Trailight "The Primitive Mountain"

Country: Canada
Genre(s): Progressive Metal
Format: CD, digital
Release date: May 30, 2015
Tracklist: 

1. Open Doors 06:18
2. Sentient Beings 05:31
3. We Are The Ocean 04:13
4. Frail Human Form 03:12
5. The Primitive Mountain 05:12
6. Passer By 04:46
7. A Thousand Years 07:22
8. Navarino 05:08
9. Beyond The Rubicon 03:28

Line-up: 
Dave Padden (Annihilator, Terror Syndrome) – Vocals
Ryan Van Poederooyen (Devin Townsend Project) – Drums
Cory McBain – Guitars
Seah Maister – Piano
Omer Cordell - Bass, keyboards, guitars, backing vocals
   With
Jed Simon (Scar The Martyr, ex-SYL) - Guitar solo (3)
Christofer Malmstrom (Darkane, Non Human Level) - Guitar solo (4)
Rodrigo Llanos Estay - Guitar Solo (8)
Miguel Salas - Additional acoustic guitars (8)
Marc Dixon - Lead vocals  (8)
Conan Freeman - Backing vocals (4)
Seah Maister, Jenna Earle, Karli Rose MacIntosh - Backing vocals
Narration on tracks 3 and 9 taken from Alan Watts lectures

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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3rd World Leader "Picture Imperfect"

Country: USA
Genre(s): Progressive Metal/Rock
Format: digital
Release date: May 30, 2015
Tracklist: 

1. Revolve - 3:55
2. Eugenics - 2:51
3. In One Ear - 5:50
4. Delirium - 3:40
5. Parasite - 4:12
6. Lucid - 5:32
7. Fracture - 3:58
8. Tritone - 4:39
9. Go!! - 3:49
10. Anytime America - 4:27

Line-up: 
Dennis Malkamaki - Drums
Matt Lucy - Guitar
Kevin Farley - Bass, Vocals
Matt Shelton - Guitar, Vocals

Media/Samples 
Stream

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My Sleeping Karma "Moksha"

Country: Germany
Genre(s): Instrumental Psychedelic, Stoner
Label: Napalm Records
Format: CD, vinyl
Release dates: May 29 (GAS, RoE, AUS), June 1 (UK/NOR/FR/DK/IT), June 6 (SE/ESP), June 9 (US/CAN), 2015
Tracklist: 
1. Prithvi (6:29)
2. Interlude 1 (2:36)
3. Vayu (5:55)
4. Interlude 2 (1:45)
5. Akasha (6:12)
6. Interlude 3 (1:48)
7. Moksha (9:37)
8. Interlude 4 (2:17)
9. Jalam (8:25)
10. Interlude 5 (2:21)
11. Agni (6:31)

Line-up: 
Seppi - guitar
Steffen - drums
Matte - bass
Norman - keyboards

Description/Reviews: 

Be it one of their live shows, be it one of their albums: Germans My Sleeping Karma never fail to create an unique and hypnotic score of epic proportions that is bound to send the listener on deep mental journeys. On their fifth album Moksha, the instrumental groove rockers show us their most varied side: blusterous waves of riffs embrace fragile melody lines, Eastern mysticism has its place and ghostly sound shivers lead eternal rhythms to new horizons. Yes, this word is abused way too often these days – but My Sleeping Karma are pure magic. The sound and tone of the album perfectly fits into the Instrumental Progressive – and Ambient Post Rock realms.From the start the listener is kidnapped by the spherical sound, between enormous atmospheric compositions with pure rock riffs and psychedelic melodies perfectly intertwined into this scenery. Immerse yourself, both with the risk of completely losing yourself in this brand new masterpiece, because you might not be able to emerge again. Perhaps you don’t want to…

Media/Samples 
Prithvi

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Zen Carnival "Lucid Dreamer"

Country: USA
Genre(s): Progressive Rock
Format: CD, digital
Release date: May 2015 (CD), June 08, 2015 (digital)
Tracklist: 

1. Elemental - 5:28
2. Lucid Dreamer - 5:16
3. Born Again - 4:21
4. When She Cries - 5:36
5. Medieval Suite - 4:05
6. Mysterious Ways - 4:35
7. Lullaby - 4:59
8. Love Is the New Way - 3:58

Line-up: 
Bill Denison: guitar, vocals, pedal steel
Michael James: keyboards
Chris Paglia: electric and upright bass
Ken Pfeifer: lead vocals, occasional keyboards
Carl Puglisi: drums, percussion
   With
Bridget Murphy: soprano vocals

Description/Reviews: 

...though a long time has passed, Lucid Dreamer picks up where Bardo left off, carving out territory not too far from IZZ. The fusion-y instrumental work that appears in many songs is one of Zen Carnival’s trademarks, as they deftly incorporate it into a set of art-rock songs. A proggier Sting or Steely Dan may come to mind. The great instrumental Medieval Suite could be Dixie Dregs (minus the bluegrass), while Lullaby is the song that comes closest to later Marillion, with Ken Pfeifer sounding similar to Steve Hogarth here. If there is such a thing as adult contemporary prog, Lucid Dreamer should reach the top of that chart. (kinesiscd.com)

Media/Samples 
Elemental / Love Is the New Way

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The Great Discord "Duende"

Country: Sweden
Genre(s): Progressive Metal
Label: Metal Blade Records
Format: CD, digital, vinyl
Release date: May 29, 2015 (AT, CH, DE), June 1, 2015 (EU), June 2, 2015 (World)
Tracklist: 

1. The Aging Man - 5:12
2. Deus Ex Homine - 5:27
3. Eigengrau - 4:09
4. L'homme Mauvais - 4:23
5. Selfæta - 4:14
6. A Discordant Call - 4:11
7. Woes - 5:11
8. Angra Mainyu - 4:17
9. Illuminate - 3:41
10. Ephemeral - 7:21

Line-up: 
Fia Kempe - Vocals, Keyboards
Aksel Holmgren - Drums
André Axell - Guitars
Gustav Almberg - Guitars
Rasmus Carlson - Bass

Description/Reviews: 

Dichotomy or duality appears to be a prominent force that motivates the creative pulse and output for Sweden’s The Great Discord. A necessary entity for any progressive metal act like this quintet to truly sustain interest – because too much technical prowess or full on intricacy will dissuade non-schooled mavens and limit the average listener to push forward long-term. Because of this premise, Duende as a debut album plunges into those shades of dark and light, heaviness and quietness, along with copious attention to modern production and tone aspects to create quite the intriguing release.

 Read the full review by Matt Coe at deadrhetoric.com

Media/Samples 
2 full tracks and samples

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Arnioe "Doesn't It End Here?"

Country: Australia
Genre(s): Progressive Rock
Format: CD, digital
Release date: May 29, 2015
Tracklist: 

1. Save Me from Falling - 7:22
2. River of Mercury - 8:33
3. Don't Know - 7:47
4. Chinese Whispers - 5:20
5. Asian Eyes - 8:40
6. Endless Dream - 3:05
7. See You On the Other Side - 9:28

Line-up: 
Aron Scharfegger - guitars, keyboards and vocals
Richard Paitsh - drums, percussion
Alan Seis - bass
Liz Sisales - viola, cello

Description/Reviews: 

As per the previous few albums, ARNIOE likes to create their music around a specific theme.
"Doesn't It End Here" is the story of the first Chinese Qin Emperor (Qin Shi Huang) who instructed over 700,000 craftsman to build an underground city where he would then eventually live in the afterlife. This entailed a replica city of Xianyang, including sky, stars and a river (unfortunately made of mercury). To protect him, he ordered craftsman build 8000 life size Terracotta soldiers, 130 chariots and over 650 horses. All this is UNESCO Heritage listed and can be seen close to the Chinese city of Xien.
The music is based in the style of YES, which is very varied, moody and at times quite complex.ARNIOE has retained the same musicians as on the past 2 albums but to ad more drama has invited special guest Liz Sisales to feature on a few songs playing Viola and Cello....the combination is brilliant. So..sit back and relax and experience the drama, turmoil and passion which is...."Doesn't It End Here ?" 

Media/Samples 
Samples

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Breaking Orbit "Transcension"

Country: Australia
Genre(s): Alternative Progressive Rock/Metal
Format: CD, digital
Release date: May 29, 2015
Tracklist: 
1. Transcension Pt. 2 (3:44)
2. When Isis Starts to Cry (5:52)
3. Become the Light (4:08)
4. Song of the Sea (7:00)
5. The Glitch (6:37)
6. Namaskar (5:28)
7. Another Race (6:27)
8. Eternity (7:07)
9. Transcension Pt 3 (6:43)

Line-up: 
Matt Quayle - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Ayden Mitrovich - Bass, Vocals
Mark Tyson - Drums, Vocals, Viola
Dylan Mitrovich - Guitar, Vocals, Percussion, Programming

Description/Reviews: 

Breaking Orbit definitely has that Aussie prog rock feel. If you are unfamiliar with this style, it basically rides the line between prog rock and progressive metal, often exploring both within a single track, and also featuring plenty of other elements, from alt rock to didgeridoos to immense vocals. Breaking Orbit fits this description pretty well, yet they have a spacey, transcendent vibe that is all their own that usually comes through in the outstanding guitar work, dynamic drumming, and soaring vocals.

 Read the full review by Jason Spencer at progulator.com

Media/Samples 
Preview

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Starquake "Times That Matter"

Country: Germany
Genre(s): Hard Rock, Progressive Rock
Label: Pure Rock Records
Format: CD, digital
Release date: May 29, 2015
Tracklist: 
01. Scenes From A Revolution 8:08
02. Close Encounter 6:27
03. I'm Goin' Mad (You Comin) 3:32
04. Rise And Fall 21:02
05. Here I Go Again 4:34
06. The Needle Lies 3:41
07. Times That Matter 4:10
08. Goodbye My Friend 5:04
09. No More Hate 4:36
10. Whatever 3:23
11. Fairytale 8:30

Line-up: 
Mikey Wenzel – Vocals, Instruments, Programming
Alex Kugler – Guitars
Jan "Donkey" van Meerendonk – Drums
Andi Pernpeintner – Hammond
Joe Wagner – Guitars
Michael "Wopsi" Wopshall – Guitars
Corinna Reif – Violin
Sandra Wenzel - Additional Vocals

Description/Reviews: 

Musically, Wenzel seems forty years removed from history. Or, better, a guy jumping back and forth in time between 1975 and 1985. His music is the particular mixture of classic early Eighties metal, even NWoBHM, and mid Seventies melodic and progressive hard rock, complete with Hammon organ. Actually, that latter element is one of the first things you might notice. There's lots of additional keyboards and loads of great guitar solos, all wrapped up in expansive arrangements that drop Starquake into the progressive rock camp. Times That Matter is also a very long recording. At 73 minutes, it's a lot to work through, with the centerpiece being the mini rock opera, Rise And Fall, at 21 minutes. The album could have been easily trimmed by several songs and 20 minutes or more without compromise.

 Read the full review by Craig Hartranft at dangerdog.com

Media/Samples 
Here I go again
Scenes from a Revolution
Sampler

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Witchwood "Litanies From The Woods"

Country: Italy
Genre(s): Hard Rock, Retro Prog
Label: Jolly Roger Records
Format: CD, digital, vinyl
Release date: May 4, 2015 (Italy), May 25, 2015 (World)
Tracklist: 
01. Prelude / Liar - 07:23
02. A Place For The Sun - 07:11
03. Rainbow Highway - 05:54
04. The Golden King - 06:24
05. Shade Of Grey - 11:04
06. The World Behind Your Eyes - 05:43
07. Farewell To The Ocean Boulevard - 15:27
08. Song Of Freedom - 09:31
09. Handful Of Stars - 10:09

Line-up: 
Riccardo "Ricky" Dal Pane: Vocals, Electric Guitar, Slide Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Percussions
Stefano "Steve" Olivi: Hammond C100, Leslie 760, Moog Voyager, Piano
Andrea Palli: Drums, Percussions
Samuele Tesori: Flute, Harmonica
Luca Celotti: Bass
    With
Alessandro Celli: Lead Guitar
Alessandro Aroni: Bass on "Farewell to the Ocean Boulevard"
Matteo Zambrini: Djembe, Wooden Congas, Steel Drums, Tabular Bells, Didjeridoo, Triangle
Tiziana Franzoni: Backing Vocals

Description/Reviews: 

In 2014, from the ashes of the cult band Buttered Bacon Biscuits (BBB), were born the Witchwood. Their debut album "Litanies from the woods" is a well balanced mix of hard rock, progressive, psych and southern rock with an obscure and vintage 70's attitude. 

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp (3 tracks)

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Synesthesia "Worst Case Scenario"

Country: France
Genre(s): Alternative Progressive Metal
Format: CD, digital
Release date: May 29, 2015
Tracklist: 

1. Seventh 04:21
2. Drop of Mercy 08:21
3. The Collapse 08:10
4. Dedication 05:29
5. Systemic Hell 08:08
6. Time will forgive 07:25
7. Nabla² 06:11
8. Dead King, Rise 06:06
9. A Pleasant Nightmare 06:24
10. 28 Days 06:42
11. Wolve's Shelter 12:23

Line-up: 
Florian Tisserand - lead vocals
Christophe Tremlet - guitar
François Grosmangin - guitar
Jérémy Cerf - bass
Christophe Desmonts - drums

Description/Reviews: 

Synesthesia plays a tempered alternative metal in drop-D tuning with inspirations going from the rock/post-rock side to the heaviest side of metal. The band also originally includes bluesy, gipsy or symphonic melodies within their musical spectrum.
Worst Case Scenario is the achievement of this hybrid - however simple and efficient - kind of metal.
These album recurrent themes are bipolarity, madness, will or time. Some songs even tell short stories, potential scenarios happening on this theater of shadows that we call Humanity.

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp (name your price)

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Apogee "The Art of Mind"

Country: Germany
Genre(s): Symphonic
Label: Progressive Promotion Records
Format: CD
Release date: May 29, 2015
Tracklist: 
1. The Art of Mind (19:54)
    a) Psychocosmic Order
    b) Across the Border
    c) The dividing Point
    d) The ultimate Perception
    e) Footprints
2. Inside the Wheel (8:56)
3. The Games you play (9:31)
4. The Price to pay (8:06)
5. Sea of Dreams (9:05)

Line-up: 
Arne Schäfer (Versus X) - vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards
Eberhard Graef - drums, percussion

Media/Samples 
The Art of Mind (excerpts)

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The Black Codex "The Black Codex (Episodes 40-52)"

Country: Netherlands
Sub Genre: Symphonic
Label: FREIA Music
Format: CD, digital
Release date: May 28, 2015
Tracklist: 
CD1
1. In The Dead Of Night - 7:30
2. Rise To Power - 6:52
3. Archetypes - 8:36
4. In The Dungeon - 7:01
5. Prepare For War - 6:41
6. Face To Face - 7:43
7. To The Other Side - 7:02

CD2
1. Aftermath - 7:34
2. What Dreams May Come - 5:04
3. And So It Ends (Blue Planet Among The Stars) - 6:36
4. Our Place Under The Sun - 7:54
5. Heading Home - 13:21
6. A New Map Of The World - 17:39

Line-up: 
Christiaan Bruin (Chris, Sky Architect, Adeia, Mayra Orchestra) - Various instruments and vocals
   With
Laura ten Voorde
Sebas Honing

Giel de Reuver
Bas Immerzeel

Description/Reviews: 

The Black Codex is a musical series made by Christiaan Bruin. It's concept is a unique one: during 2014 subscribers receive by email a newly composed and recorded piece of music every week, together with lyrics, drawings and other bonus features. In total there will be 52 episodes. The Black Codex tells the story of a young man (Ezio) who sets out to draw a map of the world, from a wooden flying machine. However, from the moment he meets Lev, his plans go completely awry. Lev has a mysterious insight in the patterns in which people behave and is a master of secret plans and schemes. Lev involves Ezio in his quest for an ancient book called The Black Codex. They encounter all kinds of villains, secret societies and mythic characters.

Media/Samples 

Samples at artist's web page

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101 "High Above"

Country: USA
Genre(s): Art Rock, Jazz-Rock, Fusion, Funk
Format: digital
Release date: May 28, 2015
Tracklist: 

1. Stream 05:19
2. The Near Edge Of Time Suite: Until I Awake, Orbit's Range, Near Edge of Time 17:40
3. Stranger Things 06:27
4. A Stitch In Time 06:29
5. Tears Of A Phoenix 05:53
6. Bound To The Atmosphere 05:14
7. Back In A Dance 06:12

Line-up: 
Kris Berry - Drums
Aaron Laughlin - Guitars, Vocals
Sean Laughlin - Bass, Vocals
Alex Espe - Keyboards, Vocals

Description/Reviews: 

Their debut album is an inventive blend of pop songs with some fusion and funk. The centerpiece of the album is The Near Edge Suite, a 17 minute epic that mixes the inventiveness of 10CC with the jazz fusion sensibilities of Steely Dan (Progarchives).

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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Godzilla In The Kitchen "Godzilla In The Kitchen"

Country: Germany
Genre(s): Instrumental Progressive Rock
Format: CD, digital
Release date: May 28, 2015
Tracklist: 
1. Up The River (7:04)
2. Broken Dance (4:02)
3. The Turn (5:14)
4. Elis Speech (4:41)
5. Propagation Of Violence (5:34)
6. Dr. Moth (6:38)
7. Stick To Your Daily Routine (11:12)
8. Provoking As Teenage Sex (3:18)
9. The Universe Is Yours (11:34)
10. The Fridge (3:13)

Total time 62:30

Line-up: 
Eric Patzschke - guitar
Felix Rambach - drums
Simon Ulm - bass

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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Van Der Swami "Enero"

Country: Argentina
Genre(s): Progressive Rock, Psychedelic
Format: digital
Release date: May 28, 2015
Tracklist: 

1. La Mañana Es Fulminante 04:31
2. Enero 03:53
3. Perdido En Quimeras 03:41
4. Un Año En La Arteria Púrpura (Parte 1) 01:06
5. Emil 04:02
6. Sola Duerme En Frenesí 03:33
7. El Gremio 05:03
8. Canaval Y Moreyra 05:34
9. Pronto Blanco El Interior 04:23
10. Un Año En La Arteria Púrpura (Parte 2) 03:37
11. Bajo La Luz De Orión 06:42

Line-up: 
Sebastián Gereda - Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Juan Ignacio Gobbi - Guitar, keyboards, backing vocals
Fernando Maggiolo - Bass
Martín Safi - Drums, backing vocals

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp (name your price)

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Delirium IPG "L'Era della Menzogna"

Country: Italy
Genre(s): Symphonic
Label: Black Widow Records
Format: CD, vinyl
Release date: May 28, 2015
Tracklist: 

1. L’Inganno Del Potere
2. Il Nodo
3. L’Angelo Del Fango
4. Fuorilegge 
5. La Deriva
6. L’Era Della Menzogna
7. La Voce Dell’Anima
8. Basta
9. Il Castello Del Mago Merlino (Come un Tempo)

Line-up: 
Ettore Vigo: Keyboards
Martin Grice: Saxophone, Flute
Fabio Chighini: Bass Guitar
Alessandro Corvaglia (Maschera di Cera): Vocals, Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar
Alfredo Vandresi (Narrow Pass): Drums
Michele Cusato: Electric Guitar

Media/Samples
Samples

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Moon Rã "L2"

Country: France
Genre(s): Instrumental, Psychedelic, Space Rock, Stoner
Format: CD, digital
Release date: May 27, 2015
Tracklist: 
1. Blast (4:27)
2. Monster (6:48)
3. Episode VI (13:30)
4. BadStar (4:17)
5. Panzer I And II (5:54)

Total time 34:56

Line-up: 
Dard Nikref Ruced - Drums
John McElhone - Bass
Fabien Palenzuela - Guitar
Sébastien Galliot - Guitar
Laurent Alexandre - Keyboards

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp (name your price)

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Until Sunrise "Frozen Stars"

Country: USA
Genre(s): Instrumental Art Rock, Post Rock
Format: digital
Release date: May 27, 2015
Tracklist: 
1. Driving Down the Golden Highway (6:02)
2. The Elysian Fields (5:08)
3. Frozen Stars / Up Autumn Hill (10:52)
4. On the Second Story (2:22)
5. Perry Smith (Driving Down the Frozen Highway) (9:18)
6. At the Splinters of the Bridge (14:22)
7. Down Autumn Hill (2:28)

Line-up: 
Joe Dorsey - Guitar, Keyboards, Hammond M-2, Aux. Percussion
Tanner Beard - Bass
Sam Dorsey - Drums, Keyboards
Sam Rollins - Guitar
Sayre Posey - Violin
   With
Kenny Eaton - Guitar (6)

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp (name your price)

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Exxiles “Oblivion”

Country: Multinational
Genre(s): Progressive Metal
Label: Nightmare Records
Format: CD, digital
Release date: May 26, 2015
Tracklist: 

1. A Better Legacy 
2. Hopelessness 
3. Anthem of Lies 
4. Page of the Night 
5. Introspective 
6. Dictator of Trust 
7. Llorona 
8. Entropy 
9. Awakening Part I (Dark Renaissance) 
10. The Messenger 
11. Rise

Line-up: 
Mauricio Bustamante (Ex Reign of the Architect): Drums
Sergio Aguilar (Agora): Guitar
Simon Rojas: Bass
Noel Martinez: Keyboards
Antonio Rivera (Solitude): Guitar
Zak Stevens (Circle II Circle, Savatage): Vocals
Marcela Bovio (Stream of Passion): Vocals
Oddleif Stensland (Communic): Vocals, Guitar
Wilmer Waarbroek (Ayreon): Vocals
Gus Monsanto ( Ex-Adagio): Vocals
Oyvind Haegeland (Spiral Architect): Vocals
Mats Haugen (Circus Maximus): Guitar
David Grey ( Lost in Thought): Guitar
Chris Caffery (Trans Siberian Orchestra, Savatage): Guitar
Mike Lepond (Symphony X): Bass

Description/Reviews: 

I always get excited when “symphonic/progressive metal” comes up in a band description because I immediately know I can expect something beyond the scope of the ordinary. And that is why it was with great fervor that I approached Oblivion, the debut release from Exxiles, due out in May. Given it’s a new project boasting members and guest contributors from bands like Symphony X, Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Ayreon, among others, I felt there was the promise of something grand with this album.
After listening to the record several times straight through, I’m not as excited about the album as I once was, although I’ll grant that for many, Oblivion will be thoroughly enjoyable. The core musical elements are solid, competently performed and well-engineered. It’s a solid metal record with obvious roots in the styles pioneered by the bands mentioned above and along with sonically satisfying orchestral elements. Tracks like “Introspective” and “Dictator of Trust” are dynamic, heavy and full of everything you’d expect from a super-group with the collective influences that Exxiles have.

 Read the full review by skullsnbones.com

Media/Samples 
Hopelessness
Llorona

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Mörglbl "Tea Time For Punks"

Country: France
Genre(s): Instrumental Progressive Jazz-Fusion Metal
Label: Free Electric Sound (Laser's Edge)
Format: CD, digital
Release date: May 26, 2015
Tracklist: 
01. Banjovi
02. Rood
03. Tea Time For Punks
04. Chinese Buffet
05. Mariachi's Burger
06. Untoon That Geetar
07. Far Tea Time
08. Treeball
09. God Shaved The Queen
10. Atomic Tom Mohawk
11. Big Ben Shaved The Queen Interlude

Line-up: 
Christophe Godin: Guitar
Ivan Rougny: Bass
Aurelien Ouzoulias: Drums

Description/Reviews: 

With over 60 minutes of the band's trademark freakshow entertainment, open-minded rock/metal fans are going to eat up Morglbl's madcap jazz/jam metal fusion and bizarre musical concoctions.

Media/Samples 
God Shaved The Queen

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Guapo "Obscure Knowledge"

Country: UK
Genre(s): Avant-Prog, Zeuhl
Label:  Cuneiform Records
Format: CD, digital, vinyl
Release date:  May 26, 2015
Tracklist: 
1. Obscure Knowledge [Part I]
2. Obscure Knowledge [Part II]
3. Obscure Knowledge [Part III]

Line-up: 
David J. Smith - drums
Kavus Torabi (Knifeworld, Cardiacs, Gong) - guitar
Emmett Elvin (Chrome Hoof, Knifeworld) - keyboards
James Sedwards (Thurston Moore Baand, Chrome Hoof) - bass
    With:
Michael J. York - woodwind
Antti Uusimaki - additional keyboards & effects

Media/Samples 
Obscure Knowledge I (Radio edit)

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Third Ion "13/8Bit"

Country: Canada
Genre(s): Progressive Metal
Label: Glasstone Records
Format: CD, digital
Release date: May 25, 2015
Tracklist: 

1. 13/8 Bit - 4:23
2. Capitol Spill - 5:34
3. Zero Mass - 4:23
4. Collapse - 6:27
5. Particle Replacement Mechanism - 7:10
6. The Kineticist - 6:15
7. Time Lapse Beta - 13:42
8. Van hAlien - 6:57

Line-up: 
Aaron Edgar - drums
Justin Bender (Into Eternity) - guitars
Mike Young (Devin Townsend, Fen) - bass, keyboards
Tyler Gilbert - vocals

Description/Reviews: 

What’s most interesting about Third Ion is that while they utilize the “chip metal” elements (see Machinae Supremacy), there’s much more to the band than that. The most obvious usage of these elements is in the opening title track, which) begins with some Mega Man hijinks before the metal kicks in. It also closes with “Van hAlien,” which boasts a number of different effects as well. It’s a nice sound enhancer, and it never seems like “too much.” Other than those two tracks, most tracks do not have this element and could be described as well-composed and altogether interesting progressive metal, which benefits from some elegant use of piano throughout the album. The vocals give it an almost alternative/grunge feel at points, with a vague similarity to Chris Cornell as well as Mikael Akerfeldt. One of the standout tracks here would be the 13-minute “Time Lapse Beta,” twisting and turning with an more dark rock approach that never missteps through its extended time. The album is rounded out by some solid guitar and bass work, such as the technical riffing of “Collapse” and “Zero Mass.”

 Read the full review by Kyle McGinn at deadrhetoric.com

Media/Samples 
13/8Bit

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Town Portal "The Occident"

Country: Denmark
Genre(s): Instrumental Progressive Math Rock
Label: Subsuburban Recording Company, Small Pond Records
Format: CD, digital, vinyl
Release date: May 25, 2015
Tracklist: 

1. Bonus Trigger 03:07
2. Eschaton 05:23
3. Deep Error 01:06
4. K. 06:07
5. Yes Golem 05:20
6. Dream Bureau 03:29
7. Moon Treaty 02:37
8. World Core and Peripheral Islands 05:14

Line-up: 
Malik Breuer Bistrup: Drums
Christian Henrik Ankerstjerne: Guitar
Morten Ogstrup Nielsen: Bass

Description/Reviews: 

The Occident is an eight track course, and names like ‘Eschaton’ (the end of the Divine world) and ‘K.’ (the ill-fated protagonist of Franz Kafka’s The Trial) bear some suggestion as to the unsettling territory Town Portal have intended to musically charter. The consistent balance between harmony and disharmony, a recurrent motif across their ouevre, is ever present here. In ‘Dream Bureau’ and ‘Moon Treaty’ tranquil major chord melodies quickly turn sour and sombre. In ‘World Core And Peripheral Islands’, sweeping guitar phrases are counterbalanced with deep, brooding bass lines. This delectably sweet but fiercely spicy taste on the tongue forms an essential corpuscle of Town Portal’s anatomy, one that has undergone little variation after three albums but has still held them afloat. As musicians Town Portal have, by and large, never compromised this distinct sound with excessive virtuosity or lavish digital effects but, rather, relied on the potency of the melodies and counter-melodies to narrate the stories they wish to tell.

 Read the full review by  Nikk Hunter at feckingbahamas.com

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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The Grand Astoria "The Mighty Few"

Country: Russia
Genre(s): Eclectic, Psychedelic, Doom, Progressive Rock/Metal
Format: CD, digital
Release date: May 18, 2015
Tracklist: 

1. Curse of the Ninth - 28:19
2. The Siege - 21:18

Line-up: 
Kamille Sharapodinov - vocals, guitars, korg monotron
Danila Danilov - vocals, flute, tambourine, korg ms2000
Eugene Trukhin - bass
Denis Kirillov - rhodes piano, clavia nordstage, steinway & sons piano
Ravil Azizov - clarinet
Alexey Nikiforov - trumpet
Valery Dudik - saxophone
Kirill Serov - percussion
Alexander Filippov - drums

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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Leprous "The Congregation"

Country: Norway
Genre(s): Progressive Rock/Metal
Label: Inside Out
Format: CD, vinyl, digital
Release date: May 25, 2015 (EU), June 2nd, 2015 (US)
Tracklist: 
1. The Price
2. Third Law
3. Rewind
4. The Flood
5. Triumphant
6. Within My Fence
7. Red
8. Slave
9. Moon
10. Down
11. Lower

Line-up: 
Einar Solberg - Lead Vocal, Synth
Tor Oddmund Suhrke - Guitar, Vocal
Øystein Landsverk - Guitar, Vocal
Martin Skrebergene - Bass
Baard Kolstad - Drums

Description/Reviews: 

If one seeks a single word to explain the relationship between The Congregation and the earlier works from Leprous, that word should be “hybrid.” While definitely leaning heavily on the vocal stylings and dark atmosphere of Coal, the album is much more expansive and scattered. In that sense, it melds the more out-there, unexpected and free-form nature of Bilateral. The result is a work which can be read as compact, oppressive and emotional while also being musically varied and experimental. Interestingly enough, the overall sound echoes Tall Poppy Syndrome to the largest extent. The overreaching eeriness, the cloistered atmosphere and the roles played by the instruments are all highly reminiscent of that iconic record, more than any of Leprous’s former works.

 Read the full review by Eden Kupermintz at heavyblogisheavy.com

Media/Samples 
The Price
Rewind

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Breznev Fub Club "Il Misantropo Felice"

Country: Italy
Genre(s): Avant-Prog, Canterbury, Chamber
Label: AltrOck
Format: CD, digital
Release date: May 25, 2015
Tracklist: 

1. Il misantropo felice I - A window closes - 03:33
2. Il misantropo felice II - Putamen - 07:25
3. Il misantropo felice III - Beginners dance lessons - 03:23
4. Il misantropo felice IV - Petit déjeuner chez Picabi - 05:50
5. Il misantropo felice V - Sperduto nella camera isterica - 08:11
6. Il misantropo felice VI - Le furieux hypothétique - 03:50
7. Il misantropo felice VII - Tzig Tzag Tzara - 05:50
8. Il misantropo felice VIII - After the last silence - 11:43

Line-up: 
Antonio Dambra - flute, piccolo
Francesco Lorenza - oboe, english horn
Francesco Manfredi - clarinet
Michele Motola - alto saxphone
Gianfranco Menzella - tenor and baritone saxophone
Riccardo Rinaldi - bassppn
Vito Vernì - french horn
Francesco Panico - trumpet
Francesco Tritto - trombone
Alessio Anzivino - tuba
Giuliana Di Mitrio - mezzo-soprano
Michele Fracchiolla - drums, vibraphone, marimba, percussions
Simona Armenise - classic, acoustic, electric guitars, mandolin
Rocco Lomonaco - classic, acoustic, electric guitars, banjio
Tommaso De Vito Francesco - electric bass, double bass
Giuseppe Manfredi - keyboards
Duilio Maci - violin
Grazia De Vito Francesco - violin
Paola De Candia - cello

Description/Reviews: 

“Il misantropo felice” is the second and long awaited release by “Breznev Fun Club”. The creative process of the project, conceived and directed by Rocco Lomonaco from Lucania, carries on and evolves. It’s a widened ensemble, a small rock-orchestra that leads us along a path made of complex atmospheres, sometimes dreamy or melancholic…a set of colors and sensations that make of BFC something unique.
Strongly recommended for who loves the Canterbury sound, Zappa’s Uncle Meat, Bang on a can, Picchio dal Pozzo, Opus Avantra and Yugen and at same time a very recognizable and distinctive work, able to shape out its own space among the Avant-Prog and Canterbury scenes.

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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Magic Pie "King For A Day"

Country: Norway
Genre(s): Symphonic
Label: Karisma Records
Format: CD, digital, vinyl
Release date: May 25, 2015 (CD, digital)
Tracklist: 
1 - Trick Of The Trade (6:09)
2 - Introversion (12:24)
3 - According To Plan (6:35)
4 - Tears Gone Dry (12:14)
5 - The Silent Giant (5:22)
6 - King For A Day (27:29)

Line-up: 
Kim Stenberg - guitars and vocals
Eirikur Hauksson (Ken Hensley, Kerrs Pink)-  lead vocals and guitar
Erling Henanger - keyboards and backing vocals
Eirik Hanssen - vocals and guitar
Lars Petter Holstad - bass and backing vocals
Jan T. Johannessen - drums

Description/Reviews: 

Six tracks of melodic, epic, and, on occasion, heavy, Prog Rock, that showcases superb vocal harmonies and skilled musicianship.

Media/Samples
Bandcamp

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PyT "Mon Grand Amer"

Country: Switzerland
Genre(s): Progressive Rock
Label: Built by France
Format: CD, digital
Release date: May 25, 2015
Tracklist: 

1. Fast mourir semble toujours faux - 5:28
2. Nulle part ailleurs - 4:20
3. Mon lointain amour - 3:59
4. Crois en toi - 3:18
5. Ma vraie prophétie - 5:00
6. Dingue de toi - 3:17
7. Looks Piled Like Newspapers - 4:26
8. La beauté du geste - 2:34
9. Valeureux - 3:10
10. Respire - 1:55
11. Qu'est-ce qui dure - 4:09
12. Eu comme you - 3:50
13. Les bruits courent - 4:35
14. Le mal parle mal (Arpège d'Avril) - 4:55
15. Il en reste - 2:45
16. Madame tu l'aimes - 2:20
17. Faut laisser parler le cœur - 2:54
18. Un gamin pas si sale - 3:28
19. Vers où vont mes aïeux - 7:09
20. Et tout s'évanouit... - 3:23
21. Qu'est-ce qui dure (Radio Edit) - 3:24

Line-up: 
Pierre-Yves Theurillat (ex-Galaad, L'Escouade)- vocals, guitars
Diego Rapacchietti - drums
Jean-Luc Froidevaux - bass, accordeon
Sébastien Froidevaux - guitars

Media/Samples 
Mon lointain amour
Dingue de toi
Eu comme you
Madame tu l'aimes
Qu'est-ce qui dure (radio edit)

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Eikthyrnir "Through The Magic Mirror Gate"

Country: USA
Genre(s): Progressive Folk Metal/Rock
Format: digital
Release date: May 24, 2015
Tracklist: 

1. Wind Age Wolf Age 14:49
2. The Prophecy 06:56
3. The Arcane Sanctuary 09:50
4. Portal To A Deeper Dimension 10:53
5. The Druid 04:48
6. The Oracle 06:30
7. Beyond Fantasia 16:40

Line-up: 
Nathan Beird: Lead Vocals
Amos Hart: Grand Piano, Lead Vocals, Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar, Accordion, Bass Guitar
Brian Sebert: Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Bass Guitar
Chris Cozzi: Electric Guitars
Richard Yepez: Bass Guitar
Kai Movagh: Percussion
Ashley Grygienc: Flute and Piccolo

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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Tir na nOg "The Dark Dance"

Country: Ireland
Genre(s): Prog Folk
Label: Fruits de Mer (vinyl)
Format: CD, vinyl
Release date: May 24, 2015  (CD)
Tracklist: 

1. You In Yellow
2. I Have Known Love
3. The Angelus
4. I Pick Up Birds At Funerals
5. Ricochet
6. Andria
7. Sympathetic Love
8. The Gangway
9. Time Is Gone
10. The Dark Dance

Line-up: 
Leo O'Kelly & Sonny Condell - all instruments
Garvan Gallagher - bass (7, 9)

Media/Samples 
You in Yellow

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Symphonic Haze "Little House"

Country: USA
Genre(s): Progressive Rock
Format: CD, digital
Release date: May 24, 2015
Tracklist: 

1. Intro/ Peace Will Come (6:10)

2. Cherokee (5:55)

3. Homage (6:28)

4. Storm (1:18)

5. End Of The World (Rooftops) (10:00)

6. Green (6:10)

7. The Grey (8:33)

8. Goodnight Saint (7:40)

9. When The Clouds Break (2:06)

10. Little House (1:40)

Total time 56:00

Line-up: 
Andrew Zourides - keyboard, vocal
Steven Zourides - guitar, vocal
Matthew Jaffin - drums, vocal
Ryan Nagle - bass, sound effects
   With
Dan Hess - violin, guitar, vocal

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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Inner Odyssey "Ascension"

Country: Canada
Genre(s): Progressive Rock/Metal
Format: digital
Release date: May 23, 2015
Tracklist: 

1. Why am I Here? (Ouverture) - 05:41
2. Something More - 04:31
3. A World of My Own - 06:20
4. My Purpose - 07:35
5. Losing Your Mind - 08:55
6. Crawl - 03:20
7. Lifelong Misery - 07:10
8. Introspection - 02:42
9. Retrospection - 06:30
10. You Are Not Alone - 06:13
11. Where It Begins, Where It Ends (Finale) - 10:01

Line-up: 

Vincent Leboeuf-Gadreau : Guitars, Vocals
Simon Gourdeau : Bass
Étienne Doyon : Drums, Lead vocals
Mathieu Chamberland : Keyboards

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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Pyramaze "Disciples of the Sun"

Country: Denmark
Genre(s): Progressive Power Metal
Label: Inner Wound Recordings
Format: CD, vinyl, digital
Release date: May 22, 2015 (EU), May 25, 2015 (UK), May 26, 2015 (NA)
Tracklist: 
1. We Are the Ocean - 01:17
2. The Battle of Paridas - 04:31
3. Disciples of the Sun - 03:54
4. Back for More - 04:22
5. Genetic Process - 04:58
6. Fearless - 05:23
7. Perfectly Imperfect - 04:52
8. Unveil - 05:15
9. Hope Springs Eternal - 05:40
10. Exposure - 05:11
11. When Black Turns to White - 04:35
12. Photograph  - 02:43

Line-up: 
Morten Gade Sørensen - Drums
Jonah Weingarten - Keyboards
Toke Skjønnemand - Guitars
Jacob Hansen (Anubis Gate) - Guitars, Bass
Terje Harøy - Vocals

Description/Reviews: 

Disciples of the Sun has very little in common with their past, aside from still falling into the prog-power genre generally. Gone is the heavy crunch of Immortal and the Euro-power frills of Legends, and in their place is something akin to recent Anubis Gate and Pagan’s Mind mixed with traces of indie rock. Regardless of how you categorize it, this is an absolutely brilliant slab of hooky prog-power and easily one of the best albums of 2015. Go figure.

 Read the full review at angrymetalguy.com

Media/Samples 
Fearless
Disciples of the Sun

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Al Di Meola "Elysium"

Country: USA
Genre(s): Instrumental Jazz Rock, Fusion
Label: Inakustik Records
Format: CD, digital, vinyl
Release date: May 22, 2015 (World), June 9, 2015 (NA)
Tracklist: 

1. Adour - 6:49
2. Cascade - 5:06
3. Babylon - 4:11
4. Purple and Gold - 6:04
5. Esmeralda - 4:37
6. Elysium - 4:23
7. Amanjena - 5:17
8. Sierra - 4:44
9. Etcetera in E-Major (Intro) - 1:26
10. Etcetera in E-Minor - 5:18
11. Tangier - 3:35
12. Stephanie - 6:32
13. Monsters - 3:15
14. La Lluvia - 4:30

Line-up: 
Al Di Meola - guitars
Barry Miles - keyboards
Philippe Saisse - keyboards
Mario Parmisano - keyboards
Rhani Krija - percussion
Peter Kaszas - drums

Description/Reviews: 

On the cover of Elysium, Al Di Meola is not wearing a shirt. He is, in a very real sense, stripped down. And stripped down is also the feel of this new album from the acclaimed guitarist. His new six-piece band - sans bass guitar - is the climax of a process of re-invention and fusion of genres that have marked out his recent career and brought him to a point where, as he says himself, he is “in a place of happiness”. The listener is likely to be too.

 Read the full review by Rob Mallows at londonjazznews.com

Media/Samples 
Sampler

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