******
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terça-feira, 31 de dezembro de 2013
*. Neon Dream .*
Album: Anodyne (2003)
Genre: Soft Prog Rock (Gothic/Dark/Metal) / Germany
I'd say this band is by far the most promising band coming from the German label even if this is just a debut. The mixture of Gothic, Rock and Wave features a very complex and profound structure, with Dark references and even Romantic ones. Let's see: long imposing guitar solos, a full of atmosphere keyboard, melodiousness and the male voice reminds me of THE 69 EYES. After you listen to the tracks more carefully you come to think that a guiding mark for the five German musicians was THE SISTERS OF MERCY as the rhythms, accords and interludes resemble very much. For the sound to be even "tougher" the Germans have invited (for some of the tracks) a soprano so that her voice would bring a different aura, a certain colour and a more hospitable atmosphere. Anyway, I couldn't say it is an album focused on rapidity or a classical Goth one, because there is a successful fusion of influences from 80's and 90's, even if sometimes it brings confusion into the listener's mind... Bottom line: this is a music for soul, melancholic and apt to awake nostalgias... at least, those guitars... really kick some asses! (www.kogaionon.com)
RATING: 7.75 / 10
.
Genre: Soft Prog Rock (Gothic/Dark/Metal) / Germany
I'd say this band is by far the most promising band coming from the German label even if this is just a debut. The mixture of Gothic, Rock and Wave features a very complex and profound structure, with Dark references and even Romantic ones. Let's see: long imposing guitar solos, a full of atmosphere keyboard, melodiousness and the male voice reminds me of THE 69 EYES. After you listen to the tracks more carefully you come to think that a guiding mark for the five German musicians was THE SISTERS OF MERCY as the rhythms, accords and interludes resemble very much. For the sound to be even "tougher" the Germans have invited (for some of the tracks) a soprano so that her voice would bring a different aura, a certain colour and a more hospitable atmosphere. Anyway, I couldn't say it is an album focused on rapidity or a classical Goth one, because there is a successful fusion of influences from 80's and 90's, even if sometimes it brings confusion into the listener's mind... Bottom line: this is a music for soul, melancholic and apt to awake nostalgias... at least, those guitars... really kick some asses! (www.kogaionon.com)
RATING: 7.75 / 10
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segunda-feira, 30 de dezembro de 2013
*. Magna Vice .*
Album: Serpent of Wisdom (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Heavy/Hard Rock) / Finland
Serpent Of Wisdom is the ambitious debut album of Finnish prog band Magna Vice. A concept album, it tells the tale of a war veteran suffering from hallucinations who realises a helping hand is closer than expected. Opener Temple Of Sin sounds exactly like how an opening track should, slowly building up into a great wall of guitars before the vocals kick in. Admittedly, the vocals are a little weak, which is quite disappointing as the rest of the music is fantastic – the keys/Hammond organ are especially impressive – but the song still sounds great regardless, and leads perfectly into the next track, Hope You Find Your Way Out. By far the shortest track of the release, it still measures up well to the others and manages to fit in so much in a short period of time. The opening keys really worm their way into your mind before you know it, and you’ll soon find yourself humming along without even thinking about it! Gods Of War has a truly epic-sounding introduction with orchestral sections, which really add dimension to the already impressive track. The guitar solo just before the five and a half minute mark is mindblowing and really showcases the musicianship of the whole band. It just works really well and is definitely one of the high points of the album. Fifth track Knowledge Talks, Wisdom Listens takes a while to get going, with an unnecessarily dragged-out introduction that just doesn’t seem to get things moving. Although there are a few good solos within the track, the song as a whole is quite long and dragged out, with repetitive sections that just merge together. It blends into the next track Real Delusions which continues exactly where the previous song left off, meaning that it feels like one long 22-minute track rather than two separate entities – but then again, this is a prog album and prog is known for its long songs, so I’m not sure what I was expecting! As a whole, it really works, but there’s just a few hit and miss sections to it. The album ends with the all-out energetic Yellow Sky, which really showcases each members musical ability. A great way to round things off. The keys especially are stunning. All in all, Serpent Of Wisdom is a pretty good release – nice and proggy, and filled with some absolutely stunning instrumentation. The only thing that lets it down is the vocals and even then, it’s not like they’re dreadful – just maybe not as powerful as anticipated. If you like your prog, you’ll love this.
Review by "Natalie Humphries" (www.soundscapemagazine.com).
RATING: ??????????????
.
Genre: Prog Rock (Heavy/Hard Rock) / Finland
Serpent Of Wisdom is the ambitious debut album of Finnish prog band Magna Vice. A concept album, it tells the tale of a war veteran suffering from hallucinations who realises a helping hand is closer than expected. Opener Temple Of Sin sounds exactly like how an opening track should, slowly building up into a great wall of guitars before the vocals kick in. Admittedly, the vocals are a little weak, which is quite disappointing as the rest of the music is fantastic – the keys/Hammond organ are especially impressive – but the song still sounds great regardless, and leads perfectly into the next track, Hope You Find Your Way Out. By far the shortest track of the release, it still measures up well to the others and manages to fit in so much in a short period of time. The opening keys really worm their way into your mind before you know it, and you’ll soon find yourself humming along without even thinking about it! Gods Of War has a truly epic-sounding introduction with orchestral sections, which really add dimension to the already impressive track. The guitar solo just before the five and a half minute mark is mindblowing and really showcases the musicianship of the whole band. It just works really well and is definitely one of the high points of the album. Fifth track Knowledge Talks, Wisdom Listens takes a while to get going, with an unnecessarily dragged-out introduction that just doesn’t seem to get things moving. Although there are a few good solos within the track, the song as a whole is quite long and dragged out, with repetitive sections that just merge together. It blends into the next track Real Delusions which continues exactly where the previous song left off, meaning that it feels like one long 22-minute track rather than two separate entities – but then again, this is a prog album and prog is known for its long songs, so I’m not sure what I was expecting! As a whole, it really works, but there’s just a few hit and miss sections to it. The album ends with the all-out energetic Yellow Sky, which really showcases each members musical ability. A great way to round things off. The keys especially are stunning. All in all, Serpent Of Wisdom is a pretty good release – nice and proggy, and filled with some absolutely stunning instrumentation. The only thing that lets it down is the vocals and even then, it’s not like they’re dreadful – just maybe not as powerful as anticipated. If you like your prog, you’ll love this.
Review by "Natalie Humphries" (www.soundscapemagazine.com).
RATING: ??????????????
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*. Pelican .*
Album: Lítil Fluga (1975)
Genre: Prog Rock (Pop/Rock/Folk) / Iceland
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Theme
02. I Feel a Change
03. Working to Find a Paradise
04. Litla Flugan
05. Warm August Night
06. Anyman's Open Road
07. You Can Go My Way
08. Recall to Reality
09. G. O. C.
10. Silly Piccadilly
11. Cloudscape
12. Fall of a Fortress
Line-up / Musicians
Petur Kristjansson / vocals
Bjorgvin Gislason / guitars
Omar Oskarsson / bass, guitars
Asgeir Oskarsson / drums
Jon Olafsson / bass
Gudmundur Jonsson / guitars
RATING: 7.25 / 10
.
Genre: Prog Rock (Pop/Rock/Folk) / Iceland
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Theme
02. I Feel a Change
03. Working to Find a Paradise
04. Litla Flugan
05. Warm August Night
06. Anyman's Open Road
07. You Can Go My Way
08. Recall to Reality
09. G. O. C.
10. Silly Piccadilly
11. Cloudscape
12. Fall of a Fortress
Line-up / Musicians
Petur Kristjansson / vocals
Bjorgvin Gislason / guitars
Omar Oskarsson / bass, guitars
Asgeir Oskarsson / drums
Jon Olafsson / bass
Gudmundur Jonsson / guitars
RATING: 7.25 / 10
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*. Ouija .*
Album: Addiction (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover Prog) / France
As Ouija boards conjure spirits, the band OUIJA conjures the demons of Progressive rock ! In this first album, "Addiction" (Musea Parallèle, 2013), the trio transports us into its musical universe, with sophisticated but still accessible arrangements. Here's an explosion of musical influences. The works of Robert FRIPP (Along with David BOWIE, Peter GABRIEL, Brian ENO, Andy SUMMERS...) has had a huge impact on the music of these musicians. In this piece of work, OUIJA evokes the haunting spirit of KING CRIMSON, YES, GENESIS, performed with the power of a band such as TOOL... A must for all Progressive rock fans !!! (www.musearecords.com)
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. All Inside You
02. Refugees
03. Nothing Has Really Changed
04. I Miss You But I Feel Much Better When I'm Just Away From You
05. Something Inside You
06. I'm Looking for Somebody... Life's Door
07. C.B.S.' Window
08. Cathy Got Something To Say
09. Life To Sell
10. Time
11. Addiction
RATING: 8.25 / 10
.
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover Prog) / France
As Ouija boards conjure spirits, the band OUIJA conjures the demons of Progressive rock ! In this first album, "Addiction" (Musea Parallèle, 2013), the trio transports us into its musical universe, with sophisticated but still accessible arrangements. Here's an explosion of musical influences. The works of Robert FRIPP (Along with David BOWIE, Peter GABRIEL, Brian ENO, Andy SUMMERS...) has had a huge impact on the music of these musicians. In this piece of work, OUIJA evokes the haunting spirit of KING CRIMSON, YES, GENESIS, performed with the power of a band such as TOOL... A must for all Progressive rock fans !!! (www.musearecords.com)
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. All Inside You
02. Refugees
03. Nothing Has Really Changed
04. I Miss You But I Feel Much Better When I'm Just Away From You
05. Something Inside You
06. I'm Looking for Somebody... Life's Door
07. C.B.S.' Window
08. Cathy Got Something To Say
09. Life To Sell
10. Time
11. Addiction
RATING: 8.25 / 10
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domingo, 29 de dezembro de 2013
*. White Walls .*
Album: Escape Artist (2013)
Genre: Prog Metal (Prog Rock) / Romania
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Silence
02. Dream Chaser
03. Loose Ends
04. Patience
05. Dead Heart Part I
06. Dead Heart Part II
07. Dead Heart Part III
08. The Masquerade
09. Another Sun
10. World Gone Wrong
11. Escapism
12. Waves
13. Silence (Reprise)
Line-up / Musicians
Eugen Brudaru / vocals
Alexandru-Eduard Dascãlu / guitars
Șerban-Ionuț Georgescu / bass
Marian Mihãilã / drums
RATING: 7.75 / 10
.
Genre: Prog Metal (Prog Rock) / Romania
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Silence
02. Dream Chaser
03. Loose Ends
04. Patience
05. Dead Heart Part I
06. Dead Heart Part II
07. Dead Heart Part III
08. The Masquerade
09. Another Sun
10. World Gone Wrong
11. Escapism
12. Waves
13. Silence (Reprise)
Line-up / Musicians
Eugen Brudaru / vocals
Alexandru-Eduard Dascãlu / guitars
Șerban-Ionuț Georgescu / bass
Marian Mihãilã / drums
RATING: 7.75 / 10
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*. Uthull .*
Album: Edit Me... (2003)
Genre: Prog Rock (Jazz Fusion/Exp./Metal) / Greece
Uthull is a trio from Greece who released two albums since today, their first one is Edit me... The album was release at Steel Gallery Records and is a total winner, at least for me. Absolutly amazing jazz fusion with some progressive metal elements added, make from this albuma real treasure, very unknown to larger public. Led by the excellent keybordist from progressive metal band also from Greece named Horizon's End (disbanded in 2002) and supported by drumer Yannis Tsoulfaidis and bassist Kostas Domenikiotis this trio made some spectacular moments, from more melodic parts to totaly blistering technical moments of the highest calibre. Fantastic musicianship all over, belive me you need to put the hand on this one, one of the best albums from this gnre I've heared so far and yet so unknown to larger public, realy sad. Just check out the pieces "Third", "Seventh Sign", "The Lion Is Free" and "Distant Galaxies", fantastic. Highly recommended album for those who like jazz fusion with technical progressive metal elements. Review by "b_olariu" (Rate Your Music).
RATING: 8.25 / 10
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Genre: Prog Rock (Jazz Fusion/Exp./Metal) / Greece
Uthull is a trio from Greece who released two albums since today, their first one is Edit me... The album was release at Steel Gallery Records and is a total winner, at least for me. Absolutly amazing jazz fusion with some progressive metal elements added, make from this albuma real treasure, very unknown to larger public. Led by the excellent keybordist from progressive metal band also from Greece named Horizon's End (disbanded in 2002) and supported by drumer Yannis Tsoulfaidis and bassist Kostas Domenikiotis this trio made some spectacular moments, from more melodic parts to totaly blistering technical moments of the highest calibre. Fantastic musicianship all over, belive me you need to put the hand on this one, one of the best albums from this gnre I've heared so far and yet so unknown to larger public, realy sad. Just check out the pieces "Third", "Seventh Sign", "The Lion Is Free" and "Distant Galaxies", fantastic. Highly recommended album for those who like jazz fusion with technical progressive metal elements. Review by "b_olariu" (Rate Your Music).
RATING: 8.25 / 10
.
*. Versus X .*
Album: Live at the Spirit (2002)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Crossover/Neo Prog) / Germany
There are so many events in Progressive Rock that we often forget the so called revelations as fast as we had crowned them. However, a simple live performance can bring them back to life quite effectively ! The perfect illustration of this fact is "Live At The Spirit", the recording of a memorable show given by VERSUS X in Belgium. Those four Germans felt perfectly home in Francis GERON’s famous hall Spirit Of 66 in Verviers, and played a brilliant concert free of all worries. The result is four long tracks taken from their three studio albums issued to date. Let’s remember that after a first and self produced eponymous album, "Disturbance" & "The Turbulent Zone" were recorded in 1997 and 2001 on the Musea label. Carried away by Arne SCHÄFER’s fervent vocals (A nd also by his inspired guitar style !), Ekkehard NAHM’s magnificent keyboards and the excellent and deadly precise rhythm section, the audience is really taken in the whirlwind of this mysterious and wonderful music. No doubt about it, VERSUS X has settled as a reference in their genre, a band impossible not to take into account ! Something close to magic happened on the 7th of July 2001… "Editorial Review" (www.amazon.com)
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Curtain Call
02. Strange Attractor
03. To go Free
04. The Mirror of Division
RATING: 8.25 / 10
.
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Crossover/Neo Prog) / Germany
There are so many events in Progressive Rock that we often forget the so called revelations as fast as we had crowned them. However, a simple live performance can bring them back to life quite effectively ! The perfect illustration of this fact is "Live At The Spirit", the recording of a memorable show given by VERSUS X in Belgium. Those four Germans felt perfectly home in Francis GERON’s famous hall Spirit Of 66 in Verviers, and played a brilliant concert free of all worries. The result is four long tracks taken from their three studio albums issued to date. Let’s remember that after a first and self produced eponymous album, "Disturbance" & "The Turbulent Zone" were recorded in 1997 and 2001 on the Musea label. Carried away by Arne SCHÄFER’s fervent vocals (A nd also by his inspired guitar style !), Ekkehard NAHM’s magnificent keyboards and the excellent and deadly precise rhythm section, the audience is really taken in the whirlwind of this mysterious and wonderful music. No doubt about it, VERSUS X has settled as a reference in their genre, a band impossible not to take into account ! Something close to magic happened on the 7th of July 2001… "Editorial Review" (www.amazon.com)
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Curtain Call
02. Strange Attractor
03. To go Free
04. The Mirror of Division
RATING: 8.25 / 10
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sábado, 28 de dezembro de 2013
*. Cybele .*
Album: Interactive Playground (2001)
Genre: Soft Prog Rock (Gothic Rock/Metal/Alternative) / Norway
Somebody has compared the new CYBELE-album "Interactive Playground" with bands like THEATER OF TRAGEDY and THE GATHERING. This is a clear "yes and no"-decision for me. Sure you find some parallels to the mentioned acts, but still it doesn't fit either. CYBELE are no Metal (and that despite two guitars), but rather sound like a mix from newer THE GATHERING, some CRANBERRIES and similar stuff, so rather rooted within the Alternative-corner, with a slight dark touch and a few synth/electronic-influences. So nothing really heavy, rather going for harmonies (sometimes outside the common norms) and somehow stuff like "Living Satellites" could just as well be played in the radio, so there is a certain appeal, those mentioned harmonies could disrupt this, but then again the radio also plays CRANBERRIES... Not needing a living drummer, the compositions show an at times quite minimalistic approach because of the often quite sparse instrumentation, but that in itself is a conscious part of the CYBELE-sound. Best example for this is the ballad "Dreams", which is mostly borne by singer Hilde Wahl alone, with a light acoustic guitar and a few keyboards in the background. If you don't need it heavy and could also imagine listening to CRANBERRIES, Heather Nova etc., then CYBELE could be for you, if you want some crunch, better leave "Interactive Playground" to the others. Review by "Alex" (http://www.metal-observer.com).
RATING: 7 / 10
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Genre: Soft Prog Rock (Gothic Rock/Metal/Alternative) / Norway
Somebody has compared the new CYBELE-album "Interactive Playground" with bands like THEATER OF TRAGEDY and THE GATHERING. This is a clear "yes and no"-decision for me. Sure you find some parallels to the mentioned acts, but still it doesn't fit either. CYBELE are no Metal (and that despite two guitars), but rather sound like a mix from newer THE GATHERING, some CRANBERRIES and similar stuff, so rather rooted within the Alternative-corner, with a slight dark touch and a few synth/electronic-influences. So nothing really heavy, rather going for harmonies (sometimes outside the common norms) and somehow stuff like "Living Satellites" could just as well be played in the radio, so there is a certain appeal, those mentioned harmonies could disrupt this, but then again the radio also plays CRANBERRIES... Not needing a living drummer, the compositions show an at times quite minimalistic approach because of the often quite sparse instrumentation, but that in itself is a conscious part of the CYBELE-sound. Best example for this is the ballad "Dreams", which is mostly borne by singer Hilde Wahl alone, with a light acoustic guitar and a few keyboards in the background. If you don't need it heavy and could also imagine listening to CRANBERRIES, Heather Nova etc., then CYBELE could be for you, if you want some crunch, better leave "Interactive Playground" to the others. Review by "Alex" (http://www.metal-observer.com).
RATING: 7 / 10
.
*. Les Indiens .*
Album: Crâne (2013)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock (Stoner Rock) / Canada
After offering up the tune Ed on the epic Heavy Planet compilation, Bong Hits From the Astral Basement, Quebec's Les Indiens are back with an awesome collection of psychedelic stoner rock. Said new album, Crane, is a swirling collection of riffy guitars and keys, inspired by the tunes and spirit of the First Nation's music and myths. I think. The album starts off with Boucane, a riffy ditty accented by keys that circle and swirl like a stalking hawk. Next up is Crane which starts off on the low end end of the cosmic spectrum, all throbbing bass and crashing cymbals. Soon the guitar brings the rhythm section in line and we're off. Creve-Coeur is next up and starts off soft and weird, soon building and turning itself into a chest thumping dirge. Desert de glace straddles the doom/stoner divide, but soon finds its place as a soft stoner tune, never wallowing in doom's dark places. Mieux en prison comes next and offers the albums most memorable riff. Love Machine has an English title and is the most "normal" song on the album, with a verse chorus verse structure that's warbled over a heavy riff and urgent drumming. It closes an excellent album with a sticky chorus dominated by the song's title. Or maybe that particular lyric stuck in my head on account of it being the only one in my native tongue. The vocals are clean and offered in French, but the groove is universal. I couldn't make out the lyrics. I don't speak or read French, but the great thing about music, especially the heavy groovy music offered up by sites such as Heavy Planet is the feeling the tunes elicit inside ya. It is amazing what can be conveyed with just a stack of amps, guitars, bass, and drum. And maybe some keys. But just some. Don't over do the keys. Review by "Justin" (www.heavyplanet.net).
RATING: ??????????????
.
Genre: Psychedelic Rock (Stoner Rock) / Canada
After offering up the tune Ed on the epic Heavy Planet compilation, Bong Hits From the Astral Basement, Quebec's Les Indiens are back with an awesome collection of psychedelic stoner rock. Said new album, Crane, is a swirling collection of riffy guitars and keys, inspired by the tunes and spirit of the First Nation's music and myths. I think. The album starts off with Boucane, a riffy ditty accented by keys that circle and swirl like a stalking hawk. Next up is Crane which starts off on the low end end of the cosmic spectrum, all throbbing bass and crashing cymbals. Soon the guitar brings the rhythm section in line and we're off. Creve-Coeur is next up and starts off soft and weird, soon building and turning itself into a chest thumping dirge. Desert de glace straddles the doom/stoner divide, but soon finds its place as a soft stoner tune, never wallowing in doom's dark places. Mieux en prison comes next and offers the albums most memorable riff. Love Machine has an English title and is the most "normal" song on the album, with a verse chorus verse structure that's warbled over a heavy riff and urgent drumming. It closes an excellent album with a sticky chorus dominated by the song's title. Or maybe that particular lyric stuck in my head on account of it being the only one in my native tongue. The vocals are clean and offered in French, but the groove is universal. I couldn't make out the lyrics. I don't speak or read French, but the great thing about music, especially the heavy groovy music offered up by sites such as Heavy Planet is the feeling the tunes elicit inside ya. It is amazing what can be conveyed with just a stack of amps, guitars, bass, and drum. And maybe some keys. But just some. Don't over do the keys. Review by "Justin" (www.heavyplanet.net).
RATING: ??????????????
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*. Ostara .*
This is the third cd of Ostara and so far all have been ‘shocking’ in some respect. First too accessible neofolk, then too poppy neofolk but Ostara gets away with it and after a while the first albums proved to be brilliant. Then a year ago, mr. Leviathan ‘warned me’ that the new cd could contain some metal elements and as the year 2003 continued ‘rumours’ said that the new cd would be more ‘rocky’, so when “Ultima Thule” eventually DID come out, I waited a while before ordering the cd… So… the cd indeed opens with who a whole range of rock songs and around the end more songs that would have been the more ‘natural development’ for Ostara. Musically it is still Ostara, but different. The melodies, Leviathan’s vocals, rhythms, samples and the keyboards are still recognisable, but these electric guitars… I have heard the cd several times now and I start to hear the recognisable elements, but I am still not used to the rocking guitars… Review by "Gangleri Music Reviews" (www.gangleri.nl).
RATING: 7.25 / 10
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RATING: 7.25 / 10
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*. Gordon Giltrap .* (Remaster 2013 + Bonus)
Album: Perilous Journey (1977)(Remaster 2013 + 4 Bonus)
Genre: Prog Rock (Folk/Art Rock/Symphonic) / UK
Like many others, the first time I came across Gordon Giltrap was when he appeared on Top of the Pops playing "Heartsong" back in 1977. I was 14 at the time, and spending much of my spare time listening to progressive rock music and trying to learn as much about the scene as possible, and I just hadn't come across anything quite like this. I was blown away with the incredible acoustic guitar which just seemed to lift and take off )I always thought it was 12- string, but according to the booklet this is a common misconception and was in fact multi- tracked six string), and to this day it is still one of my favourite Giltrap numbers. The album on which it appeared, 'Perilous Journey', was a continuation of 'Visionary' with the same production team, and the same rhythm section of Simon Phillips and John G. Perry with keyboard player Rod Edwards. Everyone was accustomed now to how each other worked and they took the ideas even further than they had previously. The orchestration is lush, there is much more use of brass (including the appearance of some guys from the Average White Band), and it is as if the whole band has stepped up. Gordon is very much centre stage, and the additional musical elements (if there are any) add to the guitar while never detracting from it. Rod has a more important part to play on this album, and his use of mini-moog is a key part to the overall success. Even in 1977 this was quite a short album, at only 32 minutes long, but that is no longer an issue as this re-mastered reissue now clocks in at 75 minutes. A special mention should really be made of the final song, the new 'bonus' that even now causes Gordon to cringe. "Heartsong" was such a success that the label of course wanted another hit, and for some reason Gordon was convinced to cover "Oh Well". Given that the original is a classic, this was always going to be a hard ask, especially as Gordon is not a strong singer. It's probably best to just note that this is here, and instead go back to the album 'proper'. If you want to investigate Gordon, then this is probably the album to start with. Review by "kev rowland" (Prog Archives).
RATING: 8.5 / 10
.
Genre: Prog Rock (Folk/Art Rock/Symphonic) / UK
Like many others, the first time I came across Gordon Giltrap was when he appeared on Top of the Pops playing "Heartsong" back in 1977. I was 14 at the time, and spending much of my spare time listening to progressive rock music and trying to learn as much about the scene as possible, and I just hadn't come across anything quite like this. I was blown away with the incredible acoustic guitar which just seemed to lift and take off )I always thought it was 12- string, but according to the booklet this is a common misconception and was in fact multi- tracked six string), and to this day it is still one of my favourite Giltrap numbers. The album on which it appeared, 'Perilous Journey', was a continuation of 'Visionary' with the same production team, and the same rhythm section of Simon Phillips and John G. Perry with keyboard player Rod Edwards. Everyone was accustomed now to how each other worked and they took the ideas even further than they had previously. The orchestration is lush, there is much more use of brass (including the appearance of some guys from the Average White Band), and it is as if the whole band has stepped up. Gordon is very much centre stage, and the additional musical elements (if there are any) add to the guitar while never detracting from it. Rod has a more important part to play on this album, and his use of mini-moog is a key part to the overall success. Even in 1977 this was quite a short album, at only 32 minutes long, but that is no longer an issue as this re-mastered reissue now clocks in at 75 minutes. A special mention should really be made of the final song, the new 'bonus' that even now causes Gordon to cringe. "Heartsong" was such a success that the label of course wanted another hit, and for some reason Gordon was convinced to cover "Oh Well". Given that the original is a classic, this was always going to be a hard ask, especially as Gordon is not a strong singer. It's probably best to just note that this is here, and instead go back to the album 'proper'. If you want to investigate Gordon, then this is probably the album to start with. Review by "kev rowland" (Prog Archives).
RATING: 8.5 / 10
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sexta-feira, 27 de dezembro de 2013
*. Orion .*
Album: Memoires Du Temps (2013)(Archives)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic Prog) / France
33 years after the release of its first album "Nature lives, Man criticizes", Orion is back with a second album entitled "Memories of Time." Their main influences have remained unchanged : Gentle Giant, Camel, King Crimson, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Yes ... Orion lies somewhere between these groups, with its own style. (www.groupeorion.fr)
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Mémoires Du Temps (4:47)
02. Attila (3:05)
03. Carpe Diem (4:04)
04. Noyade Interdite (4:31)
05. Solitude (8:38)
06. Près De La Nature (4:10)
07. NoirO Evil (2:41)
08. Le Rappiécé (4:26)
09. J'Entends Les Filles (4:20)
10. Il Est Parti (2:21)
Line-up / Musicians
Janusz Tokarz / keyboards, vocals
Patrick Wyrembski / bass
Franck Mamosa / guitar, vocals
Michel Rousseaux / drums, percussion
RATING: ??????????????
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Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic Prog) / France
33 years after the release of its first album "Nature lives, Man criticizes", Orion is back with a second album entitled "Memories of Time." Their main influences have remained unchanged : Gentle Giant, Camel, King Crimson, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Yes ... Orion lies somewhere between these groups, with its own style. (www.groupeorion.fr)
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Mémoires Du Temps (4:47)
02. Attila (3:05)
03. Carpe Diem (4:04)
04. Noyade Interdite (4:31)
05. Solitude (8:38)
06. Près De La Nature (4:10)
07. NoirO Evil (2:41)
08. Le Rappiécé (4:26)
09. J'Entends Les Filles (4:20)
10. Il Est Parti (2:21)
Line-up / Musicians
Janusz Tokarz / keyboards, vocals
Patrick Wyrembski / bass
Franck Mamosa / guitar, vocals
Michel Rousseaux / drums, percussion
RATING: ??????????????
.
*. Turnaround .*
Album: Turnaround (2012)
Genre: Hard Rock (Blues Rock/Psychedelic) / Ukraine
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. She Was Just A Girl (3:10)
02. Evening (7:07)
03. Stones In My Passway (3:41)
04. Winter Cold (4:24)
05. Come With Me (3:29)
06. Dark Was The Night (3:49)
07. You Told Me (2:44)
08. Words You Never Hear (4:57)
09. Song About Relationships, Love And Breakup (3:48)
10. Did You Get It (2:40)
11. Open Your Eyes (3:11)
12. The Story (6:41)
Line-up / Musicians
Max Tovstyi (Макс Товстий) / vocals, guitars, harmonica, violin, piano
Yulia Boyko (Юля Бойко) / keyboards, bass, backing vocals, percussion
Pasha Mykhalenko (Паша Михайленко) / drums, percussion
RATING: 7.75 / 10
.
Genre: Hard Rock (Blues Rock/Psychedelic) / Ukraine
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. She Was Just A Girl (3:10)
02. Evening (7:07)
03. Stones In My Passway (3:41)
04. Winter Cold (4:24)
05. Come With Me (3:29)
06. Dark Was The Night (3:49)
07. You Told Me (2:44)
08. Words You Never Hear (4:57)
09. Song About Relationships, Love And Breakup (3:48)
10. Did You Get It (2:40)
11. Open Your Eyes (3:11)
12. The Story (6:41)
Line-up / Musicians
Max Tovstyi (Макс Товстий) / vocals, guitars, harmonica, violin, piano
Yulia Boyko (Юля Бойко) / keyboards, bass, backing vocals, percussion
Pasha Mykhalenko (Паша Михайленко) / drums, percussion
RATING: 7.75 / 10
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*. Hoggwash .*
Album: Spellbound (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Crossover Prog) / Ukraine/UK
SPELLBOUND – is the second incredible journey into the depths of natures hidden corners. At long last the second Hoggwash album is here, So WHY so long? The happy reason being the main AKP projects SUNCHILD and KARFAGEN have kept gaining momentum so we felt HOGGWASH 2 could happily wait. We would know the right time. This in itself created its own pressure as the debut album also gained in popularity as time passed so it became a major challenge to produce this album, with its own unique sound and atmosphere which is so different from both KARFAGEN & SUNCHILD something very special that will be 100% HOGGWASH continuing the mood and storyline of its predecessor THE LAST HORIZON. SPELLBOUND is a collaboration in every aspect it is 50/50, as it should be, and there is almost a seamless coming together at times between us making the whole stronger than either of us. SPELLBOUND this time good friends have helped with the mastering process. Bringing some vintage analogue “tape” colour to the sound. Moving on to the tracks it is simply an album of songs and music that mattered to us both, centred on the continuing troubles that our character was plagued with originally as he travels through his life. The album is NO holds barred, as it is not trying to conform musically to any form of rock, it is honest and that you the listener will trust us that we both want the same end result, an album that you can enjoy on all sorts of musical levels. (www.hoggwash.net)
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Soldier Of Fortune
02. Another Game
03. Let The Lady Smile
04. Time After Time
05. Spellbound
06. The Way Back Home
07. Miss You
08. Sometimes
09. Out Of The Abyss
10. Life's Conundrum (Bonus)
RATING: ???????????????
.
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Crossover Prog) / Ukraine/UK
SPELLBOUND – is the second incredible journey into the depths of natures hidden corners. At long last the second Hoggwash album is here, So WHY so long? The happy reason being the main AKP projects SUNCHILD and KARFAGEN have kept gaining momentum so we felt HOGGWASH 2 could happily wait. We would know the right time. This in itself created its own pressure as the debut album also gained in popularity as time passed so it became a major challenge to produce this album, with its own unique sound and atmosphere which is so different from both KARFAGEN & SUNCHILD something very special that will be 100% HOGGWASH continuing the mood and storyline of its predecessor THE LAST HORIZON. SPELLBOUND is a collaboration in every aspect it is 50/50, as it should be, and there is almost a seamless coming together at times between us making the whole stronger than either of us. SPELLBOUND this time good friends have helped with the mastering process. Bringing some vintage analogue “tape” colour to the sound. Moving on to the tracks it is simply an album of songs and music that mattered to us both, centred on the continuing troubles that our character was plagued with originally as he travels through his life. The album is NO holds barred, as it is not trying to conform musically to any form of rock, it is honest and that you the listener will trust us that we both want the same end result, an album that you can enjoy on all sorts of musical levels. (www.hoggwash.net)
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Soldier Of Fortune
02. Another Game
03. Let The Lady Smile
04. Time After Time
05. Spellbound
06. The Way Back Home
07. Miss You
08. Sometimes
09. Out Of The Abyss
10. Life's Conundrum (Bonus)
RATING: ???????????????
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quinta-feira, 26 de dezembro de 2013
*. Visa (Viza) .*
Album: Visa (2005)
Genre: Prog Rock (Folk/Alternative) / USA
In 2002, members of the band Neurobox, K’noup, and Hiram left New York City due to the stagnant music scene after 9/11. Destiny led them to Los Angeles where Visa was born in 2005. Visa’s grown into a nine-member, global rock phenomena. K’noup is the mastermind and the voice of Visa. His David Bowie like voice is complimented by the sexy drifts of the duduk. Played by the world famous Djivan Gasparyan's grandson, the duduk is an ancient flute that intensifies and deepens the band’s progressive arrangements. While the percussion and drums create a dramatic and passionate beat. Visa is an audio passport that integrates differing cultural rhythms with modern rock experimentation. In the De Facto and Eros albums, the music is pervaded by sonorities taken from Arabic, Armenian and Greek traditions blended with elements of rock and dance. In the upcoming album Made in Chernobyl , Russian and Eastern European styles and themes take center stage. K’noup's original compositions resonate the sounds of past generations taking life in current times. Each band member’s distinct cultural roots and differing musical tastes weave the multi-ethnic sounds. The results are hip shaking and head banging music that is pure pleasure. Visa performances evoke the urge to drift to exotic far away lands. K’noup commands the stage with his voice and presence and the band plays in perfect cadence. The audience is captivated and cannot escape the beat. Where can you experience Visa live? The Roxy, the Knitting Factory, the Viper Room, the Troubadour, House of Blues and the Alex Theatre in Glendale are among the many local venues. Visa loves to perform live and has garnered a large following in Los Angeles. Visa released their second EP, De Facto in September 2007 along with an award winning music video for 'Break out the violins' from the album Maktub. In August 2008, the band released their second full length album entitled Eros. Visa is managed by Serjical Strike Management and is currently working on the release of Made in Chernobyl. (www.cdbaby.com)
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Songbird
02. Indigo Rain
03. Virgin Red
04. Good Ole Dice
05. The Flask
06. Happily Ever After
07. My Sea
08. Toxic
RATING: 7.25 / 10
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Genre: Prog Rock (Folk/Alternative) / USA
In 2002, members of the band Neurobox, K’noup, and Hiram left New York City due to the stagnant music scene after 9/11. Destiny led them to Los Angeles where Visa was born in 2005. Visa’s grown into a nine-member, global rock phenomena. K’noup is the mastermind and the voice of Visa. His David Bowie like voice is complimented by the sexy drifts of the duduk. Played by the world famous Djivan Gasparyan's grandson, the duduk is an ancient flute that intensifies and deepens the band’s progressive arrangements. While the percussion and drums create a dramatic and passionate beat. Visa is an audio passport that integrates differing cultural rhythms with modern rock experimentation. In the De Facto and Eros albums, the music is pervaded by sonorities taken from Arabic, Armenian and Greek traditions blended with elements of rock and dance. In the upcoming album Made in Chernobyl , Russian and Eastern European styles and themes take center stage. K’noup's original compositions resonate the sounds of past generations taking life in current times. Each band member’s distinct cultural roots and differing musical tastes weave the multi-ethnic sounds. The results are hip shaking and head banging music that is pure pleasure. Visa performances evoke the urge to drift to exotic far away lands. K’noup commands the stage with his voice and presence and the band plays in perfect cadence. The audience is captivated and cannot escape the beat. Where can you experience Visa live? The Roxy, the Knitting Factory, the Viper Room, the Troubadour, House of Blues and the Alex Theatre in Glendale are among the many local venues. Visa loves to perform live and has garnered a large following in Los Angeles. Visa released their second EP, De Facto in September 2007 along with an award winning music video for 'Break out the violins' from the album Maktub. In August 2008, the band released their second full length album entitled Eros. Visa is managed by Serjical Strike Management and is currently working on the release of Made in Chernobyl. (www.cdbaby.com)
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Songbird
02. Indigo Rain
03. Virgin Red
04. Good Ole Dice
05. The Flask
06. Happily Ever After
07. My Sea
08. Toxic
RATING: 7.25 / 10
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*. Darkyra Black .*
Album: Dragon Tears (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic Metal/Gothic) / Australia
"Dragon Tears" is the first Darkyra album to be released May 2013. The album is a concept album based on a gothic interpretation of geisha tale that ends in tragedy. Love, loss, lust, betrayal and revenge. The music is a fine blend of symphonic metal, gothic metal, epic metal and progressive rock with elements of traditional pentatonic music and an overall cinematic feel. The album is being co produced by Garry King, Darkyra Black and George Boussounis, through Online Recording Masters Athens and La Foret Groupe France. (www.facebook.com)
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Madoka's Lament
02. Eyes Wide Shut
03. Lullaby of Death
04. Japanese Frankenstein
05. Slither
06. Before I Wither
07. Never Know
08. Cold Cold Stone
09. Kiss of the Dragon
10. Tears by Candlelight
11. Dragon Tears
Line-up / Musicians
Darkyra Black / vocals
Garry King / drums
Betovani Dinelli / guitars
Colin Haynes / bass
Paul Jupe / guitars
Fab Jablonski / keyboards
RATING: 7.5 / 10
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Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic Metal/Gothic) / Australia
"Dragon Tears" is the first Darkyra album to be released May 2013. The album is a concept album based on a gothic interpretation of geisha tale that ends in tragedy. Love, loss, lust, betrayal and revenge. The music is a fine blend of symphonic metal, gothic metal, epic metal and progressive rock with elements of traditional pentatonic music and an overall cinematic feel. The album is being co produced by Garry King, Darkyra Black and George Boussounis, through Online Recording Masters Athens and La Foret Groupe France. (www.facebook.com)
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Madoka's Lament
02. Eyes Wide Shut
03. Lullaby of Death
04. Japanese Frankenstein
05. Slither
06. Before I Wither
07. Never Know
08. Cold Cold Stone
09. Kiss of the Dragon
10. Tears by Candlelight
11. Dragon Tears
Line-up / Musicians
Darkyra Black / vocals
Garry King / drums
Betovani Dinelli / guitars
Colin Haynes / bass
Paul Jupe / guitars
Fab Jablonski / keyboards
RATING: 7.5 / 10
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quarta-feira, 25 de dezembro de 2013
*. Nektar .* (SHM-CD Japan Remaster 2013 + Bonus)
Album: Magic is a Child (1977)(SHM-CD Remaster 2013 + Bonus)
Genre: Prog Rock (Psych/Art Rock/AOR) / Germany
Genre: Prog Rock (Psych/Art Rock/AOR) / Germany
Nektar was and still is one of my fav band from progressive rock movements from the '70's. I don't know but I feel that this band was always in the shadow of other big names from that period. Nektar release some very good albums in early to mid '70's , even better in places then the masters, but with all that they had a moderate succes in this field. Now Magic is the child released in 1977 is a step in other direction from the band. After the excellent and one of my fav prog albums ever Recycled, Nektar steps in a more accesible direction, not entirely comerfcial or mainstream side of prog but quite enough to see thet they are ready for a change in sound. This phase of the band is perhaps and almost sure because of the departure of the main man of the band, the songwritter and a solid pile in Nektar's music - I'm talking about Roye Albrighton. Now, Magic is the child is not entirely bad, is like I'm listning in places to Styx or Forigner, the band focused more on short pieces, quite pale in comparation with their older sound, but not bad, only diffrent and less exciting arrangements overall. Some good pieces grace the album like opening track Away from Asgard , Listen or title piece Magic is a child are worth purchase the rest are quite ok but nothing realy enjoyble to the max. A so so Nektar album, not bad as a whole but not something special either, I will give 3 stars tot his one, with indulgens, is very far from previous works , even to previous album just released a year prior.
Review by "b_olariu" (Prog Archives).
RATING: 7.75 / 10
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Review by "b_olariu" (Prog Archives).
RATING: 7.75 / 10
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*. Quiet Child .*
Album: The Coming Storm (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Alternative) / Australia
Quiet Child are an Australian progressive rock band who have recently announced, as a live band at least, to call it quits. This is certainly a shame although for purely selfish reasons this may be a good thing, since they can now concentrate on crafting more fine albums such as ‘The Coming Storm’, their most recent effort. There is a focus about Quiet Child which means they avoid the usual prog rock clichés. These songs have been written and arranged to merit repeated plays. Instrumental solos are few in number and when they do use them, they are present for better reasons than to merely show off. ‘Dawn Brings Warmth’ represents an early showcase for the vocal range of Peter Spiker but also for some subtle keyboard skills. A morose piano melody adds dignity to the stately ‘Ghost Town’ and the subtle ‘Hotel Shade’ is shrouded in an attractively eerie cloud. They fare less well when they add a harder edge to their music so the metallic guitars of ‘Cannonfire March’ signals a rare misstep but when the anger is controlled for the meandering but compelling ‘Without Borders’, the results are much more appealing. The band reach their peak, though, on ‘I’ve Found Some Poison’ where the elements of Spiker’s falsetto, a rich Hammond organ, anguished guitars and caressed percussion all dovetail together in perfect unison, whilst the unbridled emotion of ‘Conditions’ is a powerful and excellent way to end the record. Quiet Child are definitely a prog rock act but – for the most part – there is little indication of the self indulgence often associated with this music. This is a band who have clearly honed their skills from over nine years as a live act and it is hoped this won’t be the last recording we hear from them. Review by "Leonard's Lair" (http://leonardslair.wordpress.com).
RATING: 8 / 10
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Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Alternative) / Australia
Quiet Child are an Australian progressive rock band who have recently announced, as a live band at least, to call it quits. This is certainly a shame although for purely selfish reasons this may be a good thing, since they can now concentrate on crafting more fine albums such as ‘The Coming Storm’, their most recent effort. There is a focus about Quiet Child which means they avoid the usual prog rock clichés. These songs have been written and arranged to merit repeated plays. Instrumental solos are few in number and when they do use them, they are present for better reasons than to merely show off. ‘Dawn Brings Warmth’ represents an early showcase for the vocal range of Peter Spiker but also for some subtle keyboard skills. A morose piano melody adds dignity to the stately ‘Ghost Town’ and the subtle ‘Hotel Shade’ is shrouded in an attractively eerie cloud. They fare less well when they add a harder edge to their music so the metallic guitars of ‘Cannonfire March’ signals a rare misstep but when the anger is controlled for the meandering but compelling ‘Without Borders’, the results are much more appealing. The band reach their peak, though, on ‘I’ve Found Some Poison’ where the elements of Spiker’s falsetto, a rich Hammond organ, anguished guitars and caressed percussion all dovetail together in perfect unison, whilst the unbridled emotion of ‘Conditions’ is a powerful and excellent way to end the record. Quiet Child are definitely a prog rock act but – for the most part – there is little indication of the self indulgence often associated with this music. This is a band who have clearly honed their skills from over nine years as a live act and it is hoped this won’t be the last recording we hear from them. Review by "Leonard's Lair" (http://leonardslair.wordpress.com).
RATING: 8 / 10
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*. Saqqarah .*
Album: Genese (1996)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Neo Prog) / France
A fantastic French group from Vannes, set in 1992 by Patrice Mauvieux on guitars, Lou Van Der Cruyssen on vocals, Dominique Renault on drums, Christophe Bastien on keyboards and Herve Juguet on bass.In 1994 Saqqarah recorded the 3-track mini CD ''Peti eref tra su'', but the next year Bastien quit with Mauvieux taking over also the keyboard section.1996 sees the group releasing its first full-length album ''Genese'', recorded at Drop Studio in Rennes and offered as a self-production. Saqqarah propose an exceptional Neo Prog, strongly characterized by its evident PINK FLOYD, MARILLION and COLLAGE influences and very similar to the sound of PHAESIS and DELTA CYPHEI PROJECT.The album is split in 5 tracks entitled ''Phase'' (from a to e), most of them are multi-parted, with fantastic instrumental soundscapes, while Van Der Cruyssen delivers some of the most intricate French vocals you will ever listen to, sensitive, theatrical and expressive all the way.The music is outstanding for most of the time of this almost 70-min. work.Saqqarah blend the tremendous symphonic textures of COLLAGE, the intricate, lyrical approach of MARILLION and the spacey side of PINK FLOYD in a unique amalgam, full of emotions and different colors.The arrangements are long, tight and well-crafted, based on elaborate guitar solos with obvious STEVE ROTHERY and DAVID GILMOUR touches, long and spacey synthesizer runs and a few symphonic section with light organs and more edgy synths.There is not much flexibility to be found, but actually ''Genese'' does not need some.The challenging melodies, the cosmic soundscapes and the top-notch vocal lines come out of a masterful inspiration and Saqqarah offer an impressive and very personal work with zero dead holes. One of the overlooked gems of French Prog of the 90's.Atmospheric, melodic and original spacey Neo Prog with its own character.Definilitely a must have. Review by "psarros" (Prog Archives).
RATING: 8.25 / 10
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Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Neo Prog) / France
A fantastic French group from Vannes, set in 1992 by Patrice Mauvieux on guitars, Lou Van Der Cruyssen on vocals, Dominique Renault on drums, Christophe Bastien on keyboards and Herve Juguet on bass.In 1994 Saqqarah recorded the 3-track mini CD ''Peti eref tra su'', but the next year Bastien quit with Mauvieux taking over also the keyboard section.1996 sees the group releasing its first full-length album ''Genese'', recorded at Drop Studio in Rennes and offered as a self-production. Saqqarah propose an exceptional Neo Prog, strongly characterized by its evident PINK FLOYD, MARILLION and COLLAGE influences and very similar to the sound of PHAESIS and DELTA CYPHEI PROJECT.The album is split in 5 tracks entitled ''Phase'' (from a to e), most of them are multi-parted, with fantastic instrumental soundscapes, while Van Der Cruyssen delivers some of the most intricate French vocals you will ever listen to, sensitive, theatrical and expressive all the way.The music is outstanding for most of the time of this almost 70-min. work.Saqqarah blend the tremendous symphonic textures of COLLAGE, the intricate, lyrical approach of MARILLION and the spacey side of PINK FLOYD in a unique amalgam, full of emotions and different colors.The arrangements are long, tight and well-crafted, based on elaborate guitar solos with obvious STEVE ROTHERY and DAVID GILMOUR touches, long and spacey synthesizer runs and a few symphonic section with light organs and more edgy synths.There is not much flexibility to be found, but actually ''Genese'' does not need some.The challenging melodies, the cosmic soundscapes and the top-notch vocal lines come out of a masterful inspiration and Saqqarah offer an impressive and very personal work with zero dead holes. One of the overlooked gems of French Prog of the 90's.Atmospheric, melodic and original spacey Neo Prog with its own character.Definilitely a must have. Review by "psarros" (Prog Archives).
RATING: 8.25 / 10
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terça-feira, 24 de dezembro de 2013
*. Nektar .* (SHM-CD Japan Remaster 2013 + Bonus)
Album: Down To Earth (1974)(SHM-CD Remaster 2013 + Bonus)
Genre: Prog Rock (Psych/Jazz/Art Rock/Symphonic) / Germany
Genre: Prog Rock (Psych/Jazz/Art Rock/Symphonic) / Germany
'Down To Earth' is an original mix of such an intelligent German "Space Rock" with the melodic "unplugged" touch you can recognize within the works of the early Genesis... a melodic bass guitar - as well as the jazz-oriented drum set - enrich the sound, which is particular accessible and soft. The horn section regarding the keyboards is interesting, but the guitar driven tunes are the most inspiring part of the whole album, even though (talking about their melodic pop approach) the influence of Beatles is evident here...at the end in my opinion "Down to Earth" is not the best album by Nektar, despite of giving us the right feelin' about their personal music imprinting; and such imprinting is probably better visible than their best albums, like for instance "Remember the Future" , "A Tab in the Ocean" and "Recycled"... but probably, especially if you don't like the psichedelic approach of their most famous albums as indicated above, you will choose the present one...make your own choice as usual or erase an half star at least from the final score!! Review by "lor68" (Prog Archives).
RATING: 8 / 10
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RATING: 8 / 10
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segunda-feira, 23 de dezembro de 2013
*. Ache .* (Remaster)
Ache's first steps into this Symphonic/Proto-Prog Rock style they performed were more than encouraging.From January 70's and until the spring of the same year ''De Homine Urbano'' had been performed in different occasions as a Rock Ballet/Opera at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen in a show that included classically educated dancers and a psychedelic lightshow.With the confidence at high levels the group moved on to a second album the following year.It was entitled ''Green Man'', again featuring the promotion of Phillips. Ache left aside the sidelong suites of the debut for the sake of shorter and more flexible compositions, however their style was more or less the same as in ''De Homine Urbano''.They still sound extremely similar to BEGGARS OPERA and THE NICE in a Proto-Symphonic Rock style with strong Psych overtones, which included massive organ waves and a powerful rhythm section, while the vocal parts evoke the style of PROCOL HARUM.Their sound was unbelievably energetic and dynamic regarding the time of the album's release with the guitars of Finn Olafsson supporting constantly the keyboards of Peter Mellin in pounding rhythmic parts.A couple of compositions like ''Shadow of a Gipsy'', which even became a great hit, or the eponymous track still retain a late-60's feeling with even stronger psychedelic vibes along the lines of PROCOL HARUM, featuring melodic organ textures and guitars and choir-like vocal lines.The general style is not actually competitive for today's standards and the new Ache album seems to lack any killer moments, though the talent of the group is more than evident. Good release, fans of early-70's British Progressive Rock will love this album, though the band was Danish.The monster organ moves and the overall very passionate sound is the biggest achievements of ''Green man''. A bit dated yet recommended. Review by "psarros" (Prog Archives).
RATING: 8 / 10
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RATING: 8 / 10
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*. Neon Leaves .*
Album: Cinéma Vérité (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Neo Prog) / UK
NEON LEAVES are a four-piece band comprising Trevor BARRAS (drums, percussion, backing vocals), John BOWES (piano, keyboards, guitars, flute, backing vocals), Graham JONES (bass, bass pedals, guitars), and Alan Le PATOUREL (lead vocals, guitars, samples), based in the North East of England. The members were drawn from North East bands "Penny & the Rims" and "Pagan Ritual" both of whom had enjoyed considerable success and rave reviews in local and National Music press in the late 70s and early 80s. After studying music at local colleges however the members wanted to extend themselves musically and formed a new band together. The band first formed under the name ISHMAEL in the mid 1980's when the original musical ideas for their debut album "Cinéma Vérité" were written. At that time the band played the album live around the North East of England and there were two other members, Peter COLEBY and the late and much lamented Angela FOX. The bands influences and musical tastes are too numerous to list in full and include many different artistes and genres. From GENESIS, KING CRIMSON and YES, to the STRANGLERS and PERE UBU with (almost) everything in between. The band reformed in 2011 to record the debut album "Cinéma Vérité" (Cat Number SHARPD13062) in their own studio in Crook, County Durham, England. Recording, engineering, mixing and mastering is all carried out in this self-built facility by the band themselves. (Prog Archives)
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Tickertape Nightlife
02. Thief Of Time
03. Drama
04. Edict Of Grace
05. Alma Mater
06. Rites And The Passage
07. Solace
08. The Labyrinth
09. Pandora's Box Of Dreams
RATING: 7.75 / 10
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Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Neo Prog) / UK
NEON LEAVES are a four-piece band comprising Trevor BARRAS (drums, percussion, backing vocals), John BOWES (piano, keyboards, guitars, flute, backing vocals), Graham JONES (bass, bass pedals, guitars), and Alan Le PATOUREL (lead vocals, guitars, samples), based in the North East of England. The members were drawn from North East bands "Penny & the Rims" and "Pagan Ritual" both of whom had enjoyed considerable success and rave reviews in local and National Music press in the late 70s and early 80s. After studying music at local colleges however the members wanted to extend themselves musically and formed a new band together. The band first formed under the name ISHMAEL in the mid 1980's when the original musical ideas for their debut album "Cinéma Vérité" were written. At that time the band played the album live around the North East of England and there were two other members, Peter COLEBY and the late and much lamented Angela FOX. The bands influences and musical tastes are too numerous to list in full and include many different artistes and genres. From GENESIS, KING CRIMSON and YES, to the STRANGLERS and PERE UBU with (almost) everything in between. The band reformed in 2011 to record the debut album "Cinéma Vérité" (Cat Number SHARPD13062) in their own studio in Crook, County Durham, England. Recording, engineering, mixing and mastering is all carried out in this self-built facility by the band themselves. (Prog Archives)
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Tickertape Nightlife
02. Thief Of Time
03. Drama
04. Edict Of Grace
05. Alma Mater
06. Rites And The Passage
07. Solace
08. The Labyrinth
09. Pandora's Box Of Dreams
RATING: 7.75 / 10
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*. Edison's Children .*
Album: The Final Breath Before November (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Dark/Symphonic) / Multinational
Edison's Children have created their own style of haunted prog. To me, prog is two things- musical freedom, and then using that freedom to push music to its very limits. Edison's Children not only embraces this freedom, but pushes music farther than I thought was possible. There are few bands that just blow my mind, and EC is one of them. Track one, The Final Breath, is dark, atmospheric, and haunting. The sonic depth of this song alone is worth praise. There are countless elements and levels to the music. For an opening song, it sounds better than most grand finales. The vocals are what I've come to love about this band, slightly distorted and chilling. The second song, Light Years, reminds me of the first album. Another part of EC that I love is the lyrics, and this song is great example of their writing. The haunted love song lyrics combined with stellar guitar just grooves perfectly. After six minutes, the song changes into a soft conclusion which immediately goes into the final track. Silhouette, the song is 67 minutes long. I'll try to keep the review shorter. While Light Years was similar to the first album, Silhouette is an all new sound. I don't know how to describe it. This song is a journey. I don't think I have ever heard something like this before. To rate it would be like an art teacher giving Van Gogh an A on one of his paintings, it simply isn't enough and does not justify the praise it deserves. This is just a song that needs to be heard. When you listen, wear headphones just so can hear every little touch. The amount of detail and love that went into this album is clear and obvious. Five stars means "Essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music" and that is what this album is. It is an accomplishment for music. The Final Breath Before November is a more focused, better produced, and an amazing follow up compared to In The Last Waking Moments. I highly recommend this album to any prog fan. And please, don't just download it, buy it! Prog needs to be supported to continue, new music won't kill prog, apathy from the fans will. This band needs support if there is ever going to be a third album. And after listening to this, I'm already excited for a third.
Review by "GorillaMunch" (Prog Archives).
RATING: ??????????????????
.
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Dark/Symphonic) / Multinational
Edison's Children have created their own style of haunted prog. To me, prog is two things- musical freedom, and then using that freedom to push music to its very limits. Edison's Children not only embraces this freedom, but pushes music farther than I thought was possible. There are few bands that just blow my mind, and EC is one of them. Track one, The Final Breath, is dark, atmospheric, and haunting. The sonic depth of this song alone is worth praise. There are countless elements and levels to the music. For an opening song, it sounds better than most grand finales. The vocals are what I've come to love about this band, slightly distorted and chilling. The second song, Light Years, reminds me of the first album. Another part of EC that I love is the lyrics, and this song is great example of their writing. The haunted love song lyrics combined with stellar guitar just grooves perfectly. After six minutes, the song changes into a soft conclusion which immediately goes into the final track. Silhouette, the song is 67 minutes long. I'll try to keep the review shorter. While Light Years was similar to the first album, Silhouette is an all new sound. I don't know how to describe it. This song is a journey. I don't think I have ever heard something like this before. To rate it would be like an art teacher giving Van Gogh an A on one of his paintings, it simply isn't enough and does not justify the praise it deserves. This is just a song that needs to be heard. When you listen, wear headphones just so can hear every little touch. The amount of detail and love that went into this album is clear and obvious. Five stars means "Essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music" and that is what this album is. It is an accomplishment for music. The Final Breath Before November is a more focused, better produced, and an amazing follow up compared to In The Last Waking Moments. I highly recommend this album to any prog fan. And please, don't just download it, buy it! Prog needs to be supported to continue, new music won't kill prog, apathy from the fans will. This band needs support if there is ever going to be a third album. And after listening to this, I'm already excited for a third.
Review by "GorillaMunch" (Prog Archives).
RATING: ??????????????????
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domingo, 22 de dezembro de 2013
*. Tamarisk .*
Album: Frozen In Time (2012)(Compilation)
Genre: Prog Rock (Neo Prog) / UK
Coming from the Northeastern part of London, Tamarisk evolved around 1982 from the ashes of Chemical Alice (Mark Kelly of Marillion fame had spent time with this group). Originally founded by Steve Leigh on keyboards, Andy Grant on vocals and Richard Crichton on drums, they secured a solid line-up only when Crichton was replaced by Richard Harris along with Peter Munday on guitars and Mark Orbell on bass. The group went on to produce two very rare cassette E.P.'s, a self-titled in 1982 and ''Lost properties'' ta year later. Shortly after a line-up change occurred with Nick May taking over the bass duties and Brian Roberts being the drummer. In 1985 Tamarisk briefly performed as a trio of Leigh, Grant and May under the name of ''Corrupted by Toys'', before disbanding for good. Leigh spent some time with Quasar before forming Landmarq, while May had a nice career, initially joining Dagaband, then for a short time Jadis, appeared for a while with The Enid, while his latest collaboration was with Karnataka around 2005. Almost 30 years after Tamarisk's demise the compilation album ''Frozen in time'' was released, containing the material of both the early E.P.'s of the group, thus giving the chance to prog fans to taste the band's unpolished, raw and underground Neo Prog sound. (Prog Archives)
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. An Alien Heat
02. M.O.J.O. (The Death of an American Prayer)
03. Royal Flush
04. No Room At The Top
05. Ascension
06. A Christmas Carol
07. Breaking The Chains
Line-up / Musicians
Andy Grant / Vocals
Richard Harris / Drums
Steve Leigh / Keyboards
Pete Munday / Guitars
Mark Orbell / Bass
RATING: 8.75 / 10 **MARVELLOUS**
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Genre: Prog Rock (Neo Prog) / UK
Coming from the Northeastern part of London, Tamarisk evolved around 1982 from the ashes of Chemical Alice (Mark Kelly of Marillion fame had spent time with this group). Originally founded by Steve Leigh on keyboards, Andy Grant on vocals and Richard Crichton on drums, they secured a solid line-up only when Crichton was replaced by Richard Harris along with Peter Munday on guitars and Mark Orbell on bass. The group went on to produce two very rare cassette E.P.'s, a self-titled in 1982 and ''Lost properties'' ta year later. Shortly after a line-up change occurred with Nick May taking over the bass duties and Brian Roberts being the drummer. In 1985 Tamarisk briefly performed as a trio of Leigh, Grant and May under the name of ''Corrupted by Toys'', before disbanding for good. Leigh spent some time with Quasar before forming Landmarq, while May had a nice career, initially joining Dagaband, then for a short time Jadis, appeared for a while with The Enid, while his latest collaboration was with Karnataka around 2005. Almost 30 years after Tamarisk's demise the compilation album ''Frozen in time'' was released, containing the material of both the early E.P.'s of the group, thus giving the chance to prog fans to taste the band's unpolished, raw and underground Neo Prog sound. (Prog Archives)
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. An Alien Heat
02. M.O.J.O. (The Death of an American Prayer)
03. Royal Flush
04. No Room At The Top
05. Ascension
06. A Christmas Carol
07. Breaking The Chains
Line-up / Musicians
Andy Grant / Vocals
Richard Harris / Drums
Steve Leigh / Keyboards
Pete Munday / Guitars
Mark Orbell / Bass
RATING: 8.75 / 10 **MARVELLOUS**
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*. Hyldemor .* (Remaster 2013 + Bonus)
Album: Glem det hele (1978)(Remaster 2013 + 1 Bonus)
Genre: Prog Rock (Psych/Folk/Pop/Rock) / Denmark
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Glem det hele
02. Drom eller virkelighed
03. Alt for meget at gore
04. Sa blir jeg glad
05. Den gennemsigtige mand
06. Tusind Ar
07. 8+8=16
08. Ah va sa du
09. Alene igen
10. Lysene taendes
11. Min bedste ven (Bonus)
Line-up / Musicians:
Hans Vinding / Guitar, Vocals
Tor Mathiesen / Bass
Jens Breum / Drums, Percussion
John Teglgaard / Guitar
Steen Claësson / Violin, Viola, Cello, Percussion
RATING: 8 / 10
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Genre: Prog Rock (Psych/Folk/Pop/Rock) / Denmark
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Glem det hele
02. Drom eller virkelighed
03. Alt for meget at gore
04. Sa blir jeg glad
05. Den gennemsigtige mand
06. Tusind Ar
07. 8+8=16
08. Ah va sa du
09. Alene igen
10. Lysene taendes
11. Min bedste ven (Bonus)
Line-up / Musicians:
Hans Vinding / Guitar, Vocals
Tor Mathiesen / Bass
Jens Breum / Drums, Percussion
John Teglgaard / Guitar
Steen Claësson / Violin, Viola, Cello, Percussion
RATING: 8 / 10
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*. Ünder Linden .*
Album: Espacios Intermedios (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic Prog) / Argentina
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Nan Madol
02. Quarks
03. Tributo
04. Regards from the Garlic Sea
05. Intentango
06. Rescatado
07. Discoprog
08. Empatia
09. Un Dia en la Luna
10. 14/8 de Musica
Line-up / Musicians:
Mario Gimeno / Drums, Percussion
Jorge Dal Cin / Bass
Gabriela Gonzalez / Keyboards
Roberto Medina - Violins
Ezequiel Flores / Keyboards, Synths
Juan Cortes / Guitar
RATING: ????????????????
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Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic Prog) / Argentina
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Nan Madol
02. Quarks
03. Tributo
04. Regards from the Garlic Sea
05. Intentango
06. Rescatado
07. Discoprog
08. Empatia
09. Un Dia en la Luna
10. 14/8 de Musica
Line-up / Musicians:
Mario Gimeno / Drums, Percussion
Jorge Dal Cin / Bass
Gabriela Gonzalez / Keyboards
Roberto Medina - Violins
Ezequiel Flores / Keyboards, Synths
Juan Cortes / Guitar
RATING: ????????????????
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sábado, 21 de dezembro de 2013
*. Barabba .*
Album: Canti del Vangelo Secondo Barabba (1976)
Genre: Prog Rock (Folk/Jazz/Exp.) / Italy
Obscure one-shot Italian project, led by ex-Circus 2000 and Living Life guitarist Marcello Quartarone, based on religious themes and reputedly containing lyrics written by children.The line-up was impressive with Maurizio Gianotti on sax, Piercarlo Bettini on keyboards and Gianni Bianco on bass, all members of Living Life, Venegoni & Co.'s drummer Max Aimone and Arturo Vitale/Giovanni Vigliar on sax and violin respectively, coming from Arti & Mestieri.Their sole album ''Canti dal Vangelo secondo Barabba'' was released on the unknown Elledici label, which seemed to be a publisher for the Catholic Church. This is not your typical Italian product and considering the fact that most members had a strong Jazz background the listener would expect something close to Progressive Jazz Rock, but that's not the case here, because ''Canti dal Vangelo secondo Barabba'' blends religious-inspired vocal textures with jazzy improvisations and strong psychedelic and Folk influences in a rather disjointed work with a tendency towards experimental forms along the lines of early ALAN SORRENTI or FRANCO BATTIATO, who's first works seems to be the closest comparisons.A couple of pieces are quite interesting with haunting Mediterrenean soundscapes combined with strong Fusion instrumentals in tight electroacoustic arrangements, but the vocals are questionable with dark narrations and choirs throughout.Violin and acoustic guitars explores more folky territories, while Bettini's organ and electric piano next to the saxes deliver the occasional jazzy touches.However the overall mix is not very cohesive, although the music content is quite strong.Rural passages break into stretched jazzy lines, followed by minimalistic movements.And add to all these the ethereal female choirs.Deep inside, this album has some great potential and the Fusion vibes in particular are pretty interesting with decent sax and bass work.But the coherence is just not there, so this could be fully appreciated, presenting a very unusual sound with unrelated music sources. Rare and obscure Italian Prog/Folk/Jazz Rock.Very loose and weirdly melodramatic, I can see Avant Prog fans enjoying this a lot more than lovers of Italian Prog.Recommended for collectors of experimental prog enviroments. Review by "apps79" (Rate Your Music).
RATING: 7 / 10
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Genre: Prog Rock (Folk/Jazz/Exp.) / Italy
Obscure one-shot Italian project, led by ex-Circus 2000 and Living Life guitarist Marcello Quartarone, based on religious themes and reputedly containing lyrics written by children.The line-up was impressive with Maurizio Gianotti on sax, Piercarlo Bettini on keyboards and Gianni Bianco on bass, all members of Living Life, Venegoni & Co.'s drummer Max Aimone and Arturo Vitale/Giovanni Vigliar on sax and violin respectively, coming from Arti & Mestieri.Their sole album ''Canti dal Vangelo secondo Barabba'' was released on the unknown Elledici label, which seemed to be a publisher for the Catholic Church. This is not your typical Italian product and considering the fact that most members had a strong Jazz background the listener would expect something close to Progressive Jazz Rock, but that's not the case here, because ''Canti dal Vangelo secondo Barabba'' blends religious-inspired vocal textures with jazzy improvisations and strong psychedelic and Folk influences in a rather disjointed work with a tendency towards experimental forms along the lines of early ALAN SORRENTI or FRANCO BATTIATO, who's first works seems to be the closest comparisons.A couple of pieces are quite interesting with haunting Mediterrenean soundscapes combined with strong Fusion instrumentals in tight electroacoustic arrangements, but the vocals are questionable with dark narrations and choirs throughout.Violin and acoustic guitars explores more folky territories, while Bettini's organ and electric piano next to the saxes deliver the occasional jazzy touches.However the overall mix is not very cohesive, although the music content is quite strong.Rural passages break into stretched jazzy lines, followed by minimalistic movements.And add to all these the ethereal female choirs.Deep inside, this album has some great potential and the Fusion vibes in particular are pretty interesting with decent sax and bass work.But the coherence is just not there, so this could be fully appreciated, presenting a very unusual sound with unrelated music sources. Rare and obscure Italian Prog/Folk/Jazz Rock.Very loose and weirdly melodramatic, I can see Avant Prog fans enjoying this a lot more than lovers of Italian Prog.Recommended for collectors of experimental prog enviroments. Review by "apps79" (Rate Your Music).
RATING: 7 / 10
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*. Nektar .* (SHM-CD Japan Remaster 2013 + Bonus CD)
Album: Sounds Like This (1973)(SHM-CD Remaster 2013 + Bonus CD)
Genre: Prog Rock (Psych/Hard Rock/Blues) / Germany
Genre: Prog Rock (Psych/Hard Rock/Blues) / Germany
Well, let me explain something first. Nektar is not the first class supergroup, but it's only a good one. That means Nektar can't achieve five stars for me. One more thing, I don't think they were pure prog group. I've heard first four albums and Recycled. I don't like the first one being too psychadelic for me (but I heard it just once, so I will not make a review about it). Second and this one I like most. I am a huge fan of old blues rock and hard rock so I like Sounds like this a lot. It is not prog. First three songs are my favourite. Don't search for szmphonic elements or something like that. It is more straight hard rock with strong blues influences. And that's the best for Nektar as interpreters. Their so-called prog masterpieces Remamber the future and Recycled are just average efforts in prog. Nevertheless, it's a good rock band with slight space/psychedelic touch (first two albums). Because this is their best album (they are not trying to pretend they are a progressive group) I give it four stars. However for prog fans it is just two stars album and it's better for them to check A tab in the ocean. Review by "Hejkal" (Prog Archives).
RATING: 8 / 10
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RATING: 8 / 10
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*. Oceans 5 .*
Album: Return to Mingulay (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Folk/Country) / UK
Colin Tench asked me to hear his most recently project he was working on. I really didn´t know anything about this group, neither was I aware of the work of singer/songwriter Andy john Bradford. However, I was quite pleased with what I heard: a kind of mix of folk, country, rock, prog and pop, all lead by Bradford´s laid back vocals and his 12 string acoustic guitar. On all the tracks he is backed by a very good group of musicians that includes, of course, Colin Tench on guitar, Marco Chiappini (keyboards), Stef Flaming (bass) and Victor Tassone (drums), plus Andres Guazzelli on piano and orchestrations. The results are quite charming, melodic and convincing, specially if you like folk rock. So the likes of Neil Young, early Al Stewart, Fairport Convention and the like comes to mind (a feeling quite enhanced by the use of 70´s vintage keyboards timbres). Still, the music here is quite original. I´m sure a lot of people on ProgArchives will not like Oceans 5 music: they will probably say it is too melodic, too straight ahead folksy and/or too predicable. Granted, there is very little prog in here: the songs are short, rarely going beyond the five minute mark, and as all the folk based stuff is, the importance given to the narrative is paramount. so there is not much space for long solos or tempo changes and complicated arrangements. However, with excellent musicans like that, those spaces are very well used every time they do show, with Tench and Chiappini filling in with tasteful and skilled guitar and keyboards lines, while the rhythm section gives a strong base to pump up the songs to new heights. There are no real highlight on this CD: all the songs are all very good and the tracklist is quite harmonic. But if you asked me what my favorites songs on this album is I´ll probably cite the slightly different Dancing With The Rhythm Of The Shore and the beautiful, plaintive Sails Off The Bay (VERY nice Gilmour-like solo here, Colin!), two very strong tunes where the musicians show what they can do inside a simple, but efficient, song structure. The production is simply perfect, with all the voices and instruments very well balanced (again the feeling of a modern version of a 70´s very organic recording comes to mind). So, if you like folk rock, or anything very melodic and tasteful, this is surely an album to get. I was tempted to rate this album 3 stars since there is hardly ony "real" prog in it (as for symphonic prog or RIO fans are concerned). Personally I´d give 4,5 stars. So a 4 star rating is maybe a little high for this site, but still I recommend this CD to any prog lover who, like me, thinks that great melodies and some simplicity are not an insult to prog. Review by "Tarcisio Moura" (Prog Archives).
RATING: 8.5 / 10
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Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Folk/Country) / UK
Colin Tench asked me to hear his most recently project he was working on. I really didn´t know anything about this group, neither was I aware of the work of singer/songwriter Andy john Bradford. However, I was quite pleased with what I heard: a kind of mix of folk, country, rock, prog and pop, all lead by Bradford´s laid back vocals and his 12 string acoustic guitar. On all the tracks he is backed by a very good group of musicians that includes, of course, Colin Tench on guitar, Marco Chiappini (keyboards), Stef Flaming (bass) and Victor Tassone (drums), plus Andres Guazzelli on piano and orchestrations. The results are quite charming, melodic and convincing, specially if you like folk rock. So the likes of Neil Young, early Al Stewart, Fairport Convention and the like comes to mind (a feeling quite enhanced by the use of 70´s vintage keyboards timbres). Still, the music here is quite original. I´m sure a lot of people on ProgArchives will not like Oceans 5 music: they will probably say it is too melodic, too straight ahead folksy and/or too predicable. Granted, there is very little prog in here: the songs are short, rarely going beyond the five minute mark, and as all the folk based stuff is, the importance given to the narrative is paramount. so there is not much space for long solos or tempo changes and complicated arrangements. However, with excellent musicans like that, those spaces are very well used every time they do show, with Tench and Chiappini filling in with tasteful and skilled guitar and keyboards lines, while the rhythm section gives a strong base to pump up the songs to new heights. There are no real highlight on this CD: all the songs are all very good and the tracklist is quite harmonic. But if you asked me what my favorites songs on this album is I´ll probably cite the slightly different Dancing With The Rhythm Of The Shore and the beautiful, plaintive Sails Off The Bay (VERY nice Gilmour-like solo here, Colin!), two very strong tunes where the musicians show what they can do inside a simple, but efficient, song structure. The production is simply perfect, with all the voices and instruments very well balanced (again the feeling of a modern version of a 70´s very organic recording comes to mind). So, if you like folk rock, or anything very melodic and tasteful, this is surely an album to get. I was tempted to rate this album 3 stars since there is hardly ony "real" prog in it (as for symphonic prog or RIO fans are concerned). Personally I´d give 4,5 stars. So a 4 star rating is maybe a little high for this site, but still I recommend this CD to any prog lover who, like me, thinks that great melodies and some simplicity are not an insult to prog. Review by "Tarcisio Moura" (Prog Archives).
RATING: 8.5 / 10
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*. Adesta .*
Album: What We Have Become (2013)(Ep)
Genre: Prog Rock (Modern Rock/Alternative) / USA
“Ranging from vibrant and energetic to explosive and powerful, Adesta works to create a truly original sound while appealing to a wide variety of listeners. The band came together in June of 2012 when Brandon Devens (vocalist) and drummer James Garcia joined forces with Adam Sitarz (bass) and guitarist Donnie Avramis. After just a single session together Adesta was launched, and the band wasted no time getting to work writing and recording original songs. Within six months, the band had recorded two high-quality demos and performed at multiple venues throughout the Hudson Valley. Adesta will kick off the 2013 Year recording their upcoming E.P. “What We Have Become,” and will continue to book gigs throughout the area. Be sure to check back with the band’s website (adestaband.com) for shows, music and EP updates!”
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Innocence
02. Expend
03. Haste
04. Better Off
05. Balance
RATING: 6.5 / 10
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Genre: Prog Rock (Modern Rock/Alternative) / USA
“Ranging from vibrant and energetic to explosive and powerful, Adesta works to create a truly original sound while appealing to a wide variety of listeners. The band came together in June of 2012 when Brandon Devens (vocalist) and drummer James Garcia joined forces with Adam Sitarz (bass) and guitarist Donnie Avramis. After just a single session together Adesta was launched, and the band wasted no time getting to work writing and recording original songs. Within six months, the band had recorded two high-quality demos and performed at multiple venues throughout the Hudson Valley. Adesta will kick off the 2013 Year recording their upcoming E.P. “What We Have Become,” and will continue to book gigs throughout the area. Be sure to check back with the band’s website (adestaband.com) for shows, music and EP updates!”
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Innocence
02. Expend
03. Haste
04. Better Off
05. Balance
RATING: 6.5 / 10
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sexta-feira, 20 de dezembro de 2013
*. Lunarmare .*
Album: Lunarmare (2013)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock (Heavy/Space/Jam Rock) / Greece
The truth is that I was impressed with the production, melodies and the album as a whole, that only few Greek bands have managed to do so! A really great work, which can place them among Monkey3, My Sleeping Karma and Mars Red Sky. Review by "Sarafianos Pipinikas" (https://lunarmare.bandcamp.com/)
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Trans Lunar Injection (Part I)
02. Bullet
03. Trans Lunar Injection (Part II)
04. Rings Of Saturn
05. Forget & Forgive
06. Trans Lunar Injection (Part III)
07. Pale Blue Dot
08. Answer
09. Trans Lunar Injection (Part -)
10. Overthought
Line-up / Musicians
Helium / Guitar
Trompetium / Drums
Stelorgium / Bass
Georgenousium / Keyboards
RATING: 7.75 / 10
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Genre: Psychedelic Rock (Heavy/Space/Jam Rock) / Greece
The truth is that I was impressed with the production, melodies and the album as a whole, that only few Greek bands have managed to do so! A really great work, which can place them among Monkey3, My Sleeping Karma and Mars Red Sky. Review by "Sarafianos Pipinikas" (https://lunarmare.bandcamp.com/)
Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Trans Lunar Injection (Part I)
02. Bullet
03. Trans Lunar Injection (Part II)
04. Rings Of Saturn
05. Forget & Forgive
06. Trans Lunar Injection (Part III)
07. Pale Blue Dot
08. Answer
09. Trans Lunar Injection (Part -)
10. Overthought
Line-up / Musicians
Helium / Guitar
Trompetium / Drums
Stelorgium / Bass
Georgenousium / Keyboards
RATING: 7.75 / 10
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*. Cliffhanger .* (Remastered & Expanded 2013)
Album: Cold Steel (1995)(Remaster + Bonus CD 2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Neo/Symphonic Prog) / Netherlands
Although CLIFFHANGER had been around almost for a decade, they always kept a very low and undergound profile, which didn't exactly helped them through their career. They were formed in 1993 by tremendously skilled keyboardist Dick Heijboer, who later met bassist Gijs Koopman. The two musicians were joined by guitarist Rinie Huigen and drummer Hans Boonk to form the band's stable line-up. CLIFFHANGER recorded an eponymous demo cassette in 1993, followed by a 73-min. live cassette from Tilburg the next year. Their first official album was ''Cold steel'' from 1995 on SI-Music label... A great album with strong keyboards work, both analog and digital and some trully interesting moments. Beware that this is not your typical neo prog band with only melody and emotion along the way. The album contains plenty of demanding and high-skilled musicianship based on Heijboer's awesome keyboard work. From the presence of the piano and 70's sounding organ to the massiva attack of synths, Heijboer's style always changes, including nice acrobatics, sudden breaks and take-offs, great solos and slow-tempo atmospheric passages. There are also a lot of dark moments with deep basses, background keys and haunting vocals, where the music becomes trully atmospheric. Talking about vocals, this section is held by Rinie Huigen, who's voice is a liitle accented and annying, but fortunately it doesn't become a really negative factor for the album. Hints of GENESIS, MARILLION and even KING CRIMSON and VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR pop-up here and there and so,''Cold steel'' is regarded by my side as a very strong debut by this overlooked band, who deserve much more than they actually received. Of interest for the whole prog community. Review by "apps79" (Rate Your Music).
Songs / Tracks Listing CD 1 (Remastered)
01. Views
02. Kill Your Darlings
03. Four Vessels
04. Six Minutes Closer To Death
05. Colossus
06. Remaing Rancour
07. Bad Dreams (Cruel Visions)
08. Feels Like Flying
09. Sinister Memories
Songs / Tracks Listing CD 2 (Expanded)
01. Oh Cloudy Cloudy Sky
02. Here Comes The Utopian
03. Truce
04. Kill Your Darlings
05. Good Things (Last Forever)
06. Escape
07. Hope And Despair
08. Colossus
09. Rainforest
10. Four Vessels
11. Hopeless
RATING: 8 / 10
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Genre: Prog Rock (Neo/Symphonic Prog) / Netherlands
Although CLIFFHANGER had been around almost for a decade, they always kept a very low and undergound profile, which didn't exactly helped them through their career. They were formed in 1993 by tremendously skilled keyboardist Dick Heijboer, who later met bassist Gijs Koopman. The two musicians were joined by guitarist Rinie Huigen and drummer Hans Boonk to form the band's stable line-up. CLIFFHANGER recorded an eponymous demo cassette in 1993, followed by a 73-min. live cassette from Tilburg the next year. Their first official album was ''Cold steel'' from 1995 on SI-Music label... A great album with strong keyboards work, both analog and digital and some trully interesting moments. Beware that this is not your typical neo prog band with only melody and emotion along the way. The album contains plenty of demanding and high-skilled musicianship based on Heijboer's awesome keyboard work. From the presence of the piano and 70's sounding organ to the massiva attack of synths, Heijboer's style always changes, including nice acrobatics, sudden breaks and take-offs, great solos and slow-tempo atmospheric passages. There are also a lot of dark moments with deep basses, background keys and haunting vocals, where the music becomes trully atmospheric. Talking about vocals, this section is held by Rinie Huigen, who's voice is a liitle accented and annying, but fortunately it doesn't become a really negative factor for the album. Hints of GENESIS, MARILLION and even KING CRIMSON and VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR pop-up here and there and so,''Cold steel'' is regarded by my side as a very strong debut by this overlooked band, who deserve much more than they actually received. Of interest for the whole prog community. Review by "apps79" (Rate Your Music).
Songs / Tracks Listing CD 1 (Remastered)
01. Views
02. Kill Your Darlings
03. Four Vessels
04. Six Minutes Closer To Death
05. Colossus
06. Remaing Rancour
07. Bad Dreams (Cruel Visions)
08. Feels Like Flying
09. Sinister Memories
Songs / Tracks Listing CD 2 (Expanded)
01. Oh Cloudy Cloudy Sky
02. Here Comes The Utopian
03. Truce
04. Kill Your Darlings
05. Good Things (Last Forever)
06. Escape
07. Hope And Despair
08. Colossus
09. Rainforest
10. Four Vessels
11. Hopeless
RATING: 8 / 10
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*. Strange Haze .*
Single 1: Riffin' for Rent (2009)
Single 2: Let Me Hear the Dropping Pin (2011)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock (Blues/Boogie/Heavy) / USA
Combines heavy blues-based guitar tones, funky rhythms and a good dose of hypnotic psychedelic flourishes, topped off with simple-but-anthemic choruses and an overall jivey, blissed-out, good-time spirit. (http://strangehaze.bandcamp.com)
Songs / Tracks Listing - Single 1
01. She's a Knockout
02. Tomm Tapp
03. Hang Loose
04. One Hit Sally
05. Voomp!
06. Straight Dope
07. That's More Like It
Songs / Tracks Listing - Single 2
01. Let Me Hear the Dropping Pin
02. Test Driver
RATING: 7.5 / 10
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Single 2: Let Me Hear the Dropping Pin (2011)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock (Blues/Boogie/Heavy) / USA
Combines heavy blues-based guitar tones, funky rhythms and a good dose of hypnotic psychedelic flourishes, topped off with simple-but-anthemic choruses and an overall jivey, blissed-out, good-time spirit. (http://strangehaze.bandcamp.com)
Songs / Tracks Listing - Single 1
01. She's a Knockout
02. Tomm Tapp
03. Hang Loose
04. One Hit Sally
05. Voomp!
06. Straight Dope
07. That's More Like It
Songs / Tracks Listing - Single 2
01. Let Me Hear the Dropping Pin
02. Test Driver
RATING: 7.5 / 10
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quinta-feira, 19 de dezembro de 2013
*. Nektar .* (SHM-CD Japan Remaster 2013 + Bonus)
Album: Recycled (1975)(SHM-CD Remaster 2013 + Bonus)
Genre: Prog Rock (Psych/Space Rock/Art Rock/Symphonic) / Germany
Genre: Prog Rock (Psych/Space Rock/Art Rock/Symphonic) / Germany
"Recycled" may be the most progressive album for Nektar, who were one of the most creative musical forces of the 70s. This album is a dynamic followup to the quintessential "Remember the Future" and "A Tab in the Ocean". 'Recycle' is a progressive catchy melody with many time changes and brilliant musicianship to kick this classic album off. It ends with a narrative talking about sustainable living and recycling, before it was in vogue to do so. 'Cybernetic Consumption' blends into 'Recycle Countdown' instrumental merging into 'Automation Horrorscope' with a strong melody and vocals of Roye Albrighton also excellent on guitars. He is joined by Allan "Taff" Freeman on keyboards, Derek "Mo" Moore on bass, and Ron Howden on drums. The music is a suite similar to the music on previous releases. 'Recycling' is part of the suite and then 'Flight to Reality' and 'Unendless Imaginations' finishes side one of the original vinyl. The music is organic flowing perfectly from one section to the next. The guitar work ranges from lead soloing to slide guitar sweeps. There are harmonies in the vocals that lift up the atmospheres; speaking of the planet in turmoil "forcing natures slow decay" and the answer is "recycled energy becomes the only forms of life", but there is "not much time before we go down, down, down, down, down." It rises to a crescendo and a spacey synth and effects ending with a gong splash and a sprinkling of crystal chimes. Larry Fast was a pioneer of Moog synthesizer and his work here is analogue at its best. The English Chorale conducted by Robert Howes is also a strong augmentation to the powerful soundscape. Side two starts with 'Sao Paulo Sunrise' where side one left off with high pitched chimes and an aeroplane drone. At last a song begins as a rhythm strikes up with psych guitar and vocal harmonies. The time sig changes dramatically leading to 'Costa del Sol' with rhythmic Latin flavours and some powerful arrangements of keys and sparkling effects taking the music into 'Marvellous Moses'. The melody is infectious and Albrighton's guitar soars wth fast lead work. The vocals are always a drawcard of the sound and this is a memorable song; "I've never met a man like Moses with so much time". The rhythm is a straight 4/4 for a time with pop nuances but it soon changes into an odd meter, with grandiose Moog synth chords and an instrumental break dominated by keys. The synth swooshes lend a spacey texture and a new sig locks in. 'It's All Over' ends the album on a high note as it is certainly one of the highlights, a song that grows on you. The track is heard many times in a live performance. It begins with a beautiful 12 string acoustic, and then balladeering vocals begin; with phrases such as "your world is so upside down, take the high road and you'll take the low one, I'm torn apart from your many changes, it's all over now." The Moog keys are layered and follow the simple melody with well executed bassline and percussion. It ends with dramatic piano and guitar picking; a melancholy atmosphere as our helpless planet awaits its fate. Overall Nektar's "Recycled" is yet another blockbuster album for the band. It has a timely concept and a message to grasp I one wants to; Part One critiques the power of destruction at the hand of greedy man as he destroys the environment that he is meant to cherish and protect; Part Two tells of a better future, a sustainable lifestyle and it is an optimistic line of thinking as though it were already happening, which it isn't. Therefore the album conceptually may be a warning to protect the planet before there is no planet to protect. It meant a lot to Nektar, and the 70s generation, and it is perhaps a message that resonates more these days with the issues of global warning and campaigns to keep the planet green. It was to be the last definitive prog album for Nektar before they became distanced from the adventurous music only to embrace a more commercial sound.
Review by "AtomicCrimsonRush" (Prog Archives).
RATING: 8.75 / 10
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Review by "AtomicCrimsonRush" (Prog Archives).
RATING: 8.75 / 10
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*. Divine In Sight .*
Album: Sorrow and Promise (2001)
Genre: Prog Rock (Heavy Prog/Prog Metal) / USA
DIVINE-IN-SIGHT are a trio who play some amazing music. The lead guitarist really brings to mind Alex Lifeson while the bass player is like a cross between Geddy Lee and Chris Squire.The drumming is outstanding as well, great percussion.The only weak link are the vocals, although they actually are pretty good, but unfortunately they have been mixed too low in the sound. Speaking of sound I wish the sound quality was better, it's definitely not the best. These guys really bring to mind the "Hemispheres" / "Permanent Waves" period of RUSH at times. And not too unlike PINK FLOYD's "The Wall" as there are an abundance of samples in this music. "Black River" opens with the sound of water as keys come in followed by some fat bass lines and some beautiful guitar melodies.The guitar sounds so good.The vocals come in followed by the water flowing again.This is a melancholic passage. Things pick up a notch with more great bass and there is some heaviness 8 minutes in. "By Leaps & Bounds" is an instrumental and my favourite song on this record. This song opens with a scripture and also closes with one. Again the bass is prominant. The guitar solo starts out lazy evolving into an intense Lifeson like performance. Tempos continue to change and the ride is fantastic.The band calls the next 9 songs "Sorrow & Promise" a Christian Progressive Rock Opera. It's based on a vision that one of the members of the band had. Oh, did I mention these guys are Christians ? "In A Box" is a melancholic song that crawls slowly along blending into "Sorrow & Promise Overture" which features some guitar solos that remind me of SAVATAGE. "March Of The Damned" is an ominous passage as you might imagine. "Waltz of The Plastic Dolls" has a waltz styled rhythm,and there is some good guitar work during the instrumental interlude. Again I was reminded of SAVATAGE. "Viper's Brood" opens with snakes hissing and this song is very RUSH sounding. "Sleep" is a mellow song with tasteful guitar melodies that are quite energetic as the bass plays on. "Into The Abyss" is one song where the vocals stand out. Lots of mood and tempo changes on this one. "Soul Of Mine" has some ripping solos towards the end. Nice. I would have been happy if this is where it ended, but it doesn't. "Make Me More Like You" as the lyrics tell us, is where our subject wakes up from his sleep and he reflects on the vision he has had and prays to God. This song is the most Christian of all the songs and is necessary in the telling of this story. I just would have liked it to end on the previous song because of the way it ended instrumentally.
Genre: Prog Rock (Heavy Prog/Prog Metal) / USA
DIVINE-IN-SIGHT are a trio who play some amazing music. The lead guitarist really brings to mind Alex Lifeson while the bass player is like a cross between Geddy Lee and Chris Squire.The drumming is outstanding as well, great percussion.The only weak link are the vocals, although they actually are pretty good, but unfortunately they have been mixed too low in the sound. Speaking of sound I wish the sound quality was better, it's definitely not the best. These guys really bring to mind the "Hemispheres" / "Permanent Waves" period of RUSH at times. And not too unlike PINK FLOYD's "The Wall" as there are an abundance of samples in this music. "Black River" opens with the sound of water as keys come in followed by some fat bass lines and some beautiful guitar melodies.The guitar sounds so good.The vocals come in followed by the water flowing again.This is a melancholic passage. Things pick up a notch with more great bass and there is some heaviness 8 minutes in. "By Leaps & Bounds" is an instrumental and my favourite song on this record. This song opens with a scripture and also closes with one. Again the bass is prominant. The guitar solo starts out lazy evolving into an intense Lifeson like performance. Tempos continue to change and the ride is fantastic.The band calls the next 9 songs "Sorrow & Promise" a Christian Progressive Rock Opera. It's based on a vision that one of the members of the band had. Oh, did I mention these guys are Christians ? "In A Box" is a melancholic song that crawls slowly along blending into "Sorrow & Promise Overture" which features some guitar solos that remind me of SAVATAGE. "March Of The Damned" is an ominous passage as you might imagine. "Waltz of The Plastic Dolls" has a waltz styled rhythm,and there is some good guitar work during the instrumental interlude. Again I was reminded of SAVATAGE. "Viper's Brood" opens with snakes hissing and this song is very RUSH sounding. "Sleep" is a mellow song with tasteful guitar melodies that are quite energetic as the bass plays on. "Into The Abyss" is one song where the vocals stand out. Lots of mood and tempo changes on this one. "Soul Of Mine" has some ripping solos towards the end. Nice. I would have been happy if this is where it ended, but it doesn't. "Make Me More Like You" as the lyrics tell us, is where our subject wakes up from his sleep and he reflects on the vision he has had and prays to God. This song is the most Christian of all the songs and is necessary in the telling of this story. I just would have liked it to end on the previous song because of the way it ended instrumentally.