*. Poor Genetic Material .*

Album: A Day in June (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Symphonic Prog)  /  Germany

After their successful adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest on their last album Island Noises, POOR GENETIC MATERIAL spent two years to develop another literature-inspired project which also gave them the opportunity to realize a plan they had been brewing for quite a while: that of bringing together Phil Griffiths and his dad, Martin (of BEGGAR’S OPERA fame), as lead singers on one album. On A Day in June, Martin shares the vocals with Phil on three songs, and each of them has two lead tracks. James Joyce’s novel Ulysses, on which the new album is based, provides an ideal frame of reference for this collabo-ration in that it both tells of father-son-relationships and opens up a wide array of themes and motifs to play around with. Apart from the resulting lyrics, which are refreshingly different from the run-of-the-mill fare of much of today’s rock music, the album features what over the years has matured into the band’s distinctive musical style. Excellent playing combined with inventive songwriting went into creating tracks that range from the delicately melodious to the more noisily progressive, from accessible tunes to quirkily complex arrangements. But what makes the album truly unique is indeed the singing: Martin is back with a voice that is as powerful and captivating as ever and Phil leaves us amazed at what he can pull out of his bag of musical tricks. The way the two voices at times resemble each other and then cover entirely different points of the vocal spectrum makes for a rare treat. All in all, A Day in June shows POOR GENETIC MATERIAL at the height of their creative powers. (www.cdbaby.com)

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Martello Morning
02. Wisdom And Menace
03. Bloom
04. Wandering Rocks
05. Nausicaa
06. Oxen Of The Sun
07. Ithaca
08. Yes

RATING:  ?????????????

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*. Milly Hirst .*

Album: Milly Hirst (2012)(EP 5 Track's)
Genre: Soft Prog Folk (Acoustic/Singer/Songwriter)  /  UK

Becoming an overnight success can often take much longer than we might appreciate. It is possible that, after years and years of hard work and gigging, Milly Hirst could have wondered if it would ever happen. Now, after the release of a live EP, Equator, earlier in the year and radio play from Gideon Coe on 6Music, it must feel like everything is happening all at once. To top it all off she has just released her debut studio EP, the eponymous Milly Hirst. Blessed with a voice that is soft as a mother’s touch, yet rich and emotive, this young singer from Norwich has the capacity to melt hearts with her beguiling folk songs. The minimalist nature of the arrangements belies their complex musical dexterity, complementing the tone and content of each song. On “Tides” for example, the backing vocals murmur and hum like the sea caressing the beach and gently fading away once more. Each track has been considered, crafted with a care and attention oft forgotten with the increased prominence of music making software packages. Each brush on a drum, pluck of guitar string or draw of bow on violin is done so to add meaning. Hirst sings with her soul, of love, longing, pain, melancholy and joy. Its close your eyes and sing-along as it washes over you music. “Rose”, in particular, is sublime. As delicate as its subject, wistful and heartfelt it leads you, floating to meet this Rose, to see her and understand her. Its porcelain fragility is divine. It may have taken a number of years for her to get to this point, but with this debut EP, Milly Hirst has announced herself as an enchanting new talent whose music deserves to be fallen in love with. Review by "Adam H" (http://alphabetbands.wordpress.com).

RATING:  8 / 10

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*. Antoine Fafard .*

Album: Occultus Tramitis (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Jazz/Exp.)  /  Canada

BIO: Antoine Fafard's recording career began in his band Spaced Out, who released their first album in 2000. By 2008 Spaced Out had recorded five studio albums, one live album and two DVDs, and had performed on international stages including Nearfest, USA in 2002 and Crescendo, France in 2006. In 2010, Antoine decided to begin recording under his own name, without the limitations of the band format. His first solo album, Solus Operandi, released in August 2011, features more than an hour of original instrumental music by Antoine working with a total of 13 collaborators, including world-class performers such as Dave Weckl (Chick Corea, Mike Stern), guitarist Jerry De Villiers Jr and drummer Magella Cormier. Solus Operandi was composed on electric fretless bass and classical guitar, after Antoine reacquainted himself with the guitar following many years focusing on the bass. 2013 sees Antoine present a new solo album, Occultus Tramitis. Occultus Tramitis features a number of legendary musicians, including Terry Bozzio (Jeff Beck, Frank Zappa), Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Gavin Harrison (King Crimson, Porcupine Tree), Scott Henderson (Tribal Tech), Simon Phillips (Jeff Beck, Toto), Chad Wackerman (Allan Holdsworth, Frank Zappa) and Dave Weckl (Chick Corea, Mike Stern). The fretless bass and classical guitar were again central elements in Antoine's composition process. The music on Occultus Tramitis differs between the tracks, and the fusion of influences that characterises Antoine's music means it doesn't fall easily into a single style or genre. However, the album was composed as a complete work. Melodic aspects are beautifully realised by Jerry Goodman, who features on more than half of the tracks among odd time signatures, multiple modulations and rhythmical illusions. There are exceptional performances from all Antoine's collaborators, including spectacular solos. Antoine is already thinking about the next step on his creative journey. Meanwhile his music is here for you to discover… (www.antoinefafard.com)

RATING:  ?????????????

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*. Reale Accademia di Musica .* (Japan Remaster)

Album: Reale Accademia di Musica (1972)(Japan Remaster 2005)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Jazz)  /  Italy

I've been trying to hunt this one down for some time and I finally got my hands on a copy. This is beautiful and romantic Italian Prog from 1972. "Favola" opens with acoustic guitar as bass and reserved vocals join in. It's so uplifting and moving 2 1/2 minutes in as we get some orchestral sounds and mellotron then back to the main melody. "Il Mattino" is the longest track at almost 9 1/2 minutes.The vocals here remind me of the singer from the band BAUER. Piano and those fragile vocals lead the way early. Beautiful. It picks up some with piano before 3 minutes as the vocals stop. Drums 4 1/2 minutes in as the sound gets fuller including some organ. Great sound ! The guitar lets it rip after 6 minutes. A calm before 7 1/2 minutes as the vocals return. Nice. Violin 9 minutes in to end it. "Ognuno Sa" is led by drums, organ, vocals and piano. I like it. Check out the piano/organ melody to end it. "Padre" and "Vertigine" are my two favourites.The former begins with a darker and heavier sound then what we've heard so far. The guitar starts to solo 2 minutes in. A calm then reserved vocals arrive before 3 minutes. Floating organ dominates after 5 minutes. The guitar is back 6 1/2 minutes in as the drums pound away. A calm with vocals before 8 minutes. "Lavoro In Citta" opens with piano melodies as drums then vocals join in. It settles into a dreamy soundscape after 2 minutes with mellotron. Nice. The tempo picks up late with guitar joining in. "Vertigine" is heavy right away with some powerful organ runs. Vocals join in. A calm 2 minutes in.The guitar starts to solo a minute later. Percussion 4 1/2 minutes in as the organ continues. So cool. The guitar is back ! This just connects with me in so many ways, to the point that it's holding me captive and it won't let go. Review by "Mellotron Storm" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  9.25 / 10   **MARVELLOUS**

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*. Naikaku .*

Album: Wheel Of Fortune (2003)
Genre: Prog Rock (Heavy/Jazz/Exp.)  /  Japan

NAIKAKU are an all instrumental band from Japan who employ trumpet and flute to go along with their powerful guitar driven sound.This record was such a pleasant surprise for me, something I wasn't expecting, having heard very little about this their debut. And while this band can really "bring it", there is some good variety on this album as well. "Please !" is an uptempo,complex track that hits us hard right away with raw and aggressive guitar and the drums are right in your face. Flute comes in as well and the bass lines are very prominant. Check out the blistering guitar melodies 3 1/2 minutes in ! The next song has a title longer then my arm. "In Short,You've Just Changed "Point Of View", Don't You ? It's Only A Superficial Part,Right ? Modern ? Or Post- Modern ? We Don't Care. Go Home ! Go Back To That Sea !" Yeah, that's one of the longer titles i've come across. The song begins with light drums and trumpet with more prominant bass lines again. The flute takes over for the trumpet before the trumpet comes back and the interplay between these two instruments is a highlight. The bass lines are getting fatter. Up to now this has been a jazzy tune but then it starts to turn into a rock song. The drums get heavier and more dominant 6 minutes in. A minute later a heavenly guitar solo comes in and i'm thinking "Is this guy the Japanese Satriani ?" This is a killer tune that is also moving with the flute returning 11 minutes in. "Memory" opens with some crunch as heavy riffs arrive right away with grinding guitar over top. Nice. The tempo changes often and later the guitar is crying out. Fantastic song ! Here we go again with the song titles. "629 Items In Trash Can And Using 380.1MB. Want To Delete These Items ?" is a fast paced, take no prisoners kind of song with relentless drumming. "Crisis" has a dark and heavy intro and then flute joins in. This sounds amazing ! The song calms down 2 1/2 minutes in and then trumpet blasts and other dissonant sounds stick around until we get an actual melody back after 5 minutes. And this melody with flute is beautiful ! The tempo continues to shift as we get an uplifting sound 11 1/2 minutes in before it ends as it began. "Tiny Ego" sounds oddly enough like a DREDGE tune. Check it out. Lots of guitar and drums in this one. "Seven Minutes Squeezer" has some impressive drumming as the guitars grind away and the flute plays over top. The song settles down to an atmospheric section before it speeds back up with some ripping guitar. "Hocus Pocus" is a crushing FOCUS cover that is very well done. Review by "Mellotron Storm" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  8 / 10

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*. Kornelije Kovač .*

Album: K2: Why (1980)
Genre: Prog Rock (Jazz/Songwriter/Pop/Rock)  /  Serbia

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Why
02. The Body
03. Journey to the East
04. As Good Friends Do
05. The City
06. The Thief
07. Scottish Bird
08. Nightime Victim
09. Silicone Chip

Line-up / Musicians
Kornell Kovach / keyboards, backing vocals
Linda Jardim / lead vocal
Colin Hodgkinson / bass
Paul Robinson / drums
Invited Guests:
Bernie Marsden / lead guitar, acoustic guitar
Ray Russell / acoustic and electric guitar
Peter McNamee / backing vocals

RATING:  7 / 10

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*. Vladimir Furduj .*

Album: Furda (1985)
Genre: Jazz Rock Fusion (Jazz Improvisation)  /  Serbia

Drummer and percussionist, ex- member of popular Yugoslavian rock bands 'Elipse' and 'Korni Grupa'. Graduated by Swiss Jazz School in Bern. (www.jazzmusicarchives.com).

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Šest Kroz Osam
02. Šazalakazu
03. Drugog Deo
04. U Da Da
05. F.V.
06. Medy
07. Povezivanje
08. Balada

Line-up / Musicians
Vladimir Furduj-Furda / Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Nenad Stefanović-Japanac / Bass
Goce Dimitrovski / Flugelhorn
Enes Mekić / Guitar
Dragan Jovanović-Krle / Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Bogdan Kosanović / Keyboards
Dragan Ilić / Keyboards, Vocals
Nenad Jelić / Percussion
Mića Marković / Saxophone
Ivan Švager / Saxophone, Flute

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Cosmos Dream .*

Album: Hope of Dream (2008)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Symphonic/Ambient)  /  France

French project COSMOS DREAM is the moniker of composer and musician Charles Roman for his solo material. So far two albums have been released under this name: Hope of Dream (2008) and How To Reach Infinity (2012). The latter released by French progressive rock label Musea Records. (Prog Archives).

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Overture (4:39)
02. Be There (10:51)
03. Hope Of Dream (5:52)
04. Candlelight (10:49)
05. About Today (8:02)
06. In The End (5:55)

Line-up / Musicians
Charles Roman / all instruments

RATING:  7.5 / 10

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*. Sarcasme .*

Album: Instinct (2012)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Folk)  /  France

Retour dans l'Hexagone avec le groupe Sarcasme qui nous vient de Lyon et qui fût fondé dans les années nonante avec, sachez-le, une moyenne d'âge très jeune pour ces musiciens que l'on estime bourrés de beaucoup de talent ! Notons une première tentative en 2001 puis un vrai premier album sorti 2006 et paru sur le label Musea Parallèle. Voici donc sorti fin 2012, le second opus qui devrait confirmer tout le bien-fondé que l'on place dans ce jeune groupe. Composé par cinq membres effectifs, David Thomas porte surtout le chant et puis la guitare. Guillaume Thomas domine la guitare et puis le chant. Marlène Bouchisse maîtrise la flûte traversière. Julien Guerry tient la basse. Quant à Romain Moreira Silva, il prend en charge batterie et percussions. D'emblée, on est plongé dans une atmosphère de rock-progressif teinté de folk et de celtique, mais aussi de brume mystérieuse. En intro, une belle orchestration accompagne ici un travail des choeurs où chaque membre participe à l'exercice, la flûte apportant le côté folk et celtique. Du côté anglo-saxon, on peut penser à Solstice ou à Mostly Autumn. Quant aux rapprochements avec la scène progressive française, des noms comme Ange ou Lazuli peuvent nous venir en tête. La flûte apporte beaucoup, mais la guitare aussi, dans l'alchimie des morceaux. Passages rythmés forment ici le jeu de l'alternance avec des passages plus lyriques où flûte et guitare acoustique se mettent en avant. L'instrumentation est d'ailleurs, dans son ensemble, d'un très bon tonneau avec une maîtrise technique assurée. Autre remarque à faire, l'alternance de compositions chantées où les textes nous rappellent un chant proche des groupes français précités, et des compositions instrumentales où le jeu de tous les instruments est mis en évidence. Épinglons entre autres les chansons "La Longue Route" et "Bizness". Quant aux instrumentaux, "Advance" et surtout "Abysse" sont pour nous de beaux exercices techniques en vue de nous présenter tout le savoir-faire du groupe. Restons d'ailleurs si vous le voulez bien sur ce dernier exemple avec, sans conteste, la meilleure composition de cet album. Envoûtante, métallique, aérienne, saccadée acoustique, celle-ci nous fait voyager au gré du son des instruments ! Si toutes les compos instrumentales ne souffrent d'aucune baisse de régime, le mixage voix-instruments me paraît un peu décalé avec un chant que l'on perçoit peu à certains moments. Le dernier morceau chanté est malgré tout mieux équilibré avec, au final, une nouvelle sortie française porteuse d'espoirs. Ceux pour qui le créneau celtique et folk est une façon de vivre et ceux qui apprécient de beaux instrumentaux se retrouveront dans cet opus. En fait, chacun d'entre nous se devrait de tendre au moins une oreille attentive à cet album ! 
L'examen des "Thirionet" (www.musicinbelgium.net).

RATING:  7.5 / 10

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*. Changes .*

Album: Lament (2010)

Genre: Prog Folk (Contemporary Folk/Acoustic)  /  USA

With Lament, Changes turn their gaze inward to their own personal apocalypses, stemming from their long marriages ending in dismal dissolution. They tell of dark, oppressive inner-worlds that sought to drive them beyond the brink of despair. Only by immersing themselves in their art to create songs expressing these sorrows would they be able to maintain their sanity. Lament reaches out to all who've had their lives disrupted by modern societal partners going through mid-life crises, becoming antagonistic strangers to their families overnight. "The Invisible Man" is based on H.G. Wells' novel with a personal twist. "Emily" brings poetess Emily Dickinson to life. "Mountains of Sorrow (Remix)" is an instrumental enhanced by deft arrangement, musicians & singers of Der Blutharsch with a voice-over by R.N. Taylor of his heart-rending lyric poetry. Includes new versions of three earlier works; "The Saddest Thing", "Sweet Eve" and "Memorabilia". Photographers: Nicholas Tesluk; Albin Julius; Robert N. Taylor; Cranio Bart. Personnel: Nicholas Tesluk (vocals, 12-string guitar, flute, recorder, keyboards); Robert N. Taylor (vocals); Axel Frank (acoustic guitar, electric guitar). Recording information: Third Street Studio, Marietta, Ohio. (www.cduniverse.com)

RATING:  7.5 / 10

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*. Fluidage .*

Album: Materialized Galaxy (2006)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock (Stoner/Exp./Space Rock)  /  Sweden

Fluidage is a Project by Musician Tobias Larsson (drums, vocals), Ocean Chief band.

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Galaxy I Part.1 - Klorofilled
02. Galaxy I Part.2 - Klorofilled
03. Galaxy I Part.3 - Klorofilled
04. Galaxy II - Launch
05. Galaxy III Part.1 - The Trip
06. Galaxy III Part.2 - All Systems Go
07. Galaxy III Part.3 - Confessions
08. Galaxy III Part.4 - Realization Of D

RATING:  6.5 / 10

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*. Humble Grumble .*

Album: Rockstar (2004)
Genre: Prog Rock (Rio/Avant Prog/Jazz/Folk)  /  Belgium

Humble Grumble's "Rockstar" was a Theatre-Festival Project in the year 2003 in Belgium. The show described the loneliness of a musician in the society. These songs are completely nuts lyrically, musically a little easier than Humble Grumble's "Dreamwavepatterns". You get a huge orchestral sound on this CD played by at least 12 musicians. I should mention the work of Cindy Barg, American singer living in Ghent, Belgium. Her powerful voice on this album truly enhances the quality of Humble Grumble's music and together with Megan Quill they added a wide range of colours to the sound. The project "Rockstar" was a deciding step in Humble Grumble's career, many Festival Organizations phoned back to the management to book Humble Grumble's "30 Years Kolinda" for the year 2005-2006 because of the success of "Rockstar".

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Rockstar (4:40)
02. Dental Chair (4:11)
03. Marriage (5:04)
04. I'm so blue (3:04)
05. Purple Frog (5:10)
06. Kurt's Casino (13:54)
07. Paté a Tartiner (8:09)

RATING:  7.25 / 10

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*. Eden .*

Album: Fire and Rain (1995)
Genre: Prog Rock (Gothic/Darkwave/Psych.)  /  Australia

Not, happily, anything to do with the James Taylor "classic" of soft rock mush -- the track the album is titled after instead combines dramatic keyboards swell and low drones with a rich vocal that practically invokes a ritual of some kind. With Bourke departed to other projects, Bowley assembled a fully new lineup, with Ellerton, McArthur, and Barrett assuming the various instrumental roles. Together the band embraced a less eclectic but no less intriguing sonic palette, extending the goth/psych tendencies of Bowley's particular muse to their logical conclusions. Bowley's singing remains a definite high point of the group, passionate and evocative, his electric guitar work as striking. The overall tendency of the band is to play up the specifically goth side of the group's identity this time out, but with well-played skill and atmospheric understatement rather than overwrought posing being the key, even when Bowley's voice hits its most carrying, as on "Why?" Barrett in particular does a fine job; his percussion skills don't stand in for Bourke but alternately don't pretend to -- he's a good rock drummer with an ear for slow tempos and the odd additional choice of instrument via Arabic and Indian drums. The band's sonic and inspirational links to Dead Can Dance find a surprising echo in a choice of cover -- "Stretched on Your Grave," the traditional Irish ballad revived by Sinéad O'Connor and covered by Dead Can Dance themselves on its live Toward the Within release. Eden's version becomes a fine Bowley singing showcase, low keyboard tones and a concluding flute section providing the contrast. Other mood-outs, like the organ-led zone "Hooveless Horses" and "Song Slowly Song," provide Bowley a chance to put his vocal abilities to strong play, while the combination of minor keys and the odd vocal sample or two amps up the emotional impact even more. Review by "Ned Raggett" (www.allmusic.com).

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Jaw Kneecap .*

Album: Prime (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Hard Rock/Crossover)  /  USA

BIO: To someone whose name is Johnny Kap, and who was born in Canada, when people in the South say your name it comes out sounding a heck of a lot like Jaw Kneecap. Many of Kap's South Carolina neighbors are fierce defenders of their 2nd Amendment right to bear arms, but Johnny is only armed with a trusty used Aria Pro ll, CS-400 Cardinal Series guitar, a guitar he bought from an old friend over 20 years ago who's still, to this very day, one of his best friends. In fact, that guitar was used on 90% of Prime, Jaw Kneecap's debut album. So, guess you could say Kap is into long-term relationships and remaining loyal to his friends. The folks around Simpsonville, SC, way say that Johnny Kap can play that guitar just like ringing a bell. He shreds with the best of 'em and his face melting solos are second to none. Now that, along with his remaining loyal to long-term friends and being a great songwriter, is probably why he attracted the attention of a few other guys who possessed an equally amazing amount of talent and got them to play on Prime. We're not talking about the usual suspects and hired guns (aka studio musicians) here. No siree! We're talking prime musical meat: Grade A, USDA inspected, organically grown and raised masters of sonically succulent superlative sound. Guys that those fancy folks up north would probably call "virtuosos". So, where do we begin? Guess as good a place as any would be to start with Chris Buck. He not only holds down the job of being one-half of the rhythm section of Jaw Kneecap with his progressive bass guitar playing, but he also wails away like nobody's business as the vocalist on Prime. He's worked in the past with such masters of complex chord progressions as Allan Holdsworth. Now if y'all don't know who Holdsworth is, then dropping any other names to impress the likes of you would be like casting pearls before swine. No offense intended, mind you. Chris is endorsed by Carvin guitars. The other half of the locomotive rhythm section that powers Jaw Kneecap is drummer and percussionist Mike Leasure. Mike's toured with The Walter Trout Band, Edgar Winter, and Albert Collins. He also has endorsement deals with Ludwig Drums, Istanbul Agop Cymbals, and SilverFox Drumsticks. The album was recorded and mixed by Shawn Bossick of Diamond Studios and mastered by Grammy award winning mastering engineer Adam Ayan of Gateway Mastering. So, there you have it: Jaw Kneecap. From beginning to end and one and all these are the ones who make up the Prime ensemble. Put them all together and the result is a hard rock sound that rattles the bones while pleasing the ears. It's big, meaty and muscular. It's visceral yet vibrant. It's Prime! (www.jawkneecap.com)

RATING:  ?????????????

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*. Siyanie (Сияние) .*

Album: Siyanie (Сияние) (2012)
Genre: Prog Rock (Gothic/Darkwave/Ethereal/Metal)  /  Russia

It is very difficult to define the style of the group. Here are the elements and the Gothic, and Darkwave and Ethereal. Although similar to Fleur Odessa (where Radiance is similar enough), can be attributed to the team of Cardiowave coming from the heart. And so is. Beautiful sad music with lots of shortcuts, high-pitched female vocals, passing in different shades of emotion and deep texts and philosophical landscape orientation does not leave listeners indifferent. Review by "Sulfur_S" (Rate Your Music).

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Уход (4:04)
02. Девять лун (4:06)
03. Вальс (3:26)
04. Осень (3:24)
05. Тишина (5:07)
06. Зима (3:04)
07. Одиночество (3:37)
08. Крылья орла (3:20)
09. Стань за моей спиной (3:50)
10. Сероглазый король (2:40)

RATING:  8 / 10   **GREAT**

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*. Blood Ceremony .*

Album: The Eldritch Dark (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Psychedelic/Stoner/Heavy/Folk)  /  Canada

The spooky, deeply magical wonder that is The Eldritch Dark is Toronto, ON-based Blood Ceremony's third full-length record, and unquestionably their finest to date. Fusing the rich, sumptuous tones of the best doom metal with smoky, sanguine occult rock, Blood Ceremony begin with a solid aesthetic and add just enough flourishes to transform it into something wholly unique. Frontwoman Alia O'Brien's sweet, enveloping voice draws the listener in like how a bright will-o'-the-wisp entices a lost soul into a fog-drenched grove - entirely seduced, you only realize you're trapped once the fairies and daemons seize you. Trills of her animated, evocative flute add a bright, sharp element to Sean Kennedy's fat, fuzzy guitar tones and Lukas Gadke's sinuous bass lines. The swelling, often eerie chords of the organ also add a slightly ominous quality, making the experience of exploring the songs akin to wandering the halls of a gothic mansion. The atmospheres and textures of The Eldritch Dark are strange and varied, from the tender melancholy of "Lord Summerisle" to the writhing excitement of "Drawing Down The Moon." A daring and decadent series of witch rituals, The Eldritch Dark is one of the finest examples of the doomy occult-rock resurgence. 
Review by "Natalie Zina" (http://exclaim.ca).

RATING:  8.5 / 10   **FANTASTIC**

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*. Five-Storey Ensemble .*

Album: Not That City (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Rio/Avant Prog/Chamber/Folk)  /  Belarus

The liner notes to Not That City, Five-Storey Ensemble's debut album released by AltrOck in February 2013, describe a few things the 11-piece Belorussian group seems to find irritating: "excessive complexity," "meaningless improvisation," "banality," "clever fun," and "deep opuses." Instead of all that rubbish, they "focus on the music per se." They don't come right out and say it, but some might sense an implied criticism of an estranged sister. Five-Storey Ensemble is one of two groups that emerged from the breakup of avant-prog outfit Rational Diet, and the other group, the Archestra, carries forward RD's knottier, more complicated side. The Archestra's debut disc, Arches (released soon after Not That City on a different label, Soleil Mutant) arguably encapsulates many musical qualities that the Not That City liner notes dismiss. So, in contrast to all that excessive, banal, clever (and fun!) stuff, what does it sound like when former Rational Diet members decide to "focus on the music per se"? Well, Not That City often possesses the texture of a minimalist or post-minimalist chamber orchestra, along with the medieval flavor of Univers Zero in Natalja Malashkova's oboe, Vitaly Appow's bassoon, and Alexander But'ko's accordion, but given an upbeat, folkish quality (veering away from UZ and toward Von Zamla) on a track like "To Ringfly," written by keyboardist and principal composer Olga Podgaiskaja for the theater production Bondman's Wings. The contrapuntal arrangements and somewhat dark atmospheres -- with a strong rhythmic pulse but sparing use of drums and percussion -- might have some listeners thinking of early-'80s Art Zoyd or a band of more recent vintage, Aranis. While not jaggedly unpredictable, Five-Storey Ensemble's music does shift abruptly at times; opening track "The Harbinger" begins with But'ko's warm accordion in a simple repeating figure joined canonically by other instruments at a slow, deliberate pace, but suddenly Podgaiskaja's off-meter piano chords drive an uptempo section highlighted by Malashkova's melodic, even sprightly oboe. The piece transitions into lengthy phased notes from strings and reeds beneath a static two-chord piano motif, and increasing tension is introduced by a bassline that the other instruments ultimately join, pounding away in a powerful assault. Resolution arrives with calm and an atmosphere of reverence, however, as tenor Sergey Dolgushev sings over a dirge with a liturgical quality, even suggesting Gregorian chant. In "The Incommunication" (with lyrics by Alexander Vvedensky) and "Yesterday Dormant," the pairing of Podgaiskaja's soprano and Dolgushev's tenor voices tip strongly toward opera, making Not That City one of the least rockish albums in AltrOck's catalog -- and that's saying a lot. One of three compositions penned by Appow, the aptly titled "Fear-Dream" (featuring three Archestra members as guests!) floats darkly with an undercurrent of staccato jitters before building to a shattering climax. Slowly and somberly, Dolgushev's tenor holds the center amidst a cacophonous and dissonant swirl of instruments and styles on "Amid the Smoke and Different." There might even be some improvisation in the mix -- but apparently not the meaningless kind. Review by "Dave Lynch" (www.allmusic.com).

RATING:  ?????????????

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*. Viy (Вій) .*

Album: Yshov Ya Nebom (Йшов Я Небом) (2010)
Genre: Soft Prog Folk (Ukrainian Folk Music)  /  Ukraine

An excellent Ukrainian folk album. Sometimes uptempo, other times meandering, but always dark, this is near perfect. Definitely a taste of something different for those from the United States, this is worth checking out (it's free, so why not?). Review by "SilentCicada" (Rate Your Music).

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Goodbye My Revolution #1 & Vidrizana Golova
02. Yshov Ya Nebom
03. Kolyskova 33
04. Troyitska Pisnia
05. Serpen Dogoraye
06. Bisova Syla
07. Vyidy Z Kimnaty
08. V Temnim Lisi Unochi
09. Goodbye My Revolution #2

RATING:  7 / 10

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*. Gratto .*

Album: Anakin Tumnus (2002)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Eclectic/Heavy Prog)  /  USA

Gratto, this unknown band from progressive rock zone, even they had a great album released under their wings. The name of the band is taken from their leader, the keyboard player and vocalist John Gratto. The band releases only one album in 2002 at PMM (progressive music management), where were released another great albums from this field across the years, like - Hultberg/Rodler - Rh factor - 1998, Leger De Main, Mythologic, Razor Wire Shrine. The other three musicians involved in this project are the excellent Rodler brothers and Gary Madras, to me some of the most underrated musicians in the history of progressive music, they are killer musicians, on each instrument they play they bring intristing arrangements and very chalengic elements in the music. Gary Madras the bass player who made Hultberg/Rodler - Rh factor - 1998 the keybord part. So, the album named Anakin Tumnus is a killer one in my opinion, in same vein with Hultberg/Rodler - Rh factor - 1998, bordering progressive metal but without being metal entirely, on the eclectic side, haveing influences from Rush, King Crimson even some Marillion parts, but overall a great album I must tell you. The heavier parts are melted very well with the melodic ones, the Rodler brothers are the cherry on the cake for sure, the vocal parts are ok but not fantastic, but the instrumental passages are killer. The mood of the album, the complexity make to want more, but being not another album from the band released, you must check other bands where these musicians are involved and in same vein and attitude with Gratto. Check out Leger de Main, Hultber/Rodler, Mythologic and almost all bands from PMM label in one way or another these musicians are involved there. So Anankin tumnus is a well written album, very underrated IMO, with musicianshio of the highest class, maybe the production is little flat and the vocal parts without dynamics, but overall is great, musicaly speaking. 4 stars easy, I was realy surprised to see only 3 votes and 2 reviews so far, kinda low rated aswell. Recommended, will not be deseppointed album for sure, both prog metal fans and those who are into traditional progressive rock will be pleased to hear this, everything PMM label release over the years is top notch belive me, a small label but with excellent bands. Review by "b_olariu" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  8.25 / 10

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*. Caudal .*

Album: Forever in Another World (2013)
Genre: Post Rock (Space Rock/Ambient/Exp)  /  Germany

Caudal is a new trio featuring Aidan Baker (CA – Nadja, Whisper Room, ARC) on guitar, Gareth Sweeney (IE – Gout) on bass, and Felipe Salazar (CO – Muerte En Pereira) on drums. Baker’s multi-layered, heavily affected guitar overlays Sweeney and Salazar’s driving, propulsive rhythm section creating music equally influenced by krautrock, post-punk, and spacerock. They are currently working on material for their debut album. (www.facebook.com)

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. River's Edge (13:25)
02. Threever (8:33)
03. Walrus Tusk Scrimshaw (7:35)
04. Forever In Another World (13:17)

RATING:  ??????????

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*. Il Generale Inverno .*

Album: Mohole (2005)
Genre: Prog Rock (Post Rock/Alternative/Chamber)  /  Italy

Il Generale Inverno è il figlio naturale dei Lecrevisse, dalla quale formazione originaria si sottolinea la dipartita di K, cantante e chitarrista. Da un’impostazione precedente più psichedelica, quindi, a metà tra i giochi indipendenti dei Motorpsycho ed alcune sferzate che rendevano il loro sound più caratteristico, attraverso l’utilizzo di strumenti come il theremin, lo xylofono ed i synth, si raggiunge una diversa evoluzione, di matrice più tipicamente post-rock, sicuramente più sintetica e minimalistica, ma a dire il vero nemmeno troppo distante. E’ proprio su minimalismi soffusi e lontani che i quattro si muovono, lentamente, crogiolandosi talvolta in una non sempre giustificabile autoindulgenza, e tratteggiando un intimismo lirico e musicale spesso scontroso e distaccato. Non sono certo semplicità ed immediatezza ad apparire come migliori pregi dell’album, altresì brani come “Di Futuri Incomodi” e “Appena Appena” alternano intrecci chitarristici che imbastiscono stratificazioni sottili e difficilmente accessibili per atterrare su pseudoritornelli più d’impatto, instabili e non esattamente rassicuranti, dove le influenze dei Motorpsycho sembrano riecheggiare da lontano...Via via assimilate e fatte proprie. Si constata un’attenzione produttiva scarna, basica e scevra di brillantezza; la volontarietà di questa scelta si traduce in un’opzione concettualmente coerente ma che talvolta impedisce alle aperture melodiche del Generale di spiccare il volo, o di raschiare l’asfalto: in passato i Lecrevisse – e mi si perdoni la continua menzione – ebbero la fortuna di sfruttare il sostentamento di Fabio Magistrali in consolle, ottenendo un risultato indubbiamente eccezionale...”Mohole” appare invece statico sotto questo punto di vista, troppo spesso attorcigliato su se stesso e con scorte d’ossigeno piuttosto limitate. Individualismo credibile, minimalismo sonico funzionale e coerente, ma la mancanza di una spinta emozionale ne limita eccessivamente il potenziale. Recensione di "Claudio Sambusida" (www.kronic.it)

RATING:  7.25 / 10

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*. Aetherfallen .*

Album: Revelation's Eternal (2013)
Genre: Prog Metal (Symphonic Metal/Ambient)  /  USA

BIO: For quite some time prophecies have been told about the end of everything. Although most of these prophets and prophecies have been proven wrong and laid to rest, the belief is, the end is still near. Hailen, being a strong believer in "nothing is forever" lies in wait for this end, as he does not see it in the same light that these "prophets" do. The fear and carnage that are to engulf the earth is not a curse, but a blessing for things to come. The end is not the end, but a new beginning, so the earth may breathe again. Enthralled by all that has been speculated to be the most fearful, Hailen sought to put a message out, that can be heard as the beauty of the end, instead of the devastation that has been spoken of for so long. And so in 2008 the "audio-visual" known as AEtherfallen was born. Entwined with imagination, AEtherfallen was created to gracefully spread this message in a way that people can feel a different aspect of what is to come. Through the listening of this sound message, a visual sense of the story is said to be ever present along with the emotion that coincides with each moment. A story of the ages in which all are or will be a part of. Those who have Aetherfallen, are those who are Aetherfallen. (www.facebook.com)

RATING:  ???????????

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*. Kornelije Kovač .*

Album: Između svetlosti i tame (1977)
Genre: Prog Rock (Jazz/Songwriter/Symphonic/Exp.)  /  Serbia

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Iznad Svega
02. Sretni ljudi
03. Dvogled
04. Pucanj
05. Hajana Mahana
06. Covecanstvo
07. Umorni Jahaci Atile Bica
08. Daljine

Line-up / Musicians
Kornelije Kovač / lead and back vocals, keyboards
Slobodan Marković / keyboards
Josip Boček / guitar
Guest Artists:
Ratko Divjak / drums
Lazar Tosić / drums
Čarli Novak / bass
Toma Milaković / bass
Jelenko Milaković / percussion
Radivoje Radivojević / strings
Nada Zgur / back vocals
Zvezdana Sterle / back vocals
Oto Pestner / back vocals

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Komu Vnyz (Кому Вниз) .*

Album: In Kastus in Vivo (1999)
Genre: Prog Rock (Gothic/Industrial/Art Rock/Folk/Symphonic)  /  Ukraine

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Світ білих веж (5:41)
02. Попіл (4:42)
03. Виє мама (3:38)
04. Неба зорі (3:39)
05. Птаха на ймення Nachtigall (4:15)
06. Пісня химерного краю (5:17)
07. Майстер з міста Hameln (5:07)
08. Привид з гаю (5:57)
09. Нава (5:23)
10. Від Києва до Ольстера (2:55)
11. Кленовий вогонь (4:17)

Line-up / Musicians
Андрій Середа / keyboards, vocals
Владислав Малюгін / guitar, vocals
Сергій Степаненко / bass
Владислав Макаров / lead guitar
Євген Разін / drums, vocals

RATING:  8.5 / 10   **MARVELLOUS**

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*. The Tea Party .*

Album: Triptych (Special Tour Edition) (2000)(Bonus CD)
Genre: Prog Rock (Crossover/Hard Rock/Alternative/Exp.)  /  Canada

Okay, if you are ANY type of fan of the Tea Party, you should definitely get this! I'm assuming, due to the stamp on the bottom of the photo of the picture of the album on the purchase page that this is actually their "Special Tour Edition" Double-CD (you might want to clarify that before you purchase this). The first CD is of their latest full length album, TRIPtych, which is a beautiful rock CD, crossing many musical boundaries, including rock, classic rock, middle eastren rhythms, and others. The second CD is a real gem. It consists of live versions of some of their current releases, and also has some new material by them that hasn't been released on any of their previous albums. The amount of variety on it is excellent. My fav song, their new rendition of the Splendor Solis song, The River, is romantic, hypnotic, and contemplative. Anyway, to sum it all up again, if you are a Tea Party fan and don't own this, you will not regret paying the extra money for it! Review by "M. Hicks" (www.amazon.com)

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Psychopomp (Live)
02.The River (Live Acoustic)
03.Save Me (Live Acoustic)
04.Lifeline
05.A Woman Like You
06.Temptation (Rhys Fulber Remix)
07.Sister Awake (Live Acoustic)
08.Waiting on a Sign

RATING:  8.5 / 10   **GREAT**

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*. Zip Tang .*

Album: Das Reboot (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Eclectic/Crossover/Jazz)  /  USA

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Grain Of Sand
02. Atmosphaerae
03. Butterfly Tattoos
04. Massive Hole
05. Stop Feeling
06. 10,000 Nachos
07. Thorazine Drip
08. Little Tiny Fishes
09. Three More Days
10. Stop Feeling (Reprise)
11. Animal
12. I'm Still Here
13. Outro

Line-up / Musicians
Fred Faller / drums
Perry Merritt / guitars, vocals
Marcus Padgett / sax, keys, vocals
Rick Wolfe / bass, vocals

RATING:  ??????????

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*. Tendachënt .*

Album: La Valle dei Saraceni (2005)
Genre: Soft Prog Folk (Italian Folk Music)  /  Italy

The music of Italy's Piedmont region has been under the spotlight recently, with a fistful of fine releases coming out of the area. The simple, bucolic melodies and danceable rhythms lend themselves to a multiplicity of treatments. Tendachënt adds their take to the mix with La Valle dei Saraceni. It's a well-crafted collection of traditional and traditional-sounding original music. A folk-rock sensibility is at the core, with a strong backbeat under acoustic guitar and folk instruments such as bagpipe, jaw harp and hurdy-gurdy. This is overlaid with chamber strings and the occasional touch of new age synth. The six musicians create a warm, complex sound, with arrangements that find something new around every corner. Making liberal use of counterpoint and other inventive bits of polyphonic layering, they make each repetition of the short, straightforward tunes sound fresh and original. La Ciapa Rusa's Maurizio Martinotti handles the vocals in his no-nonsense manner, easily managing lyrics in Italian, French, and dialects of both. But the band really shines in the instrumentals, not to take anything away from Martinotti. On the newly-composed schottische "Buton fiurì," for example, they pull out all the stops, building it up from its gentle drum intro by adding strata of whistle, hurdy-gurdy, synth and some truly elegant strings. The medley "Monferrina detta di San Michele/Mala tempora/Luvara" takes three rustic dance tunes, one traditional, two by Martinotti, and twists them into a sweet little braid using buzzy hurdy-gurdy and jaw harp, smooth strings, and rock drums. La Valle dei Saraceni is easy on the ears, but with just enough bite to keep it out of the sugar bowl. Review by "Peggy Latkovich" (www.rootsworld.com)

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Ivanhoe .*

Album: Systematrix (2013)
Genre: Progressive Metal  /  Germany

Almost unnoticed, these guys enter the premier league of German Progressive Metal. Proof of this is their sixth album:  Systematrix. After the departure of Andy B Franck, who went to join Brainstorm and founded Symphorce, the band broke apart and reformed after a few years absence. But when they did and worked with new singer Mischa Mang, they released two remarkable albums called Walk In Mindfields and the even better Lifeline. That means that the listener may expect a lot from the new release, and so it comes as a bit of a shock to hear that long time guitar player Achim Welsch has left the troup. However, that did not lead to drastic changes in style, although quite noticably the years have not gone by without leaving a mark on the sound of the band. Systematrix is much more modern and heavy, while complex and straight parts alternate much more than on the last two albums. Especially the new sound and the progressive sections like in "War Of The Centuries" make a combination one needs to get used to. Even more so as right after that track the band chose to put the most unusual contrast with the track called "Madhouse". This is interesting, but far from easy listening. Systematrix is not easy to label. While the intellect still tries to do just that, feet and neck and guts already enjoy the title track or the nonchalance of "Learning Path", the off-handed keyboard bits in "Walldancer", and the progressive-relentless "Brokers Lingua Nera". Unfortunately, not all choruses hit the right nerve -- "Tin Cans Liberty", for example, has a great verse only to find the climax of a matchingly great chorus missing, although the rest of the track with its almost Lizzy-like twin guitars would make a certain highlight under different circumstances. But, throughout the album the band manages to place enough remarkable sections so one is drawn between the heavy and the melodic. The band helps the fan a little bit to compare the new with the old by re-recording "Symbols Of Time", originally from their second album. Those who know the original version will immediately recognize the difference, away from being an obvious Dream Theater honoring Prog Metal band to a Metal band that likes their stuff progressive. The emphasize has shifted, the sound has changed, however, the quality remains with a dose of newly developed character of their own. Ivanhoe need you to make an effort to discover their songs. But the journey is worthwhile! Review by "FRANK JAEGER" (www.metalexpressradio.com)

RATING:  ???????

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*. Patty Pravo .*

Album: Per aver visto un uomo piangere e soffrire Dio si trasformò in musica e poesia (1971)
Genre: Soft Prog Rock (Pop/Chanson/Folk)  /  Italy

Per aver visto un uomo piangere e soffrire Dio si trasformò in musica e poesia - Questo secondo e intrigante album nasce idealmente alla fine del percorso musicale del precedente, di cui è la spontanea continuazione ed evoluzione. Naturalmente non mancano alcune eccezioni, la prima delle quali sembra proprio essere il pezzo che apre la facciata A del disco: l'intensa Morire... dormire... forse sognare, dove Patty Pravo incontra il pop sinfonico dei New Trolls. Estratto dal loro famoso Concerto grosso (dove viene interpretato in inglese) questo brano, tradotto da Sergio Bardotti, pieno di fascino ed atmosfera, incanta l'ascoltatore fin dalle prime note. La musica rassicurante e le parole intrise di speranza di Lanterne antiche ("Antique Annie's magic lantern show"), insieme al nuovo incontro con la musica brasiliana di Vinicius De Moraes in Poema degli occhi ("Poema dos olhos da amada"), riconducono invece alle tracce di Di vero in fondo, l'album pubblicato soltanto cinque mesi prima (il primo della trilogia Phonogram). Poi, la prima grande sorpresa, Storia di una donna che ha amato due volte un uomo che non sapeva amare ("The same old chair"), brano scritto da David Shel Shapiro e tradotto da Vito Pallavicini. Più che una canzone, un piccolo film, un cortometraggio della durata di circa nove minuti, sofisticato e complesso: una bella prova per l'interprete, qui nel pieno della sua maturità vocale e perfettamente a suo agio tra i virtuosismi della grande orchestra. Preghiera ("Bright tomorrow") è brano che ha l'onore di aprire la seconda facciata dell'album: Patty Pravo, col suo canto accorato, riesce a dialogare con Dio in un'atmosfera tanto più vicina al soul, quanto lontana dagli hits del recente passato. Tutto il disco è assolutamente privo di canzoni di richiamo commerciale, e in questo senso osa ancora di più del precedente, ricco com'è di composizioni "rubate" tra le pieghe di un repertorio internazionale di alta qualità ma poco conosciuto in Italia. In effetti nel disco non viene inserita nemmeno la ormai famosa Non ti bastavo più, incisa nello stesso periodo e pubblicata solo in formato 45 giri, a settembre, due mesi prima dell'uscita del Long Playing, in occasione della partecipazione di Patty Pravo alla Mostra Internazionale di Musica leggera di Venezia. Tra i "furti" nobili del repertorio estero troviamo Un uomo una donna una bambina ("Do yourself") e Un volto bianco sulla neve ("I do love you"), quest'ultima pubblicata molti anni dopo anche nella versione in inglese, dalla Raro! Records, insieme ad altre rarità incise in questo periodo. Le interpretazioni di tutti questi brani, molto intense e a volte disperate, ci fanno scoprire un'artista inedita e teneramente malinconica. Le profonde sfumature e l'accentuazione dei vibrati, già presenti in alcuni pezzi dell'album "Patty Pravo" del 1970 ("Una conchiglia", "All'inferno insieme a te" e "Motherless child"), qui si caricano ancor di più di pathos attraverso interpretazioni quasi melodrammatiche. Ancora un brano di Shapiro, T. L. & R. (Thunder, lightning and rain), inciso e pubblicato anche dall'autore nell'album Affittasi (1972), insieme ad altri suoi brani scelti da Patty Pravo nel "periodo Phonogram". L'album si chiude al ritmo contagioso della corale Follow the lamb, quasi un invito a seguire ancora la scia luminosa di questa stagione musicale particolarmente magica. Recensione di "Rosario Bono" (www.vocidivine.altervista.org)

RATING:  7.5 / 10

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*. Il Cerchio d'Oro .*

Album: Dedalo e Icaro (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic Prog)  /  Italy

Songs / Tracks Listing
01. Il Mio Nome è Dedalo
02. Labirinto
03. La Promessa
04. L'arma Vincente
05. Una Nuova Realtà
06. Oggi Volerò
07. Il Sogno Spezzato
08. Ora Che Son Qui (Icaro la Fine)

Line-up / Musicians
Gino Terribile / Drums, Vocal
Giuseppe Terribile / Bass, Vocal
Franco Piccolini / Keybords
Roberto Giordana / Guitar
Piuccio Pradal / Vocal, 12 String Guitar

RATING:  ???????????

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*. The Eden House .*

Album: Timeflows (2012)(EP 5 Track's)
Genre: Prog Rock (Gothic/Crossover/Psychedelic)  /  UK

Bearing in mind that The Eden House are a collective that encompass musicians and collaborators of Fields of the Nephilim, NFD, Adoration, Pink Floyd, Van Morrison and now The Mission, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that what we have with the "Timeflows" EP is a collection of songs that collectively defy any sort of pigeonholing. The First track - Neversea features Simon Hinkler of The Mission and his influence is unmistakable, it's a song that's pretty much as good as anything that The Mission ever recorded yet is also unmistakably "Eden House" aswell - due in no small part to Valenteen's vocal (by the way, as the lead song from the album The Eden House have also recorded a video for this track - well worth viewing). The second track, Into The Red, could easily be All About Eve at their best whilst the third track, The Only One, is something a little different: Think Alison Moyet in her Yazoo years meets Depeche Mode's Ultra and you're only halfway there. The final track, Timeflows, is a little more familiar - it has echoes of The Eden House's own To Believe in Something plus elements of Fields of the Nephilim's Elizium whilst, like its preceding tracks is still unmistakenly Eden House. Review by "Andy" (www.amazon.co.uk)

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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*. Lady Maisery .*

Album: Mayday (2013)
Genre: Soft Prog Folk (Acoustic/Female Folk Vocal Trio)  /  UK

BIO: Forged from the voices of Hannah James (Kerfuffle, duo with Sam Sweeney), Hazel Askew (The Askew Sisters, The Artisans) and Rowan Rheingans (Fidola), Lady Maisery explore vocal harmony to breathtaking effect, through their fresh interpretations of songs and ballads. The trio burst onto the scene with the release of the debut album, ‘Weave and Spin’ in summer 2011, which received much critical acclaim and was declared an 'Album of the Week' by The Independent. Their live performances during the festival season created a real buzz and they were nominated for the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2012 and for Best Debut at the 2012 Spiral Awards. Lady Maisery break new ground as one of the first UK groups to explore the tradition of diddling or tune singing, which has nearly died out in England, but is still prevalent in Scandinavia and other parts of Europe. Whether singing unaccompanied, or with backing from their combined instrumental talents on accordion, harp and fiddle, be prepared to be enchanted by rich harmonies and sumptuous clashes. (www.ladymaisery.com)

RATING:  7.5 / 10

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*. Karfagen .*

Album: Aleatorica (2013)
Genre: Prog Rock (Symphonic/Folk)  /  Ukraine

Aleatoric is a term that is coined by musicians/composers like Karl-Heinz Stockhausen and Pierre Boulez in 1957 at the Ferienkurse in Darmstadt (Hessen/Germany). It is, to tell it most easy, music that lets you hear circular themes in music in different costumes. That is what Antony Kalugin does here with his band Karfagen. My opinion is, that this has a start in the Sandpiper-album where you can also listen to a kind of conceptional continuity (FZ) but on Aleactorica it is more intensiv. You have only to regular songs on this album, and "A day without rain" is my favorite (it reminds me to "Last minute on earth from the FloKi's). but also Mad dogs of destiny has high quality ? listen to the words listener! This album is coherent and has brilliant ideas of the composer and the band. Karfagen is build of most musicians from "Sunchild" and some of the songs are written by and with Sergii Kovalov (I think, he can play each instrument, but I only know by 7 of them). This album is made in the time of nearly 4 years and I think, they waiting is recompended. For everyone who likes conceptual records and new ideas in prog/rock music ? I advise this album to buy! Thankx Antony and Karfagen for the music! Review by "MusicMike" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  8 / 10

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*. Komu Vnyz (Кому Вниз) .*

Album: Легенди Українського Року (2003)(Compilation)
Genre: Prog Rock (Gothic/Industrial/Art Rock/Folk/Symphonic)  /  Ukraine

Треклист:
01. Подих
02. Микита Швачка
03. Суботів
04. Йоан.Сію Рай
05. Щодня вона йде назустріч
06. Срібні води
07. Майстер з міста Гамельн
08. Птах на ймення Нахтігаль
09. Від Києва до Ольстера
10. Виє мама
11. Пісня химерного краю
12. Нава
13. Поділ
14. Мамай
15. Кленовий вогонь
16. Привид з гаю
17. Вийди, замучена людьми
18. Ліра (bonus)
19. Ген, долиною (bonus)

RATING:  8 / 10

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*. Prism .*

Album: Dreamin' (1986)
Genre: Jazz Fusion (Prog Rock/Exp.)  /  Japan

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Dreamin'
02.Dancin' Infinitely
03.To The Sea
04.Take Off
05.Le Parfum
06.Fragrance
07.Watch Girl Go By
08.Walkin'Nasty
09.Si?
10.I Thought That It Was (Dreamin' & Dancin')

Line-up / Musicians
Akira Wada / Guitar
Ken Watanabe / Bass, Vocal
Satoshi Kimura / Drums
Yoshikazu Matsuura / Keyboards
Jan Fukamachi / Keyboards
Suzi Kim / Backing Vocal
Kazuhiko Ito / Computer Programming

RATING:  7.5 / 10

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*. Humble Grumble .*

Album: 30 Years Kolinda (2005)
Genre: Prog Rock (Rio/Avant Prog/Jazz/Folk)  /  Belgium

More than 30 years ago, in 1975, the greatest Hungarian folk group, Kolinda, began to rule the European music scene. Their enormous success is still wondering like a dream in the head of composer Péter Dabasi. I became a fan when Belgian musicians introduced me to the great Kolinda oeuvre and I was overwhelmed. While surfing of the Internet, I met Kolinda fans from all around the world, but I never actually came in contact with Kolinda itself. I could only find worn-out Hexagon sites, an inactive nexus Hungarian site and a bunch of internet shops where the releases of Kolinda were sold out. Strange, I thought, a big group like this should be there somewhere. I really wanted to meet with them, speak to them. One day, by chance, I bumped into the telephone number of Péter Dabasi on the net and decided at the very last moment, just before giving up my landline, to call him in Budapest. We talked for a half hour and I was very excited! Two months later I visited him in Budapest and made plans with Kolinda for the years 2005-2006! In July 2005 the Humble Grumble album '30 years Kolinda' was released. (www.humblegrumble.com)

Songs / Tracks Listing
01.Én Vacogok Már (I'm Shivering With Cold)
02.Számum (Sandstorm)
03.Nem Számit (Doesn't Count)
04.Játékos (Playful)
05.Forgó öt (Turning Five)
06.Tánc (Dance)
07.Félek (I'm Scared)
08.Napfórdulö (Solstice)
09.Rohanás (Rush)

Line-up / Musicians
Gabor Humble Vörös / guitar, voices
Peter Dabasi / mandocello, voices
Marijn Thissen / viola, lead and backing voices
Jouni Isoherranen / bass, voices
Oscar Bustamante / drums
Pedro Guridi / clarinet, whistle
Pol Mareen / soprano saxophone
Bart Delbaere / throat singing

RATING:  7.75 / 10

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