Author: progsphere
Ukrainian metal juggernauts JINJER unleash their brand new single “Rogue”, showing once more their refusal to conform to the musical genre rule book. Generating millions of streams/views on platforms worldwide, JINJER have perfected and fine tuned their own unique sound to perfection and are in a league completely their own. Watch the video for “Rogue” below. The ferocity of vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk combined with a sonic rollercoaster of chugging riffs, pulverizing bass lines and intricate drums makes JINJER’s upcoming outputs some of the most anticipated in heavy music! “Rogue” is another raging reminder that JINJER never minces words when it comes to their music and always keeps the pressure on with…
Opeth, one of progressive metal’s most iconic and innovative bands, has built a legacy on their ability to seamlessly blend brutality and beauty. From their early death metal roots to their evolution into a more progressive, atmospheric sound, Opeth’s discography is a testament to their musical versatility and willingness to explore uncharted territory. With each album, the Swedish band has pushed boundaries, experimenting with complex arrangements, melancholic melodies, and lyrical depth. Their new, 14th album, The Last Will and Testament, is set to release on October 11th, further continuing their legacy of artistic exploration. In this ranking, we delve into…
A Swarm of the Sun may be rooted in metal, but their music transcends genre conventions, relying as much on atmosphere and tone as it does on aggression and complexity. The Swedish duo, Jakob Berglund and Erik Nilsson, craft soundscapes that blend feedback, power chords, quiet-loud dynamics, and vocals that drift between spoken word and subtle singing. Their latest release, An Empire (out via Pelagic Records), is an exploration that looks both inward and outward—reaching into cosmic realms while remaining grounded in human emotion. It’s an ambitious album, one that doesn’t reveal itself immediately but rather pulls the listener in…
After several singles and an EP, Nashville progressive/classic rock trio Gentry Blue come forth with the release of a full-length debut. Titled Fragments, this ten-tracker is a finely crafted exploration of folk-prog infused psychedelia, making a powerful impact right from the start. From “What Lies to the Other Side” and “Fragments” to the sublime “Think I Might Be Crazy” and “Blackberry Bitter,” the sensibilities are fierce, the material manages to be both melodic and complex (and it rocks, too). The performances, led by Lydia Gentry-Debonis’s evocative vocals and violin, and supported by the multi-instrumental prowess of Brendan Gentry-Debonis and Sean…
For a progressive album to truly succeed, it must balance exploration and experimentation while remaining memorable and relatable. Many progressive records falter when they drown in overcomplicated arrangements and embellishments, ultimately collapsing under the weight of their own ambition. But a great progressive album invites listeners to discover something new with every spin. Solace, the latest offering from Stockholm-Montreal’s Voidchaser, achieves this balance masterfully, crafting a dazzling and immersive experience that pushes boundaries without losing its core appeal. From the high-octane opener, “Solace Part I: Impetus,” Voidchaser sets the tone with an almost triumphant energy. Even from the first few notes,…
Formed in 2017 by guitarist Rafał Wierzbicki and drummer/vocalist John Ruger, AWEN has steadily evolved into a captivating fusion of 70s progressive rock and Celtic folk music. Their debut album, Grà, released in 2023, stands as a testament to their unique sound, blending intricate rock arrangements with folk melodies. With a lineup completed by Johny Virginia on bass, Albert Void on guitar, and multi-instrumentalist July Linden on flute, sax, and vocals, AWEN is a band that’s making waves with their diverse musical influences. Melding Celtic Folk and Progressive Rock The seeds of AWEN were planted in 2017 when John Ruger and…
Cologne-based progressive/alternative rock duo SVYNX is set to release their new album This is Not Art on September 14th, 2024. Known for redefining the boundaries of progressive rock, pop, and alternative music, SVYNX is back with an album that confronts the challenges of the modern world with bold rhythms, catchy melodies, and a powerful message. This is Not Art explores the tension between the euphoric hope for societal change during the early days of the pandemic and the disillusionment that followed as the social and economic crises deepened. Through themes of consumerism, corporate greed, and the ongoing struggle for human rights, SVYNX…
Nashville, TN — Gentry Blue, a classic/progressive rock trio from Nashville known for their captivating live performances and innovative sound, is set to release their debut album Fragments on September 6. The band, celebrated for blending progressive and psychedelic rock with pop hooks, continues to push the boundaries of genre with their intelligent and evocative songwriting. Led by electric violinist and vocalist Lydia Gentry-DeBonis, the trio includes multi-instrumentalists Brendan Gentry-DeBonis and Sean Jannay, whose instrumental versatility adds to the group’s distinctive sound. Influenced by legends like Rush, Jefferson Airplane, and Fleetwood Mac, Gentry Blue’s music offers an intricate blend of violin gothic…
Montreal and Stockholm-based progressive death metal band Voidchaser is set to unleash their debut album, Solace, on September 6th, 2024. Formed in 2023, Voidchaser has quickly risen through the ranks of the progressive death metal scene, following the success of their debut EP Odyssey earlier this year. Known for their intricate compositions, genre-blending influences, and powerful live performances, Voidchaser continues to push the boundaries of modern metal. Solace is a concept album designed as a single, continuous piece of music, divided into distinct movements that showcase Voidchaser’s wide-ranging creative abilities. The album weaves together progressive death metal’s intensity with melodic, theatrical elements, a…
Progressive metal outfit Forever in Transit is set to release their new album, A Coming to Terms, on September 13th, 2024. The follow-up to their 2018 debut States of Disconnection and 2019’s EP Re:Connection, A Coming to Terms delves deep into themes of identity, self-acceptance, and personal transformation. Led by multi-instrumentalist Dan Sciolino, the band has crafted a dynamic sonic journey that blends intricate, high-energy progressive metal with ambient soundscapes. Known for their genre-spanning influences and commitment to artistic freedom, A Coming to Terms pushes the boundaries of modern progressive metal. A standout on the album is the track “Enter the Void”, featuring a guest performance by Diego Tejeida (ex-Haken, TEMIC) on keyboards. Tejeida, who…