This year DPRP has reviewed over 400 different albums. Thus, you can be forgiven for maybe missing a few real gems along the way.
Here DPRP reviews editor Andy Read selects 13 new releases from lesser-known artists that he feels may not have got the attention they deserve! We have tried to select a wide range of artists, representing the many different styles of progressive music.
Below is an excerpt from the original DPRP review of each album plus a video sample track from each release. Happy listening!
Oak - False Memory Archive
This Norwegian trio's second album of melancholic-infused melodic prog, got our two reviewers rolling out the glowing adjectives.
"This album is flawless. Every note, every lyric, and every sound blend together perfectly to create an exquisitely crafted piece of music. Throughout the album, the listener is swamped by a sense of nostalgia and a sense of home, with feelings of both pain and joy ... Every reader of this website should investigate this band. They are a hidden gem that should not be ignored. Bands like this don't come around very often." Bryan Morey
Read the full DPRP review here
Pöhja Konn - Pöhja Konn
The debut album from this Estonian band took a little while to reach us, but its blend of music from their homeland, with the classic prog of Genesis, Beardfish and Gentle Giant was an instant winner
"Musically, we have a blend of various influences from the 1970s progressive rock scene with a considerable dose of originality across the entire album. But there is also the case that the album leaves you speechless because it just blows you away." Thomas Otten
Read the full DPRP review here
Árstíðir - Nivalis
The fifth album from this Icelandic trio is a master class in how to amalgamate atmospheric post-rock and a touch of pop, within the unique, serene, minimalistic beauty of this Arctic isle.
Read the full DPRP review here
Dilemma - Random Acts of Liberation
New frontman, singer and guitarist Dec Burke has brought his trademark style to this Dutch band for the release of their second album (after a 23 year wait!). This collection of melodic, heavy prog with plenty of extended instrumental workouts will delight fans of Burke's previous projects (Frost*, Darwin’s Radio, Audioplastik).
"When looking at the references, this album is essential for all who adore prog, for it melts in your mouth/ears. Mike Portnoy, acknowledging their potential, immediately took them on board as a support act for his Europe-tour with Sons Of Apollo; and me, I still have trouble grasping this band to be from Holland (apart from Dec), for it is brilliant, adventurous and keeps on delivering more and more with each listen, like an infinite box of deliciousness." Jan Buddenberg
Read the full DPRP review here
The Paradox Twin - The Importance of Mr Bedlam
A highly impressive debut album from this UK quartet, sets out to explore the worlds of progressive rock and conspiracy theories.
"Sitting somewhere in between neo-prog (Arena) and atmospheric prog rock (Amarok), this album can be summarised in two words: sonic bliss. If you want some beautiful music for those cold winter nights, then this is the album for you. Click on the video below, and then play my favourite track Moonblood (here) featuring guest vocals by Kim Seviour and a guitar solo by John Mitchell. Then press "Buy"." Andy Read
3rdegree - Ones & Zeros Volume 0
![]()
After over a quarter of a century, this prog rock band out of New Jersey has really nailed those sweet vocal harmonies!
"So, an intelligent and musically exalted album with a message. A message brought to you through well thought out meticulous compositions, play and vocals with razor-sharp, clear and witty lyrics. Chapeau! A prog-gem avant la lettre. Recommended in any way I can think of." André de Boer
Read the full DPRP review here
Sisare - Leaving The Land
Second album from these Finns is one of the best experimental post rock albums of 2018. The great artwork, means that you really need to buy a full copy!
"Just six songs feature on this well produced and strong album, each long enough to grow on you but never too long to be all too repetitive, which is the case with some bands. Starting of with the mellow yet atmospheric intro to the song Escape, this song quickly got me into their sound that is reminiscent to bands like Opeth (in recent years), Wobbler and Vangough." Arno Agterberg
Evership - Evership II
Regal Worm - Pig Views
Pretty in Pink? In future years, this third offering from Sheffield's finest, will be used by reviewers around the globe to define the word 'eclectic'.
"Pig Views is the third release by Jarrod Gosling using the moniker Regal Worm. This excellent release and the previous two albums, showcase Gosling’s enviable ability to meld, package and mix a range of styles into an impressive musical experience. He has created a trilogy of albums that are melodic, idiosyncratic, and humorous, but above all, they are all truly progressive in their scope and breath." Owen Davies
Read the full DPRP review here
Chickn - Wowsers!
This second album from eccentric Greek psychedelic prog rockers, visits every corner of the prog universe. You just gotta love an album with a track entitled: Elevational Love Of Frank Zappa
"This is a great album of psychedelic prog that has tuneful pop touches amongst the lysergic eccentricity, and it avoids completely the sitar and eastern trimmings as well. If you want something warm, engagingly left of field and foot-tapping, look no further than Chickn’s Wowsers!" Martin Burns
Alkaloid - Liquid Anatomy
The second album from this star-studded German outfit has been featuring regularly in lists of the "best of albums of 2018" by those who favour the more extreme styles of progressive music.
"If you like your extreme metal such as Bloodbath, Unleashed, Dismember as well as your prog such as Ayreon, Orphaned Land or Blind Guardian then definitely have a listen. I doubt you will be disappointed. If this album isn’t regarded as a classic of the progressive extreme metal genre in the coming years, I will eat this review." Calum Gibson
Read the full DPRP review here
Yuka And Chronoship - Ship
This fourth album from one of the leading Japanese prog bands, is a blindingly good collection of supremely tuneful, mainly instrumental, 1970s-infused classic prog. The highlight is the seven-track Argo suite, imbued with Greek mythology.
"This is an album of modern classic prog with incisive arrangements and infectious melodies played by musicians with talent to spare. Listen to this but be prepared to find yourself singing these rich tunes at odd hours of the day or night." Martin Burns
Vola - Applause of a Distant Crowd
"How to describe an album as complexly-varied as this, in one para? Impossible. Copenhagen's Vola follow-up their impressive debut offering, Inmazes, with an album that is more varied and more lovable. Part heavy, part light. Part metal, part pop. Part complex, part straightforward. Lots of sublime melodies. Lots of crazy riffs. Lots of electronica. I'm often reminded of Australia's Voyager. Not so much for the overall sound but for the mixture of different elements into a coherent whole. Not an instant hit, but for those with patience, this will be one of the most rewarding crossover albums of the year." Andy Read
Do not miss these other features highlighting some of the best releases of 2018
The Top 10 Progressive Rock Albums of 2018
If you enjoyed these, then why not try some of our previous editions:
Ten More Fabby Prog Albums from 2017 That You May Have Missed
Ten Amazing Prog Rock Albums you may have missed in 2017
12 Progressive Rock Albums You May Have Missed in 2016