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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Proggnosis

Spires "A Parting Gift"

Country: UK
Genre(s): Progressive Metal/Rock, Death Metal
Format: CD, digital
Release date: September 28, 2018
Tracklist: 
1. In Black Ravines (7:24)
2. The Court Of Clashing Skies (10:44)
3. The Seer (11:35)
4. A Parting Gift (6:06)
5. Seed Of Dionysus (10:04)
6. Etchings In The Emptiness (17:14)

Total Time 63:07

Line-up: 
Paul Sadler - Vocals, lead, rhythm and acoustic guitars, keyboards
Dan White - Lead and rhythm guitars
Alex Jolley - Fretless Bass
Zac Oneil - Drums

Description/Reviews: 

The influences are very evident on this release. With The Seer standing out as showing their respect to the legends of progressive metal, specifically Opeth (think Ghost Reveries, but from the UK) and Emperor. An all-round outstanding track (complete with a stunning guitar solo) that really showcases the influences, and the writing skill of the band, with every member shining on it.
In contrast, the title track A Parting Gift has more of a traditional prog rock sound to it, with elements of it reminding me of King Crimson and Porcupine Tree. Soft acoustic passages, crescendos in all the right places and soaring vocals are laid out for you here.

Read the full review by Calum Gibson at dprp.net

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

Links:
Web page
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Progarchives
Proggnosis

Spires "The Whisperer"

Country: UK
Sub Genre: Progressive Death Metal
Format: CD, digital
Release date: November 10, 2014
Tracklist: 

1. Ethereal Organisms 14:05
2. At His Behest 06:09
3. Surrogate 02:43
4. Primal Revelation 06:28
5. The Fevered Spirit 11:08
6. Elsewhere 04:27
7. The Whisperer 20:57

Line-up: 
Paul Sadler - Vocals, lead, rhythm, acoustic and classical guitars, keyboards
Richard Corrie - Lead and rhythm guitars
Alex Jolley - Fretless bass
Chris Barnard - Drums
    With
Tymon Kruidenier (Exivious / ex Cynic) - guitar solo on track 7 (finale)
Jacqueline Savickas - Cello on track 1, 3, 6 & 7
Ndrew Allmark - Violin on tracks 1, 3, 6 & 7
Kamila Schmidt, Ruth Parry and Rowena Morley - vocals on tracks 1, 6 & 7

Description/Reviews: 

Calling on all extents of their past two releases, Spires now provide a complex picture of the next stage in their stylistic evolution - from the sombre introspection, choral work and classical orchestration of ‘Elsewhere’ to the album’s title track: a simply enormous 20+ minute epic that showcases the band’s innate ability to weave extensive musical tapestries without dropping momentum.
The album’s lyrical themes revolve strongly around religion and spirituality, imploring the listener to accept the natural beauty of the real world without the constraints of fictionalised stigma. Musical comparisons have so far been drawn with the likes of Opeth, Emperor and Cynic. 

Media/Samples 
Bandcamp

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