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Friday, July 31, 2015

Echolyn "I Heard You Listening"


Country: USA
Genre(s)Progressive Rock
FormatCD, digital, vinyl
Release dateJuly 31, 2015
Tracklist
  1. Messenger of All's Right (6:24)
  2. Warjazz (5:16)
  3. Empyrean Views (9:18)
  4. Different Days (7:47)
  5. Carried Home (5:10)
  6. Once I Get Mine (5:40)
  7. Sound of Bees (6:58)
  8. All This Time We're Given (7:59)
  9. Vanishing Sun (7:34)
  10. Love, Why Weren't You Missed (3:39) - Bonus track on digital download
Line-up
Christopher Buzby
Thomas Hyatt
Brett Kull
Paul Ramsey
Raymond Weston

Description/Reviews
Overall, it sounds like a mix of The End is Beautiful and their last album, but still new and fresh. In fact, with each listen, I Heard You Listening sounds more and more unique, and there is something to love about every track. This is a slow grower of the best kind. As usual, there is a lot of emotional depth here, which is conveyed lovingly. There are also a lot of harder rock moments on this one than the last album, which gives this one a bit more of an edge than the others.
Read the full review at progrockdeepcuts.com

Media/Samples
Progstreaming
Bandcamp

Links:
Web page
Facebook
Progarchives
Proggnosis

La Bottega del Tempo a Vapore "Il Guerriero Errante"


Country: Italy
Genre(s): Progressive Rock/Metal
Label: Minotauro Records
Format: CD, digital
Release date: July 31, 2015 (digital), April 11, 2016 (CD)
Tracklist
1. Atto I: Overture (1:56)
2. Atto II: Fumo D'Anime (5:02)
3. Atto III: Ordine E Follia (7:51)
4. Atto IV: Arabeschi Sentieri (5:34)
5. Atto V: Mendicanti Luridi (5:37)
6. Atto VI: Eterea Fusione (7:11)
7. Atto VII: Urlanti Demoni (6:29)
8. Atto VIII: Vita Sospesa (5:53)
9. Atto IX: Ombra Di Falce (6:27)
10. Atto X: Finale (2:17)

Total time 54:17

Line-up
Alessandro Zeoli - lead guitar
Angelo D'Amelio - keyboards, sax
Angelo Santo - vocals
Gabriele Beatrice - drums
Giovanni Santamaria - classic & electric guitar
Giuseppe Barbato - bass

Description/Reviews
Opener Overture starts of as expected, but must sound great at the start of the band’s live shows. It certainly sounds rousing and majestic. La Bottega sing completely in Italian and Fumo D’anime features bombastic instrumentation alongside clean vocals, which thankfully are not overly operatic. The mix of keys and more traditional metal guitar work is well balanced. Ordine E Follia edges more towards La Bottega’s folk influence and is delivered acoustically to begin with. It’s catchy and very listenable before there’s a quiet mid-section that seems to slow momentum a bit. That’s followed by a full electric assault of excellent musicianship.
Read the full review at thisnoiseisours.com

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

Links:
Web page
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In(Our)finite Space "Andromeda"


Country: Canada
Genre(s): Instrumental Progressive Rock, Post Rock
FormatCD, digital
Release date: July 2015
Tracklist
  1. Beyond the Event Horizon - 4:25
  2. Andromeda - 5:50
  3. Wow! - 3:00
  4. Signal - 6:03
  5. Aurora - 4:10
  6. Void - 5:58
  7. Singularity - 4:49
  8. Desert Fumes - 4:03
  9. Unseen Violence of Solar Winds - 5:08
Line-up
Corey Bombardier - Drums
Dylan Panek - Guitar
Eric Jacobson - Bass

Media/Samples 
Stream

Links:
Web page
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La Revolt "La Revolt"


Country: Argentina
Genre(s)Jazz-Rock, Fusion
FormatCD, digital
Release dateJuly 2015
Tracklist
1. Triplehijueputa (8:01)
2. Oscuridad (7:40)
3. Choque (10:21)
4. A Ti, Mi Hermano (4:14)
5. Propuesta Intergalactica A Un Demonio Desconocido (8:04)
6. Moridero (7:11)

Line-up
Matías Marcori
Alejandro Umaña
David Loaiza
Pablo Ruíz

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp (name your price)

Links:
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500mg "To The Firmament"


Country: USA
Genre(s)Psychedelic
LabelDrawing Room Records
Formatdigital, vinyl
Release dateJuly 31, 2015
Tracklist
1. Suite 1 - 1) Active Principles (2:36)
2. Suite 1 - 2) Seven Eyes (2:25)
3. Suite 1 - 3) Red Eyed Howler (8:32)
4. Suite 1 - 4) The Smoke Inside Of Me (D.U.) (4:19)
5. Suite 1 - 5) Ashes (2:17)
6. Suite 2 - 1) Qumram (2:04)
7. Suite 2 - 2) Hidden In The Day (1:51)
8. Suite 2 - 3) Kesuabo (4:43)
9. Suite 2 - 4) Sister Morphine (8:27)
10. Suite 2 - 5) Trying To Get There (2:41)

Total time 39:55

Line-up
Michael Gibbons

Description/Reviews
"To The Firmament” is the third and finest album released from 500mg, Michael Gibbons of Bardo Pond. Unlike his previous and primarily acoustic guitar affairs, Mr. Gibbon’s latest album showcases a higher level of experimentation and varied sounds and techniques. Samples of viola, cello, trumpets, and other various sound forms are incorporated in the well-established 500mg guitar-based framework. Voices (and not just the ones in your psyche) can also be heard, even prominently on two tracks, one being Mr. Gibbon’s take on the Stones’ “Sister Morphine.”
Programmed and sequenced as two suites, “To The Firmament” takes the listener on a cinematically dreamlike stated journey. Through the album’s use of spoken-word, sub-conscious visions may appear real upon multiple listens. All of this, of course, is quite heavy.
Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

Links:
Progarchives

Built for the Future "Chasing Light"


Country: USA
Genre(s)Progressive Rock/Pop
FormatCD, digital
Release dateJuly 28, 2015 (digital), August 8, 2015 (CD)
Tracklist
  1. Arrive 06:01
  2. Radiowave 04:47
  3. Lightchaser 04:55
  4. Speed of the Climb 05:39
  5. Build for the Future 04:53
  6. Burning Daylight 03:07
  7. Walls 04:46
  8. Running Man 07:02
  9. The Siren Will 05:13
  10. Staring at the Sun 06:27
  11. Samsara 05:55
  12. The Great Escape 12:38
Line-up
Patric Farrell: backing vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, drums, programming, production
Kenny Bissett: lead vocals
   With
Dave Pena: guitar (1, 4, 8, 9, 12)
Chris Benjamin: guitar (4, 6, 8, 11)
Imaya Farrell: cello, violin, viola (12)

Description/Reviews
The debut album from this San Antonio, Texas band is quite a cornucopia of styles that works well across a diverse selection of songs. Classic progressive sounds combine with melodic songwriting to deliver music that really wants you to dig deeper and explore further.
Influenced by bands such as Spocks Beard, The Flower Kings and Porcupine Tree, the album ‘Chasing Light’ is the beginning a series of albums about a protaganist who is seeking to change life and worlds and find ‘light’. (Martin Hutchinson at progradar.org)

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

Links:
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Bruno Mansini "Secret signs of green"


Country: Brazil
Genre(s): Symphonic
Format: CD, digital
Release date: July 2015
Tracklist
1 Secret signs of green
2 Changed by love
3 Keep in touch
4 Talking to the wise men
5 Spreading high feelings
6 Dance of the seasons
7 With you again
8 A hopeful life
9 The light of all creation

Line-up
Bruno Mansini - all instruments and vocals
   With
Cauê Doktorcyzk - electric guitars

Media/Samples 
Secret signs of green
Stream

Links:
Web page
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Chris Caffery "Your Heaven Is Real"


Country: USA
Genre(s)Progressive Metal, Hard Rock, AOR
LabelMetalville
FormatCD, digital
Release dateJuly 31, 2015
Tracklist
1. Your Heaven Is Real (5:51)
2. Arm And A Leg (6:15)
3. Just Fine (5:32)
4. Why (7:25)
5. Damned If You Do, Dead If You Don't (4:10)
6. Hot Wheelz (3:54)
7. I Never Knew (5:36)
8. Sick And Tired (4:36)
9. Death By Design (4:53)
10. 2-26-15 (1:35)
11. Too Soon To Be Too Late (5:07)
12. Over And Over (7:54)
13. Come Home (3:30)

Line-up
Chris Caffery (Trans Siberian Orchestra, Savatage) - Guitars, Vocals, Bass, Keyboards
Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Billy Idol, Ozzy Osbourne) - Drums
Lonnie Park - Keyboards
   With
Abigail Stahlschmidt - Violin

Description/Reviews
The opening title track, a tale of a very true frightening situation experienced by the guitarist, kicks in with sledgehammer riffs and snarling vocals, a true headbanger's delight and easily one of the must hear songs on the album. "Arm And a Leg" is another dark, menacing slice of heavy metal, complete with Caffery's venomous 'Jon Oliva-meets-Alice Cooper-meets-Sebastian Bach' vocal delivery, which is then followed up by the instantly catchy, hook laden metal anthem "Just Fine", one of the most upbeat, fun songs he's ever recorded, complete with a killer chorus and great guitar solo. Things take a turn for the poignant & melancholy on the Savatage sounding "Why", a fabulous song with a great lyrical message and emotional vocals (some of Chris' best ever) to go along with many guitar and keyboard textures. Without a doubt it's another highlight of Your Heaven is Real, and pushes past the 7-minute length as the one of the albums two epics. "Damned If You Do, Dead If You Don't" is an upbeat schizoid heavy metal gem, complete with complex riffs and some futuristic, almost prog-rock styled synths, while the blazing instrumental "Hot Wheelz" (dedicated to a special someone perhaps?) is chock full of manic drumming from Tichy and plenty of Caffery's blazing guitar licks. "I Never Knew" is more of an atmospheric rocker thick with keyboards and layers of lush guitar work, providing the framework for Caffery to inject some heartfelt, hook laden vocal passages. It's a nice change of pace, and I'd love to hear more in this style from him.
 Read the full review by Pete Pardo at seaoftranquility.org

Media/Samples 
Samples

Links:
Web page (title track streaming)
Facebook

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Their Dogs Were Astronauts "To Separate Us From The Clouds"


Country: Austria
Genre(s)Instrumental Progressive Metal
Formatdigital
Release dateJuly 30, 2015
Tracklist
1. Vortex (4:27) 
2. Mental Liberation (4:56) 
3. Waterfall (4:22) 
4. To Separate Us From The Clouds (6:24) 
5. Levitate (4:49) 
6. Helix (6:02) 
7. Evening Jam (3:08) 

Line-up
Denis Roth
Leonard Roth

Description/Reviews
Clocking in at about 34 minutes long, the EP may seem short and sweet but it packs a heavy dosage of djent, chug, and groove spread out over its seven tracks. The style can be described as a mix of honest-to-goodness djent and electronic synth, creating a progressive metal blend that had me bobbing my head to their beats long after I stopped listening.
I also found the melodies of some of the songs to be equally as infectious as the rhythms. The unique and innovative writing style of Their Dogs Were Astronauts often surprised me, with songs taking directions I would have never guessed.
 Read the full review by Dana Jones at itdjents.com

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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Ifsounds "Reset"


Country: Italy
Genre(s)Progressive Rock
LabelMelodic Revolution Records
FormatCD, digital
Release dateJuly 30, 2015
Tracklist
Italian Version
  1. Sono nato due volte – 6:00
  2. FR9364 – 4:02
  3. Forty-Fourteen  – 5:04
  4. Laura – 4:11
  5. Io non volevo odiarti – 3:34
  6. Scappa via – 5:39
  7. Flashback – 2:42
  8. Svanisco nel blu – 4:38
  9. Reset – 4:39
  10. La Marea Words & Music by Dario Lastella – 3:58   
English Version
  1. When I was born again – 6:00
  2. FR9364 – 4:02
  3. 40-14 – 5:04
  4. Laura – 4:11
  5. I’ve never hated anyone – 3:34
  6. Run away – 5:39
  7. Flashback – 2:42
  8. Fading to blue – 4:38
  9. Reset  – 4:39
  10. The tide – 3:58
Line-up
Runal: Lead Vocals
Fabio De Libertis: Bass Guitar
Gianni Manariti: Drums
Claudio Lapenna: Piano & Keyboards
Dario Lastella: Guitars
   With
Alessandra Santovito, Francesco Forgione and Alessandro Pensa (Hexperos) – flute and strings (4)

Description/Reviews
“Reset” is an album about sudden stops and re-starts. Musically it’s about ifsounds, their story, their evolution and re-birth as a band. Lyrically “Reset” is about those shocking events that can upset a quite and ordinary life, leading you to want to completely reset your existence. The English version of the album is not the literal translation of the Italian version, but the overall meaning of the lyrics is much the same.With the new line-up the musical style changed a bit, for example; Runal is a rock blues singer with a musical background heavier than former ifsounds’ singers, while Gianni Manariti is a drummer and vocalist from the electronic-rock band Ottovolante and he runs the stoner rock label Red Sound Records… The music of ifsounds’ is now more direct and heavier, while always keeping one eye on melodies and one on the prog-rock structures and harmonies that the band is known for.“Reset” is the sum of very different musical experiences: you might hear echoes of classic and prog bands such as; Pink Floyd, Genesis, PFM, but there are several elements from hard rock and heavy blues rock acts such as; Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Boston or Kyuss, blended together in what is to become the new sound of ifsounds. Even with the new direction the band plan on maintaining their crossover prog rock roots.
Media/Samples
Italian Version
English Version

Links:
Web page
Facebook
Progarchives
Proggnosis

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

High Spy "Paralysed and Hypnotised"


Country: UK
Genre(s)Neo-Prog
FormatCD, digital, vinyl
Release dateJuly 28, 2015 (digital)
Tracklist
  1. Take Me Inside - 06:50
  2. Time Will Tell - 04:40
  3. Not at Home - 05:29
  4. So Deceiving - 04:32
  5. Paralysed - 03:30
  6. Queen of The Moorlands - 11:47
  7. Countdown - The Final Push - 05:39
  8. Clueless - 01:50
  9. Close to The Water - 10:34
  10. Paralysed and Hypnotised - 17:27
Line-up
Mark Price - keyboards
Adrian Peddie - vocals, guitars
Lee Steinberg-Weston - bass
Mark Stokes - guitars
Rick Maper - drums
    With
Adam Rushton (Grace/Candy Thief) - lead guitar (6)
Andy Lawton (Final Conflict) - lead guitar (7)

Description/Reviews
The album is a concept album based on the beginning and end of a relationship between two people and the environment they are surrounded by. There comes a point in a relationship when you know it is time to move on ...when you are treading on egg shells...

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

Links:
Web page
Facebook
ProgArchives
Proggnosis

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Corvus Stone "Unscrewed"


Country: Multinational
Genre(s)Progressive Rock
Formatdigital (Available for free to all previous buyers of any Corvus Stone)
Release dateJuly 28, 2015
Tracklist
01. Brand New Day (3.51)
02. Early Morning Calls (3.52)
03. Joukahainen Without Chips (2.53)
04. Horizon (Remix & some re-recording) (1.52)
05. Landfill (3.44)
06. After Solstice (Remix & some new drums) (4.05)
07. JussiPussi (Remix) (2.45)
08. Scary Movie Too (Imagine a live version of Scary movie. This could be it) (7.38)
09. Petrified in the Cinema Basement (Total reworking) (3.10)
10. Lost and Found Revisited (Extended version) (3.28)
11. Cinema Finale (New drums & total remix) (6.02)
12. Pack up Your Truffles (2.06)
13 BONUS TRACK: Moustaches in Massachusetts (Remix) (4.18)

Line-up
Pasi Koivu - Keyboards
Colin Tench - Guitars, backing vocals and percussion
Petri Lindström - Bass Guitar
Robert Wolff - Drums
Sonia Mota - Artwork, backing vocals on the previous album, and possibly an occasional fart
    With
Sean Filkins - Vocals (2)
Phil Naro - Vocals (2)
Blake Carpenter - Vocals (10)
Stef Flaming - Vocals, additional guitars and keys (7), drums (10)
Paul Marshall - Drums (3, 5)

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

Links:
Web page
Facebook
ProgArchives (two reviews here)
Proggnosis

Cloud Over Jupiter "Jupiter Rising: 5th Mass from the Sun"


Country: USA
Genre(s)Progressive Rock
FormatCD, digital
Release date: July 2015
Tracklist
  1. Happy Hands - 7:33
  2. Love Still Remains - 6:19
  3. King Beat: Paradise - 4:15
  4. Voyage to Titan - 7:04
  5. 13 - 5:43
  6. Black 41 / Black 42 - 6:04
  7. Rat Salad - 3:39
  8. Blak 43 - 5:50
  9. Turnaround/Jupiter Rising - 8:12
  10. Beyond the Oort Cloud - 5:09
  11. That Red Guitar - 5:31
Line-up
Jerry King, guitar, bass guitar, vocals
Michele King, piano, vocals, clarinet
Bill Jungwirth, drums
   With
Ric Parnell, drums
Pete Prown, guitar
Pete Thompson, drums
Richie Castellano, guitar
Henry Howard, bass guitar
Ginger Marten, violin
Mark Larson, synths, mellotron
Jamie Bruhn, bass guitar
Pam Ross, flute, vocals
Travis Plantico, drums
Mark Carlson, effects
Mike Kinney, voices

Description/Reviews
The music is dangerous and probing, evoking the best ‘70s prog acts without resorting to clichés. The album of ten original tracks and one cover—a reinterpretation of Black Sabbath’s “Rat Salad”—spans from aggressive rock to dreamy soundscapes. 
Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

Links:
Web page
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Monday, July 27, 2015

Permian Incident "Songs Of Solitude"


Country: Norway
Genre(s)Progressive Hard Rock
FormatCD, vinyl
Release dateJuly 2015 (CD), August 2015 (vinyl)
Tracklist
  1. Sinless Perfection
  2. True Or False
  3. Memento Mori
  4. The Godless Goddess
  5. Troubled Straits
  6. Paradise Faded
  7. This Wonderful Darkness
  8. Oh Death, Oh Fear
Line-up
Stig "Six" Petersheim - Keyboards
Torbjørn Dybsand - Drums
Johannes Hulleberg - Vocals
Kim Daniel Taalesen - Guitar
Stian Dalslåen - Bass

Description/Reviews
The music is progressive, but you can also hear deep inspiration from classic heavy rock. Their inspiration can be traced to the likes of Deep Purple, Rainbow, Marillion, Dream Theater, and also Norwegian prog legends Aunt Mary. Still, Permian Incident sounds unique, unlike so many other bands these days. They sound classic, but at the same time they sound like something new. The songs are exciting and fascinating, and at the same time it's catchy and melodic, and really groovy. The Hammond organ spices up the sound and reminds you of guys like Ken Hensley and the late Jon Lord, and the synth are inspired by wizards like Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson. The vocals are amazing, and singer Johannes Hulleberg has a really broad spectre. Also the guitars, bass and drums are fantastic, and these are a bunch of really good, professional musicians, who loves what they're doing. You can feel their passion and love for the music all through the album. The production is organic, and it sounds real, unlike so much of today's music.
 Read the full review by Affen Eitrheim at screammagazine.com

Media/Samples 
Samples

Links:
Web page
Facebook

Psicolorama "Home"


Country: Spain
Genre(s)Progressive Rock
Formatdigital
Release date: July 26 , 2015
Tracklist
1. Father & Maryanne (16:02) 
2. Golden Bodies (16:53) 
3. Crashed Bodies (16:44) 
4. Calling Home (6:29) 


Line-up
Psicolorama - all instruments and backing vocals
   With
Carlos Herrera Carmona - vocals (2)
Herminia Loh - vocals (1)

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

Links:
Web page
Facebook
Progarchives
Proggnosis

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Evenstate "Inside"


Country: Netherlands
Genre(s)Progressive Metal
FormatCD, digital
Release dateJuly 25, 2015 (digital)
Tracklist
  1. A Letter from Sue 04:32
  2. Distorted Mirror 07:16
  3. Chosen One 05:01
  4. Cannot Resist 04:17
  5. Cold Embrace 05:19
  6. Through the Valley of Death 07:42
Line-up
Moniek Smids - Vocals
David Macro - Keyboards
Erwin Rog - Guitar
Mark Rog - Guitar
Nicky Walraven - Bass
Sascha Grutterink - Drums

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp (name your price)

Links:
Web page
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Joe Satriani "Shockwave Supernova"


Country: USA
Genre(s)Instrumental Rock, Prog Related
LabelSony Music/Legacy
FormatCD, digital, vinyl
Release dateJuly 24, 2015
Tracklist
1. Shockwave Supernova
2. Lost In A Memory
3. Crazy Joey
4. In My Pocket
5. On Peregrine Wings
6. Cataclysmic
7. San Francisco Blue
8. Keep On Movin'
9. All Of My Life
10. A Phase I'm Going Through
11. Scarborough Stomp
12. Butterfly And Zebra
13. If There Is No Heaven
14. Stars Race Across The Sky
15. Goodbye Supernova

Line-up
Joe Satriani - Guitars, bass, keyboards and harmonica
   With
Mike Keneally - Keyboards, additional rhythm guitar on track 2
Marco Minnemann - Drums on tracks 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, and 15
Vinnie Colaiuta - Drums on tracks 3, 4, 8 and 11
Bryan Beller - Bass on tracks 1, 2, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14 and 15
Chris Chaney - Bass on tracks 3, 4, 8 and 11
Bobby Vega - Bass on track 9
Tony Menjivar - Congas, bongos and percussion on track 9
John Cuniberti - Percussion on tracks 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 14

Description/Reviews
Most tunes stick to Satriani’s chosen genre of rock, without veering too far from the path into less accessible genres such as fusion. While he and co-producer Cuniberti do incorporate elements from jazz, fusion, New Wave, pop, and funk, these influences are more of a spice then a staple. All tracks feature the smooth, supple ideas that he’s worked so diligently to instill in his listeners’ ears. There isn’t the angularity of metal or modern hard rock blues hybrids. Notes ease in and out of existence, devoid of fuss. The disc on the whole has a familiar and fairly formulaic sequencing, with heavier tunes closer to the beginning. 
 Read the full review by Iris North at planetmosh.com

Media/Samples 
Shockwave Supernova
On Peregrine Wings
San Francisco Blue
If There Is No Heaven

Links:
Web page
Facebook
Proggnosis

Friday, July 24, 2015

Black Space Riders "Refugeeum"


Country: Germany
Genre(s)Post Rock, Psychedelic, Stoner
FormatCD, vinyl, digital
Release dateJuly 24, 2015
Tracklist
  1. Vortex Sun 08:02
  2. Universal Bloodlines 04:27
  3. Born a Lion (Homeless) 03:44
  4. The Lure (Come with us) 04:02
  5. Run to the Plains 10:46
  6. Curtains of Death 08:20
  7. Melek's Lament (Yazidi Tears) 06:06
  8. Walking Shades 04:33
  9. Ritual of inner Strength 09:27
Line-up
JE - lead vocals, guitars, organ, beats
SEB - lead vocals
C.RIP - drums and percussion
SLI - guitars
SAQ - bass guitar
HEVO - additional bass guitar

Description/Reviews
On record, these Germans are of a roaming sort. Although generally found in stoner metal, it's with progressive purpose that their sound traverses neighbouring styles of space rock and stoner rock in a sweeping mix, and one that is differentiated from the sub-genre sheerly by its scope. For the band's fourth album, the foundational strength established is its engaging and centralising rhythm; a methodical pace runs throughout as consistent drumming and inventive percussion frames what is an expansive conduit for psychedelia.
Refugeeum's psychedelic aspect is approached from a number of angles, drawing from psych rock contexts as much as metal of the stoner persuasions, resulting in apparent variety and irregularity amongst its tracks. The arrangement is unusually diverse in execution, and freely ranges between passages dominated by the metal rhythm section, to those in which such recedes to take full advantage of a purer application of its broad psychedelic elements. As much can be found imbedded and layered in the album's shortest riff enthused numbers all the way to its lengthiest outing in "Run To The Plains."
 Read the full review at metalstorm.net

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

Links:
Web page
Facebook

Gentleman Surfer "Gold Man"


Country: USA
Genre(s): Avant Prog, Math Rock
Format: CD, digital
Release date: July 24, 2015
Tracklist
1. T THE T (1:52)
2. Crewed Dunes (3:29)
3. Abstraction Distraction (2:17)
4. O.M. (2:04)
5. Beef Peddler (4:31)
6. Test Ends (2:09)
7. Dark Masks (4:00)
8. A.B.F.O.P. (2:52)
9. Mollusk Reading Room (2:00)
10. Long Piece No 5 (2:12)
11. Fried Right (2:32)
12. Rust Man: Late Romantic Gold (5:29)
13. Easy But Knot (3:27)

Total time 38:54

Line-up
Jon Bafus - Drums, Vocals, Additional Keys
Zack Bissell - Keyboards, Vocals
Barry McDaniel - Guitar, Vocals, Additional Bass
Drew Walker - Bass, Vocals

Description/Reviews
Gentleman Surfer has a unique sound which often discards traditional approaches to song structures and identifiable or accepted musical norms. Their music defies being categorised, or placed into any particular genre. It has an aggressive edge often associated with garage punk, but also contains many of the melodic attributes of music associated with Rock in Opposition.
Overall, Gentleman Surfers sound has some similarities to Ariel Pink's garage freak rock style. However, Gentleman Surfer do not display any of the accessible pop melodies that Ariel Pink occasionally summons up. Both bands nevertheless, arguably mine and channel aspects of Frank Zappa into their approach. In Gentleman Surfer's case the Zappa influence can be easily heard in some of the bizarre multi-faceted vocal arrangements and in the use of a vibraphone like keyboard effect in Isle of Cats on Blalks. The music also shares some of the rhythmic complexities and much of the avant garde unpredictability associated with Zappa. Gentleman Surfer's work hints at the methodical style of math rock, but combines that style with the freedom of musical expression usually associated with Zappa.
Gentleman Surfer's sound is seldom predictable and is characterised by a violent maelstrom of constantly shifting rhythms and timbres. Accessible, beautifully formed flowing melodies are rarely part of the bands vision. The band is at its most stimulating during the instrumental tracks. These are awash with a plethora of contrasting and sometimes conflicting ideas.
 Read the full review by Owen Davies at dprp.net

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

Links:
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Zhoda "Manic Fantasies"


Country: USA
Genre(s)Progressive Metal/Rock
FormatCD, digital
Release dateJuly 24, 2015
Tracklist
01. Fall 05:03
02. Unsound 06:39
03. Paradox Wasteland 09:39
04. Loco-Motifs 06:00
05. Solace In Slumber 14:08

Line-up
Ashley Kethley - Vocals
Taylor Sharp - Guitars, Backing Vocals
Ryan Turchi - Bass
Zachary "Scotty" Prihoda - Keyboards
Zachary Pratt - Drums

Description/Reviews
Drawing on a vast variety of musical influences, the group has created a collection of tracks that incorporate soaring melodies, heavy hitting riffs, and wild solos which form a unique sound in a pentimento of voices. With the quality of the music being paramount, Zhoda strives to create music in its most condensed form.Read the full review by at

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp (name your price)

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Symphony X "Underworld"


Country: USA
Genre(s)Progressive Metal
LabelNuclear Blast Records
Format CD, digital, vinyl
Release dateJuly 24, 2015
Tracklist
1. Overture
2. Nevermore
3. Underworld
4. Without You
5. Kiss Of Fire
6. Charon
7. Hell And Back
8. In My Darkest Hour
9. Run With The Devil
10. Swansong
11. Legend

Line-up
Michael LePond - Bass
Michael Romeo - Guitar
Russell Allen - Vocals
Michael Pinnella - Keyboards
Jason Rullo - Drums

Description/Reviews
First track is “Nevermore”. It’s a tribute to Dante in a compositional sense, and the number 3 is essential. The track is a classic Symphony X opening song; fast, catchy and melodic. Still it was the one track I spent most time getting to really like. The next three or four tracks are really the icing on the cake here; the super heavy title track, “Without You”(classic Symphony X, lovely balladry with some acoustic guitars, yet epic and a true stadium-anthem), and the ultra heavy “Kiss Of Fire” with some superb Devildriver-like pounding by the  great Jason Rullo, and Russell Allen who proves with his over-the-top performance that he’s one of the greatest singers out there. His vocals are more melodic, emotional and soaring this time than it was on “Iconoclast”, but there’s still some heavy shit going on.
 Read the full review by Hans Mikael Ødegaard at  screammagazine.com

Media/Samples 
Nevermore
Without You

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Disappearer "Disconnected"


Country: Portugal
Genre(s)Progressive Rock, Post Rock
FormatCD, digital
Release dateJuly 24, 2015
Tracklist
  1. White Sun / Red Moon 05:16
  2. Lower 05:42
  3. Force Of Gravity / Slow Falling Elevator 05:03
  4. Disconnected 04:54
  5. Vanishing Point 03:44
  6. Digging For Air 05:18
  7. Feeding A Hungry Fire 05:41
  8. A Wolf Behind Your Door 04:45
Line-up
Pedro Coelho Pereira - all instruments
The Social Assassins - vocals and vocoder

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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Thursday, July 23, 2015

We Lost the Sea "Departure Songs"


Country: Australia
Genre(s): Instrumental Post Rock, Ambient
LabelBird's Robe Records, Art As Catharsis
Format: CD, digital, vinyl
Release date: July 23, 2015
Tracklist
1. A Gallant Gentleman (6:04)
2. Bogatyri (11:40)
3. The Last Dive Of David Shaw (16:56)
4. Challenger Part 1 - Flight (23:46)
5. Challenger Part 2 - A Swan Song (8:47)

Total time 67:13

Line-up
Mark Owen – Guitars
Matt Harvey – Guitars
Brendon Warner – Guitars
Kieran Elliott – Bass
Mathew Kelly – Piano, Keyboards
Nathaniel D’Ugo - Drums
   With
Tim Mahony - Cello (3-5)
Ellen Kirkwood - Trumpet (4, 5)
Mercy College girls high school choir (1)
Choir members:
Teachers: Kathryn McGreal & Matthew Robertson
Choir: Amelia Berthold, Caillin Betts, Elizabeth Daniels, Vanessa Daniels, Aisha Herbert, Kiara Herbert, Lizzy Jackson, Grace Johnston, Rheanne Lamont Funtanilla, Nancy Li, Sam Miley, Emma Morton, Mary Neis, Marianne Pamilar, Carmel Rodrigues, Ishuveen Saini, Isabella Sharpe, Rhea Thomas, Stephanie Woo


Description/Reviews
The uncanny atmosphere of these tales is very well conveyed in the music on “Departure Songs”. The tracks are often built up out of a succession of expressive melodies, each of which take several minutes to develop and play out. With these melodies, We Lost the Sea are able to set a telling atmosphere; a brooding and slightly dissonant mood, that is similar to the music of Beware of Safety, Sleepstream and (the newer) Mono. The music on “Departure Songs” is traditional post-rock, but again the record is challenging in the sense that while talking about dangerous travels, We Lost the Sea venture into some uncertain territory as well.

Read the full review at arcticdrones.com 

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Aeneas "New Renaissance"


Country: Germany
Genre(s)Progressive Rock
FormatCD, digital
Release dateJuly 2015
Tracklist
1.   Overture
2.   Your Blood
3.   Fact Fact
4.   Hold Me Back
5.   So What
6.   Watch Me Now
7.   My Favourite Song
8.   No Remedy
9.   A Long Way Home

Line-up
Stefan Krause – Lead Vocals
Maxx Hertweck – Drums, Percussion
Ben Eifert – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Matthias Bergert – Keyboards, Orchestration, Backing Vocals
Giuseppe Puzzo – Bass

Description/Reviews
Aeneas are a five-piece band from Augsburg/Germany which combines rock music, electronica, and epic orchestral sounds – a unique style mix which has attracted many followers outside of Bavaria.
The band members are mainly influenced by modern rock groups such as Muse and Coldplay, but also by classic 70s prog acts such as Genesis and Yes. Moreover, they are huge fans of classical music and soundtracks and therefore they decided early on to integrate many orchestral elements. The results are absolutely stunning, not only because Aeneas are real masters in terms of arranging, but also because they are equally capable of writing radio-friendly songs as well as highly emotional longtracks.
Apart from that, Aeneas have proved numerous times that they can recreate their complex arrangements live on stage. Last but not least, Aeneas have an outstanding frontman: Stefan Krause (winner of the “German Rock & Pop Award 2009” in the category “Best singer”) has a distinctive voice which perfectly suits the different characters that he portrays.
Aeneas – this is Epic Rock for the new millennium. 
Media/Samples 
A Long Way Home
Also 4 tracks at band's website

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Godbless Thee, Mooseheart "The Prison, Pt. II"


Country: USA
Genre(s)Alternative, Progressive Rock, Post Rock, Black Metal
FormatCD, digital
Release dateJuly 21, 2015
Tracklist
1. Mountain Song (3:10)
2. Perdu (7:52)
3. La Foret Noire (8:32)
4. Molasses (3:30)
5. The Monster Overlooking Everything Else (7:41)
6. Bodies Of Water (3:41)
7. Through The Eyes Of The Suburbs (10:04)
8. The End (13:21)
9. Neptune (3:41)

Line-up
Brent Vallefuoco - Guitars, Vocals
John Klawitter - Drums
Bijan Marinescu - Guitars
Sam Meador - Keyboards

Description/Reviews
... the band borrows elements from a wide array of musical styles such as Post-rock, Shoegaze, Folk,  Midwestern Emo and even Metal within a progressive rock framework to deliver a distinct and eclectic sound carrying a strong sense of experimentation. After nearly 3 years since the previous full-length effort, The Prison, Pt.II continues and concludes the story that follows a boy as he grows up and learns to find his own path in life.
Read the full review at twoguysmetalreviews.com

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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Agusa "Två"


Country: Sweden
Genre(s)Instrumental Psychedelic, Retro Prog
LabelKommun2 (vinyl), The Laser’s Edge (CD, digital)
FormatCD, digital, vinyl
Release dateJuly 21, 2015 (vinyl), July 24, 2015 (CD, digital)
Tracklist
  1. Gånglåt från Vintergatan - 20:21
  2. Kung Bores Dans - 18:17
Line-up
Tobias Pettersson - Bass
Mikael Ödesjö - Guitar
Tim Wallander - Drums
Jonas Berge - Hammond Organ
Jenny Puertas – Flute

Description/Reviews
With almost forty minutes of new material, Agusa delivers a wide array of seamlessly executed, organic rock on the aptly titled Agusa 2. The band's tranquil output blends tripped out psychedelic and progressive rock structures. Two epic length tracks are inspired more by folk, occult influences, instillin visions of nature, the cosmos, and dreamlike passages, meandering into realms of a possibly supernatural or parallel existence. While not a fully instrumental recording, backing vocal mantras only seep in through purposeful cracks in the construction of these immense movements, adding an even more spacious feel to the overall flow of the album. 
Media/Samples
Bandcamp

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Monday, July 20, 2015

Sea Vine "Król i Królowa"


Country: Poland
Genre(s)Progressive Rock, Electronica, Jazz
FormatCD, digital
Release dateJuly 20, 2015 (CD)
Tracklist
  1. Transformacja - 09:34
  2. Mind Confusion - 03:43
  3. Modliszka - 05:35
  4. Król i Królowa - 07:15
  5. Pamięć w kamień wrasta (SBB) - 13:06
Line-up
Michał Cywiński – keyboards
Milena Szymańska – vocals
Wojciech Warmijak – drums

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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Sunday, July 19, 2015

Handwrist "Antifragility"


Country: Portugal
Genre(s)Fusion
Formatdigital
Release dateJuly 19, 2015
Tracklist
  1. Antifragility I 05:20
  2. Antifragility II 03:09
  3. Antifragility III 03:39
  4. Antifragility IV 03:55
  5. Antifragility V 04:11
  6. Innervision I 06:08
  7. Innervision II 02:18
  8. Innervision III 05:47
  9. Innervision IV 04:55
  10. Innervision V 03:40
  11. Dreamsequence I 03:44
  12. Dreamsequence II 07:11
  13. Dreamsequence III 04:59
  14. Dreamsequence IV 06:00
  15. Dreamsequence V 06:00
Line-up
Rui Botelho Rodrigues - everything

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp (name your price)

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Saturday, July 18, 2015

Cosmic Ground "Cosmic Ground 2"


Country: Germany
Genre(s)Electronica, Ambient
FormatCD, digital, vinyl
Release dateJuly 18, 2015 (digital), August 3, 2015 (CD), September 2015 (vinyl)
Tracklist
  1. sol 19:23
  2. ngc 224 18:40
  3. organia 19:43
  4. altair 20:09
Line-up
Dirk Jan Müller (Electric Orange) keyboards

Description/Reviews
More 70s dark psychedelic analogue sequenced electronic music. 

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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Tim Bowness "Stupid Things That Mean The World"


Country: UK
Genre(s)Art Rock
LabelInsideOut
Formatvinyl, CD
Release dateJuly 17, 2015
Tracklist
  1. The Great Electric Teenage Dream - 3.58
  2. Sing To Me - 5.46
  3. Where You've Always Been - 4.07
  4. Stupid Things That Mean The World - 3.05
  5. Know That You Were Loved - 6.44
  6. Press Reset - 3.54
  7. All These Escapes - 3.06
  8. Everything You're Not - 3.40
  9. Everything But You - 1.12
  10. Soft William - 1.40
  11. At The End Of The Holiday - 4.58
Line-up
Tim Bowness (No-Man, Henry Fool): vocals
Stephen Bennett: keyboards
Michael Bearpark: guitar
Andrew Booker (Sanguine Hum): drums
Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree): bass
    With:
Peter Hammill (VDGG)
Phil Manzanera (Roxy Music)
Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson)
Anna Phoebe (King Crimson)
David Rhodes (Peter Gabriel, Random Hold)
Rhys Marsh (Kaukasus, Mandala, Opium Cartel)
Bruce Soord (The Pineapple Thief): guitar

Description/Reviews
Stupid Things That Mean The World displays much more variety than its predecessor. A case in point is album opener The Great Electric Teenage Dream, a powerful, aggressive early 70s Bowie-esque piece driven by dirty guitars (courtesy of Bruce Soord and Michael Bearpark) and thumping drums from Sanguine Hum‘s Andrew Booker and Pat Mastelotto from King Crimson.
Sing To Me evolved from a 20 year old previously unreleased no-man song, with Bowness adding new lyrics and an expanded arrangement. Hazy violin lines from Anna Phoebe flit amongst the performances delivered by the regular Bowness band of Stephen Bennett, Colin Edwin, Michael Bearpark and Andrew Booker.
Read the full review at musicshack.wordpress.com

Media/Samples 
The Great Electric Teenage Dream
Press Reset
Sing To Me

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Friday, July 17, 2015

Gizmo "Marlowe's Children, Pt. 1: The Innocence"


Country: UK
Genre(s)Progressive Rock
LabelCanterbury Records
FormatCD, digital, vinyl
Release date: July 17, 2015 (CD), July 31, 2015 (digital)
Tracklist
  1. You've Gotta Listen to Your Heart
  2. Excerpt from Marlowe's Children / How Did That Tune Go
  3. Childs Play
  4. The Innocence #1 / Jack Be Nimble
  5. Merry Go Round
  6. Another Kind of Gone
  7. Almost There
  8. Kelly's In Love
  9. The Innocence #2
  10. If You Could Only See
  11. Marlowe's Children
  12. Childs Play (Classical Guitar Version)
  13. End of Part One
  14. Remember When We Were Young
Line-up
Dave Radford - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Brian Gould - Keyboards
Alex Powley - Bass Guitar
Tony Rico - Sax, Flute
Grant Matcham - Keyboards, Vocals
Steve Wyse - Drums, Percussion

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Octopie "The Adventure of Harry and Walrus Kane"


Country: Finland
Genre(s)Progressive Rock
LabelKhatru Music
FormatCD, digital
Release dateJuly 17, 2015
Tracklist
1. I Am the Walrus (6:57)
2. A Theme from the Past (2:07)
3. Into the Vortex (5:20)
4. Lazy Saturday (3:16)
5. Disco Pirates (3:58)
6. Inside the Whale (2:43)
7. Blastoff (4:17)
8. Child Planet (4:07)
9. A Hymn for the Lonely People (2:23)
10. Dancing Light (3:20)
11. Universe (1:53)
12. The Walrus State of Mind (2:24)
13. A Theme for the Future (2:39)

Line-up
Tom Tamlander - lead vocals, bass, flute
Visa Kivisaari - drums, backing vocals
Jere Lehtomaa - guitars, backing vocals
Axel Thesleff - keyboards, backing vocals
   With
Tommi Jalo - trumpet
Sauli Heino - trumpet
Heikki Vesala - trombone
Henri Pitkänen - saxophones
Antti Poutanen - cello
Petrus Laitinmäki - violin, viola

Description/Reviews
A story about a man who falls asleep and sees an adventurous dream that lets him reconnect with the child within him.

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp
Teaser

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Winterblind "Ya Mashina"


Country: Belgium
Genre(s)Progressive Black Metal
Formatdigital
Release dateJuly 16, 2015
Tracklist
  1. Sol - 05:35
  2. Fixation on Prosthetics - 06:46
  3. N§ov&ùQ4 - 00:24
  4. Genetic Algorithm - 04:12
  5. Moth - 06:48
  6. a Dagger Is an Operator - 04:17
  7. Quine - 01:08
  8. Organic Entanglement - 08:08
  9. Last Breath of a Dying Astronaut - 02:39
Line-up
Nathaniel Mon Père - Guitar
Benjamin Mon Père - Percussion
Yoni Thys - Guitar
Fabian Villaroel Benitez - Vocals
Jan Kennes - Bass
    With
Peter Van Echelpoel - Trumpet
Jolien Van De Sande - Saxophone

Description/Reviews
Some wildly inventive (but very low-fi) metal with some crazy off-kilter rhythms and guitar work that is long on attitude and mad inventiveness. Some very avant-guard piano work at times which is just so damn cool!) King Crimson just HAS to be a reference point for this excellent band! (progmetalzone.com)
Media/Samples 
Bandcamp (name your price)

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