John Hackett Band – Red Institution

The John Hackett Band plays a variety of styles, such as classical, jazz, rock, etc. This can also be heard on their latest album, ‘Red Institution’.Jeremy Richardson’s gentle voice fits well with the pleasant flow of ‘Stella’. The melody quickly sticks in your head. The instrumental ‘Theme & Rondo’ is faster than the opening track. … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Arena’s anniversary show at De Bosuil was fantastic.

The prog rock band Arena was founded by keyboardist/vocalist Clive Nolan and Marillion drummer Mick Pointer. Thirty years ago, their debut album ‘Songs From The Lions Cage” was released. This is being celebrated with an extensive tour through Europe. Their performance at De Bosuil (Weert) was on Ascension Day. Three quarters of an hour before … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Moonlight Haze – Beyond

‘Beyond’ is Moonlight Haze’s fourth studio album. This Italian band makes symphonic, melodic metal. The catchy rhythm, ‘verse-rephrase build-up’ and fairly uncomplicated lyrics make the tracks accessible. The backing vocals are sometimes a bit predictable, but the combination of voices is fine. All songs are in English, with only ‘L’Eco Del Silenzio’ containing a blend … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Cosmic Cathedral – Deep Water

Cosmic Cathedral is a new super band. The band members are: vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Neal Morse, dummer Chester Thompson, vocalist/guitarist Phil Keaggy and bassist Byron House. Their debut album ‘Deep Water’ was largely born out of jam sessions. You can hear Christianity in the lyrics, some more clearly than others. Some pieces are sung with a lot … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Elvenking – Reader Of The Runes – Luna

There is so much music launched that, as a music lover/reviewer, it is impossible to listen to everything. Not even if certain albums are on your “to do list”. For me, that applies, for instance, to the trilogy of by melodic folk/metal band Elvenking. Previously, ‘Divination’ (2019) and ‘Rapture’ (2023) were released. Most recently was … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Divide and Dissolve – Insatiable

Australian composer/multi-instrumentalist Takiaya Reed is a Cherokee woman. She incorporates her indigenous sovereignty, emancipation and experiences into the (instrumental) music of Divide and Dissolve. ‘Insatiable’ is about Takiaya’s vision of a better world. The drumming is droning, her guitar playing sludgy. Especially with her saxophone playing, and all sorts of sound effects, she creates her … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Avatarium – Between You, God, The Devil and The Dead

Avatarium, is a Swedish rock doom/melancholic heavy metal band. ‘Between You, God, The Devil and The Dead’ is their sixth studio album. The release date is scheduled for 24 January. The music is heavier and darker than their recent albums. They combine this with the doom of their debut album.‘Between You, God, The Devil & … Read more, available in English and Dutch