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Published 24th November 2015
1: LION SHEPHERD - Hiraeth
Country: Poland
Sub-genre: Progressive ethnic rock
Description: Out this week! Hot on the heels of their tour supporting Riverside, Lion Shepherd is a project by Kamil Haidar and Mateusz Owczarek , two musicians keen to blend ethnic world music, trance, progressive rock, blues, and Middle Eastern motifs. In addition to traditional European instruments, Hiraeth features the Syrian oud lute, the Persian santur, and various Indian and Arabic percussion instruments. A sort of Riverside/Lunatic Soul-meets-Pain of Salvation at WOMAD with Peter Gabriel doing production! Sounds a bit weird, but this album manages to be progressively groundbreaking, yet melodically accessible. Start with the stunning Lights Out and explore from there. A real discovery.
Listen to it now: Full album on Spotify
More Information: Artist website
2: THE TEA CLUB - Grappling
Country: USA
Sub-genre: Retro prog opera
Description: Not to be messed up with The Tea Party, which is another band from another country, the fourth album of The Tea Club is stunningly complex. Some parts have so many different layers that it will take many spins to decipher these ambitious arrangements. After catching a couple of bars of music, my neighbour asked me: "Why do you listen to three songs at the same time?" This is the best album Genesis never made!
Listen to it now: Full album on Bandcamp
More Information: Artist websiteListen to it now: Full album on Bandcamp
3: ARCADE MESSIAH - II
Country: UK
Sub-genre: Progressive Bassett Metal
Description: As the album title neatly implies, this is the second solo album from John Bassett (known for his band KingBathmat) under the moniker of Arcade Messiah. A stunning instrumental representation of the genre in his very own great way. Buy the CD and you get an outstanding 20 minute extra track called The Four Horsemen. Today someone I respect wrote: 'Perfection' on this album. That or the word 'Grand' was what I planned to use for this recommendation. So, highly recommended, please listen to some grand perfection now!
Listen to it now: Album on Bandcamp
More Information: Artist website
4: THRESHOLD- European Journey
Country: UK
Sub-genre: Prog metal
Description: A very enjoyable 15-song live set from one of the most established and consistent progressive metal bands on Planet Earth. Its always worth the price of admission just to hear Damien Wilson's golden vocals, but the rest of the band ain't too shabby, as shown on the whirlwind version of Slipstream that closes the show. A two-CD set recorded at various venues last year and backed by a European tour in January.
Listen to it now: Full album on All-streaming
More Information: Artist website
Country: USA
Sub-genre: Eclectic/Symphonic Prog
Description: If you are looking for “classic” prog that, at the same time, sounds fresh and intriguing, look no further than New Jersey-based outfit Advent’s highly-awaited third album. While the influence of seminal bands such as Gentle Giant (particularly evident in the stunning, multi-part vocal harmonies) and Genesis is undeniable, there are also elements taken from jazz, folk and traditional church music that make Advent’s sound much more than just a trip down memory lane. Clocking in at almost 80 minutes, and featuring all-round stellar performances from the band’s six members, Silent Sentinel is a rewarding, highly recommended listen
Listen to it now: Full album on Bandcamp
More Information: Artist website