Muziekrecensies
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
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
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
Singer/guitarist Jon Amor became known for ‘The Hoax’. He plays with DVL, Guy Forsyth’s band. In addition, with his Jon Amor Blues Group and solo, Jon released several albums. Recently, Jon Amor Trio’s ‘The Turnaround’ was released. This debut album features 11 blues-rock, roots rock songs, including a few covers. For example, ‘Tonight I’m Gonna … Read more, available in English and Dutch
In autumn 2023, Poor Genetic Material released the album ‘Elswhere’. This additional release was with a smaller line-up. The band remains in its full line-up. ‘Possibilities’ is their new album. This album has not only the band’s signature elements, but also new ideas. The title track has a very soft, instrumental intro. Slowly it gets … Read more, available in English and Dutch
Drifting Sun is a studio band from England. There have been a few line-up changes, but they continue to make complex, accessible prog.rock. ‘Veil’, their latest album, features a number of guest musicians, such as violinist Suzi James and some choir members. Because of the minor crackles, ‘Veiled’ gives the impression of an old LP. … Read more, available in English and Dutch
The story behind the new rock opera ‘Hollingsworth Mansion’ is extraordinary: In 1808, the Hollingsworth family died because their stand-alone house burned down. After restoration, the property was residenced by several families. In 1931 the Welbourne family moved in. It should have been a beautiful new beginning…. To understand the story, it is important to … Read more, available in English and Dutch
Last year, Einar Solberg (frontman of Norwegian prog metal Leprous) launched his debut solo album titled ’16’. In February 2022, he made himself very vulnerable by giving an entirely solo live stream (with an audience). This was his reinterpretation of the Leprous album ‘The Congregation’ (2015). Fortunately, recordings were made of this, which resulted in … Read more, available in English and Dutch
About a year ago, German singer/multi-instrumentalist Noel Husser launched the single ‘Footprints’. This is standalone from his new EP, which he will soon release on his own.The EP ‘Beyond’ is more or less a melange of his fantastic concept album ‘Tell Me Who I Am’ (2017) and the melodic album ‘A Little Dream’ (2020). Vocally … Read more, available in English and Dutch