Author: progsphere
Gorlami’s latest offering, “Between Two Worlds,” takes listeners on a sonic trip through realms that straddle the boundaries of dystopia and reality, dreams and truths. This Swiss quartet, firmly rooted in the northern part of Switzerland, has crafted a compelling narrative within their melodic post-rock framework, enriched with a tantalizing prog/psych touch. The album opens with the energizing and at moments hauntingly atmospheric “Opportunities,” a track that sets the tone for the entire journey. The guitars create a nuanced soundscape that feels like the soundtrack to, in the band’s words, a cyberpunk film noir. Between Two Worlds by GORLAMI “Foggy…
One of the most gratifying aspects of exploring music is to be able to see how different bands, styles, and scenes interact with each other. Like a massive, breathing network, no band is an island, and every city is its own musical melting pot. Today, my gaze shifts to Connecticut, home of a progressive rock band Half Shell, who have been active for a few years . Their most recent studio full-length is their sophomore full-length release titled “The Great Truth,” and it was released in February last yer. The Great Truth by Half Shell It feels and it’s obvious…
Over the last few years, instrumental releases within the progressive rock/metal genre have been on the rise, and like with everything else, the quality of the releases vary from hit-and-miss to some absolutely amazing gems. A composer and guitarist from Montreal, Liam Mackenzie, launched his debut album “From a Time Ago” in October 2023. From A Time Ago by Liam Mackenzie Well composed, arranged and wonderfully performed, “From a Time Ago” is an ambitious piece of largely instrumental prog rock/metal, with more than enough epic ideas to keep a listener engaged and attentive. Suffice to say, there is more than…
In November, the Chicago-based progressive metal quartet Dissona unveiled their impressive 3-track EP, “Dreadfully Distinct,” exploring the dystopian sci-fi world of Blade Runner thematically. From start to finish, “Dreadfully Distinct” delivers a captivating experience. The songs exude a genuine symphonic prog/power vibe with a notable nod to the earlier iterations of progressive metal. The constant shifts in momentum throughout the record prevent it from succumbing to monotony, ensuring a dynamic and engaging listening experience. One cannot overlook the evident maturity in Dissona’s sound, evident in the evolution from their self-titled debut to “Dreadfully Distinct.” The overall sound has become more…
Ahead of Myself, a formidable five-piece ensemble hailing from the vibrant music scene of Frankfurt, Germany, has unleashed their musical prowess with the highly anticipated debut album, “Kind of the Same Mind,” which hit the airwaves in 2023 after years of meticulous craftsmanship. This album is a sonic journey that encapsulates the essence of dynamism, pulsating with an array of joyful elements that not only captivate but also invigorate the listener. Spanning ten tracks from the spirited opening anthem “Hey You” to the conclusive “What I’ve Found,” “Kind of the Same Mind” maintains an intoxicating momentum throughout. Categorizing this musical…
Drifting Sun, the formidable UK progressive rock band, has once again graced the music scene with their latest single, “The Old Man.” Extracted from their highly anticipated album, “Veil,” set for release on March 18, 2024, this track offers a glimpse into the aural canvas that Drifting Sun is weaving. A striking addition to Prog Sphere’s “Progstravaganza: Harmony in Complexity” compilation, “The Old Man” showcases the band’s commitment to crafting intricate, atmospheric compositions that linger in the mind long after the final notes have faded. The lineup of Drifting Sun reads like a who’s who of progressive rock virtuosos. Jargon’s…
Bowden, the electrifying musical force hailing from Singapore, makes an indelible mark with their debut album, “Agnar of Helmfirth.” This power duo assaults the auditory senses with a sonic journey that is both highly energetic and sporadically brilliant, showcasing a mastery of dynamics that sets them apart in the realm of post-rock, progressive rock, and experimental flights of fancy. The result is an exceptional collection of music that is colorful, complex, and at times, irresistibly catchy. Agnar of Helmfirth by Bowden The album kicks off with “Pelagius,” an auditory onslaught that serves as a mesmerizing introduction to the sonic landscape…
In the ever-changing world of symphonic progressive rock, Barcelona-based band Regna has woven a thrilling masterpiece with their debut album, “Cinema.” Following their conceptual EP, “Meridian,” released in 2015, the band has embarked on a journey that showcases their musical evolution and prowess. “Cinema” is not merely an album; it’s a journey, a cinematic experience that unfolds with each track, leaving the listener enraptured by its emotive storytelling and musical finesse. The DNA Unveiled Regna is not content with mere musical expression; they strive to expose the very DNA of their artistry through “Cinema.” This album is a sincere and…
Drummer-turned-multi-instrumentalist Dede Booth has emerged from the heart of Boston with her magnum opus, “Parallels.” Released in 2023, this full-length album is a conceptual triumph that delves into the depths of human introspection, exploring themes of purpose, existential crisis, and the enigmatic dance between fate and free will. Rooted in psychology, philosophy, and science, “Parallels” is a sonic odyssey that captivates the mind and soul. The album unfolds like a novel, with each track acting as a chapter in the grand narrative. The sheer ambition of “Parallels” is immediately apparent as it opens with the sprawling epic, “Act I: The…
“Aelys,” the masterful creation of the French instrumental post-rock ensemble Maven, unfolds its sonic journey across ten captivating tracks, each a distinct chapter contributing to the album’s overarching narrative. The album commences with the ethereal overture of “Beyond the Limits,” a brief yet poignant introduction that sets the tone for the musical odyssey that follows. Maven’s ability to establish a mood with minimalistic elements becomes apparent right from the outset. Aelys by Maven The second track, “Consumers” is a sonic exploration that immerses listeners in the band’s post-rock prowess. With a delicate balance between intricate guitar work and rhythmic precision,…