as with the very technical albums this one needs many listening.

Studio Album, released in 2007

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Berserker Hypothesis
2. Sinusoid Mirage
3. Interface
4. Gamma Knife
5. Rhizome
6. Reticular Consciousness

Line-up / Musicians
- Nathan Sapp / lead/rhythm guitars, 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars, MicroMoog synthesizers, guitar synthesizer
- Ben Simpkins / rhythm guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, 12-string acoustic guitar,
- Hunter Ginn / drums, conga, tabla, djembe, doumbek, shaker, guiro, tambourine, castanets, glockenspiel, gong

Album Review

The great thing about Cortical Tectonics is that is very technical without sounding pretentious, very difficult to play without sounding inhuman. We can very easily draw a comparison here with another tech- metal band, SPIRAL ARCHITECT. Whereas the latter's music is so ridiculously difficult to play that it seems like it wasn't played by actual human beings, CANVAS SOLARIS' tracks have complexity but in small doses. One's never overwhelmed by technique just for the sake of technique. There's never a section that sounds like it was forced in just to cause a deeper impression. All the passages fit, the difficult and the simple parts work together to create a uniform musical idea.

The riff, of course, is the main star in this album. This is progressive-metal, no doubt about it. At times it gets closer to extreme metal, but generally the pace of the music is middle of the road, with ferocious riffs alternating with quieter passages. All the instruments are played with the utmost level of proficiency. There's not much of a need for keyboards in "Cortical Tectonics". Three instruments, most of the time, manage to create a truly satisfying experience just by themselves.

As with most of this type of albums, sometimes instrumental-only technical records leave me a little bit cold. When I listen to rock and related music, I always need songs, I need some melody. The good thing is that CANVAS SOLARIS is also capable of calmer, more melodic sounds. "Sinusoid Mirage" is a perfect example of that, and it's also the best track in all the album, with its elegant, refined opening that sounds more jazzy than metal.

All in all, a surprisingly enjoyable tech-metal instrumental album that I really recommend to every fan of the genre, and every fan of good progressive music.

Album Part 1

Album Part 2

PLANET- X Universe

2009-07-08T16:53:00.001-05:00

Here is a great band with talent all around.
Keyboardist Derek Sherinian, guitarist Tony MacAlpine, drummer Virgil Donati and guest musicians beat you in the face with high intensity chops. Considered to be "Metal Fusion" you will heard complex time signatures and considered to play the almost impossible prepare for a ride that will get your brain moving.

This is the studio debut from 2000.

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Clonus (4:35)
2. Her Animal (4:50)
3. Dog Boots (3:36)
4. Bitch (5:20)
5. King Of The Universe (8:16)
6. Inside Black (5:12)
7. Europa (4:20)
8. Warfinger (5:38)
9. Chocalate (5:22)
10. Pods Of Trance (4:48)
11. 2116 (4:41)

Total Time: 56:37

Line-up / Musicians - Virgil Donati / drums
- Tony MacAlpine / guitar
- Derek Sherinian keyboards
- Tom Kennedy / bass

Review

Each piece is so complex and angular, and played with such brilliance and faculty, that Planet X's 'Universe' comes off as a singular experience rather than a collection of cuts. To single out a few tracks wouldn't do this one justice; a heavier and more powerful work than their follow-up 'Moonbabies' yet no less adept, with shameless flash, a great production and no time wasted with unnecessary passages or sentimental journeys. Donati, Sherinian and MacAlpine cut right to the meat, slice it masterfully into chunks and serve it pure without too much spice to cover-up the flavor of divine heaviness. If you can imagine the feeling musicians must have had when they first heard the Mahavishnu Orchestra, you get a sense of this project... otherworldly, a metallic fusion of cosmic proportions and a force to be reckoned with.

RUSH TRIBUTE - CYGNUS and the SEA MONSTERS

2009-07-07T20:06:00.003-05:00

Well, this is a little jewel, a one night only performance by a super group doing a tribute to the legendary super group RUSH.

The performance was recorded at a special drumming event to commemorate The Drum Pad's (the largest drum retailer in America) 20th anniversary on September 18, 2005 at The Vic Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.

Cygnus and the Sea Monsters consists of Mike Portnoy on drums, Paul Gilbert on guitar, Sean Malone on bass and Jason McMaster on vocals.
You see what I mean with super group !!!

Track List:

1. 2112
2. Cygnus X-1
3. Cygnus X-1 Book II Hemispheres
4. YYZ / Drum Solo

Fans of Rush will find this album very, very exciting !!

ARK Burn the Sun

2009-07-06T12:30:00.000-05:00

ARK is a great band, not very known and with an exceptional music. The songwriting is excellent and the arrangements are intricate. In under an hour, I hear everything from metal, jazz, funk, electronic influence to blues in this music.

The opening track"Heal the Waters" is awesome and in "Absolute Zero" you can even recall Bjork vocal style easily.

Ark biography
ARK are the newly-renounced kings of Progressive Metal whose three permanent members are pretty prolific. No clones, no imitations just great originality from the incredible voice of Jorn LANDE, guitarist Tore OSTBY (ex-CONCEPTION), drummer John MACALUSO (ex-TNT) and company. The trio were consciously trying to create something very different. Hundred of styles perfectly mixed together, here you can find anything you imagine. Their influences range from prog to jazz to spanish/flamenco to orchestral to salsa and the depth of their lyrics is astounding; this is a band of virtuosoes. The rhythm section is awesome with lots of variety and a great feel for both rhythm and melody. They are completely unique... one of the very few "supergroups" of the last ten years.

Studio Album, released in 2001

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Heal The Waters (6:37)
2. Torn (3:51)
3. Burn The Sun (4:34)
4. Resurrection (5;31)
5. Absolute Zero (6:05)
6. Just A Little (4:36)
7. Waking Hour (4:15)
8. Noose (5:03)
9. Feed The Fire (3:56)
10. I Bleed (4:03)
11. Missing You (9:04)

Total Time: 57:35

Line-up / Musicians

- Tore Østby / guitar
- John Macaluso / drums
- Jorn Lande / vocals
- Randy Coven / bass
- Mats Olausson / keyboards

Album Review

''Burn the Sun'' released in 2001, is considered to be one of the most wonderful Progressive albums for the 00's...Releasing a notably worthy debut album (Ark), the band now presents a true masterpiece. The production is far and far better and clearer than the last album. The band presents a fabulous progressive style full of different kinds of music just like metal, jazz, flamenco, psychedelic and blues that are wisely connected each other.

Tore Ostby releases his best prog work, accompanied by excellent musicians. Jorn Lande (vocals) is the ''monster'' of the whole project with an out-breathing voice that has so many colors. The virtuoso Randy Coven (bass) passing around slide and fretless basslines consists an excellent duo with John Macaluso (drums). The keyboards of Mats Ollauson are also highly presented and well worked.

The band manages to release some extremely beautiful and technical material that makes every prog (or not) listener admiring. Recommended to EVERY prog listener and fan..A masterpiece for every music library..

Part 1

Part 2

RIVERSIDE Anno Domini High Definition

2009-07-05T09:41:00.000-05:00

I have to admit I was not really into Riverside until I get this album and discover how great this band could play. Personally some of the previous albums simply didn't get to me or maybe I should say I was not good enough listener for them =)

This album have been posted in many similar blogs and the reason is that this is a sensational release and 100% recommended. Any progressive metal fan should heard this album which will end as one if not the best of 2009.

Studio Album, released in 2009

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Hyperactive (5:45)
2. Driven To Destruction (7:06)
3. Egoist Hedonist (8:56)
4. Left Out (10:59)
5. Hybrid Times (11:53)

Total Time: 44:29

Line-up / Musicians

- Mariusz Duda / vocals, bass, acoustic guitar
- Piotr Grudzinski / guitars
- Michal Lapaj / keyboards
- Piotr Kozieradzki / drums

Releases information InsideOut CD, Jun

Album Review:

Riverside not only moves onto a new trilogy, but a new sound as well. The new sound features a more traditional prog-metal sound. First and foremost, a lot of the soft acoustic or spacey section is really scarce on this record. While that seems like the soul of this band may be gone, listening to this record all the way through denied the accusation. The classic Riverside sound is still there but they started to really let go on their instruments. Even the opening number can show even some Meshuggah influences.

What is fascinating about the record is that there are only 5 songs, but when you listen to the album, you can never tell when the songs change. Each song really takes a life of their own and is constantly moving into new areas, a really diverging album, in other words, lacking repetition. The only songs that can remotely relation to the Reality Dream series are the song 'Egoist Hedonist'.

While moving to a genre that is infested with a lot of Dream Theater style bands, Riverside ventures into this territory giving their own take on it, and I was impressed.

Album website: http://www.annodominihighdefinition.com/index.php

Get Album

MAGELLAN Symphony For A Misanthrope

2009-07-03T19:32:00.000-05:00

Magellan is one of the more progressive bands to emerge in the 90s and have shifted from very hard and complex to less elaborate. This album is kind in the middle, I enjoy it very much but also needs some hearings to get the flavor.

Magellan biography
MAGELLAN represents the second wave of sonic explorers, those who sailed in spirit with the most storied of the prog rock pioneers (e.g., GENESIS, KANSA, RUSH, YES) during their youth and now seek to make the journey in practice. At the helm of MAGELLAN are brothers Trent (vocals/keyboards) and Wayne Gardner (guitars), who with bass player Hal Stringfellow Imbrie released their debut album : "Hour of Restoration", in 1991. (Their debut led off with a five-part suite entitled "Magna Carta") An historical concept album about England, it was followed by the similar-sounding "Impending Ascension".

MAGELLAN returned in 1997 with "Test of Wills", which represented a slight departure from the band's original sound (though the group, which now includes drummer Brad Kaiser, remained intact). In 2002, the Gardners released the ambitious "Hundred Year Flood", dedicated to the brother they lost in the Vietnam War.

Though not a prolific band, MAGELLAN's well crafted and ambitious efforts have made them something of a flagship among prog rock's second armada of artists.

Studio Album, released in 2005

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Symphonette (instrumental)
2. Why Water Weeds?
3. Wisdom
4. Cranium Reef Suite
Part one: "Youthful Enthusiasm"
Part two: "Psych 101"
Part three: "Primal Defense"
5. Pianissimo Intermission (instrumental)
6. Doctor Concoctor
7. Every Bullet Needs Blood

Line-up / Musicians

- Trent Gardner / lead vocals, keyboards, trombone
- Wayne Gardner / guitars, bass, backing vocals

Guest musicians:
- Joe Franco / drums and orchestral percussion
- Robert Berry / drums & bass on "Why Water Weeds?"
- Steve Walsh / keyboards on "Symphonette"
- Dave Mannion / keyboards on "Symphonette"

Releases information

CD Inside Out Music IOMCD 206 / CD SPV 085-40852

Enjoy Album Part 1, Part 2

2009-07-03T19:10:00.001-05:00

8543r2bnzu

REDEMPTION The Fullness of Time

2009-07-03T10:00:00.002-05:00

POST UPDATED...LINK REMOVED by request of the artist !!

Ok, now the 2nd album by Redemption, the first that I got the chance to heard and that introduce me to this great Prog Metal band. Sometimes compared with Fates Warning due to Ray Alder vocals, I consider this is a good comparison however Redemption is heavier and show more complex and why not more progressive tracks.

Studio Album, released in 2005

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Threads (5:43)
2. Parker's Eyes (6:15)
3. Scarred (7:56)
4. Sapphire (15:55)
The Fullness of Time Suite:
5. Rage (5:01)
6. Despair (3:20)
7. Release (5:16)
8. Transcendence (7:59)

Total Time: 57:25

Line-up / Musicians

- Nick van Dyk / lead and rhythm guitars, keyboards
- Ray Alder / vocals
- Bernie Versailles / lead guitar
- James Sherwood / bass
- Chris Quirarte / drums

Releases information CD Sensory Records SR3027 (2005)

Brazilian Hellion Records release have a bonus track:
9. The Real Thing (8:14)

Studio Album, released in 2005

Interesting notes:

Parker of Parker's Eyes refers to bandleader Nick Van Dyk's daughter, two years old at the release of the album. The song is a rumination of the modern day climate.
Sapphire is a true story, though few details are known.
The soundclip that opens Rage is from the 1990 movie sequel Exorcist III: Legion. It is voiced by actor George C Scott.

REDEMPTION Origin of Ruin

2009-07-02T16:01:00.003-05:00

POST UPDATED...LINK REMOVED by request of the artist !!

While we wait for the new album lets review the latest !!!!

Band members:

Chris Quirarte - Drums

Ray Alder - Vocals
Nicolas van Dyk - Guitars, keyboards
Bernie Versailles - Guitars
James Sherwood - Bass

Country: U.S.A.

Track listing

"The Suffocating Silence" - 6:36
"Bleed Me Dry" - 6:55
"The Death of Faith & Reason" - 4:51
"Memory" - 9:30
"The Origins of Ruin" 2:47
"Man of Glass" - 5:05
"Blind My Eyes" - 5:55
"Used to Be" - 6:08
"Fall on You" - 9:24

Awesome album, but with Redemption you need several hearings to get the feeling, so be aware.
Once you get into it you will love it.

Highlights: "Memory" kind of follows the same path as Sapphire from the previous album.
"The Death of Faith & Reason" is also a great track

Review

Musically they reside somewhere between Symphony X and Dream Theater in style; with the grittier guitar sound of the former and the big epic soundscapes of the latter.

But the devil is in the details though; Redemption has a much larger variation in guitar style than Symphony X, and the big epic Dream Theater feel is not ever-present - but used when needed. The synths are used effectively to enhance the moods in mellow as well as grandiose moods. Vocals are quite original for the genre as being melodic and relaxed - no screaming sirens here - and the drum patterns are good and more detailed than usual in this genre.

PLEASE look at the comments

REDEMPTION new album....

2009-06-30T12:29:00.000-05:00

Update from Prog Metal band REDEMPTION...(one of my favorites)

Our new website is up and running. As you can see here, the them is very simplistic, which represents the cover artwork of the upcoming REDEMPTION album, "Snowfall On Judgment Day" - the artwork was once again created by Travis Smith, and in our opinion it's just stunning!
The new album will be released September 28th in Europe and on September 29th in USA/North America through Inside Out Music / SPV.
We have a new promotional video ready for the album release check the link....

http://www.redemptionweb.com/

we can't wait to heard the new album !!!

DREAM THEATER Black Clouds & Silver Linings

2009-06-25T13:08:00.001-05:00

Latest Dream Theater album, Black Clouds & Silver Linings. 2 Cd special edition.

Tracks Cd 1:

1- A Nightmare to Remember
2- A Rite of Passage
3- Wither
4- The Shattered Fortress
5- The Best of Times
6- The Count of Tuscany

Get Album

Tracks Cd 2 Covers:

1- Stargazer
2- Tenement Funster-Flick of The Wrist - Lily of the Valley
3- Odyssey
4- Take your fingers from my hair
5- Larks Tongues In Aspics Pt. 2
6- To Tame a Land

Get Album

The highlight for me is the track 4 "The Shattered Fortress" which concludes Portnoy 12 steps suite that started in the Six Degrees Album. Awesome to heard a cover of King Crimson's classic progressive epic "Larks Tongues In Aspics Pt.2 "

Faith No More - The 2nd Coming

2009-06-23T11:47:00.001-05:00

Faith No More reunited after 10 years, this is the 2nd presentation in the Download Festival, England June 12, 2009.

No words can describe this return......just enjoy !!

Get Album

Derek Sherinian - Molecular Heinosity

2009-06-09T14:00:00.000-05:00

The vast majority of progressive metal has been vocal-oriented, but Derek Sherinian is a rare example of a prog-metal instrumentalist, and that has worked out well for the former Dream Theater keyboardist because it has given him a comfortable niche. Adding to the intrigue is the fact that more than a few of Sherinian's admirers have described him as a keyboardist who identifies with guitarists as strongly as he identifies with other keyboardists. Clearly, Sherinian enjoys a strong rapport with guitarist Zakk Wylde on Molecular Heinosity, a 2009 release that blends prog-metal with an awareness of the shredder school of instrumental guitar rock (as in Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Randy Coven). Jazz fusion is also an influence, which makes sense given the impact that Joe Zawinul, Herbie Hancock, George Duke, Chick Corea, and other keyboard virtuosos had on fusion. But despite having a keyboardist in the driver's seat, the self-produced Molecular Heinosity still sounds like a guitar album above all else, and Sherinian's keyboards have a very guitar-minded quality on instrumentals like "Wings of Insanity," "Antarctica," and "The Lone Spaniard" (which sounds like a metal interpretation of something Corea would have done with Return to Forever in the 1970s). Molecular Heinosity does have one lone vocal number: the closing track "So Far Gone," which recalls Ozzy Osbourne's years with Black Sabbath and finds Wylde singing lead. Wylde's very ironic performance comes across as a parody of The Oz, but an affectionate, respectful parody rather than a condescending parody; in other words, Wylde gives the impression that he holds classics like Masters of Reality and Paranoid in high regard. It's no coincidence that "So Far Gone" is positioned at the end of the 39-minute CD; Sherinian obviously doesn't want us to forget that this an instrumental outing first and foremost. Molecular Heinosity is an enjoyable, if brief, reminder of how well prog-metal can work without vocals. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Antarctica (5:26)
2. Ascension (2:14)
3. Primal Eleven (7:56)
4. Wings Of Insanity (3:50)
5. Frozen By Fire (5:21)
6. The Lone Spaniard (3:08)
7. Molecular Intro (1:03)
8. Molecular Heinosity (3:28)
9. So Far Gone (7:24)

Total Time 39:50

Line-up / Musicians

- Derek Sherinian / Keyboards
- Zakk Wylde / Vocals, Guitar (4,9)
- Taka Minamono / Guitars (6,7,8)
- Brett Garsed / Guitars (1-3)
- Rusty Cooley / Guitars (5)
- Tony Franklin / Fretless Bass (6,9)
- Rob Mules / Bass (4,5,7,8)
- Jimmy Johson / Bass (1-3)
- Virgil Donati / Drums (1-3)
- Brian Tichy / Drums (4,5,8,9)
- Tina Guo / Cello (6,9)

Get ALBUM

Canvas Solaris - The Atomized Dream

2009-06-04T13:00:00.000-05:00

CANVAS SOLARIS

Biography
The story of CANVAS SOLARIS began in 1999, playing a strange, experimental form of extreme death/thrash metal, influenced by mainly VOIVOD, CARCASS and GODFLESH. The early line-up, namely Nathan Sapp (guitars, vocals), Jimmy McCall (bass guitar), Brad Jeffcoat (vocals) and Hunter Ginn (drums), recorded two demos and played several shows in South-Carolina. Jeffcoat and McCall left the band in 2002 and the group added Ben Simpkins (guitar, bass guitar, keyboards) to the line-up and began writing much more experimental instrumental technical, jazz-inspired progressive music. In June 2003 they released their first Ep, "Spatial/Design". The group scaled back from live appearances and one year later arrived their first full-length album "Sublimation".

"Sublimation" is demonstrating the talent of the members, a fantastic technical metal album heavily influenced by SPIRAL ARCHITECT, WATCHTOWER, SPASTIC INK, CYNIC, FATES WARNING, RUSH and even KING CRIMSON and THE MARS VOLTA.

Recommended for fans of complex, instrumental technical music.

The Atomized Dream
Studio Album, released in 2008

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. The Binaural Beat (5:09)
2. Reflections Carried to Mirror (4:20)
3. Chromatic Dusk (3:53)
4. Patterns Spiral into Swarm (4:54)
5. Heat Distortion Manifest (5:41)
6. Photovoltaic (8:32)
7. Solar Droid (4:33)
8. The Unknowable and Defeating Glow (10:19)

Total Time 47:37

Line-up / Musicians
- Nathan Sapp / guitars
- Chris Rushing / guitars
- Hunter Ginn / drums
- Donnie Smith / analog synth
- Gael Pirlot / bass

Get Album

Animals as Leaders

2009-06-03T12:50:00.000-05:00

Animals as Leaders was formed "out of the ashes" of guitarist Tosin Abasi's previous band, Reflux.The heavy metal record label PROSTHETIC RECORDS saw Abasi's guitar work and asked him to create a solo album for them. Abasi initially declined, feeling such an endeavor would be "egotistical and unnecessary".When Reflux disbanded, Abasi decided to take the label's offer. The name Animals as Leaders was inspired by Daniel Quinn's 1992 novel Ishmael, which addresses anthropocentrism. Abasi coined the name as a reminder "that we're all essentially animals".

The project's first album, Animals as Leaders, was recorded in early 2008. Abasi recorded all guitar and bass tracks on the album; drums and various synthesized effects were programmed by engineer Misha Monsoor.The album was released April 28, 2009 by Prosthetic Records.

Review taken from Amazon

"Animals as Leaders" is leaded by guitarist/songwriter Tosin Abasi (ex-Reflux), and is the first progressive metal band I've heard that really can't be put into a genre. Even "progressive metal" is a label that would make people think they're going to sound like Dream Theater or Rush, which is absolutely not the case. "Experimental" might be a good label, but that's also a bad, terrible label, in that it simply clumps together all the musicians who sound nothing like anybody else or each other. This album is fresh, it's instrumental, it's heavy, it's very progressive (both rhythmically and melodically), it's uplifting, it's EPIC, and it's utterly beautiful. No need to genre-ify it.

Album link

	Adagio - Archangels in Black
	Atmosfear - Zenith
	Redemption - Snowfall on Judgement Day
	Riverside - Anno Domini
	Spheric Universe Experience - Unreal
	Dream Theater - Black Clouds & Silver Linings
	OSI - Blood
	Pantommind - Lunasense
	Hourglass - Oblivious To The Obvious
	Vision Divine - 9 Degrees West of the Moon
	DGM - Frame

Soundscape of Thinking Patterns

AEON ZEN - The Face of the Unknown

Mike Portnoy Leaves Dream Theater

MYRATH - Desert Call

BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME - The Great Misdirect

Rush 2010 "Time Machine" Tour

THE FRACTURED DIMENSION - Towards The Mysterium

Fates Warning to release deluxe edition of “Parallels” on March 16th, 2010!

THE ALGORITHM - The Doppler Effect

AN ENDLESS SPORADIC

ANIMATIONS

HOURGLASS - Oblivious to the Oblivious

DGM Frame

SHADOW GALLERY Digital Ghosts

SUBSIGNAL Beautiful & Monstrous

SIEGES EVEN Playgrounds (Live)

Coming soon......

BEARDFISH Slepping in Traffic Part 2

LINK UPDATES

Links updated for:

SIEGES EVEN Paramount

Tribute to ELP: Encores, Legends & Paradox

BEST PROGRESSIVE METAL ALBUM 2009 POLL

PELICAN What We All Come to Need

REDEMPTION Snowfall on Judgment Day

SYMPHONY X - V: The New Mythology Suite

RUDESS/MORGENSTEIN PROJECT

TRANSATLANTIC The Whirlwind Video Trailer

THE GOURISHANKAR 2nd Hands

SPHERIC UNIVERSE EXPERIENCE Unreal

VARIOUS ARTISTS Encores, Legends & Paradox

PORCUPINE TREE The Incident

PORCUPINE TREE Out Absentia

BOUD DEUN The Stolen Bicycle

PELICAN Ephemeral

Singles/EPs/Fan Club/Promo, released in 2009Songs / Tracks Listing

BEARDFISH Sleeping In Traffic Part 1

AEON ZEN A Mind's Portrait

TRANSATLANTIC'S THE WHIRLWIND - Coming in October! 26th August 2009

SPIRAL ARCHITECT Sceptic's Universe

SPHERIC UNIVERSE EXPERIENCE Anima

SIEGES EVEN Paramount

CONTINUUM - free tracks download

LEMUR VOICE Insights

TIME'S FORGOTTEN ..became a fan

SYMPHONY X The Divine Wings of Tragedy

NIACIN Time Crunch

ANEKDOTEN Vemod

PAGAN'S MIND Enigmatic Calling

CIRCUS MAXIMUS Isolate

MINDFLOW Destructive Device

JORDAN RUDESS Rhythm of Time

ProgPower USA X

ProgPower USA X

Tickets

Schedule

ProgPower USA Showcase

Tickets

Schedule

Mid-Week Mayhem

Tickets

SIEGES EVEN The Art of Navigating By the Stars

CYNIC Traced in Air

SHADOW GALLERY Legacy

BOZZIO LEVIN STEVENS Situation Dangerous

JORDAN RUDESS Feeding The Wheel

MAGELLAN Test of Wills

BOZZIO LEVIN STEVENS Black Light Syndrome

PLANET X Moonbabies

PLANET X Quantum

SBX - NEW SPOCK'S BEARD CD PRE-ORDER

ON THE VIRG Serious Young Insects

SCALE THE SUMMIT Carving Desert Canyons

SHADOW GALLERY Room V

SHADOW GALLERY Tyranny

Progressive Nation 2009 North American Tour - Lineup Change

ANDROMEDA The Immunity Zone

ANDROMEDA Chimera

ANDROMEDA II=I

ANDROMEDA Extension of the Wish

Singles/EPs/Fan Club/Promo, released in 2009

Songs / Tracks Listing