| Hungarian instrumental space prog blending Eastern and jazz influences in a fusion-like atmosphere. In many ways Korai Öröm have a strong musical connection to that of the Ozric Tentacles. 1997 is a great album full of hypnotic atmospheres and absolutely superb percussion, guitar , synth & bass interplay. Korai Öröm explore some pretty wicked grooves and allow the music to nicely evolve. Korai Öröm do not acknowledge any tracks by title and consider "1997" to be 1 long track. Each song is fused together with the next and it really does run like 1 very lengthy number. There are something like 9 band members with 4 playing percussive instruments alone. Highly involved and intelligent music with big sound | |||
| Banco's first album would clearly be in my opinion one of the finest releases from the 70's. Banco play a highly expressive and soulful classical progressive rock with great sophistication and romanticism. I would have to say that the opening track "R.I.P (Requiescant In Pace)" would be one of the most brilliant tracks in my collection. What always stands out for me on this album is the clearly accentuated piano/keyboards which seems to bring so much to the album. Although the album does have its more laid back sections, in classic Banco style they still do break out into some pretty wild progressive rock moments. One of the other small things which I have always loved about this album is their rare but clever use of sound effects. For those who may be unfamiliar with the Italian progressive rock scene may want to consider starting here. | |||
| After listening to their debut album "Astronomy Made Easy" I was hooked on the extreme talents of Boud Deun. If you want to hear some real scrumptious violin with guitar , bass and drum interplay then you must pick this band's work up. "The Stolen Bicycle" marks their second and arguably most comprehensive work to date. This album is soaring and full of some absolutely tasty instrumental work outs. "The Stolen Bicycle" is actually a large number of smaller vignettes which get the opportunity to individually explore some new musical ground. This is a magical little album which demands much listening attention and is a real instrumental work of art. Greg Hiser's violin work is simply "exemplar" and when juxtaposed with Shawn Persinger's guitar offerings we are treated to a wild instrumental contrast. Overall songs are highly calibrated and well crafted with precision execution…..Folks who like an electric "progressive jazz'fest" will need to own this recording…simply amazing……. | |||
| Let me start out by acknowledging that "All About Eve" are not a "Progressive Rock" outfit, but are possibly one of "Pop's" most hidden progressive treasures. Led by one of the most powerful and wonderful female vocalists around Julianne Regan, All About Eve create a very intelligent music which I have enjoyed for many years now. Songs offer a nice variety and have many different moods and themes and are delivered with great musicianship. | |||
| For those who need a real solid jazz trip with superb musicianship and some wonderful melodies have come to the right place. Alain is one of today's most versatile and talented bass players around. As usual he has surrounded himself with only the highest of calibre of musicians who get into some pretty awesome grooves. Joining Caron are Jerry De Villiers on guitar , Magella Cormier on drums and Gerry Etkins on keyboards. Songs range from prog rock like forms to pure jazz, all constructed with high energy and precision. Some of the guitar and bass interplay will simply blow you away with Caron delivering his patented fretless bass signature sounds. Although probably filed normally under jazz, I find his work often highly progressive in structure with the highest of performance standards. A wonderful album waiting to be discovered.
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| Wonderful modern day Italian prog rock fitting very much into the 70's style with wonderful warmth and great expressive songs. Germinale do remind me very musch at times of PFM with their little interludes and frequent break out into some great progressive Jazz-like moments with classical keyboard and flute passages. Vocals are sung in Italian and are well done which seem to fit the music perfectly. This is another Mellow Record jem and for those searching out modern Italian prog should definitely give this a whirl. I love this album and consider Germinale to be one of the top modern day Italian greats. Essential and even a little "Psychy". | |||
| With their classic line-up, Barclay James Harvest's "Octoberon" is a classic and represents in my opinion of their greatest pieces of work. Soft and yet expressively progressive throughout, Octoberon will please your ears with some highly skilled song writing and strong musicianship. Octoberon is abundant in memorable songs written by Les Holroyd , John Lees and John Wolstenholme who each bring a slightly different emotion into each song. Standout track for me is "Ra" which seems to push all the right buttons, bringing forward highly progressive elements and actually carrying a slight Camel feel with it. Overall Octoberon is a great album and one which I would certainly encourage all music lovers to ask for as a Christmas stocking stuffer | |||
| "Down To Earth" was Nektar's 5th release and in my opinion is one of thier finest albums of all time. "Down To Earth" is a concept album based around the highs and lows of life in belonging to a cosmic circus. Lovers of Hawkwind will be pleased to know that Mr. Robert Calvert is the Ringmaster throughout the album and brings a very theatrical element into this album. AS you would expect this album is filled with the classic Nektar symphonic Floyd-like twists with just enough German KrautRock influences to keep you amazed. One of the key differences on "Down To Earth" for Nektar was the use of Circus like atmospheres and sound effects in their instrumentation (tuba, trumpets, trombone and barritone sax). Several of Nektar's most beloved tunes came from this album "Astral Man , That's Life and Early Morning Clown. Highly recommended prog rock | |||
| H20 defy all those pundits out there who still cling to the belief that only the 70's were progressive. "Unopuntosei" evokes a certain musical beauty not unlike Locanda delle Fate and Le Orme exhibited throughout their music. Although H20 do get into some pretty energetic and highly complex playing, they are able to gracefully blend in slower mood and tempo swings which will amaze you. Unopuntosei is both electric and acoustic throughout and creates highly symphonic , deep thought provoking music. This is a highly professional and well executed album with great dynamic sound and speaker separation. Vocals are excellent (Lyrics in Italian) and are in a matching pastel replica to the music itself. | |||
| Here is an album that I think just about everyone probably grew up with as I did and everytime I listen to this album I get that old nostalgic feeling thing going. I personally put "Pet Sounds" in the top of its' class and in many ways personally find this a highly progressive album..complete with multiple mood swings, pop/psychy influences, wild lyrics and some of the most memorable songs in my personal collection. The fine folks at Capitol records have released on 1 CD now the mono and stereo version together with some grand liner notes. | |||
| Majestic symphonic progressive rock from Venezuelan act which have laid unfortunately dormant for almost 20 years. This brand new album starts off on an odd note with 2 rather dark foreboding symphonic tracks which are highly un-characteristic of the remainder of the album. "Childhood's End" is highly original and orchestrally rich music which reaches almost terrestrial heights. Musicianship is simply outstanding with some grand instrumental work including the profound cello playing of Peter Pejtsik from "After Crying". Pedro Castillo's guitar playing is tremendous and also offers a truly beautiful singing voice. This album contains a couple of truely remarkable aspects including wonderful instrumental variations, vast tempo and mood swings,. All musical aspects come together on the 24 min epic masterpiece "El Fin De La Infancia" which in many ways steals the show… Overall this album is very well recorded and offers great sound dynamics when your sitting on the bus going to work.
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| Magnificent 5 piece symphonic prog band with influences such as "QUELLA VECCHIA LOCANDA" and "PFM". Passo Doppo Passo contains live material from the late '70s and early '80s work filled with loads of analogue synth-driven passages wonderfully written and choreographed songs. . Il Castello Di Atlante blend excellent vocal harmonies (Vocals in Italian) with grand symphonic landscapes played with delicate romantic - influences . I actually do not know all that much about this album in terms of its origin, but think it is a great live album with a few breathtaking moments. This album offers a nice warm feel with loads of acoustic guitar and analog synth work. Lovers of 70's Italian Prog will certainly enjoy this album. This is one of those albums that all prog lovers live to find and will most certainly be a prized addition to the ol' collection my friends. | |||
| Delicious double CD offering from these lovely American Space Cadets who know how to explore the progressive outer limits of your brain. These cerebral doctors blend Ozric styled e-guitar solos with some tremendous keyboard driven atmospheres with a full richness in sound quality. Songs are well constructed and offer a multitude of form changes and tempo swings throughout.
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| Can were always on the cutting edge of avante-garde progressive rock blending heavy ethnic rock with industrial electronic atmospheres in bizarre like extended jam. "Soon Over Babaluma" continues Can's quest into the land of the ultimate psychedelic space jam without Damo Suzuki's vocals. This album focuses much less on the vocal aspect in Suzuki's absence enabling the lads to innovate some wicked grooves and mind warping landscapes. I personally have always loved Can's approach to music and find it terribly progressive. Tapestries of violin and guitar are superimposed over the frenzied drumming of Jaki Liebeaeit (who is simply an amazing percussionist), Droned bass accents by band leader Holger Czukay all surrounded by tasty keyboard atmospheric samples. Highlight for me is the combination of epic track "ChainReaction" and last number "Quantum Physics" which bring out arguably the best work of Can ever. "Soon Over Babaluma" is a wonderful work of art and is regarded by many as the shining moment for Can. | |||
| Excellent Brazillian classic symphonic progressive rock with rich melodies and great instrumentation throughout. Visions is apparently an album made up of songs dating back over 20 years from Aether's past all newly recorded and for the first time available on CD! Although the vast majority of the album is instrumental in nature, a couple of tracks do contain the excellent vocals of Alberto Curi. Songs are well written and played with a high degree of professionalism with some real nice guitar and keyboard performances. Although "Visions" is made up of shorter numbers in the 5 minute range, it includes a mini epic 6 part suite called the "Altenburg Suite" which is the center piece of the album. This number would make a great movie soundtrack in my opinion being so full or orchestration. In fact the album is really divided in 2 with the first half being slightly more electric and the second half much more orchestral. "Visions" is very well recorded sounding simply delicious with a wide dynamic sound and is clearly destined to be a classic
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| You know your gonna love a band when all members are credited with playing the Mellotron ! Morte Macabre is actually a concoction of band members from progressive bands Landberk & Anekdoten who pay tribute to the horror movie soundtracks. Close your eyes and just try to imagine this aggressive musical quartet interpreting and improvising on haunting musical scores from old horror movies and you are getting the picture (no pun intended!). Songs are quite atmospheric and dark yet warm sounding. Without a question overall Symphonic Holocaust is a slower-paced "mood piece" (with only a couple aggressive breakouts) which is a wonderful for those evenings when you just want to be kind of quiet and relax in that couch of yours. Warning: you might get scared listening to this album if you are alone in the house. | |||
| Hungarian classical rock blending orchestral movements with that of rock. De Profundis is a highly original and creative album which draws parallels in many ways to the output of early King Crimson. As usual "After Crying" utilize a vast array of instrumentation to create their musical atmospheres (cello, tuba, violin, oboe, clarinet, flute....). One of the most striking elements in their music which I love is the mix of electric guitar with classical instrumentation. Their tones are warm and colorful and their music is highly creative and full of imagination. Although a good chunk of De Profundis is instrumental, vocals are scattered throughout. Songs are sung in native Hungarian which are very well done. The intro to the album opens with a grand angelic-like prayer "Bevezetes" which I find absolutely haunting to this day. De Profundis contains some simply amazing musicianship and is beautiful music through and through. A Great progressive discovery for your speakers. | |||
| This long forgotten progressive/psychedelic masterpiece from Canada stands up and sounds as fresh now as it did 20 years ago. This is really the third album released by Christmas and features Reign Ghost guitarist Bob Bryden. "Lies To Live By" is a majestic concept album, that still sounds contemporary and vibrant with some excellent musicianship and lyrical ideas. Robert Bulger's lead guitar solos are to kill for and sounds perfectly psychy when combined with the folk'sie rhythm section of the band. Complete with sound effects and mellotron (what else could you ask for?) , Christmas will simply blow your mind and transport you into another dimension. Sound reproduction is quite good and some of the musical moments here is simply breath taking. Merry Christmas My Children | |||
| "Intorno alla mia cattiva educazione" is a beautifully crafted Italian symphonic album full of life. Album although has 14 distinctive songs flows like one big long song. Alusa Fallax instrumentation features loads of keyboards (Hammond, moog and an array of synths) , acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, sax, trumpet and flute. Vocals are highly expressive and are reminiscent of the style of Locanda Delle Fate with the rest of the band playing more in a progressive jazz style as exemplified by the likes of Quella Vecchia Locanda, Il Volo and later Celeste. Alusa Fallax personify the masculine : feminine aspect of music which I find so enduring and in my opinion is often a sign of a classic. Alusa Falax blend classical musical influences which are full of romanticism and layered symphonic keyboard driven passages with progressive breakouts and higher energy parts. Overall an exceptional recording and although is oft over-shadowed by the better known Ital prog acts, should not be missed. Essential | |||
| Without a question as far a live albums go, Yes' Yessongs would rank right up there as one of my all time favorite albums. Released back in '73 as a triple vinyl album set devoted to capturing Yes live on their 1972 tour. Yes here perform songs from Fragile, Close To The Edge and The Yes Album which is my personal favourite era for YES. In my opinion this album contains one of the greatest intro's ever recorded live with the except from the "Firebird Suite" cascading into Siberian Khatru in epic proportions. Anderson's voice is highly angelic throughout this show and I don't think you can get much better than the guitar work of Steve Howe, Wakemans' analog keyboard runs, Squires pattented bass fretting or Alan White's excellent drumming. | |||
| 3rd album released by one of the classic Italian bands of the 70's mixing a much more "World music" influence than their classic debut L'Uomo. Palepoli is an highly musically diverse album with many influences and sudden atmosphere, mood and tempo changes. At times I guess comparisons could be made to the early work of Jethro Tull or even Semiramis but overall Palepoli reaches far too many different peaks to remain in one place for comparisons. Guitar sounds are meaty, hard and are slightly fuzz-like (a personal fav) and when combined with the heavy flute passages , percussion and keyboard atmospheres (some grand mellotron) makes this a tremendously addictive offering. I have always loved Osanna ability to deliver a progressive rock album without worrying about remaining within a defined boundary. Palepoli is essentially 2 long album side epic tracks (18 and 22 mins) which are given lots of room to explore some grand musical caverns and hills. A great piece of Italian progressive history and an album full of unpredictable musical moments with that classic Ital-prog shape.
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| Arjen Anthony Lucassen is the man behind the mask writing performing and producing a sensational "Space Opera" of lasting quality and musical beauty. This aggressive musical project spans 2 long CD's and covers a lot of ground as Lucassen's space concept album is unfolded to the listener in a chapter by chapter approach. We are navagated throughout the story by the narration of P Daltry (Kaleidoscope) who into's many of the songs with his stylistically thematic prose. The most remarkable aspect of this epic album for me is clearly the cast of a thousand he has secured on this album…Fish (Marillion), Damian Wilson (Threshold), Edward Reekers (Kayak), Rene Merkelback (Gorefest), Ton Scherpenzeel (Taurus, Kayak, Camel), Thijs v Leer (Focus) Clive Nolan (Pendragon, Arena) and Edwin Balogh (Omega). Musical influences range from neo-prog to hard rock but overall delivers a solid and highly well crafted music offering some great moments. The voices have been well cast as the album contains a nice variety of vocal tones and harmony. Lucassen himself is responsible for all the grand guitar work found on this album as well as other instrumentation (Mellotron, mandolin, bass, minimoog and organ). Considering the length of the album I find this a nice varied listen from start to finish and never get bored as so much is always going on. Album also contains some nice art work with a nice booklet to help the listener follow along and get all out of this album. A most enjoyable and adventurous listen. | |||
| Yet another gem from the classic Italian 70's prog scene and represents a highly expressive rock album with excellent and focused vocals and harmony. I Giganti essentially play a highly melodic / symphonic prog with some nicely accentuated breakouts. Although the vocals and lyrics are the centered focus on this album, we are still treated to loads of symphonic keyboard work with loads of piano and even some mellotron. Guitar work is also worth making note of and is a nice combination of acoustic and electric work. Songs are highly expressive The concept of this album is centered around the mob (mafia) and is told from the perspective of a prisoner in a series of interviews. At times "Terra In Bocca" actually transforms into a musical dream sequence and delivers some simply gorgeous melodies. A favourite Italprog recording for this prog music lover. | |||
