Three massive release weeks in October – 25 Highlights!

Back in 2022, An Abstract Illusion took everyone by storm with their album “Woe”, instantly shooting to the top of the “Best of…” or “AOTY” lists everywhere. Even I, who usually doesn’t dig much extreme metal, was totally taken, placing their second album at the top of my personal lists and considering the band one to follow. So it was no surprise that after I listened to their first single “No Dreams Beyond Empty Horizons”, I knew the Swedes had a new jewel up their sleeves. And rightly so, “The Sleeping City” is a magnificent jewel! I remember saying “How do they manage to create such brutal beauty?” For me, it sounds like the harsh and deep frozen winter conditions of northern Scandinavia, but in total awe and love for the infinite white beautiful death that it means, all at once, all in your face. And beyond the deep emotions that the music in “The Sleeping City”, track by track, unfolds, the amazement also comes from its technicality. The guitar work is superb, the clean vocals are more beautiful than ever in deep contrast with the growls, which are among the most brutal and anguishing I’ve heard. And the rhythm sections, both bass and superb drumming, are pure clockwork. Lyrically, it explores the human psyche and emotions regarding pain and sorrow, and as I feel it, it also serves as a warning to our society, a wake-up call by actually inviting us to the “sleeping city” as a metaphor for the droning lives we’ve fallen into, among the cacophony of news, sounds and extremes going on around the planet in every single aspect of our lives. Should we stay sleeping or should we finally awake? Yes this is another one high up top for AOTY!  Van

Now, what do we have here? Coroner dropped a new album?? It’s been 30 years, and they’re finally back with new music! And how does it hold up? Well, I gotta say that I am incredibly impressed with the quality of this record. When I heard how punchy the production was, I got both excited and concerned, because this meant it could go both ways in terms of songwriting. Luckily, not only did they keep true to their identity, but they tried new things with how they’ve matured over the last 3 decades. For those who know (or don’t) of Coroner, they’re a Swiss technical thrash metal band from the 80’s, who have added in progressive groove metal influences in their later albums. “Dissonance Theory” feels both like a natural progression from 1993’s “Grin”, but also like it actually works as a 2025 album in the best way possible. It’s got the riffs, it’s got the pounding, groovy drums, the bass is ever-so-present and chunky in the mix, and the vocals are probably the most extreme the band’s sounded without going into death metal territory. This sounds like a good mix of Nevermore, Testament, and Kreator, with a hint of later-Symphony X. A definite highlight for this year in music, and one of the strongest comeback albums in recent memory! Colin

It sounds like a strange curiosity on paper, when you hear about an ex-drummer of bands like Klone and Hacride teaming up with drum/bass/guitar/vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Mars Carvalho (Archætype, Wombat Supernova, Codex Anima, Natural Disorder, Geminii and more) to produce an album that mixes modern prog metal with cloud trap elements. The electronic components used here (coming into full play in the second disc with ‘metal-less’ remixes of all songs) are just so far away from the 80’s synthwave of Florent Marcadet’s current employer, Carpenter Brut. But if something like a proggy version of Deftones-like emotional alternative metal tickles your interest, you’ve come to the right place and need to check out FLIGHT CNCLLD’s debut album “Safety Wire” immediately! Dario

The interdimensional storyteller Râhoola is back to continue the curious tale of A Flying Fish. This time, our titular character Teezûck plunges headfirst into his own subconscious mind after attempting to fly. And we plunge right with him. “El Pez Que Voló – Act II” is every bit as fantastical, imaginative, whimsical and exuberantly twisted as 2023’s Act I was. The limitlessness of an avantgarde approach to music with strong musical, cabaret, chamber music and prog influences is miraculously not diminished by a strong A Flying Fish vibe throughout that stays true to itself no matter what kind of strange thing is happening. “Does anyone know what’s going on in here?” – “I have no clue.” Sums it up perfectly. When’s Act III coming? Dario

The Psychedelic Stoner sensation of the season, no doubt: Swiss instrumental rockers Monkey3 and trippy French trio Mars Red Sky joined forces for an interstellar voyage – “Monkeys on Mars”. The result in the form of two lengthy compositions is nothing short of spectacular and an absolute must hear for fans of these subgenres. I for one really can’t wait for the Monkeys on Mars Tour trekking through Central Europe this coming March/April to witness this outer space madness live. Dario

“World Maker” is only Psychonaut’s third album, but the trio from Belgium have already made quite a name for themselves in Post Metal circles. And rightfully so, as they combine atmosphere, melancholy, rich harmonic layering, trippy rhythms and well-dosed crushing heaviness with absolute ease to what could be described as a blueprint of the genre. “World Maker” definitely finds Psychonaut towards the more melodic and accessible end of it, essentially providing a gateway drug for new listeners who might have been scared off previously by the overpowering brutal aspect of other players and releases in the genre. Dario

UK Atmospheric/Experimental Progressive Post Metal collective Dawnwalker have been on an absolute roll with their latest string of releases starting with 2020’s “Ages” followed by “House of Sand” and last year’s “The Unknowing”. Now they’re back with a 32-minute 1-song EP, and “The Between” is every bit as gorgeous and beautiful as I had hoped for. Don’t miss out on “The Unknowing” and dive into the equally amazing 20-minute bonus track ‘Remember Death’ right away once you’re through with it for an encore almost as breathtaking as the main-course! Dario

“Right Here, Right Now”, the third album by Dutch trio Our Oceans, was released on October 24. You won’t find it on any streaming services in full yet though as the release was a strictly physical one with the aim of stretching the ‘online impact’ over a couple of months with single releases. The first four of a total nine songs can be streamed already and their otherworldly beauty should be enough to convince you to order the album via the band’s website right away. There’s a Cynic-esque sense of dreamlike wonder about their sound (which is no surprise, as two-thirds of the trio used to be part of the legendary Progressive Metal innovators for quite a few years). Some of the best songs (‘Just Like You’) are still to be released digitally and if you want to hear them right away, you’ll need to order yourself a physical copy. I don’t understand why they didn’t include a Bandcamp download release alongside the physical versions, but any attempt by independent underground artists to change something up and not get lost in the algorithm void of streaming is not only understandable, but thoroughly commendable, as long as it’s done as transparent as Our Oceans handled it. Dario

Concluding our October Post/Sludge triple (interrupted solely by a beautiful Dutch album for visual reasons) are UK riffmasters of Conjurer with their new album, “Unself”. Ever since my first encounter with their music (at Radar Festival 2022 in Guildford to be precise), I have been absolutely in awe of their ability to pull out the meanest riffs in every tempo imaginable, be it doomy and slow, stomping mid-tempo or furious speed. In addition to that more than solid foundation, Conjurer’s lyrics and music carry meaning, weight and emotion, resonating deeply within me. Bookending the album with ‘Unself’/’This World Is Not My Home’ drives this home as one of the most beautifully arranged albums of the year in terms of structure. Absolutely sublime and spine-tingling. Dario

If the Flying Fish has left you craving for more Avant Garde craziness, oh boy do I have something for you: “An Ill Guest”, the debut album from Pennsylvanian duo Now I’ve Done It. Maxing out on the Cabaret Swing meets Extreme Metal side, the two musicians more than dip their toes into the realms of acts like Carnival in Coal or the more rabid punky side of Diablo Swing Orchestra, making a lot of Devin Townsend’s stuff look (or rather sound) like a well-behaved choir boy. Whacked out craziness is the motto here and their ruffled offering of dilly-dally collywobbles and jim-jams might put a splinter in your umm, kindling!? Or something like that. I for one didn’t get disillusioned though as this welcome guest is presenting all of this not muddled at all, but with full panache. Glorious. Dario

After a long string of singles over the last years, Mattias IA Eklundh’s Freak Audio Lab dropped a full album in October – “Resist The Erosion”. With the exception of the very last song (probably the only odd meter song about coffee in existence), this is, quite unsurprisingly, a full on Djent Shred Konnakol Fusion affair from the very first second all the way to that coffee song. What is perhaps more surprising is the fact that, in between all that rhythmic madness of drum genius Yogev Gabay, Konnakol legend B.C. Manjunath and the shredfest of the man himself, they even found some space for beautiful melodic bass solos (courtesy of Lior Ozeri). How cool is that? Dario

It’s amazing how absolutely MASSIVE the songs on “Prismer I” sound, no matter if they’re instrumental or with vocals. Not to be confused with Sweden’s Thrash Metal trio Blackscape, Blackshape is a Progressive Math Metal entity from Salt Lake City, Utah, and following their homonymous debut album from 2021, this follow up EP continues their impressive, destructive path that will leave fans old and new craving for more! Dario

“Trajectory” is the second album spearheaded by bassist/guitarist and composer Antoine Fafard after “Quadra Spherium” this summer. Unlike most of his other releases, this one – released under the Alta Forma banner – turned out to be completely vocal driven. Like all of his music, it is heavily jazz/fusion inspired, but given its vocal focused nature, it leans far into Progressive Rock territory. Drum legend Todd Sucherman’s performance is as jaw-dropping as expected, but I still can’t pinpoint which other singer JK Harrison’s voice reminds me of. Maybe you can help me out here? Dario

Following a path towards even jazzier waters and taking a trip Down Under to visit the mesmerizingly cathartic art of Zeitgeber. “Fellow Prisoners of the Splendour and Travail of the Earth – Part 2” follows once more the cyclical rhythmic trips of drummer, pianist and mastermind Evan McGregor (not Ewan, mind you!), like a less heavy and more trippy Tigran Hamasyan. The free flowing nature gives the five compositions a hypnotic and calming feel. Much needed respite from the hectic world. Absolutely dreamlike. Dario

Danish Progmetal powerhouse Defecto just unleashed their highly anticipated, fourth album. The “Echoes of Isolation” are loud, wild, and touching, encouraging not to hide when going through different kinds of internal struggles. Musically speaking, they share their most mature release to date, throwing everything in that I love about this band, from the expressive vocals over the furious guitar solos to the pushing riffs and hard hitting rhythm section. It’s impressive to hear how much they’ve grown as musicians and song-writers over the years, which shines even brighter thanks to the again fat yet detailed sound. The overall pace on the album is high, yet always focused on melody and groove with a great dynamic within the songs, and clearly the one or other earworm along the way. Compared to their previous record, there’s less background orchestration, but more Rock’n Roll – and they absolutely nail it. Can’t wait to hear the songs live next year – it’s gonna be a blast 🙂 Katha

Norwegian six-piece Gazpacho have been a staple in the international Art Rock circuit for years now. Yet I’ve never really taken the time to dive into their unique universe, that is as melodic as it is cinematic. So it was high time to rectify that. In its best moments, like in the nine-minute opening epic ‘Starling’ or the sonically expansive closer ‘Unrisen’, their fifteenth album “Magic 8-Ball” can easily compete with the best moments of IQ and Marillion. The outstanding songwriting talents of Jan-Henrik Ohme and Thomas Andersen, brought to life through an emotive vocal performance of the former and lofty keyboard centered arrangements of the latter, combine to a magic Gazpacho indeed. Dario 

“Mørketid” is upon us – the dark time. If you’re living in the northern hemisphere, that is. And Nordic act Kalandra has just the right soundtrack for us to live through these frosty days. For their new EP, they have compiled two of their originals (including last year’s single ‘Ghosts’, framed with two re-arranged covers of what appear to be older Norwegian songs. The atmosphere they manage to evoke is absolutely striking and one of a kind, wrapping you in a warm blanket of melancholy, nostalgia and hope. With these wonderful songs keeping us company, I have no doubt that we’ll be able to make it through the winter! Dario

Combining the talents and sonic worlds of Heike Langhans (ex-Draconian, ISON) and Mike Lamb (Sojourner), this time joined by their Light Field Reverie bandmate Shayne Roos on the drums, Remina’s sophomore cosmic exploration “The Silver Sea” is a subtle but powerful, slow-burning reminder of their superior, undisputed supremacy when it comes to Ethereal Doom. Period. Dario

What a beautiful album. I have never heard of Anna von Hausswolff before, but I never dove much into the Neoclassical Darkwave scene, aside from Lingua Ignota and Dead Can Dance. With the attention this album has been getting, plus being more on the Art Rock/Post Rock side of things, I felt I needed to give this a shot. For the fellow proggers, make sure you have a little patience with this record, because the moment the good parts hit, they hit hard! Especially on the self-titled 11-minute quasi-title track ‘The Iconoclast‘; what a way to build up! The artist has a wonderful voice, working alongside engaging melodies and atmospheres that make this a standout for many other reasons. Trust me, this could open you up to exploring more experimental genres. Colin

Is this Punk Crimson? Or rather Punk Meer? Is it both? Well, one thing is for sure: it is The Orchestra (For Now), and it is back, a mere seven months after its debut EP “Plan 75” with a follow-up EP – “Plan 76”. And despite their rather destructive, imperfect punk attitude (or maybe because of it?) their unique sound seems to be putting a spell on me, a spell that’s hard to shake off. But then again why should I when I enjoy it as much as I do? Dario

Concluding their 20th anniversary celebrations, UK Atmo Mathcore legends Rolo Tomassi surprised their fans with a fantastic little four track EP full of brand new material. “In The Echoes of All Dreams” sounds both dreamy and visceral, instinctive in its emotional delivery and precise in its technicality, showing a band at the top of their game. Only complaint: it’s way too short. We need more! Dario

Did you ever wonder what would have happened if Enya had joined a Black Metal band with the main songwriter of Italian Brutal Tech Death unit Hideous Divinity? Well, me neither, but we got the answer anyway with Bianca’s self-titled debut album. Just a few months after Enrico Schettino established his Blackened Death Metal side project Patristic, he’s back with another masterpiece full of Atmospheric Black Metal diamonds that are glowing fiercely in the dark. The clean vocals of newcomer ß are as ethereal as those of the New Age legend I just mentioned at the beginning, while their bone-chilling shrieks are about as Black Metal as it gets. “Bianca” is an album of great variety all the while maintaining a very coherent vibe and flow, one I’m only all too willing to follow. Dario

Thron’s musical concoction on “Vurias”, the fifth album by the Swiss/German quintet, is as much Black Metal as it’s Progressive. It might even feature some of the best Progressive Black Metal songs of the year with ‘Ungemach (Stilles Ende)’, ‘The Hunter And The Prey’ and ‘The Metamorph’s Curse’. Early Opeth vibes and beyond abound. Synths and Mellotrons, Saxophone and intricate drum arrangements. Adventurous songwriting and – most of all – a dense atmosphere to keep it all together. An excellent album from any angle. Dario

The Scandinavian conclusion of our October Black Metal triple comes out of Denmark in the form of “Lykke”, the third album by Aarhus based Atmospheric Post Black Metal quintet Sunken. What it may lack in progginess, at least compared to the other two entries (see above), it makes more than up for in expansively layered orchestral atmosphere, delicately embedded, almost like sunken beneath the sometimes stormy, sometimes eerily calm surface of the sea of their sound. Staring wide-eyed into the abyss of forlorn happiness. That’s what this album makes me feel. Frightening and comforting at the same time. Dario

One of the most prolific and hard working bands in the Prog circuit for years now, virtually unstoppable (not even by the big C a couple of years back), constantly on the move with flawless performances, ever-evolving live arrangements and constantly changing set-lists: Norway’s finest – Leprous. With ten full length albums under their belt now and a radically changed sound, it was high time to produce a full fledged follow-up to 2016’s “Live at Rockefeller”. “An Evening of Atonement”, recorded live in Tilburg last year, focuses naturally on their most recent studio output with three unexpected old school jewels working better (‘Foe’, ‘Forced Entry’), or not so good (‘Passing’) with the new, hardly distorted guitar sound. That small flaw has no impact on the overall impression this live document leaves though, as it leaves a lasting impression of awe and wonder, just like witnessing one of their live shows for real. Dario