Glass Hammer: VALKYRIE!!!

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock2 Comments
Holy schnikees this looks amazing!  So thrilled to see the trajectory of a band move more and more toward perfection.  Incredible.  Glass Hammer is simply nothing short of astounding.  Thank you, Steve and Fred!  So much brightness you offer in a world of immense darkness.
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Glass Hammer is in full production on “Valkyrie”, a full-blown concept album that bassist Steve Babb compares to their previous works “Lex Rex” and “The Inconsolable Secret”. 
 
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Steve Babb and Aaron Raulston, proggers extraordinaire! Glass Hammer. Photo by the amazing Karel Zuiderveld.

“Still, we’ve managed to come at this album in a totally new way. We have been in the rehearsal room for months, rehearsing the album as if it were to be a live concert. Our shows are so much more edgy than our studio albums and we really wanted to capture that energy. When we felt the ‘show’ was ready, we hit record. That happened over the last weekend and the results are outstanding. There is still a lot of studio work to do, but the basic tracks have been captured and we are well on our way to making “Valkyrie” a very unique album.”

 
As for the concept Babb was willing to say that, “‘Valkyrie’ is about a soldier who marches away to battle only to find himself embroiled in a war that was far more than he bargained for. The story is intense, as is the music.” 
 
No release date has been set yet but the band has promised “Valkyrie” for sometime in the fall of 2016.

THE QUEEN IS DEAD: 30 Years Later

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock4 Comments
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Wait, that doesn’t look like the queen.  Yes, the subtlety was lost on me when I was 18.

Amazingly, THE QUEEN IS DEAD came out thirty years ago today.  For me, it was that magical time between graduating from high school and heading off to the University of Notre Dame.  I spent that summer of 1986 dreaming of college, working as an overnight DJ at a local radio station, and rather madly chasing around a young woman (who is now, thankfully, happily married and living in central Kansas).

 

Strangely, though, THE QUEEN IS DEAD did not inspire or trouble me once that summer.  For whatever reason, I completely missed its release.

It wasn’t until I arrived at Notre Dame that a great friend (and now an extremely famous philosopher) introduced me to THE QUEEN IS DEAD.  From the first listen, I was bowled over.  Being rather partial to prog rock, I didn’t cotton easily to non-progressive music.  Yet, there was something in THE QUEEN IS DEAD that captured my imagination.  There was a wit, a whiny intelligence, a reference to some of my favorite writers, and a strange cynical romanticism that pervades the whole album that tugged at my soul.

With Morrissey, I wanted to walk the cemetery gates, and I knew that there was a “light that never goes out” when it came to that Kansas girl I chased for almost two years.

I felt sorry for the Queen and for Prince Charles, of course, but I chuckled about the vicar, and I thought I knew a Bigmouth, here or there.

Thirty years ago.  Amazing.  It could’ve been yesterday.

Review: Zeolite – Zeolite

On By NickIn progressive rockLeave a comment

Zeolite

“Zeolite” is an EP release by Australian technical/progressive death metal act Zeolite. The EP was self released in February this year. It’s the successor to the band’s two singles: “Earthmover” (2014) and “Astringent” (2015).

The music on “Zeolite” EP pretty much continues th technical/progressive metal style that has been traced with the mentioned releases. Zeolite are still pretty unique sounding within the genre because of how they combine technical/progressive death metal parts with atmospheric (at times ambient) heavy parts. The technical level of playing is high, the sound production clear and powerful, and the songwriting is strong too.

The EP features 3 tracks and a full playing time of 30-odd minutes. “Seligman’s Curse” and “Brath of Kaiser”, which bookend the EP, are both in the style described above while “Seneca the Younger” and “The Dramaturgy Perspective of a Theorist” showcase that the band is no stranger to deathcore and brutal death metal. Growls of Fraser Mainwaring are convincing and intelligible. The higher pitched screams also work to great effect. Guitarist Patrick Haas and bassist Lucas Tolputt create huge wall of sound. The remaining part of the rhythm section – drums are programmed, and although they are done excellent I hope that the band will find a drummer for their next releases.

Overall “Zeolite” shows a lot of talent and potential with this EP. Let this release serves as a promise for an even better full-length release. Excellent job!

Listen to Zeolite on Bandcamp.

OPETH to Release New Album “Sorceress” via Nuclear Blast Later This Year — Prog Sphere

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rockLeave a comment

Nuclear Blast Entertainment is very pleased to announce the signing of Swedish progressive legends, Opeth. Always an unstoppable force for uniqueness amid a sea of generic swill, Opeth have been setting the rulebook ablaze, and ploughing a uniquely progressive and exploratory furrow for over 25 years now. Neither conforming nor exhibiting any desire to be restricted…

via OPETH to Release New Album “Sorceress” via Nuclear Blast Later This Year — Prog Sphere

Time to PROG the Vote

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It’s that time of year again–the time to vote for the best in progressive rock music over at the majestic Jerry Ewing’s PROG.

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http://2016.prog.awards.teamrock.com

Big Big Train’s Folklore (Hi-Res Audio Version) – Review

On By Bryan MoreyIn progressive rock4 Comments

Big Big Train – Folklore – 2016 – High-Resolution Audio Version

Tracks: Folklore, Along the Ridgeway, Salisbury Giant, London Plane, Mudlarks, Lost Rivers of London, The Transit of Venus Across the Sun, Wassail, Winkie, Brooklands, Telling the Bees

artworkI wasn’t going to review this album. In all honesty, the others at Progarchy who reviewed it have done a much better job than I will. That, and I really didn’t like this album at first. I chalked my initial misgivings as simply, “you can’t win them all.” I figured I would have to accept that nothing else from 2016 would come close to Haken’s Affinity, which I’m still convinced that not much else will.

Admittedly, my first impression upon hearing the CD setlist of the album was, meh. I didn’t like the opening track, as parts of it were too poppy, and I don’t think Big Big Train writes compelling poppy songs. When I saw that “Wassail” was on this album, I was slightly disappointed, since that song grew to grate on me from 2015’s EP. Too much repetition in the chorus. Both “Folklore” and “Wassail” reminded me of “Make Some Noise,” another song that I find tolerable, but wish hadn’t ever been produced by this band. It just doesn’t fit with the rest of their songs. Overall, the track listing didn’t really work. The album didn’t flow, which seemed strange for this band.

My journey as a passenger on the Folklore train did not end there, however. I discovered that the band had another track listing, a definitive one, released as a vinyl record. I saw that it included “Lost Rivers of London” (one of my favorite BBT songs) and “Mudlarks,” another fantastic track. The band also chose to release this track listing as a high-resolution audio download. After annoying Brad for the lossless FLAC files of said hi-res download, I gave the album another shot. I’m glad I did.

Continue reading “Big Big Train’s Folklore (Hi-Res Audio Version) – Review” →

Neal Morse Band: aLIVE again

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Forthcoming, August 2016

The amazing new Neal Morse Band “Alive Again” DVD/2CD Set and Blu-ray will now be released worldwide August 5th.  Pre-orders will begin 9:00 a.m. CDT June 21st.

Radiant’s Special Offer! The first 100 pre-orders of either version will receive a tour setlist signed by the whole band. This rare exclusive collectors item is only available through RadiantRecords.com

 

Track Listing

CD 1

1    Alive Again Intro
2    The Call
3    Leviathan
4    The Grand Experiment
5    Harm’s Way
6    Bill’s Keyboard Solo
7    The Creation
8    There Is Nothing That God Can’t Change

Total Time  65:22

CD 2

1    Waterfall
2    Eric’s Gtr Solo
3    In The Fire
4    Alive Again
5    Rejoice
6    Oh Lord, My God
7    Reunion
8    King Jesus

Total Time   73:50

Riding on the tremendous success of their breakthrough album, The Grand Experiment, The Neal Morse Band set out on a tremendously successful world tour in the spring of 2015. Neal Morse and Mike Portnoy have teamed up with Randy George, Eric Gillette, and Bill Hubauer to create one of the greatest progressive rock bands of all time. Full stop. The Alive Again package shows them at the top of their form performing for a rousing audience in Holland March 6, 2015.

Audio mixed by Rich Mouser

 “The Neal Morse Band is a force of nature. They have evolved into a great live band, one that is as good as there is in music and they really shine on this live set. The performances here are jaw-dropping and might have you giving a standing ovation from your couch.” – Roie Avin, The Prog Report

[N.B. progarchy loves the views of Roie Avin!]

[N.B.II, my only complaint is that this does not include a live version of “New Jerusalem,” the single greatest song Morse has written!]

 

Jordan Rudess and Zee Baig: Fire Garden’s Heaven

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rockLeave a comment
Fire Garden - Jordan Rudess Banner
The fire montage!

Location: Chicago, IL, USA

Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) records guest solo for Fire Garden’s upcoming album

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The sophomore album

Chicago based progressive rock act Fire Garden is pleased to announce the guest appearance of virtuoso keyboardist Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) on their second full length release ‘Far and Near’. The record also features Jimmy Keegan of Spock’s Beard on drums and many others. The album is mixed by Bruce Soord (The Pineapple Thief) and the artwork cover is designed by Travis Smith (Opeth, Riverside, Katatonia).

The album is going to be released on July 29th 2016 through PledgeMusic platform and can be pre-ordered with special exclusives at http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/firegardenmusic

Fire Garden’s mastermind Zee mentions, “It’s a great honor for me to work with Jordan Rudess. He is a legend and I have grown up listening to his music and watching him play throughout the years. It’s surreal, and at the same time amazing to see his personal touch on my music.”

Fire Garden is a progressive rock project by Zee Baig from Chicago. The band has released one EP, ‘The Prelude’ in 2012, and one full length record, ‘Sound of Majestic Colors’ in 2014. The brand new album, ‘Far and Near’, is more personal and exploratory in nature, and is ready to release this summer. The band is also ready to hit the road to support the new album.

Contact: Get in touch with Zee at info@firegardenmusic.com for bookings, interviews and promos.

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Hackett’s Latest Video: Wolflight

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rockLeave a comment
Hackett
Photo by Tina Korhonen

 

WORLD-RENOWNED GUITARIST/COMPOSER STEVE HACKETT‘S NEW VIDEO CLIP “WOLFLIGHT” HAS EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE PREMIERE ON TEAM ROCK TODAY

 
VIDEO TAKEN FROM 2CD/2DVD, BLU-RAY “THE TOTAL EXPERIENCE 
LIVE IN LIVERPOOL,” NOW DUE OUT IN NORTH AMERICA JULY 29TH
VIA INSIDEOUT MUSIC
 
(New York, NY) – Fans of progressive rock around the world can click here to check out the exclusive worldwide premiere of the brand new live clip “Wolflight” from world-renowned guitarist/composer Steve Hackett on Team Rock today.  The live performance clip is taken from his forthcoming 2 CD/2 DVD, Blu-Ray package THE TOTAL EXPERIENCE LIVE IN LIVERPOOL, due out in North America on July 29th (please note new release date) via InsideOut Music.  The package was filmed during Hackett‘s Acolyte To Wolflight With Genesis Revisited tour last year.  Celebrating the 40th anniversary of his first solo album VOYAGE OF THE ACOLYTEand following his latest album WOLFLIGHT, the Acolyte To Wolflight With Genesis Revisited Tour was Hackett‘s effort to represent the many chapters of his career. Featuring two sets – one highlighting his solo work, the second paying tribute to Genesis – the two hour performance was greeted with enthusiasm by both fans and critics.  To preorder the package, please click here.
THE TOTAL EXPERIENCE LIVE IN LIVERPOOLwill be available as double CD plus double DVD digipak, separate Blu-Ray edition as well as digital album including the two audio CDs; click here for cover art.  The line-up for the performance is as follows: Steve Hackett (guitar, vocals), Roger King (keyboards), Nad Sylvan (vocals, tambourine), Gary O’Toole (drums, percussion, vocals), Rob Townsend (saxophone, woodwind, percussion, vocals, keyboards, bass pedals), Roine Stolt (bass, variax, twelve string, vocals, guitar) with special guests John Hackett and Amanda Lehmann.
Steve Hackett‘s latest solo album, WOLFLIGHT (InsideOut Music) explores a new chapter in Hackett‘s career.  The tracks take the listener through a journey in space and time looking at the different faces of the endless fight for freedom. Wandering between parallel universes, Hackett explores contemporary and ancient cultures, from Greece (“Corycian Fire”) to the Far East (“Wolflight”), the United States and Martin Luther King (“Black Thunder”), and also his very own childhood memories (“The Wheel’s Turning”) and the unresolved drama of domestic violence (“Love Song To A Vampire”).  The video for the title track can be seen here.
In 2010, Steve Hackett was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame at The 25thAnnual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony alongside his Genesis bandmates from the classic line-up: Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford.  For more than three decades, Steve Hackett has been known for his innovative tone and extraordinary versatility as a guitarist and composer.  He helped define Genesis’ sound as lead guitarist in the classic line-up and went on to have a highly-successful career as a solo artist, and also as part of 80s supergroup GTR with Steve Howe.
 

Review: MetaQuorum – Jonathan Livingston

On By NickIn progressive rock2 Comments

Jonathan Livingston

UK based progressive rock duo MetaQuorum, in existence for a few years, have released a new single called “Jonathan Livingston” recently. When it comes to the progressive and atmospheric variants of rock music, bands coming from Europe have carried a rich history and undeniable reputation of taking it to unmatchable extremes, so a band like MetaQuorum immediately compels Progarchy to take notice, and share with readers thoughts on the band’s new single.

The almost four-minute song creates dreamy atmospheres with bass and keyboard works that strikes an excellent balance between heaviness and melody, and the drum patterns on top of it amplify the melodic element further. The music transitions between these extremes and smoothly moves from one passage to another, making the four-minute duration seems almost momentary. The song follows a simple structure but the music is well-written and played. Drawing parallels with other bands would be a mistake, as MetaQuorum tend to combine plenty of different styles. With a song of this nature, the duo has come forward as another noteworthy entity in a crop of progressive, electronic, atmosphere-inducing rock groups. Their subsequent releases should be on everyone’s radar. In the meantime, listen to “Jonathan Livingston” here.