Monthly Archives: January 2016

Dream Theater – “The Astonishing”

Posted on January 31, 2016 by Rob

This has become one of the most anticipated albums of Dream Theater’s career. The hype machine went into overdrive once it was announced exactly what the band was planning to do with this album. I should point out that on … Continue reading →

Posted in progressive metal, progressive rock, soundtrack, symphonic metal | Tagged | 4 Comments

Flicker Rate – “Flicker Rate” EP

Posted on January 31, 2016 by Rob

Flicker Rate is the project of 16 year old Spencer Bassett, who’s father is the multi-talented John Bassett of Kingbathmat and Arcade Messiah. This makes things interesting on two fronts. One is of course Spencer’s age and the other being … Continue reading →

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Dream Theater releases “The Astonishing” and fans are divided

Posted on January 30, 2016 by Rob

No, this is not my review of the new Dream Theater album, “The Astonishing.” I don’t see how anyone could have an accurate opinion of 131 minutes of music after a day. Yet that hasn’t stopped people from either declaring … Continue reading →

Posted in art rock, progressive metal, progressive rock, soundtrack, symphonic metal | Tagged | 5 Comments

Second To Sun – “The First Chapter”

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Rob

Second to Sun are an interesting band. For all intents and purposes, it’s a vehicle for guitarist Vladimir Lehtinen. There is no doubting the technical ability of Lehtinen. “The First Chapter” contains some amazing playing and top notch production. I … Continue reading →

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Textures – “Phenotype”

Posted on January 28, 2016 by Rob

From the opening scream on “Oceans Collide,” you are on notice that Textures are indeed back and more brutal than ever. “Phenotype” marks a new chapter in the history of Textures. Guitarist and chief songwriter Jochem Jacobs is no longer … Continue reading →

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Bruce Soord – “Bruce Soord”

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Rob

Bruce Soord is best known as the creative force behind The Pineapple Thief. The band actually started out as a side project for him and, like Steven Wilson and Porcupine Tree, Soord was effectively the band at the start. Since … Continue reading →

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Cult of Luna / The Old Wind – “Råångest” EP

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Rob

I’ll get this out of the way. I love Cult of Luna. The key with them is patience. They do things when they want and there’s no telling when they might enter hibernation again. Given that, I was super excited … Continue reading →

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Omnium Gatherum – “Grey Heavens”

Posted on January 26, 2016 by Rob

Omnium Gatherum are one of those bands that has gotten better and better with each release. The key is that each release has been really amazing, so each time they top it, it’s quite a pleasant surprise. For me their … Continue reading →

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Rikard Sjöblom – “The Unbendable Sleep”

Posted on January 26, 2016 by Rob

Who is Rikard Sjöblom you ask? He is better known with progrockers Beardfish. Sjöblom is the lead singer, guitarist and keyboardist for Beardfish. Needless to say, the main question is: why does he need to do a solo album when … Continue reading →

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Conrad Keely – “Original Machines”

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Rob

Conrad Keely is a favorite of mine. He is best known as the singer and leader of …And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead. That band has been making some of my favorite music for years now. … Continue reading →

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