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Monday, March 31, 2014

Element V "Element V"


Country: France
Sub GenreProgressive Rock/Metal
LabelQuadrifonic
Release date March 31, 2014
Tracklist
1 Alive  - 3’59
2 Le cri des homes - 9’32
3 Jeunesse.com  -  5’15
4 Instrumentalisation -  3’48
5 “je” de miroirs -  9’06
6 Vengeance -  6’56
7 Solitaire -  4’36
8 L’or noir - 11’43

Line-up
David Zmysloswski (ex Nemo) - Vocals & Guitar
Adrian Pedemonte - Guitar
Mickaël Glaize - Bass
Thomas Batier - Drums

Description/Reviews
The result of this meeting is a music affected by a broad and varied influence inspired by many artists, from Deep Purple to Dream Theater, including more typically progressive bands such as Spock's Beard.
Based on a progressive rock/metal basis, the versatility of the band allows it to borrow from a myriad of styles such as fusion jazz, funk, or even classical symphonies in order to immerse their audience into enchanting ambiances and atmospheres.

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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La Fe "No soy de este mundo"


Country: Chile
Sub GenreHard Rock, Retro Prog
LabelMylodon Records
Release date: March 2014
Tracklist
1. Una Venda en el Corazón
2. Placebo Espiritual
3. Ya no Habrá Tiempos Mejores
4. Tu Creación
5. Inquietudes
6. Baguala de La Muerte
7. Basura Espirutual
8. No Soy de Este Mundo
9. Transformación

Line-up
Andrés Conejera: lead guitar
Luis Alvarez: rhythm guitar
Felipe Gálvez: bass
Leandro Leal: drums
Francisco Conejera: vocals, keyboards
   With
Mario Mutis (Los Jaivas): wind instruments and percussion (5), bombo legüero (6)
Rodrigo Fuentealba (Aequo): violin (1)

Description/Reviews
Christian Hard Progressive with a 70's vein

Media/Samples 
Una Venda en el Corazón
No Soy de Este Mundo

Links:
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ProgArchives

Lacuna Coil "Broken Crown Halo"


Country: Italy
Sub GenreProgressive Metal
LabelCentury Media
Release dateMarch 31, 2014 (Europe, Australia, New Zealand), April 1, 2014 (North America)
Tracklist
  1. Nothing Stands In Our Way
  2. Zombies
  3. Hostage To The Light
  4. Victims
  5. Die & Rise
  6. I Forgive (But I Won't Forget Your Name)
  7. Cybersleep
  8. Infection
  9. I Burn In You
  10. In The End I Feel Alive
  11. On Cold Day
Line-up
Cristiano "Criz" Mozzati - drums
Marco "Maki" Coti-Zelati - bass
Andrea Ferro - vocals
Cristina Scabbia - vocals
Marco "Maus" Biazzi - guitar
Cristiano "Pizza" Migliore - guitar

Panic Layer "Black Coffins"


Country: France
Sub GenreProgressive Thrash Metal
Release dateMarch 31, 2014
Tracklist
  1. Incarnation 05:44 
  2. Undertaken 03:54 
  3. Dark Bossa 07:03 
  4. Black Coffins 06:47 
  5. Social Killing Grounds 04:50 
  6. Confined Into Eternity 04:53 
  7. Once Upon a Mortuary 07:01 
Line-up
Eddy Raboteau - Guitar
Maël Alexandre - Drums
Joran Martinière - Bass, Vocals

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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Eyes & No Eyes "Eyes & No Eyes"


Country: UK
Sub GenreFolk, Psychedelic, Alternative
LabelWillkommen Records
Release dateMarch 31, 2014
Tracklist
  1. Breathe In
  2. Autocrat
  3. Hidden Thieves
  4. Idiot Icarus
  5. Rust
  6. Old Crow
  7. Blackwaterside
  8. The Drowned World
Line-up
Tristram Bawtree - Vocals, Guitar
Becca Mears - Cello
Tom Heather - Drums
Marcus Hamblett - Bass
   With
Gemma 'Woodpecker' Williams contributed noise to tracks 1, 3 & 5

Media/Samples 
The Drowned World
Hidden Thieves

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Matt Stevens "Lucid"


Country: UK
Sub GenreProgressive Rock
LabelEsoteric Antenna
Release dateMarch 31, 2014
Tracklist
1. Oxymoron
2. Flow
3. Unsettled
4. The Other Side
5. The Ascent
6. Coulrophobia
7. Lucid
8. KEA
9. Street and Circus
10. The Bridge
11. A Boy

Line-up
Matt Stevens (Fierce and The Dead): guitars
   with
Pat Mastelotto (King Crimson): drums
Stuart Marshall (Fierce And The Dead): drums
Lorenzo Feliciati (Naked Truth): bass
Charlie Cawood (Knifeworld): bass
Kev Feazey: bass
Jem Godfrey (Frost): keyboards
Emmett Elvin (Chrome Hoof / Guapo): keyboards
Chrissie Caulfield (Helicopter Quartet / Crippled Black Phoenix): violin
Jon Hart: vibe
Nicholas Wyatt Duke (Trojan Horse): spoken word

Description/Reviews
Speaking about his new album Matt states; “Lucid took three years as I really wanted to make this one a significant step up from the previous albums. It’s inspired by a bit of a dark time, but hopefully it’s an uplifting record. It’s a record that reflects my love of Jesu and Celtic Frost as much as the Mahavishnu Orchestra and King Crimson or even Peter Gabriel and I’m really proud of it. If you’re not going to take risks and try and do something interesting what’s the point?”
As befits this most unique musician, “Lucid” is a carefully crafted work, and one that is surely to be one of the Progressive Rock highlights of 2014.

Media/Samples
The Bridge

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Proggnosis

The Gift "Land Of Shadows"


Country: UK
Sub GenreSymphonic
LabelBad Elephant Music
Release dateMarch 31, 2014 (Digital), May 5, 2014 (CD) 
Tracklist
  1. I Sing Of Change (1:04)
  2. The Willows (12:00)
  3. Road Runs On 'Til Morning (7:04)
  4. Walk Into The Water (6:19)
  5. Too Many Hands (5:12)
  6. You Are The Song (4:17)
  7. The Comforting Cold (19:39)
  8. As (1:19)
Line-up
Mike Morton - vocals, keyboards, 12 string guitar, flute
David Lloyd - electric and acoustic guitars, bass, keyboards
Joseph Morton - drums and percussion
  With
Andy Coombe - piano on 'You Are The Song'
Andre Lewis - backing vocals on 'The Comforting Cold'
James Fox - violin on 'The Comforting Cold'
Kurosh Davis - viola on 'The Comforting Cold'
Rebecca Jordan - cello on 'The Comforting Cold'
Anna and Evie Morton - girls' voices on 'The Willows'
Andrew Morton - voice on 'I Sing Of Change'

Description/Reviews
Their sophomore release will be born into a radically different musical landscape, which now embraces progressive rock in all its forms. Young and old ‘active audiates’ are soaking up all sorts of sounds ranging from the flutes and finesse of Tull to the intense attack of The Mars Volta.
Also read the review at ladyobscure.com

Media/Samples
Bandcamp (2 tracks online)

Links:
Web page
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ProgArchives
Proggnosis

Anasazi "1000 Yard Stare"


Country: France
Sub GenreProgressive Metal
Label: self-released
Release date: March 31, 2014
Tracklist
  1. Morning Overture - 0:22
  2. Drop Dead Silence - 5:57
  3. Ordinary Man - 6:57
  4. Under - 5:15
  5. One More Time - 5:05
  6. Legacy of Fools - 5:07
  7. Water's Edge - 5:24
  8. 1000 Yard Stare - 10:09
  9. Then - 4:21
  10. Underneath the Dirt - 6:22
  11. The River - 5:50
  12. Runaway - 7:54
  13. Mother - 4:54
Line-up
Mathieu Madani - guitars, voice, additional keyboards
Christophe Blanc-Tailleur - bass
Jean Rosset - drums
    With
Sebastien Garsia : guitar solo on 2, 3, 6, 10, 12
Delphine Polet : background vocal on 4, 8, 11, 13
Tristan Klein : guitar solo on 5
Fanny Coppey : cello on 13
Stephane Albanese : additionnal keyboards

Media/Samples 

FEM "Sulla bolla di Sapone"


Country: Italy
Sub GenreSymphonic
LabelFading Records
Release date: March 31,2014
Tracklist
1. Il giardino delle consuetudini
2. Microgen
3. Microgen parte 2
4. Il mondo bianco opaco
5. Consapevolezza
6. Incontro con i Saponiani
7. Nella città
8. Il signore dei pensanti
9. Processo alla verità
10. Riflessioni
11. Il peso della conoscenza
12. Un viaggio lungo un istante
13. Reviviscenza
14. Ritorno al giardino
15. E il mondo scoppierà

Line-up
Paolo Colombo - guitars, vocals
Alberto Citterio - keyboards, vocals
Marco Buzzi - bass, vocals
Emanuele Borsati - drums, vocals
Massimo Sabbatini - vocals

Description/Reviews
After their debut EP, FEM reaches its full maturity with a concept, a tale of imagination and symphonic prog-rock at its best. Their music starting from the classic 70s Italian Prog (PFM, Le Orme and above all Banco del Mutuo Soccorso) moves toward new and adventurous directions. The sound is rich of influences (progressive, fusion, classical music) but nevertheless distinctive, deeply introspective and emotional. The outstanding performance of the new singer, Massimo Sabbatini, emphasizes even more the above-mentioned features of the band.  “Sulla bolla di sapone” (“On the soap bubble”) is based on a story by the German writer Kurd Lasswitz.

Media/Samples 
Progstreaming


Links:
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ProgArchives
Proggnosis

The Dr. Joe Project "The Path"


Country: USA
Sub GenreProgressive Rock
Label: Toad Records
Release dateMarch 2014
Tracklist
1. The Path of Wood and Steel 7:14
2. Will You Love Me Tomorrow 7:02
3. Beacons 3:47
4. Fortuna Desperata 4:04
5. Saltarello 5:00
6. Azure Blue 3:05
7. Birth of the Sun 2:28
8. Triptych 7:39
9. Blind Eyes Closed 12:57

Line-up
Joe Baldassarre

Description/Reviews
An eclectic Progressive Rock collection featuring accessible songs with medieval, baroque and 20th-century techniques, and illustrative lyrics. Joe Baldassarre is a classical trained guitarist and doctor of music who spent many years as a studio musician and a lifetime gigging and concertizing. He does most of the vocals and 2/3 of the instrumental work, recruiting some help from his band, Subtle Force.

Media/Samples 
Samples

Links:
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Alex Carpani Band "4 Destinies"


Country: Italy
Sub GenreSymphonic
LabelFestival Music (F2)
Release date: March 31, 2014
Tracklist
  1. The Silk Road - 13:00
  2. Time Spiral - 13:32
  3. Sky And Sea - 14:04
  4. The Infinite Room - 14:18
Line-up
Alex Carpani - lead vocals and keyboards
David Jackson - saxes & flutes
Ettore Salati - acoustic & electric guitars
GB Giorgi - bass
Alessandro Di Caprio - drums
Joe Sal - additional vocals

John Bassett "Unearth"


Country: UK
Sub GenreAcoustic Progressive Rock
LabelStereohead Records
Release dateMarch 31, 2014
Tracklist
  1. Stay Away From The Dark 04:08
  2. Survival Rate 04:47
  3. Nothing Sacred 03:35
  4. Unearth 03:42
  5. Pantomime 05:42
  6. Kylerhea 04:41
  7. Tv Is God 03:44
  8. Keep Dear 04:04
  9. Something That's More Worthwhile 07:42
  10. Comedian 03:31
Line-up
John Bassett (KingBathmat) - Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Theremin, Drums
Nathan A Summers - Drums

Description/Reviews
The album promises to be a subtle, sophisticated album of modern acoustic songs, imbued with melancholic melodies with a progressive slant. The emotive songs of "Unearth" encompass and depict the dark substratum of modern life. Social engineering, existential contemplation, survivalism, childhood truama, love & despair and everything inbetween. 

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

Links:
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John Wesley "Disconnect"


Country: USA
Sub GenreProgressive Rock
LabelInsideOut
Release dateMarch 31, 2014
Tracklist
1. Disconnect
2. Any Old Saint
3. Once A Warrior
4. Window
5. Gets You Everytime
6. Mary Will
7. Take What You Need
8. How Goes The War
9. New Life Old Sweat
10.Satellite

Line-up
John Wesley (Porcupine Tree) - guitars, vocals
Dean Tidey - guitars
Mark Prator - drums
Patrick Bettison - bass
Geri X - backing vocals
  With
Alex Lifeson (Rush)- guitar on Once A Warrior

Census Of Hallucinations "The Nine"


Country: UK
Sub GenreSpace Rock, Psychedelic
LabelStone Premonitions
Release date: March 2014
Tracklist
1) Signature
2) The Emperor
3) Delivering The Goods
4) All About Harry
5) Cold As Trout
6) Timelessness
7) The Crunch
8) A Most Remarkable Number
9) The Truth Inverted

Line-up
Kevin Hodge - acoustic guitar
Tim Jones - lead & backing vocals
John Simms - guitar, guitar synth, keyboards, bass on end section of "Timelessness"
Mark Dunn - bass
Paddi - drums & percussion
Maxine Marten - backing vocals

Description/Reviews
Following Census of Hallucinations' recent Spirit of Yellow album which comprised reworkings of classic Stone Premonitions tracks comes this brand new album which focuses on the more overtly psychedelic side of the band's sound. Each track flows into the next without a break, providing a complete listening experience. As with the previous album, Census of Hallucinations are joined by guitarist John Simms, a veteran of the prog scene, who founded the band Clear Blue Sky who released albums on Vertigo in the 70s and are still active today.
Something That Affects All People is a mind-bending instrumental combining prog, cosmic synth effects, and dark experimental aspects. Only Time Will Tell is a song-based track that adds an atmospheric psychedelic touch to what would otherwise be a sort of reggae/synth-pop hybrid. Put the Head On effectively brings together heavy, forceful, and at times angular prog rock with ethereal spacey moments. The Unicorn is Coming adds synthesised harpsichord and flute to an atmospheric mix of prog, space and experimental music. Miracle is an intense mix of heavy 70s-ish blues-psych-rock, soul, and punk. As Within So Without (Slight Return) is a surreal, ethereal and evocative experimental soundscape.
The artwork is of a similarly high standard as the music, featuring a medieval-inspired font and an impressive stained glass-style unicorn painting by Justin Jackley. (bliss/aquamarine)

Media/Samples 
The Emperor
A Most Remarkable Number

Links:
Web page

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Nautilus "Nautilus"


Country: Argentina
Sub Genre: Instrumental Progressive Rock
Release dateMarch 30, 2014
Tracklist
  1. Arrecife 09:36
  2. El Náufrago 06:24
  3. Pantano 06:24
  4. Ciclotímico 05:54
  5. Sin regreso Pt. I 05:46
  6. El hombre que... 05:10
  7. Sin regreso Pt. II 13:28
Line-up
Nacho Sánchez - guitar
Juan Cruz Ludueña - bass
Gonza Criado - drums

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp (Free Download)


Saturday, March 29, 2014

Cratylik Gene Ohm "Cratylik Gene Ohm"


Country: France
Sub GenreProgressive Ethnic Rock/Metal
FormatCD, digital
Release dateMarch 29, 2014
Tracklist
  1. Dragon 08:05
  2. Jaya 06:01
  3. Just a Draw 15:16
  4. Cesare 04:16
  5. ElecOhm 04:50
  6. Paramètre S 06:00
  7. Fight the Dragon 13:37
Line-up
Antoine - drums
Sylvain - bass
Mathieu - guitar
100son - scratch, violin, samples

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

Links:
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The Good Hand "Atman"


Country: Netherlands
Sub GenrePsychedelic, Stoner
LabelMinstrel Music
Release date: March 29, 2014
Tracklist
01. Namaste (4:51)
02. Greenwich Mean Time (4:00)
03. Unity (3:58)
04. Truth (5:16)
05. The Opposite (5:20)
06. Enough Is Enough (3:56)
07. Introvert (5:58)
08. Toll (4:40)
09. Anthem (5:47)
10. Nature`s Will (4:06)
11. The Death Of The Real (4:20)
12. Atman (19:06)

Line-up
Dennis Edelenbosch - bass, piano, vocals
Arjan Hoekstra - guitar, vocals, tuba, piano, bouzouki, melodica, hitorgan, philicorda
Ingmar Regeling - drums, percussion, vocals

Description/Reviews
On their second album 'Atman' the band stretches the limits of their musical universe. With more musical skills and a production right on the spot, recorded and mixed, using an entirely analog process. Inevitable and infinite is their cosmic journey. Rooted in glorious rock history, but always their creative eye on the future. Their search has led to an unprecedented dynamic sound and colour. The catchy songs come straight from the heart and will touch you deep in your soul. Layer upon layer vocals, guitar, organ and many other instruments are added to the solid foundation of drums and bass. Compelling riffs and hypnotic grooves drag the space rock away from the mountain peaks and bring her down toward the fertile marshes in the valley of the acid blues. Twinkling psychedelia mixes with danceable exotica and pulsating krautrock whispers her love in the ear of the seductive pop song. Just listen to live audience favorite 'Death of the Real' or their magnum opus 'Atman', title song of the album, clocking on 20:10 minutes. The Good Hand will make you gasp for breath. Ahh well… if you really need references… might be some influences veering from Queens Of The Stone Age, Black Mountain, Amon Düül II, Uncle Acid & the Dead Beats to Hawkwind via Sabbath and even Radiohead. (justforkicks.de)

Media/Samples 
Progstreaming

Links:
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Proggnosis

Pingvinorkestern "Push"


Country: Sweden
Sub GenreProgressive Chamber Rock/Pop
Release dateMarch 29, 2014
Tracklist
  1. Madam Else's Genuine Flea Circus 03:33
  2. Who Are You? 04:08
  3. As Hard As They Come 05:22
  4. You Got A Light, Mac? 03:19
  5. In Too Deep 06:10
  6. Alfred the Clown And His Highly Trained Poodles 03:45
  7. Mood Swings 05:18
  8. No, But I've Got A Dark Brown Overcoat 02:08
  9. A Postcard From Copenhagen 03:27
  10. The First Light 05:32
  11. Creepy 01:44
  12. Me & the Wave 07:18
Line-up
Susanne "Suz" Johansson - Vocals, violin, percussion, flute, melodica, ukulele
Mats Fredriksson - guitars, vocals, percussion, ukulele
Micke Wall - guitars, ukulele
Stefan Dernbrant - percussion, flute, melodica, harmonica, ukulele
Johnny Svensson - bass, saw, ukulele

Description/Reviews
Pingvinorkestern plays poporiented postmodern chamber music with humoristic undertones.
Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

Links:
Web page
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Habitat "Utensilios y Artilugios"


Country: Argentina
Sub GenreProgressive Rock
Label: Self-released/Lizard Records
Release date: March 29, 2014
Tracklist
  1. Las Gárgolas (The Gargoyles)
  2. La persecución de la nave errante (The persecution of the wandering ship)
  3. Mujer-Medusa (Medusa-Woman)
  4. Las Hadas Negras (The Dark Fairies)
  5. Las runas (The runes)
  6. Tema para los campos exhaustos (Theme for the exhasuted fields)
  7. Las masas de agua (Water bodies)
  8. El hombre con Navidad en sus labios (The man with Christmas in his lips)
  9. ajr
  10. Pasaje a la Ciudad Oculta con Runas -Alpina- (Passage to the Hidden City with Runes)
  11. Utensilios y artilugios (Utensils and craftiness)
Line-up
Juan Guardia - drums, percussion
Romina Romay - keyboards
Enzo Casarella - electric guitar
Aldo Pinelli - vocals, bass, guitars, percussion

Kali Ma "The Devil Knows You're Dead!"


Country: USA
Sub GenreInstrumental Technical Progressive Metal
Release dateMarch 29, 2014
Tracklist
  1. Dewmqueef 02:35
  2. Chasing The Tail of Dogma 04:28
  3. Lost In Transmission 01:59
  4. Taking The Crown 04:16
  5. Bezárás 00:56
  6. Epimetheus 04:39
  7. Sibyl 01:04
  8. Boomslang 04:36
  9. Artificial Immunity 04:32
  10. Erebos 01:13
  11. Departed 06:37
  12. Perilymph Fistula 04:38
  13. The Devil Knows You're Dead! 06:40
  14. Penumbra 03:28
Line-up
Todd - Guitar
Roy - Guitar
Jay - Bass
Shawn - Drums
   With
Kaia Pazdersky - Violin on Bezárás

Description/Reviews
“Taking the Crown” is one example of the awesome build-ups Kali Ma creates in their songs.  They seamlessly transition from fist-pumping chugs to Gothenburg-esque arpeggios and then let go in an emotional bridge where a single-note guitar line sings over the fray — and then right back to the fist pumping.
Read the full review by Jessica May at alternativecontrolct.com

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

Links:
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Marshburn "Dreamseller"


Country: USA
Sub GenreAlternative, Experimental, Math Rock, Art Rock
Release dateMarch 29, 2014
Tracklist
01. Movement 1 : Greed for the Insignificant (10:45)
02. Movement 2: Fear of Uncertainty (12:56)
03. Movement 3: Man's Solution (10:12)
04. 1.1 Petrophile (0:45)
05. 1.2 S.A.D. (2:01)
06. 1.3 Lavender Tear (5:29)
07. 1.4 Codex (2:29)
08. [what never was] (1:09)
09. 2.1 Ciferim and the Everlasting Night (4:29)
10. 2.2 Temple of Ichabod (2:32)
11. 2.3 God Junkies (0:59)
12. 2.4 Lonely Lover's Ball (2:03)
13. [what is] (2:51)
14. 3.1 Decisions Decisions (2:31)
15. 3.2 Brass Winter (3:36)
16. 3.3 Realität, Ein Komatoser Zustand (1:36)
17. 3.4 Waking Up (1:37)
18. [what will never be] (0:51)

Line-up
Bill Ritter - Guitar, Synth, Fx, Percussion, Bass (track 18)
Shayan Sya - Vocals, Percussion, Drums (track 18)
Vince Hill - Bass, Vocals, Synth (track 18)
James Corsini - Drums

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp (name your price)

Links:
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Zoundworks "2014"


Country: Netherlands
Sub GenreSymphonic
Label: Self-released
Release date: March 28, 2014
Tracklist
1. First Flight - 3:31
2. What's That Zound ? - 3:05
3. Prelude To The Future - 2:32
4. The Last War - 4:14
5. Interlude - 4:19
6. Stressless - 3:10
7. Injustice - 2:45
8. Ao Amanhecer Na Floresta - 2:03
9. Second Flight (unplugged) - 1:45
10. Again - 3:17
11. Zoundwork Shuffle - 4:19
12. Early Bird Waltz -  2:37
13. The Hole -  3:55
14. Cantata -  3:26
15. Hot Summer Night Walk -  4:03
16. Last Flight -  2:28

Line-up
Erik de Beer (Life Line Project): flute, guitars, basses, keyboards, drums, lutes, mandolins, chitarrone & ukuleles
   With
Ankie Jansen: lead vocals track 7
Marion Brinkman (Life Line Project): lead vocals 13 & 14
Mieke Meijer & Heleen Vos: harmony vocals tracks 13 & 14

Description/Reviews
Solo-project of Life Line Project keyboardplayer/guitarist Erik de Beer. Zoundworks produced three demo-albums in the early eighties, on which all instruments were played by Erik de Beer. A number of Zoundworks songs has been recorded by Life Line Project, or has been covered by other bands. “2014” is Erik’s return to the Zoundworks project after 30 years. The new album contains a number of new compositions and new recordings of the best Zoundworks compositions of the original demo’s. The recordings have all been made without the use of midi or other computer support, so the sound on the album is fresh and alive. You get 16 tracks of dynamic and highly melodic, mainly instrumental compositions, displaying a pleasant and pulsating symphonic rock. 

Media/Samples 
First Flight
The Hole
The Last War
Hot Summer Night Walk

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Matria "Defying My World"


Country: Portugal
Sub GenreAlternative, Progressive Rock
Release dateMarch 28, 2014
Tracklist
  1. Sea of Pain 04:35
  2. Grace & Infinity 04:10
  3. Defying My World 03:13
  4. Schizo-Psycho-Phernia 03:47
  5. Beneath The Sin 04:26
  6. Everything's Broken 03:58
  7. Shattered Trust 04:23
  8. Transience 04:36
  9. Sleepless In Secrecy 04:29
  10. Face To Face 04:33
  11. Black Over Gold 06:15
Line-up
Rudy Martins - Vocals, Guitar
David Casenave - Guitar
Nuno Alves - Bass
André Fernandes - Drums

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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Friday, March 28, 2014

Anette Olzon "Shine"


Country: Sweden
Sub GenreProgressive Rock/Pop/Metal
LabelearMusic
Release dateMarch 28/31, 2014 (EU), April 8, 2014 (USA)
Tracklist
1. Like A Show
2. Shine
3. Floating
4. Lies
5. Invincible
6. Hear Me
7. Falling
8. Moving Away
9. One Million Faces
10. Watching Me From Afar

Line-up
Anette Olzon (ex-Nightwish)

Description/Reviews
Whether we can define "Shine" a metal album, rock, pop or "pop rock" what would be hard to miss is how strong the songs are and what an extraordinary album it is.
It exceptionally masters the borders between melancholy and hope, between fragility and power, because it showcases an artist who doesn't rest on her laurels but heads boldly into the future. 

Media/Samples 
Entire album online
Lies
Falling

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Elephants of Scotland "Execute and Breathe"


Country: USA
Sub GenreProgressive Rock
Release dateMarch 28, 2014
Tracklist
  1. A Different Machine 06:26
  2. The Other Room 04:39
  3. Amber Waves 08:13
  4. TFAY 05:08
  5. Boxless 04:49
  6. Endless (pt. 1) 03:53
  7. Endless (pt. 2) 07:42
  8. Mousetrap 06:58
Line-up
Dan MacDonald - bass and vocals (1, 7)
Ornan McLean - drums and percussion
Adam Rabin - synth and vocals (2, 3, 5, 6)
John Whyte - guitar and vocals (4, 8)

Description/Reviews
Elephants of Scotland return with another collection of progressive rock gems. As always the focus is on songwriting but this time with a much heavier and layered style.
Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

Links:
Web page
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Messenger "Illusory Blues"


Country: UK
Sub GenrePsychedelic, Prog Folk
LabelSvart Records
Release dateMarch 28, 2014 (March 31st in the UK)
Tracklist
  1. The Return - 5:57  
  2. Piscean Tide - 5:17  
  3. Dear Departure - 7:54  
  4. The Perpetual Glow of the Setting Sun - 5:56 
  5. Midnight - 8:53  
  6. Somniloquist - 5:15  
  7. Let the Light In - 6:12
Line-up
Khaled Lowe: Guitars, Vocals
Barnaby Maddick: Guitars, Vocals
Jaime Gomez Arellano: Drums, Percussion
Dan Knight: Guitars, Keyboards
James Leach: Bass

Description/Reviews
 Illusory Blues: a cosmic ode to the forces of nature and the inevitable cycle of life. To cite musical influences would be futile. The musicians had made their names with bands in scenes as far apart as hardcore punk, black metal, and ambient music. Tonally, one might recall finding oneself in the same "space" occupied by other architects of sound such as Ulver, The Beatles, Swans, or Pink Floyd. But the stream of sound that emanates from the source of Illusory Blues is a heaving mass of organic richness, brimmed with intricate sounds that acknowledge the original fathers of experimentation but look forward in creating something new and unique. They dwell equally in the earthly realm of folk music and in the celestial void of progressive psychedelia, but have chanced upon a sound and an experience that sounds like no other.
Also read the reviews by Phil Weller at planetmosh.com and by Ade Furniss at strangethingsarehappening.com

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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Diaphonic "Troy"


Country: Switzerland
Sub GenreProgressive Rock
Release dateMarch 28, 2014
Tracklist
  1. Nightrider  - 13:19
  2. Lost Idyll  - 4:41
  3. Tidy Duty  - 3:59
  4. Ithaka - 19:07
Line-up
Thomas Weeks - vocals
Bastien Waeny - guitar
Michael Zaradez - keyboards
Cyril Jeanneret - drums
Stéphane Felix - bass

Description/Reviews
Band's main influences are progressive music from the 70s and the Doors but since then they have incorporated various touches from many differing styles, and they like having the freedom to go in any direction they like. They also like working on their sounds and rhythms to make the music richer. Their singing style has a distinctive poetical and lyrical feel, using also imagery and narrative to describe the world around them.
Troy is Diaphonic's third CD of Diaphonic. It delves into a mythological world of tales and experiences influenced among other things by rock music from the 70s and progressive rock. 

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Minor Empires "Minor Empires"


Country: Spain
Sub GenrePost Rock
LabelRadix Records / Lar Gravacións
Release dateMarch 28, 2014
Tracklist
01. The Physics Of Light 01:01
02. Targets 04:11
03. Empty Rooms 03:16
04. The Story of Timothy Treadwell 04:01
05. Truth Seeker 04:01
06. Linsey 04:20
07. Echoes from Nowhere 01:26
08. Numbers 02:52
09. Drones 03:09
10. The Season 04:54

Line-up
Javier Seisdedos: Bass
Juan Blas : Vocals, Guitars
Miguel Peñas: Drums
Víctor García-Tapia: Guitars

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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Joni Teppo "Fall Into Darkness"


Country: Finland
Sub Genre: Instrumental Progressive Metal
Formatdigital
Release dateMarch 28, 2014
Tracklist
  1. Freezing Morning - 6:10
  2. In Lantern's Light - 7:16
  3. Darkening - 6:47
  4. Warm Snow on Cold Ground - 6:32
  5. Spirits - 5:59
  6. Along the Way - 8:15
  7. Fall into Darkness - 5:06
Line-up
Joni Teppo

Description/Reviews
 Wintersun influenced instrumental symphonic metal.

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp (name your price)

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Merkabah "Moloch"


Country: Poland
Sub Genre: Instrumental, Avant Prog, Psychedelic, Jazz, Progressive Metal
LabelInstant Classic
Release dateMarch 28, 2014
Tracklist
1. Reed Idol (6:22)
2. Hilasterion (12:16)
3. Hilasterion cont. (5:18)
4. The King (5:08)
5. Hymn (4:09)
6. Lille Vies Ager (6:25)
7. The grapes (...) are filling and growing heavy (6:47)
8. Ah! Ça Ira (4:15)

Line-up
Aleks - bass
Gabriel - guitar
Jacob - drums
Rafał - sax
Adrien - vj

Description/Reviews
Merkabah (from Poland) create avant-garde metal, but I don't like to call it instrumental because the saxophone speaks...we just don't understand the language. Moloch is an open-minded metal fan's heaven as it cooks a meal out of genres like post-hardcore, progressive rock, and jazz all thrown in the metal cauldron. This music can put you on the defensive with its unrelenting assaults and simultaneously puzzle you out of your own skin, so blatant it is in its weirdness.
Although Merkabah basically play the same thing for the whole duration of Moloch, the music is innovative enough not to require much variation from song to song. Each song is written with all the meticulousness of a sun-scorched penguin and the song structures would make the Lego masterpiece of a child-genius look like a roofless matchbox, but at the end of the day it's basically a proggy avant-metal kind of thing offering a lot of crazy saxophone. Regardless, it is damn enjoyable from start to finish. Maybe it's the lack of words that makes me not notice the transition between songs but I see Moloch as a whole, and I love every second of the thing.
(brutalprog.com)

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp (name your price)

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HateTyler "Vidia"


Country:  Italy
Sub GenreThrash, Progressive Metal
LabelSG Records
Release dateMarch 28, 2014
Tracklist
  1. Vidia 5:46
  2. Avoid Your Sin 4:56 
  3. Photograph 4:26 
  4. Listen To My Tragedy 5:46 
  5. Synapsis 4:42 
  6. Awaking The End 3:41 
  7. Lifenymph 4:18 
  8. Swallows And Crows 5:20 
  9. Make Me Stronger 5:27 
  10. D.D. 5:22
Line-up
Stefano Oliva - Vocals
Marco Pastorino - Lead Guitar & Vocals
Federico Maraucci - Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals
Luca Negro - Bass
Erik Gentile - Drums

Description/Reviews
Hatetyler in "Vidia" is movin' into the same modern metal/thrash paths as in their debut but with a crunchier production, a bigger sound and with better songs!! The sound is a bit updated, the melody is also here and the electro metal pinches are giving the extra flavor!! The opening tune of "Vidia" reminded me of Shotgun Messiah's "Violent New Breed" album but with more aggressive vocals and the necessary progressive 'touches'!! "Listen To My Tragedy" is my personal favorite from the new effort. A more straight forward rocker with a nice hook and chorus that stucks in your mind, a very good harmony and a great riff! A killer tune! "Awaking The End" is fast, heavy with a darker vibe while in "Make Me Stronger" we are dealing with a really huge mid-tempo song with an incredible melody and passionate performances! heavyparadise.blogspot.gr

Media/Samples 
Lifenymph

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Circle "Leviatan"


Country: Finland
Sub GenreKrautrock, Psychedelic
LabelEktro Records
Release dateMarch 28, 2014
Tracklist
1. Kuohu (6:14) 
2. Huone (5:21)
3.     Protectorate (6:30)
4. Post-Kapitalismus (3:47)
5. Rakeita (4:38)
6. Hiekkaristi (5:13)
7. Haavat (4:52)
8. Valley (5:44)
9. Viaton (3:42)
Line-up
Janne Westerlund
Jussi Lehtisalo
Tomi Leppänen
Julius Jääskeläinen
Pekka Jääskeläinen
Mika Rättö

Description/Reviews
Circle could release anything and it would not surprise me, they hammer out speed metal, kraut rock or even an experimental lo-fi endurance test without breaking sweat. This time they have gone for a more stripped-down affair, with no distortion and clean vocals. It’s almost like you’ve had one too many mushrooms at Glastonbury, got lost and ended up in the arse end of the hippy bit. It’s not as bad as it sounds and it's actually pretty awesome. As he rants something about "Death to society" over and over again, against repetitive guitar plucking, it becomes increasingly engaging. It’s really hard to make a comparison, but it’s maybe like early Ween with an occasional detour in the Finnish language. What’s not to like?
As with the other 645 Circle albums, the keyboards are more than prominent, which occasionally save it from being a bit too acoustic (a.k.a. boring), but together with the strong musicianship and song writing it really holds your attention. It even has its really beautiful moments like ‘Rakeita’, with hints of bands like Lemon Jelly or Air in the mix.\
 Read the full review by Richard Collins at echoesanddust.com

Media/Samples 
Huone
Post Kapitalismus

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Cró! "Pera"


Country: Spain
Sub GenreAlternative, Progressive Rock,
Release dateMarch 28, 2014
Tracklist
1.Worms [03:48]
2.Wilda [04:48]
3.Planetaka [03:41]
4.32 [03:31]
5.Cibercibs [04:13]
6.Caliope [03:56]
7.Mr. Kite [04:08]
8.Silbar de grifo [02:45]

Line-up
Borja Bernárdez - visuals
Cibrán Rey - drums, backing vocals
David Santos - bass, backing vocals
Rubén Abad - guitar, vocals
Xavier Nuñez - keyboards, vocals

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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Sabbath Assembly "Quaternity"


Country: USA
Sub GenreAcoustic, Prog Folk
LabelSvart Records
Release dateMarch 28, 2014
Tracklist
1. Let Us Who Mystically Represent...
2. The Burning Cross of Christ
3. Jehovah On Death
4. I, Satan
5. Lucifer
6. The Four Horsemen

Line-up
Jamie Myers: vocals
Dave “Xtian” Nuss: percussion
    With
Daron Beck: vocals
Kevin Hufnagel (Gorguts): guitar
Mat McNerney and Marja Kontinnen: reciting sacred texts
Jessika Kinney (Sunn 0)): liturgical chanting
Colin Marston: bass
“Nameless Void”: organ

Description/Reviews
Sabbath Assembly, the devotional brainchild of percussionist Dave “Xtian” Nuss based on the teachings of the controversial Process Church of the Final Judgment, is back with their third release Quaternity...Regardless, this is a beautiful and powerful release for the group. This is sacred folk music/metal that unites concepts of light and shadow into a concise worldview with an emphasis on being a well rounded person. Every Sabbath Assembly release has been simply stunning, but the newest record shifts styles and focuses on more acoustic based yet heavily layered compositions than the sort of retro sound of the previous two records.  12 string, cello, viola, acoustic bass, orchestra bells, gong, wind chime, timpani, and haunting vocals all make appearances in standout single “Jehovah on Death”, for example. Some of it almost sounds like less-obtuse Death In June meets early Genesis meets, I dunno, Fairport Convention.
Read the full review at metalriot.com

Media/Samples 
Jehovah on Death

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Flaming Row "Mirage - A Portrayal Of Figures"


Country: Germany
Sub GenreProgressive Metal
LabelProgressive Promotion Records
Release dateMarch 28, 2014
Tracklist
1. Mirage - A Portrayal Of Figures (Pt.1)
2. Aim L45
3. Burning Sky
4. Journey To The Afterlife
5. Alcatraz
6. Memento Mori
7. Pictures
8. In Appearance - A Portrayal Of Figures (Pt.2)

Line-up
Martin Schnella: guitars, bass, keyboards, vocals, percussion
Niklas Kahl: drums, percussion
Marek Arnold: keyboards, saxophone, clarinet, recorder
Kiri Geile: vocals
     With:
Jimmy Keegan (Spock's Beard): drums
Leo Margarit (Pain Of Salvation): drums
Max Dietzmann: drums
Lars Lehmann (U.F.O.): bass
Kristoffer Gildenlöw (Ex-Pain Of Salvation): bass
Dave Meros (Spock's Beard): bass
Arjen Anthony Lucassen (Ayreon / Star One): additional guitar solo
Diego Tejeida (Haken): keyboard solo
Tobias Reiss: piano
Ole Rausch: additional guitar solo
Stephan Wegner: guitar
Jens Kommnick: uillean pipes, whistles, cello, fiddle, mandoline
Eric Brenton (Neal Morse): violin, viola, string arrangement
Nathan Brenton (Neal Morse): cello, string arrangement
Gero Drnek: orchestra arrangement
Hauke Nies: marching drums, cajon, bongos
Rolf Wagels: bodhran
Gary Wehrkamp (Shadow Gallery): vocals, additional guitar- and synth solo
Brendt Allman (Shadow Gallery): vocals, additional guitar solo
Ted Leonard (Spock's Beard / Enchant): vocals
Magali Luyten (Ayreon / Beautiful Sin): vocals
Johan Hallgren (Ex-Pain Of Salvation): vocals
Simon Moskon: vocals
Lars Begerow: vocals
Michael Lowin: vocals
Anne Trautmann: vocals
Melanie Mau: vocals
Anja Hampe: vocals

Description/Reviews
The world is under siege by an alien force –The Minders. They have declared war on the earth because they know that the humans will soon destroy the “mighty equation” in space. Humanity has become intelligent and technologically advanced but lacks the imagination and wisdom to see the devastation they wreak. The Magistrate has decided to annihilate the entire human race before its greed and pursuit of power can reach beyond its own planet. They send devastating solar storms to snuff out all life on Earth. The last surviving human “elite” fight to liberate their world and vow to “turn over a new leaf.” But a brave soldier named John believes that they have a very different plan…

Media/Samples 
Progstreaming
Burning Sky

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