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Published 30th August 2016
1: GRIOT - Gerald
Country: Portugal
Sub-genre: Thoroughly-modern prog
Description: Stylistically many-hued, this duo from Portugal crafts a thoroughly modern take on prog, and damn good it is too. The story of "Gerald", as he faces up to some, and dodges a few more of life's big questions. For me the English lyrics are secondary to the music, that picks its sundry, classic prog influences without discrimination, throws them up in the air, and the end result is a "prog" album I actually like. How often does that happen?
Listen to it now: Full Album on Bandcamp
More Information: Artist websiteListen to it now: Full Album on Bandcamp
2: MirrorMaze - Break The Horizon
Country: Italy
Sub-genre: Progressive metal
Description: Definitely one for those who enjoy the Dream Theater style of prog metal. Some super-intense, guitar-dominated technical playing, characterises an album that you really have to sit down and listen to properly, as this is music for those with phobias about any song that stays in the same time signature for more than 30 seconds! Break The Horizon is the second album from this Italian band. While it breaks no new ground, it is a big step up from their debut, with a three-part closing track that clocks in at 30 minutes. Need I say any more?
Listen to it now: Listen to the album on Spotify
More Information: Artist websiteListen to it now: Listen to the album on Spotify
3: AXON-NEURON - Metamorphosis
Country: USA
Sub-genre: Eclectic Prog
Description: Hailing from Akron (Ohio), Axon-Neuron have been around since 2011. Metamorphosis, their third album, is nothing but ambitious – a double CD displaying the quintet’s wealth of influences (classical, jazz, metal, prog… you name it!), in a “concept” setting that explores the ideas of change and transformation. A 21-piece orchestra adds a classical dimension to several of the tracks, while Amanda Rankin’s outstanding vocals (often reminiscent of MoeTar’s Moorea Dickason) navigate the twists and turns of the music with aplomb.
Listen to it now: Album on Bandcamp
More Information: Artist website
4: EDGE OF REALITY - Vicious Circle
Country: USA
Sub-genre: Complex, nutty prog metal
Description: The second release after 2014's Elephants in my Pajamas debut, created by a set of three youngsters and led by multi-talented Joey Frevola of Synaesthesia/Kyros fame. In short this band stands for the new prog metal. Progressive as hell, extremely complicated structures at times, and absolutely nuts and brilliant overall! This is a really exiting album, a captivating musical adventure that offers several angles to look at it and enjoy it. You will be listening to the future of prog metal with a wink, and with hilarious fun as an extra! Highly recommended.
Listen to it now: Full album on Bandcamp
More Information: Artist on Facebook
5: KANSAS - Pittsburgh 1976
Country: USA
Sub-genre: Progressive classic rock
Description: Never thought we would have a Kansas album on SFTW, but (cheating just a little bit), this is a brand new digital re-issue of the band's classic line-up from their acclaimed Leftoverture tour. I believe this show has only before been available as a bootleg recording (albeit it pretty decent quality), so this is a fresh chance to hear some of the Kansas classics from their earliest days.
Listen to it now: Full album on Bandcamp