Muziekrecensies
Esther Kessel-Tamerus ‘Spirals in the wider space’ is the fifth prog-rock album by Mindgames (Belgium). The songs are about humanity and the world. Is the urge to want to conquer the world a circle of recurring suffering? Is society becoming more individualistic or are we becoming more caring towards each other? In ‘Godlike Strangers’, among others, you … Read more, available in English and Dutch
‘Eternal Snapshots’ is the sixth studio album by Hasse Fröberg & Musical Companion (HFMC). This time, no gorgeous epic(s) lasting more than ten minutes. This concept album is about whether our personality is predestined, or determined by fate. You might have to get used to one of the opening track’s first unexpected twists. ‘Deserve To … Read more, available in English and Dutch
The Swedish progressive folk-fusion-rock band often has album titles that are difficult to pronounce. But the fifteenth album, ‘Sommargryningsljus’, is quite a tongue twister. A translation app tells me it means summer twilight. These eight songs tell the story of a nocturnal journey. The first two tracks are about twilight, the last two about dawn. … Read more, available in English and Dutch
Multi-instrumentalist Leon Alvarado is also an award-winning designer of album covers/tour posters (for Yes, Genesis et al). ‘The Changing Tide’ features two covers of Pink Floyd. Their influences can also be heard in Leon’s own songs.In the background of ‘The Equilibrium Of Time’, time ticks, in the foreground a clock is striking. There are interactions … Read more, available in English and Dutch
Vlyes is a new name, but founders Kay Söhl (ex Sylvan) and Jens Lueck Single Celled Organism and Isgaard) are well-known in the prog world. ‘Why’ is their melodic atmospheric prog debut album. This concept album is about the bio-industry. The story displays life (from birth to death) from the perspective of an animal. ‘The … Read more, available in English and Dutch
‘Shelter’ is the sixth album by Norwegian band ‘Laughing Stock’. This album tells of a journey to ‘Shelter’. In this light, peaceful world, people (along with Shelter’s Master) live in harmony with nature. The title track has a peaceful atmosphere, the mysterious words and music (with violin playing) forming a whole. ‘Roots Go Deep’ has … Read more, available in English and Dutch
‘The Horn of Plenty’ is the second album by Dutch symphonic prog rock band The Boxx Orchestra. The opening track, ‘Daybreak’, has a retro feel. Ria Mulder sings narratively and quite monotonously here. The repetitions in the percussion snatch too much attention away from the compelling guitar playing. The symphonic elements come out a bit … Read more, available in English and Dutch
Multi-instrumentalist Ian Jones was one of the founding members of the progressive/folk rock band Karnataka in the 1990s. There have been several band changes, including in vocals. What has remained is a beautiful, clear voice. Sertari is the current singer; she was voted the best vocalist of 2023 by the site ProgRock. Her voice could … Read more, available in English and Dutch
Arjen Lucassen wrote the Ayreon album ‘01011001’ in 2007. Since he never intended to perform it live, he could make it as complicated as he wanted. He did so, not only in terms of complex arrangement, but also by the amount of vocalists/musicians. Ayreon’s live shows are rare, but always a great spectacle. So was … Read more, available in English and Dutch
Dutch prog metal band Armed Cloud will launch ‘Nimbus’, their fourth album, on 25 May. Nimbus comes from cumulonimbus, aka thunderclouds. This is the band’s darkest and heaviest album to date. The sound at the start of ‘Safety Word’ is a bit duller than expected. The metal could have “thundered” a bit more. Still, the … Read more, available in English and Dutch