Mini review

Apogee is a German two-man formation. The new ‘Through the Gate’ is even more diverse than its previous albums. The tracks contain a mix of styles, such as classical, folk-heavy rock and jazz. There are also unusual twists, rhythms and details. At times, the tempo is quite fast. You sometimes need the spherical and/or minimalist … Read more, available in English and Dutch

On debut album ‘Monochrome’ (2022), multi-instrumentalist Sammy Wahlandt played everything himself. For the new album ‘The Dream’, he handed over everything except the drums. The metal start of the album sounds a bit dingy. The turn to a smaller played part is unexpected. Vocals and music are balanced: Stella Inderwiesen has a rather soft (sometimes … Read more, available in English and Dutch

‘Here to Stay’ is the new album by multi-instrumentalist Ron Coolen. The 13 tracks are full of delicious and very varied guitar playing, frequently you can hear several guitars at once. This comes from Ron, and from seven guest guitarists who play the wonderful solos. Ron plays the other instruments, his dynamic drumming positively stands … Read more, available in English and Dutch

New melodic prog-metal band Temic consists of known members: Fredrik Bergersen, Eric Gillette, Simen Sandnes, and Diego Tejeida. Their debut album is called: ‘Terror Management Theory’. Apart from a few musical rests, there are plenty of twists, details and change of styles in the music. Not all twists and outros are sublime. The contrasts between … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Singer/multi-instrumentalist Dave Kerzner plays in several prog rock bands. He also releases solo albums. His new album ‘Heart Land Mines Vol. 1′ is autobiographical. After and bad relationship, Dave drove away, without a plan; but with suitcase and guitar. He doesn’t only speak about her behaviour, and its consequences, but also about self-reflection. Not everything … Read more, available in English and Dutch

‘T.A.P.’ is an international, instrumental studio band. ‘Paradigms’ is their debut album. They mix fusion, prog and ambient rock with jazz, ethnic influences and soundscapes, among others. There are changes in styles, atmospheres and tempo. The differences in volume between the subdued/mysterious pieces and the rocking parts, for instance, are quite small. Occasionally, there are … Read more, available in English and Dutch

‘Virgin Grounds’ is the new CD by composer/keyboardist Ton Scherpenzeel. On this, there are only two new songs: ‘Departure’ and ‘Arrival’. The rest comes from ‘Orion’ (1991), some of the tracks rearranged. You can hear the “synth atmosphere” of the late ’80s early ’90s as early as ‘Departure’, and it persists throughout. Overall, the sound … Read more, available in English and Dutch

Tony Romero’s second album from Vortex is called ‘Zen’. The 9 instrumental tracks are mostly made for relaxation and meditation. Yet the pace in ‘Africa’ is a bit faster than expected. It contains a mix of instrumental (slightly classical) atmospheric elements and electronic sounds. In the restful epic ‘Ocean’, you won’t hear waves rustling, but … Read more, available in English and Dutch