Prometheo: “Stupor Mundi Vol. 1” (2023) – Album Review

Delve into the fascinating story of King Frederick II’s reign as portrayed by Rock Progressivo Italiano band Prometheo in their latest release “Stupor Mundi Vol. 1”. The album (the inaugural volume of a planned two-part series) weaves a vibrant tapestry of history, storytelling, and diverse musical expression, its palpable progressive essence drawing listeners in to a compelling historical saga.

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The Filibuster Saloon: “Going Off Topic” (2023) – Album Review

“Going Off Topic”, the debut album from The Filibuster Saloon, delves into elements of Canterbury Scene, jazz, progressive rock, fusion, avant-prog, and however many labels may apply. These instrumental tracks comprise a vibrant and playful collection of tunes, trading moments of compositional complexity and musical virtuosity with an air of both breezy cheerfulness and cheeky mischief.

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I Am The Manic Whale: “Bumper Book of Mystery Stories” (2023) – Album Review

I Am The Manic Whale’s triumphant fourth album “Bumper Book of Mystery Stories” deftly navigates and overcomes the challenges inherent to the concept album: combining clever storytelling and thematic delivery with an engaging musical presentation. The band successfully fulfills the promise of any good horror, science fiction, and adventure anthology, with thrills and chills aplenty, and bestows them upon us in a thrilling melodic prog sojourn.

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Nospūn: “Opus” (2023) – Album Review

“Opus”, the 2023 album from Nospūn, is a virtuosic progressive-metal narrative take on the soul-crushing consequences of obsession. This North Carolina outfit solidifies strong metal chops, catchy melodies, progressive rock inventiveness, and a flair for dramatic storytelling into a powerfully engaging concept album.

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Amoeba Split: “Quiet Euphoria” (2023) – Album Review

“Quiet Euphoria” is a sensational progressive jazz record from Amoeba Split that plays with the boundaries of genre and engages listeners with vibrant melodies and dynamic composition. Boasting moments of cohesive strength, musical whimsy, innovative and improvisational drive, and deep atmospheric immersion, “Quiet Euphoria” boasts both comforting familiarity and jarring unease all at once. The title itself is a similar contradiction, a vanguard of the compositional dialectical on display.

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K’mono: “Mind Out Of Mind” (2023) – Album Review

Drawing influence from classic eclectic and symphonic prog bands. shaped by a blend of hard and space rock, and filtered through a lens of contemporary neo-prog, “Mind Out Of Mind” by K’mono is one of the most thrilling and engaging albums of the year. Take an extended dip into the waters of this tonal oasis.

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