Tag: Pink Floyd

Dark Nordic Lullabies

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock musicLeave a comment

Review of Bjorn Riis, LULLABIES IN A CAR CRASH (Karisma Records, 2014).  52 minutes.  Six songs: A New Day; Stay Calm; Disappear; Out of Reach; The Chase; Lullaby in a Car Crash.

From Karisma Records.
From Karisma Records.

Without a doubt, my favorite Porcupine Tree song is “Arriving Somewhere But Not Here.”  If you could take the best of that 12 minute song—its moodiness, its psychedelic atmosphere, its thundering bass and guitar, its surrealism—and expand it to 52 minutes in length, you’d have Riis’s solo album, LULLABIES IN A CAR CRASH.

Of course, you might also find yourself with a slightly less depressing version of Pink Floyd’s ANIMALS or THE FINAL CUT or a less religious and more nordic version of Talk Talk’s SPIRIT OF EDEN.

Whatever you’d have, you’d be listening to and holding something of intensity, struggle, and beauty.  LULLABIES couldn’t be any moodier, frankly.  In fact, if you’re feeling the holiday blues at all, don’t come near this album.  If, however, you’re in a good state of mind, in a darkened room, wearing your state-of-the-art headphones, and sipping a vodka-tonic, then you’re a blessed listener.  It won’t get better than this.

Indeed, this is the perfect early 1980s album, the type of album that you could (and probably will, even if you’re now in your 40s) listen to again and again and again, trying to immerse yourself in the very Riis-Hollis-Waters-Wilson atmosphere: thick, claustrophobic, and all-pervasive.

Bjorn Riis, having entered the Norse pantheon of prog deities.
Bjorn Riis, having entered the Norse pantheon of prog deities.

No one can avoid comparing Riis’s work here or with Airbag to Floyd and PT.  Yet, there’s something distinctively Riis-ian, too.  This is no mere cover band.  By no means.  In large part, Riis brings three critical things to each of his albums: 1) a haunting vocal style; 2) the uncanny ability to allow his music to flow, organically, as did Mark Hollis; and 3) an outrageously fine sense of audiophilia.

Of course, has there been a misfire from any Scandinavian prog release since Roine Stolt’s mind-bogglingly good THE FLOWER KING?  Not that I know of.

Riis ably follows in this noble tradition.

To learn more, visit Riis’s official site: http://www.bjornriis.com/about/

My Top Three Albums of 2014

On By Connor MullinIn progressive rock musicLeave a comment

As many on this site have already covered, or are in the process of covering, their favorite albums of 2014, I will keep my post (very) brief.  2014 was, as many have observed, an excellent year for progressive rock music.  Here, in no particular order, are my top three albums of the year:

Second Nature-Flying Colors: These five virtuosos did not disappoint in their sophomore effort, a complex yet accessible symphonic prog album.Second Nature

The Endless River-Pink Floyd: A beautiful and touching tribute to deceased keyboardist Richard Wright, David Gilmour and Nick Mason proved to the world that they are still top-notch musicians. PINK-FLOYD-THE-ENDLESS-RIVER-album-artwork-low-res-600x350

lullaby… and the Ceaseless Roar-Robert Plant: the ex-Led Zeppelin frontman does not rock out like he used to, but his new album, a blend of folk and Americana, is nevertheless a delight to the ears. (You can read my full review of the album here).Robert-Plant-lullaby-and-The-Ceaseless-Roar_638

I look forward to another great year of music in 2015. A Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to my fellow Progarchists and to all of our readers!

My Best of 2014, Part I: By the Way. Which one is Pink?

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock music8 Comments

PINK-FLOYD-THE-ENDLESS-RIVER-album-artwork-low-res-600x350In a previous post or two, I’ve tried to explain what I mean by 2014 being a significant year in the history of progressive rock.  Something(s)—though I still can’t quite get my fingers exactly on it—is quite different.  That is, 2014 is not 2013, in the way that 2013 resembled but improved upon 2012, 2011, and 2010.

And, just to be clear, I’m not one of those proggers who actually thinks all new music must progress in the sense of offering some new technique the world has never heard before.  Sure, I love innovation.  But, never for innovation’s sake.  Innovation, by its very nature, is always momentary.  I want permanence.  And, permanence comes only with the discovery and uncovering of beauty.  If the new technique or innovation leads to a better understanding of beauty, so be it.  But, I would, I hope, always choose the timeless and true and beautiful over the clever and ephemeral.

So, what’s different about 2014 and what I believe to be a new wave of progressive rock?  Three things spring to mind.  First, the best of 2014—and there’s an immense amount of good—is beautiful.  Second, it’s eclectic.  Third, it’s atmospheric.

A few years ago, several progarchists were happily complaining that so much prog is being released into the world that it’s impossible to catch up with it or, once caught up, stay up with it.  True, I think.  And, all to the good.  Competition is rarely a bad thing, and competition for market and attention has forced proggers to think in very creative and entrepreneurial ways.  This is as true in selling music as it is in making music.

Take one very specific example.  Andy Tillison has always been one of the two or three demigods of Third Wave prog.  Take a listen, however, to his 2014 release, Electronic Sinfonia No. 2.  It is a thing of intense beauty, eclectic, and atmospheric.  It is the perfect fourth-wave prog release, in many, many ways.

Because we’ve been so overwhelmed with so much goodness over the last two decades, and, especially, the last few years, Anathema’s Distant Satellite is a severe disappointment.  Had it been released five years ago, it would have been pretty great.  Now, though, in this context, it’s simply a parody of Anathema and Radiohead.

Well, enough ranting.  I’d like to start describing my favorites of this year.  In no particular order, I offer my first glimpse into my loves of 2014.  Pink Floyd’s THE ENDLESS RIVER.  I’ve been shocked at how many folks on the internet have decried it, as a betrayal to Roger Waters and to traditional Pink Floyd.  Since when has PF ever been traditional?  The Endless River is something PF has never been before.  It has echoes of Echoes, but it also had a lot of Tangerine Dream in it.  It’s interesting, it’s soaring, it’s daring, it’s full of whale song.  Just listen to Skins and Unsung.  There’s no ego.  Just flight.

And, what an incredible honor to the brilliance of Rick Wright.

I’e always liked Mike Portnoy.  In fact, I’ve been quite taken with him, and I’ve been more than willing to put up with his own eccentricities and strong opinions.  But, when he lamented a new PF album this past summer, something in me gave.  My respect for the former DT drummer has declined dramatically.

Around the time that the Division Bell was released, Wright admitted that he feared that PF had lost some of its creativity, and he cited Mark Hollis as an inspiration.  Talk Talk, he argued, got away with much, mostly because Hollis had the integrity to dream and dare.  He wanted Floyd to have the same spirit.

Well, here it is.  THE ENDLESS RIVER.

What do David Gilmour and Nick Mason have to prove?  Nothing, really.  And, they prove nothing except the ability to offer a memorial to Rick.  Amen.  If every person in the world offered such a tribute to a lost friend, this would be a much better world.

Gilmour and Mason, I salute you for doing the right thing, the good thing, the true thing.

Bryan’s Best of 2014

On By Bryan MoreyIn progressive rock music2 Comments

Without a doubt, 2014 has been a great year for Prog. It seems as if we have been barraged by great music from all sides.  The string of excellence continues. This list is my arbitrary ordering of what I liked best from this year. I’m really not a huge fan of “best of” lists because I don’t think you can really judge art in that way. So, consider this a list of what I enjoyed. The order of numbers 10-3 is relatively interchangeable.

10. Dream the Electric Sleep – Heretics 8530215

I should have reviewed this album when it came out back in January, but I’m lazy. This was a fantastic sophomore release by the Lexington, Kentucky prog outfit. Their first album, Lost and Gone Forever, was an excellent concept album. These guys do a fantastic job of combining classic prog influences with a harder rock edge. The beginning of the album sounds almost Pink Floydian, and there are definite nods to The Wall. The singer also sounds a bit like Roger Waters. Heretics is another concept album, and it clocks in at over 70 minutes in length. Check these guys out – they are ascending as a band and are making some great music.

http://www.dreamtheelectricsleep.com

9. Cosmograf – CapacitorCapacitor

Robin Armstrong’s latest offering, combined with the efforts of such wizards as Andy Tillison, Nick D’Virgilio, and Matt Stevens, is a fresh take on prog rock. As of right now, I haven’t listened to any other Cosmograf albums, but this one is quite good. I’m sure there are others here at Progarchy that could tell you more about the band, and I’ll wager they would be more than happy to. Capacitor is definitely worthy of any 2014 “top 10” list.

http://www.cosmograf.com

8. Bigelf – Into the Maelstrom Into the Maelstrom

Three words – Mike freaking Portnoy. He teamed up with Bigelf to drum on their latest album, and it was insane. He has to be the hardest working musician in prog. This isn’t the last we shall hear from him on this list.

Bigelf’s breed of prog metal is unlike anything I have heard before. Maybe it’s lead singer Damon Fox’s awesomely bizarre vocals, or their fantastic combination of metal and classic rock, or maybe it’s Portnoy. Or all of the above. Whatever it is, Bigelf has created something special with Into the Maelstrom. They have been around since the early 1990s, have four studio albums, and have toured with Dream Theater, so they know their way around the business. Certainly worth the time for any Mike Portnoy fan, as well as any fan of prog metal.

https://www.facebook.com/bigelfmusic/info?tab=page_info

http://www.bigelf.com

7. The Gift – Land of Shadowscover

London’s The Gift masterfully combine prog metal with symphonic metal and Gabriel-era Genesis prog. This album is refreshing in its tonal clarity and its thematic prowess. It is definitely an album worth listening to over and over again through the years. Here’s my review of it from several months back:

https://progarchy.com/2014/07/20/the-gift-land-of-shadows/

http://www.thegiftmusic.com/index.php

 

6. Voyager – Vimage013

Australian prog metal outfit Voyager have released a very solid album this year. While I feel like it could have been more tightly constructed and some of the songs featured unnecessary repetition, there are some awesome riffs to be found here. This band rocks, and they rock hard. Many comment that the second half of the album is a let down, but I think it is just the opposite. Voyager ventures into the wonderful void of prog in the second half of V, including some softer songs. Time Lord wrote a very nice review of the album earlier this year:

https://progarchy.com/2014/07/05/voyager-v/

http://voyager-australia.com

5. Transatlantic – Kaleidoscope Kaleidoscope (Kaleidoscope)

I told you Mike Portnoy would be heard from again on this list. Supergroup Transatlantic cranked out a fantastic album this year. Made up of Neal Morse, Mike Portnoy, Roine Stolt, and Pete Trewavas, Transatlantic has several albums under their belt, and they continue to impress. Kaleidoscope was my first introduction to Transatlantic, and it was an excellent first impression. The cover songs found on the accompanying special edition are all excellent. Anyone who can cover Yes, King Crimson, Elton John, Focus, Moody Blues, and a few others while still sounding entirely unique deserves immense respect. The live album, KaLIVEoscope, that came out in October, was equally brilliant, with three hours of musical genius. The collective talent in this band is shocking, and it clearly shows on Kaleidoscope.

http://www.transatlanticweb.com

4. Chevelle – La GárgolaLaGargola

No, this isn’t a prog album. However, Chevelle released one of the best albums of their career with La Gárgola. Their heavy, yet not overly heavy, style of metal has been a staple of contemporary hard rock over the past 15 years. Their excellent vocals, steady bass, clear guitar, proficient drumming, and haunting lyrics makes Chevelle one of the most interesting metal bands of the 21st Century. I found this album to be an excellent return to their heavier beginnings, while simultaneously exploring new and more complicated territory.

http://getmorechevelle.com/home.php

https://progarchy.com/2014/08/26/chevelle-la-gargola/

3. Pink Floyd – The Endless RiverThe Endless River

Is Pink Floyd even capable of making an album that isn’t good? Their latest (and final) album combines extra recordings from The Division Bell with recordings from David Gilmour and Nick Mason, as well as studio musicians. Mainly instrumental (only one song has singing), this album hearkens back to the instrumentation found in Wish You Were Here and Animals. The one thing missing, in my opinion, is Roger Waters’ bass. I feel like his involvement in this album would have made it even more spectacular, as well as thrill millions of fans. Even so, this is clearly Pink Floyd, and any fan of psychedelic prog will love this album. The album serves as a worthy sendoff for Richard Wright.

http://www.pinkfloyd.com/index2.php

http://www.pinkfloyd.com/theendlessriver/

2. Vanden Plas – Chronicles of the Immortals – Netherworld397022

Vanden Plas’ latest album might very well be the best progressive metal album I have ever heard, with no disrespect to Dream Theater’s Images and Words. It is just that Netherworld so beautifully captures the intricacies of metal, “high prog,” and magnificent story telling. There have been some excellent albums released this year, but few reach the brilliance of Vanden Plas. Having listened to some of their previous work, this album is not out of the ordinary for them. One of the nicest things about this band is the vocals are not your traditional “metal” vocals – there is no screaming, yelling, whining, etc. Andy Kuntz’s voice is beautifully melodic and mysterious, and it is perfect for this album. Vanden Plas perfectly crosses over between the worlds of full-on head banging metal riffs and quieter, classic progressive rock. This album also has one of the best beginnings and endings of any album I have ever heard. There is a clear and definite start and resolution – you aren’t left hanging or wishing there was more. It is perfect just as it is.

Check out Gianna’s and Time Lord’s reviews of Chronicles of the Immortals – Netherworld.

http://www.vandenplas.de

1. Flying Colors – Second NatureSecond Nature

Mike Portnoy again. The guy sure does get around. Neal Morse again too. Go figure. Also in the band are Steve Morse, Casey McPhersen, and Dave Larue.

Second Nature is one of the best albums I have ever heard. Flying Colors combine prog rock and pop rock in a way not seen since the glory days of Styx and Kansas. Seeing them live merely solidified my position on the matter. Catchy yet complicated riffs abound, as well as thoughtful lyrics. If prog wants to become mainstream and popular again, then bands need to take note of Flying Colors.

Check out my review of Second Nature, as well as my review of their live show.

http://flyingcolorsmusic.com

***

Well, there’s my top 10 of 2014. A fair mixture of metal, prog metal, and straight up prog. Honorable mention should go to Ian Anderson’s Homo Erraticus, Fire Garden’s Sound of Majestic Colors (which I thought had far too much of a “garage band” mixing to make my top 10 list), Fractal Mirror’s Garden of Ghosts, Salander’s STENDEC, and Glass Hammer’s Ode to Echo. Special mention goes to Haken’s recent EP, Restoration EP. Had this been an album, I would have placed it in my top 5. Dishonorable mention goes to Yes’ Heaven and Earth.

Top concert of the year goes to Dennis DeYoung. His voice has not changed in 40 years, and his backup band and vocalists are better than Styx. He also has a singer who sounds better than Tommy Shaw did 40 years ago. Runner up for best show goes to Flying Colors, from their brief Second Nature tour. The reason I’m not placing them as best live show of the year is because of the audio problems they had during the show. The sound system for Dennis DeYoung’s show was superb, with no feedback issues during the show. I also had a wonderful time at the B.B. King concert, as well as seeing the CSO perform the music to Return of the King live. It was a great year for concerts!

I would also like to mention Dream Theater’s self-titled album as one of my most listened to albums of 2014. Everything about this album was fantastic, including the live album on Blu-Ray they released a few months back. From the metal virtuosity to the lyrics, this album will be on the rotation for years to come.

2014 has been another fantastic year for prog, and I look forward to more of the same in 2015. Neal Morse’s next project, The Neal Morse Band The Grand Experiment, comes out in February. Take a wild guess at who the drummer is. Muse will also be releasing an album in 2015, one which they claim will return to their rockier roots. There is also talk of a Rush 41st anniversary tour (I think there is, anyways). Much to look forward to in the coming year, and much to appreciate from 2014.

Prog on, Progarchy!

 

Re-Entering the Universe

On By Connor MullinIn progressive rock musicLeave a comment

dennisleeaskew

Well, it has been exactly one year since I first joined Progarchy, and what a positive experience it has been. In celebration, I have decided to briefly give another shout out to my friend Dennis Lee Askew of the band Universe, one of my favorite American prog bands.  I very much enjoyed reviewing his first album in an earlier post.  Dennis recently issued a new album (pictured above) containing some songs from his first album and a few others previously unreleased. If you enjoy the sounds of psychedelia, space rock, acid rock, and prog, you will enjoy this album. It is a superb blend of Pink Floyd and The Moody Blues with some Yes added for good measure.  My two favorite songs on the album are I Am, which is keyboard driven and definitely has an early Pink Floyd vibe, and The Axiom, which features a cool synth opening and some great guitar work. You can support Dennis and his work by visiting his website and purchasing the album.

http://www.universemusic.us

Monetizing Prog: “By the way, which one’s Pink?”

On By Time LordIn ProgarchyLeave a comment

Jason Notte on how “Weird Al Yankovic Just Made a Joke of the Music Industry“:

Google CEO Larry Page watched Psy’s now-ubiquitous Gangnam Style rake in $2 per 1,000 pageviews on its way Ito a $1.2 million payday by November alone. Page called Gangnam style “a glimpse of the future” as Psy was able to make a bonafide bankable hit through a video/download approach that had since been reserved for novelties like The Bed Intruder Song or Rebecca Black’s Friday. Songs no longer need airplay, major label backing or televised videos to be hits: They just needs to catch people’s attention and hold it as Yankovic has done for years.

If you applied that $2 per 1,000 to the 20 million views Yankovic’s four videos received during their first week of airplay, that’s $40,000 in one week alone. Not $1.2 million, but still not shabby for a week’s work.

But how does a company monetize that, you ask? Most of Yankovic’s partners do so through advertising: A concept that’s lost on many companies trying to make a dime off of streaming.

A glimpse of the future and the way prog bands can perhaps make some money to keep the music alive?

Covering Steven Wilson

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock music1 Comment

A review of Steven Wilson, COVER VERSION (Kscope, 2014).  12 Songs total: Thank You; Moment I Lost; The Day Before You Came; Please Come Home; A Forest; The Guitar Lesson; The Unquiet Grave; Sign ‘O’ The Times; Well You’re Wrong; Lord of the Reedy River; An End to End

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Steven Wilson is nothing if not interesting. Vitally so. Everything he does matters in some way to the contemporary world of music. He’s even made it somewhat big, at least by alternative and prog standards.

This brand new release from Wilson is a compilation—slightly redone—of cover versions (not surprisingly) of some of his favorite songs over the past two decades. Several of the songs he recorded in professional studios, he notes. Others, he recorded in hotel rooms as a form of music diary. I am exactly two months older than Wilson. Though I lived in Kansas and he in England in the 1980s, it’s pretty clear that we grew up with the same music in the same era. He, himself, notes this in his choices. Songs covered come from Donovan, Abba, and The Cure, to name just a few. Some of the songs, such as Wilson’s version of The Cure’s A Forest are deeply electronic, while others very much feel like the acid folk he produced with Storm Corrosion.

In many cases, Wilson’s versions are superior to the originals. In all cases, they are worth listening to.

Wilson has never been shy about borrowing from others in his music—Pink Floyd in early Porcupine Tree, U2 on his first solo album, and Andy Tillison (to the “nth” degree) on his most recent solo album (THE RAVEN THAT REFUSED TO SING sounds very much like a The Tangent album from roughly 5 or so years ago).

It’s great to see Wilson openly name his sources and proclaim his heroes with COVER VERSION. In particular, his take on A Forest makes the entire album worth purchasing. But, then again, this is a Steven Wilson release. No matter what he does, we need to pay attention.

Don’t Overlook Airbag

On By bradbirzerIn progressive rock music2 Comments

One of the best and most interesting Englishmen I’ve never actually met in person, Richard Thresh, recommended I check out a Norwegian band, Airbag, about two summers ago.  Richard’s views and recommendations are almost always (in fact, I can’t think of one with which I’ve disagreed) spot on.  He cautioned me that a lot of prog folk in the U.K. have dismissed them as warmed-over Pink Floyd, but that I should still listen to them anyway.

Airbag GreatestI did.  But, appearances first.

Their first album cover—the best in my opinion—could be the sequel to Talk Talk’s The Party’s Over.  This has James Marsh written (illustrated!) all over it.  A single bulbous blue eye cries a teardrop of blood.  It is equally disturbing and artistically enticing.

Before even talking indepth about the music, let me add up a couple of things.  A recommendation from Richard Thresh, a band from Norway, and a cover painting inspired by James Marsh.  Three for three.

What about the music?  Yes, they wear their Pink Floyd (mostly Gilmour) influences rather dramatically on their psychedelic sleeves.  In fact, they do so really loudly.  And, the cover of their most recent album, Greatest Show on Earth, has a very 1980s Floydish look.  The guitarwork could be done by a student of Gilmour’s, and the organist possesses a rather Wrightish touch.

Comparing them to Floyd, though, isn’t enough.  Not surprisingly, especially given the artwork of the first album, a rather strong air of Mark Hollis and Tim Friese-Greene hangs over all in a thick entangled and shifting haze as well.

Some reviewers also have heard some A-ha in Airbag.  Granted, each band begins with an A, and each is from Norway.  Otherwise, I hear no similarities at all between the two.  This, though, is quite possibly a limitation on my part, as I own all of Airbag’s music, while I’ve listened to only two of A-ha’s albums—each years ago.

Whatever influences these guy wear openly, they are their own band.  The musicianship of Airbag is simply outstanding.  For proof of this, listen to their two-track live album, Live in Oslo (2008).  Holy smokes, this is great stuff.  Though only 24 minutes long, Live in Oslo ranks, at least in my mind, as a live recording up there with Rush’s Exit Stage Left and Anathema’s Universal.  These guys can really, really, really (I could keep going here) play.

It was listening to this short live album that convinced me of their excellence.  The two songs sound almost conducted in the sense that Bruno Walter conducts the Viennese Philharmonic.

airbag identityA point about the lyrics.  I know absolutely nothing in any personal way about the musicians in Airbag.  If they vote socialist or if they worship Freya—I have no idea.

But, I really (yes, multiply this word several times) like their lyrics.  The lyrics are more Hollis than Floyd.  And, that’s a good thing, as they reach a very poetic level.  One could easily listen to the vocals merely as another instrument in the Airbag’s music–the singer is this good to be a standalone instrument—but one should really attempt to bring the lyrics and their meaning into he music.  As just mentioned, they reach poetic levels, but they also deal very interestingly with what might be called, apolitically, libertarian themes.  Meaning, they lyrics explore very nicely and intelligently the role of community, individuality, rights, artistry, creativity, and conformity.

My final word in this post.  Don’t let the comparisons to Pink Floyd throw you off.  Yes, the band is rather proudly and openly Floydian, but in terms of skill, musicianship, harmony, purpose, and lyricism, they reach toward great heights.

When your monthly budget allows you to purchase that next cd and you’re in the mood to try out a new band, don’t overlook these guys.

I almost did, but Richard Thresh prevented me from making this mistake.  Start with the two-song live album.  If you like it, purchase any or all of their three studio albums: Identity; All Rights Removed; and/or The Greatest Show on Earth.  You won’t regret it.  In fact, you might even need to send a thank you note to Richard.

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Anubis Gate — Horizons (2014)

On By Time LordIn ProgarchyLeave a comment

The new album from Anubis Gate is out and it is amazing.

I guess Denmark is making a serious bid for world musical dominance…

…because Horizons will blow away the competition and blow your mind!

I won’t waste any words right now, but rather simply say…

…you have to go hear this upper-echelon album to believe it. It’s incredible!

Well, okay, let me at least introduce it to you with the words of the band:

Finally the eagerly anticipated sixth album of Danish Prog-Metallers Anubis Gate is on the Horizon. Their new album “Horizons” is unquestionably the bands most mature work to date. Combining their signature epic songwriting with the brilliant production team of Kim Olesen and Jacob Hansen yet again. Being released on Nightmare Records distributed by Sony/RED, release date is April 15th, 2014.

Anubis Gate hit the studio the summer of 2013 recording their new opus “Horizons” which is unmistakably Anubis Gate’s sound yet goes again to new places. Places perhaps one would call daring.  From the liquid grooves to uneven time signatures, trademark soundscapes and heavy, sometimes even thrash metal riffing you will know this is both in the tradition of the band yet breaks new ground. Anubis Gate blend 80’s melodic heavy rock, epic ambience and a contemporary dark layered progressive metal. Inspired by the likes of Savatage, Genesis, Iron Maiden, Queensryche, King Crimson, Iced Earth, Crimson Glory, Fates Warning, Lord Bane & Tad Morose yet always sounding completely unique.  New guitarist Michael Bodin’s heavy riffing works exceptionally well in a duel with long time guitarist Kim Olesen.  The forward driving drums, courtesy of new drummer Morten Gade Sørensen, are a treat in themselves. Henrik Fevres melodic vocals are even more amazing and heartfelt than ever before. “Horizons” showcases the band on its highest peak. Anubis Gate 2014 is: Henrik Fevre, Kim Olesen, Michael Bodin and Morten Gade Sørensen.

By the way, if you need any convincing about the towering talent of this band, you can still download three awesome tracks, 21 minutes of creative metal from last year, for free. Here is the band explaining their generosity:

Hi everybody. As most of you know we have been working on our next effort called HORIZONS for the last two years. But, as some of you also know, we are insane perfectionists, so we didn’t quite meet the deadline for a 2013 release, which was our plan otherwise. When we recorded HORIZONS we had these three tracks that we didn’t quite know what to do with. A slightly different version of DESTINED TO REMEMBER (the other version will be on the HORIZONS album), A cover of the epic PINK FLOYD track SHEEP (from their magnificent Animals album) and a cover of BROKEN WINGS originally by Mr. Mister. BROKEN WINGS was actually a fan request, which we thought “oh, that’s a great idea”. So while you are all waiting patiently until early 2014 for the HORIZONS album to be released, this is a little present from us to you. We hope you enjoy it.

Burn the audio to a cd, print the cover, or put it on your mp3 player/ipods. Share it with your friends, spread the word.

Crank it up boys and girls.

All the best from ANUBIS GATE, Jethro Tull, Yes, ELP and 70’s style classic Rock/Hard Rock and Prog in general …

Wow, you’ve never heard Pink Floyd and Mr. Mister like this! Thank you, Anubis Gate, for your devotion to prog perfection. Your music is a joy to listen to!

P.S. You can’t beat free, but if you like deals, be sure to also pick up 2011’s eponymous Anubis Gate at the currently discounted price.

I Pod Roulette

On By Dave BandanaIn progressive rock musicLeave a comment

roulette

It is the last day of my holiday and I find myself sitting at the airport waiting to board my flight back home to the U.K. It has been a good holiday. I went to quite a few open mic acoustic jam nights and its amazing how a few Pink Floyd songs can go down so well with the holiday makers.I did Wish You Were Here, Comfortably Numb and even Bike.

Anyway, I digress. The reason for this post is of another confessional matter. I said I wouldn’t do it. I resisted for a good two weeks but today, being the last day, I finally succumbed.

I pressed shuffle on the i pod.

I had listened to full albums for all of the time here. Some really good ones of which reviews will be forthcoming. But it felt so good to press the shuffle button, lay there and wait in anticipation as to what was going to come on. I love to play i pod roulette. Do you?

Here are the first 10 songs that came on.

  1. Down and Under by Devin Townsend from Terria

  2. Palatinum Britannicum by Mandalaband from AD Sangreal

  3. Snowhite by Mystery from Beneath The Veil Of Winters Face

  4. Prime Time by Todd Rundgren from ReProduction

  5. The Storm Before The Calm by Anathema from Weather Systems

  6. The Punk and the Godfather by The Who from Quadrophenia

  7. Big Time by Pater Gabriel from So 2012 DNA

  8. Having Caught A Glimpse by Glass Hammer from The Inconsolable Secret

  9. Can We Still Be Friends by Unitopia from Covered Mirror

  10. Dusk by Genesis from Tresspass

Not a bad playlist for my own private radio station. My flight is being called and its time for another shuffle and i pod roulette for me for the next four hours.

It would be interesting to hear about other peoples i pod roulette experiences.

The sky is calling.