Muziekrecensies
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
After Hekz’s previous performance at Parkvilla Theatre in Alphen aan de Rijn (2020), Hekz returned with a new line-up. One of the changes was the addition of violinist Lucia La Rezza to the live line-up. She could already be heard in a number of songs on the album ‘Terra Nova’ (2023). The concert on Friday … Read more, available in English and Dutch
The band members of the Birdmens (UK) are all well-known members of the blues scene. Together, these men are heading towards 200 years of stage experience. When Europe, and even almost the whole world, was locked by Corona, these six men founded their band. During this unpleasant episode, they launched their album ‘Lockdown Loaded’. On … Read more, available in English and Dutch
Guitarist Marcel Coenen has been on stage for over 35 years, playing in more than 950 shows. Not just with metal cover bands like ‘The Art Of Pantera’. But also with his own bands such as ‘Sun Caged’ and ‘Godscum’. In addition, he also participated in Ayreon’s major shows. Moreover, he released a several solo … Read more, available in English and Dutch
The two-piece band ‘The Mono Kids’ (from Eindhoven) has been around for about one and a half year. But this pair have known each other for decades. They played together in several bands, including ‘The Galactic Lo Fi Orcherstra’.The guys have been featured at Paradiso, at Noorderslag, and in a clip on MTV, among others. … Read more, available in English and Dutch
‘Pace of Change’ is the second album by prog rockers Catalyst*R. The album has unusual twists, details and sound effects/sampled sounds, as in the opening track ‘Pace of Change’. The difference in volume between the lightly and more heavily played parts is somewhat small. Damien’s (stacked) vocals are mostly in the lighter parts. The drumming … 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
‘For All We Know’ is the project of guitarist Ruud Jolie (Within Temptation). ‘By Design Or By’ hides some “easter eggs”: A few melodies from his two previous albums can be heard here in renewed form. The lyrics deal with a young man’s relationships: with his parents, lovers and with his own children. The album … Read more, available in English and Dutch
Singer Phil Bee won several Dutch Blues Awards. He was also singer of the Jan Akkerman band and toured with Steve Lukather, among others. He won the Voice Senior (2021) and was a finalist at The Tribute, Battle of the Bands (2024). On the first Sunday of March, Phil Bee and band performed at De … 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