Two debuts, an EP, a dark collaboration and some feel good prog!

Spring is around the corner, what better time for some wonderful feel good prog rock? If you’re looking for something boundary-pushing and experimental, maybe check out YAWN’s “Materialism” (see further down below), but within “Miles From Nowhere”, the sophomore full length offering from Swedish project Jonas Lindberg & The Other Side, you’ll find classic progressive rock with plenty of melodies. Even with no big names like Neal Morse or Roine Stolt involved here (apart from a little guitar solo from the Flower King himself on the epic title track), the quality of the compositions speak for themselves and it’s no wonder “Miles From Nowhere” was picked up by Inside Out Music. And even though there’s new albums from the big names around the corner, with killer songs like the lead single ‘Oceans of Time’ Jonas Lindberg and his crew are ready to shine alongside them. Fans of the genre should definitely take notice! Dario

Debut album exclusive advance streaming premiere #1 of this week: Choreomanic is the instrumental experimental funk metal project of dutch bassist Joost van der Graaf, mostly known for his work with extreme metal legends of Pestilence and German thrashers of Dew-Scented. It is inspired by the mysterious dancing plagues in medieval times, also known as Choreomania and highly recommended for prog lovers who like some proper slapping bass in their music and don’t run away at the sound of a brass section. Full review coming soon on The Progspace. For more information check out the album premiere article right here! Dario

Debut album exclusive advance streaming premiere #1 of this week: “Materialism” is the debut album from Norway based jazz metal youngsters YAWN. It might just feature the heaviest sounds you’ve heard this year – but also airy, ambient passages. A truly eclectic affair to say the least, but it comes with the highest recommendation for adventurous music lovers. But beware: microtonal stuff and insanely tight polyrhythmic shenanigans might happen. Full review coming soon on The Progspace. For more information check out the album premiere article right here! Dario

Completely out of the blue (or rather black) comes this album from Belgian musician Déhà in collaboration with singer Marla van Horn. According to the press release, Déhà has released more than 20 releases in the last three years alone (acute form of Frusciantism?). “Earth And Her Decay” is a very dark and somber affair though, and I have the feeling of listening to a kind of a slo-mo version of a bastard child of A Swarm of the sun and Dead Can Dance. So if this stormy season is putting you in the mood for some dreary, gloomy stuff, this might satisfy that urge. Deeply engrossing. Dario

To round off our highlights this week, I have found a nice EP from french five-piece Matrass. “Inner Wars” combines influences from alternative prog with some stoner and post flourishings and their sound reminds me a bit of their compatriots of Obliq. The energy and mood ranges from delicate to angry and powerful, while I have the feeling that they excel in the quieter passages and there’s still some room for making the heavy passages even more impactful. Still a strong recommendation of aforementioned (sub-)genres). Dario