Candacraig "Lit By Lightning"

Country: UK
Genre(s): Art Rock
Format: CD, digital
Release date: February 23, 2024
Tracklist

1. Gliding Pt 1 (2:48) 

2. Gliding Pt 2 (5:01) 

3. Last Transmission (5:50) 

4. Ash Tree (2:59) 

5. Autumn In New York (3:38) 

6. St Georges Day (3:59) 

7. Electric Meat (3:47) 

8. Hero Of Barnsdale (3:09) 

9. Crow Harvest (5:27) 

10. Fortune Favours The Brave (6:45) 

Total Time 43:23

Credits
Sharon Cannings and Martin Nicholls

Description/Reviews:

 I wouldn’t call it progressive “rock”, as it is quite reserved for the most part.  It has folk character, but it’s not really folk music, either.  You could call it experimental or progressive to some degree, but it also shares DNA with 70s soft rock.  It’s almost like Renaissance and Fleetwood Mac had a baby, and they named it Pink Floyd.  The guitar work is mostly acoustic, but electric guitars are brought in for effect and for some truly great solos.  Sharon’s vocals are golden and passionate, and many of the songs hover upon her vocal exercises before slowly and surely adding layers until, before you even realize it, the song has become a flowing river of melody and various colorful sparks. 

Read the full review by Jason Spencer at theprogmind.com

Media/Samples
Bandcamp

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Haven of Echoes "Memento Vivere"

Country: Germany/UK 
Genre(s): Progressive Rock
Label: Construction Records
Format: CD, digital,vinyl
Release date: September 20, 2024
Tracklist

1. Non Sum - Non Curo (17:02)

2. Ad Infinitum (8:44)

3. It Walks Among Us (14:02)

4. Assimilation (8:14)

Total Time 48:02

Credits

Paul Sadler (Spires): all vocals, guitars

Nerissa Schwarz (Frequency Drift): electric harp, keys

Wolfgang Ostermann (Frequency Drift): drums

Andreas Hack (Frequency Drift): all other instruments

Lyrics, vocal lines and guitar parts by Paul Sadler

Music written, arranged and produced by Andreas Hack

except (2) by Nerissa Schwarz

Description/Reviews:

 It is an album that pushes stylistically further in all directions than its predecessor. Bolder, overtly progressive songwriting is combined with a more pronounced virtuosity, yet it never loses the accessible elements that made the first album such a critical and artistic success.

Once again, Andreas’ former bandmate, electric harpist Nerissa Schwarz enriches the music with a wide range of sounds, from eerie ambient soundscapes to energetic outbursts. Lyrically the album deals primarily with the theme of impermanence and the way in which we are all affected by the knowledge of our own mortality. All these elements are combined in a unique cinematic, gothic and truly progressive album, that despite its musical complexities remains relatable and honest, and will linger in the listener’s mind long after the music stops.

Media/Samples
Bandcamp

Assimilation

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Voyag3r "Killer Kabbage" (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Country: USA
Genre(s): Instrumental Progressive Rock
Format: CD, digital, cassette
Release date: July 19, 2024
Tracklist

1. March of The Kabbage Heads

2. Origins of Kabbage

3. Smaller Barter Town / Titor’s Mission

4. Escape The Wasteland Marauders

5. Enter The Base / The Wormhole Device

6. Arrival to 2024

7. Garden of Eatin’

8. Security Footage / Meeting Cole S. Babbage

9. Wilson and Willyson

10. Discovery in the Science Lab

11. Catholic Clown College Massacre

12. Kabbage Heads Attack

13. Scooter Chase

14. Drinks and Conspiracies

15. Trail of Kabbage

16. Warehouse Fight

17. Giant Ass Kabbage / Worst of Both Worlds

18. Against The Killer Kabbage

Credits

Steve Greene - Synthesizers

Greg Mastin - Drums, Percussion, Electronic Drums

Aaron Greene - Guitars, Vocals

Produced by Steve Greene

All songs Composed and Performed by Voyag3r

Recorded at the Battle Chamber

Engineered, Mixed and Mastered by Steve Greene

Artwork by Suspiria Vilchez

Graphic Design by Steve Greene

Media/Samples
Bandcamp
Trailer 

Links:
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Focus "Focus 12"

Country: Netherlands
Genre(s): Symphonic
Label: Spirit of Unicorn Music
Format: CD, digital, vinyl 
Release date: July 5, 2024
Tracklist

01. Fjord Focus (4:24)

02. Focus 13 (5:09)

03. Bela (4:08)

04. Meta Indefinita (4:36)

05. All Aboard (4:31)

06. Born To Be You (1:48)

07. Nura (3:57)

08. Bowie (3:24)

09. Positano (3:28)

10. Gaia (4:16)

Total Time – 39:40

Credits

Thijs van Leer - keyboards, flute

Pierre Van Der Linden -  drums

Menno Gootjes - guitars

Udo Pannekeet - bass

Produced by Udo Pannekeet and Menno Gootjes at Wisseloord Studios and Wedgeview Studios, Netherlands

Artwork by Roger Dean

Description/Reviews:

...there’s no confusion about the music, which channels the band’s classic 1970s sound – 10 powerful and melodic instrumentals packed full of electric guitar pyrotechnics, swelling Hammond organ, nimble piano and trademark flute. Sadly, there is no yodelling but, on the plus side, band founder Thijs van Leer has refrained from indulging in the groaning vocals that marred one of the tracks on the previous album.

Read the full review by  Kevan Furbank at theprogressiveaspect.net

Media/Samples
Fjord Focus

Links:

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Isle of the Cross "Faustus The Musical"

Country: USA
Genre(s): Progressive Metal Opera
Label: Rockshots Records
Format: CD, digital
Release date: July 5, 2024
Tracklist

1. Prologue (1:02) 

2. Wittenberg 1587 (1:59) 

3. Metaphysics Of Magicians (5:43) 

4. The Divine Apostate (7:41) 

5. Blood Oath (4:36) 

6. Immortal Kiss (4:11) 

7. Coven Of Wittenberg (1:57) 

8. Hourglass (5:24) 

9. Ghost At The Feast (5:20) 

10. Dragons Astralis (5:45) 

11. Candlelight Contemplation (2:49) 

12. Eleven's Hour (7:48) 

13. 1200 (1:09) 

14. Epilogue (2:47) 

Total Time 58:11

Credits

Je Schneider: Production, Composition, Piano, Various instruments, Lyrics, Vocals: Evil Angel/Friars

Eric Gillette (Neal Morse): Guitar

Daniel de Jöngh - Lead Vocals: Faustus

Diane Lee - Vocals: Good Angel

Charles Elliott - Vocals: Lucifer

Matthieu Romarin - Vocals: Mephistopheles

Angela Di Vincenzo - Vocals: Helen

Amrit Sandhu - Vocals: Narrator

Mixing/Mastering by Joost van den Broek

Artwork by Theopisti Tiftikoglou

Description/Reviews:

"Faustus the Musical" is a metal opera based on the epic 16th century saga “Doctor Faustus” by Christopher Marlowe. Engaging compositions and a strong vocal delivery by the cast sends the listener on an exciting journey. From the symphonic to the brutal, the entirety of the album is impeccably mixed and mastered by the renowned Joost van den Broek. 

Their sound could be easily described as engaging, unique, melodic, cinematic and strong at the same time. Je Schneider is the mastermind of this project but the line up is complete with musicians like Eric Gilette, Daniel de Jöngh, Diane Lee to name a few. 

Since the beginning of their career / their first album the sound of the band has been developed a lot, it’s more mature now with much more emphasis on a more cohesive and better sound than the previous one. The sound of the band is influenced by bands like Textures, Persefone, Ayreon, Avantasia. 

Media/Samples
Ghost At The Feast
Immortal Kiss

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Kick The Giant "Presence"

Country: Finland
Genre(s): Progressive Rock/Metal
Label: Inverse Records
Format: CD,digital
Release date: July 5, 2024
Tracklist

1. Presence 

2. Statement

3. Out Of Time

4. Overture

5. Damned Or Divine

6. Stop Signs

7. Distant Memories

8. Mountain Of Nothing

Credits

Tony Hentilä - Guitar & Vocals

Oskar Ketola - Keyboards & Vocals

Lauri Aho - Bass & Backing Vocals

Emilio Jones - Drums, Percussions & Backing Vocals

Mixed by Santtu Lehtiniemi

Mastered by Svante Forsbäck

Album cover by Olli Hyvärinen 

Media/Samples
Bandcamp
Out of Time

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Trojka "Strobemørket"

Country: Norway
Genre(s): Progressive Rock/Pop
Label: Apollon Records
Format: CD, digital, vinyl
Release date: August 16, 2024
Tracklist

1. Aldri/ Alltid (4:13) 

2. Parasitt (6:36) 

3. Romvesen (6:44) 

4. Hjerteteppe (5:43) 

5. En Smak Av Evighet (6:01) 

6. Strobemørke (5:06) 

7. Satans Disko (12:15) 

Total Time 46:38

Credits
Gjert Hermansen: drums, percussion, vocals
August Riise: keys and synths
Simon Kverneng: bass, voсals 
Fredrik Mekki Widerøe (Seven Impale, Cloud People): guitar, vocals

Description/Reviews:

“Strobemørke” sees Trojka venturing even further into their own unique world of prog pop. The compositions and soundscapes have grown ever more mature and dynamic, also frequently featuring strings, saxophone, flute and other instruments. The record spans from intense, heavy and psychedelic outbursts to more tender ballad-like moments. With “Strobemørke”, Trojka once again aims to create music at the perfect intersection of complex and catchy, melodic and mind-boggling – having a fantastic time while doing so.

Media/Samples
Bandcamp

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Harpazo "The Crucible"

Country: Multinational
Genre(s): Progressive Metal/Rock Opera
Label: Rockshots Records
Format: CD,digital
Release date: June 28, 2024 (Europe), July 5, 2024 (USA)
Tracklist

1 Ichor - 04:22

2 Legion Program - 01:06

3 I Am God - 03:50

4 Golden Crown - 08:11

5 The Crucible - 08:08

6 Two Witnesses - 10:11

7 Change Of Heart Pt. 1 - 08:04

8 Ultimatum - 03:26

9 We Are Weak - 02:18

10 Small Price To Pay - 03:55

11 Change of Heart, Pt. 2 - 09:22

12 The Book of Life - 08:01

Credits
Marc Centanni - Additional Electric Guitars, Drums and Keys

Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery) - Lead Guitars, Bass, Keys, Piano, Drums, Vocals as Jude Solomon
   With

DC Cooper (Royal Hunt) - Vocals  as Michael Lightborne

Mark Zonder (Fates Warning, Warlord) -  Drums (1,4,5,12)

Les Carlsen (Bloodgood)  - Vocals as “The Stranger”

Rey Parra (Deny the Fallen, Sacred Warrior)  - Vocals as Moses

Christian Liljegren (Narnia)  - Vocals as Casimir Agnus

Michael Drive Lee (Barren Cross, Worldview)  - Vocals  as “Pope John”

Niklas Kahl (Lord of the Lost, Flaming Row) -  Drums (3,7)

Lee Lemperle (Outside the Wall) - Vocals as Princess Relena

Jennifer Eckhart (Jennifer K Eckhart & Stained Glass Road) - Vocals as Ellie

Stephanie Morykin - Violins

Gary Bredbenner - Trombones

Joe Stone - Guitar Solo #2 on “Golden Crown” 

Bruno Sa - Keyboard solo on“Change of Heart Pt. 2”  

Backing Vocals: Gary, Marc, John Zadeh, Gabriel Wehrkamp, Matthew O’Connell, Jim Roberti,

Rick Fisher.

Additional Vocals on “Golden Crown” by Enzo Donnarumma, Nicole Donnarumma, Gabriele

Donnarumma, Mariacarmen Barbato, Namid, Mr. Jack, Amelia Cuomo, Valerio Graziano,

Tommaso Naclerio, Claudia Coticeilli, Chiara Tarantino, Imma Losano, Emanuela Vitiello, Anna

Cuomo, Giuseppe D'Auria. Arranged by Enzo and recorded at Donnarumma Studios, Naples,

Italy.

Extra Vocals on “Book of Life” by Brendt Allman

Acting and Spoken Parts by: Marc, Gary and Ian McClain

Album Artwork / logo by Dusan Markovic

Lyrics and Story by Marc Centanni

Music by Gary Wehrkamp

Recorded at New Horizon Music Studios

Lead Producer: Gary Wehrkamp

Mixed by Gary Wehrkamp at New Horizon Music Studios

Mastered by CJ Grimmark at Lighthouse Mastering

Description/Reviews:

Featuring elements of progressive/power metal with symphonic / industrial undertones and a hint of Celtic influence, "The Crucible" delivers four epic tracks, each over 8 minutes long. The music has been meticulously planned to complement the lyrics and story resulting in an amazing sonic experience.

Described as "Armageddon Metal," the sound of Harpazo is both powerful and symphonic, with industrial nuances adding depth to the compositions. Drawing inspiration from classic progressive metal rock operas of the 90s and 2000s, "The Crucible" offers a modernized take on the genre.

Media/Samples
I Am God

Ichor  

Streams

  
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Shumaun "Opposing Mirrors"

Country: USA
Genre(s): Progressive Rock/Metal
Format: CD, digital 
Release date: June 28, 2024
Tracklist

1. The Perils of Amnesia (8:06)

2. Balance (6:00)

3. Opposing Mirrors (4:26)

4. Anxiety and Daydreams (6:00)

5. That Which Turns (4:54)

6. Beyond Reflection (6:28)

7. Some Memories 4:10)

8. Porcelain Trees (9:26)

Credits

Farhad Hossain - Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Drums (2)

Jose Mora - Bass

Tyler Kim - Guitars

   With

Thomas Lang (Peter Gabriel, Paul Gilbert) - Drums ( 1, 3, 8)

Marco Minnemann  (Steven Wilson, The Aristocrats, Mike Keneally) - Drums (4, 7)

Leo Margarit (Pain of Salvation) - Drums (5, 6)

Media/Samples
Bandcamp

Links:
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Entity "Il naufragio della speranza"

Country: Italy
Genre(s): Symphonic
Label: M.P. & Records
Format: CD, digital
Release date: June 24, 2024
Tracklist

1. Derealizzazione (9:05)

2. Inettitudine (9:06)

3. Cristallo (6:27)

4. Osservatorio (7:48)

5. Fuori dalla realtà (1:22)

6. Risveglio - Tango (4:57)

7. Risveglio - Fuga (2:31)

8. Un volto senza nome (1:39)

9. The Enigma (5:36)

10. E sarà domani (2:17)

Total Time 50:53

Credits

Mauro Mulas: keyboards and percussions

Gianluigi Longu: bass

Marcello Panzino: drums

Marcello Mulas: guitars

Sergio Calafiura: vocals

Produced by Mauro Mulas and Vannuccio Zanella

Artwork and graphics by OndemediE

Media/Samples
Deezer     
Spotify

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