Glass Hammer Release “The Return Of Daedalus” Official Video
Glass Hammer’s Steve Babb will release the nearly 17-minute-long epic, “The Return Of Daedalus,” in video form on Halloween to celebrate their ARISE release.
“Books have always been a big influence on the concepts behind our albums,” says Babb. “Besides fantasy and historical fiction, I’ve been a big fan of the cosmic horror genre. The works of H. P. Lovecraft have been a favorite since I was twenty, and recently, I’ve gotten into the works of his protégé, Clark Ashton Smith.
“ARISE was conceived as a cosmic horror story, or at least one that would evoke that particular sort of dread. It’s about a deep-space mission meant to glorify the achievements of man. But the android they commission encounters a rift in space. All sorts of nasty beings are emerging from this anomaly, and rather than being glorified, humanity finds its very existence at stake.”
The album’s finale is The Return Of Daedalus, Daedalus being the name of the android’s spacecraft. It’s divided into three distinct parts: Battle At MARS-001, Reentry, and The Doom Of The World.
After a near decade-long recording process, Swedish progressive rockers, Moon Safari are set to make a comeback this winter with their 5th studio album Himlabacken Vol. 2.The album will be released on December 6th through Marquee Inc. in Japan and worldwide on December 8th through the band’s own Blomljud Records Inc.
The band are pleased to share the album’s first single “Between the Devil & Me’. You can see the lyric video now here:
“It took us ten years, for a million different reasons. But we’re not dead yet. We return with what we know is a worthy comeback album, filled with our own special brand of symphonic rock cultivated over 20 years as an antidote to the long, dark winters of northern Sweden, with those trademark vocal group-inspired harmonies, uplifting melodies and soulful romantic lyrics that our fans have come to expect. With the addition of ex. Black Bonzo drummer Mikael Israelsson to the band we’ve totally revamped and boosted the low end of our sound, tightened it up, and that attitude shift is felt through our entire arrangements.Tying it all together is the mix by the great Rich Mouser. He’s been the go-to guy for the big boys in the genre for many years, and now we understand why. The mix is clear and punchy, booming and never flat. It just sounds expensive, and we couldn’t be happier. You’ll get almost 70 minutes of this heady brew, spread over nine tracks, with zero fillers. And of course there’s the obligatory epic. The whole thing is a banger, and we’re immensely proud of it.
“The first single from the album, ‘Between the Devil and Me,’ is at it’s core a story of self-exploration. It rides the pendulum swings of an unbalanced human mind from confusion to clarity. And it rocks, hard.
“We’ve all wanted to quit at some point during the last decade. It’s been a real test of our patience and our commitment to the music. But in the end, we were pardoned by the Gods of Rock ‘n’ Roll and we’re back in great form. To hear the whole thing in one go is absolutely liberating, and well worth the wait. If this thing won’t fly, nothing we’ll ever do will.
“So welcome back to Heaven Hill, dear friends! We hope you’ll enjoy the ride. All our love / MS”
Track Listing: 1. 198X (Heaven Hill) (3:55) 2. Between the Devil and Me (10:38) 3. Emma, Come On (3:19) 4. A Lifetime to Learn How to Love (8:28) 5. Beyond the Blue (2:12) 6. Blood Moon (5:44) 7. Teen Angel Meets the Apocalypse (21:03) 8. Forever, For You (10:08) 9. Epilog (3:22)
Moon Safari is: Petter Sandström – Lead and Backing vocals, Acoustic Guitar Simon Åkesson – Lead and Backing Vocals, Piano, Organ, moog. Pontus Åkesson – Lead and Backing Vocals, Electric and Acoustic Guitar Sebastian Åkesson – Backing Vocals, assorted keys, percussion. Mikael Israelsson – Backing Vocals, Drums, percussion, keyboards, piano Johan Westerlund – Lead and Backing Vocals, Bass Guitar
Special guest performance by Jamison Smeltz – saxophone on “Forever, For You”
Amarok, known for its fusion of progressive rock, ethno and ambient, puts a slightly more predatory side on its latest single “Hope Is.” The track is based on a distinctive guitar sound and a characteristic drum rhythm, complemented by electronic additions that give the whole composition a modern twist. The message is based on the concept of hope understood as a force that shatters the safe but illusory order, giving a new direction to reality and the present. Hope as an almost cosmic force lends its energy, nourishes and saturates. It stimulates one to move forward, to live.
Hope Is is not a regular song, but rather a track with vocalizations from a distance, with lyrics sung by Kornel Poplawski and Marta Wojtas’ voice somewhat reminiscent of the sound from a space station. In the sound layer, in addition to the aforementioned ring modulator guitar sound, we will also hear small elements of 90s-style drum & bass.
The single Hope Is will open Amarok’s latest album, scheduled for release in spring 2024.
To mark the 20th anniversary of Opeth’s ground-breaking 2003 album ‘Damnation’, a special vinyl re-issue has been meticulously crafted to pay homage to a pivotal and trailblazing moment in the band’s illustrious history. Originally recorded in the serenity of Åkerfelt’s native Sweden, with additional production from Porcupine Tree’s Steven Wilson, the album acclaimed by fans and critics alike has since received a re-mix and master in 2015, pressed to vinyl on a double LP together with the dichotomous ‘Deliverance’.
Released on 15th December (Music For Nations) this marks the first time exclusive and deluxe vinyl pressings have been given to ‘Damnation’. A record that represents a paradigm shift in the band’s approach to composition, seeing them side-line their metal roots from the forefront of their arsenal. Instead replacing it with an additional insight into ambience, atmospherics, and progressive rock, this together with Åkerfeldt’s signature lyricality and musicianship creates a unique record of ethereal beauty and longing, and one which remains top of mind for many Opeth fans.
The 20th Anniversary versions sees the 2015 re-mix and remaster pressed to standard black vinyl, as well as being available on deluxe and limited colour finishes, and for the very first time available on an exclusive picture disc that highlights and reflects the album’s ethereal and bleak visual world.
Speaking on the release, the band’s lead vocalist Mikael Åkerfeldt comments,
“Hello folks! Our old “partners in crime” Music For Nations are planning a 20th-anniversary re-release of one of our odd records, this time ”Damnation”. We want our records available on vinyl at all times, and it turns out we can’t keep stock! Our vinyl editions are flying out. I’ve seen it with my own eyes when I helped out in a record shop during the pandemic. Some customers didn’t know they’re buying it from one of the people responsible for the music. Of course I went: ”Good record, good band!”. So before there’s any moaning about ”another reissue, another cash grab” I want to stress out that it really comes down to public demand. We’ll present Steven Wilson’s updated mix (first available in 2015 or thereabouts) on limited edition opaque and transparent vinyl as well as on a picture disc, which I believe is the first time ever.
”Damnation” is a special record, even if they’re all special to me. I remember hearing the first mix on headphones in a crummy hotel somewhere in the UK. I had trouble believing it was us, myself, Peter, Lopez, Mendez (as well as ol’ Steve on keys). It was completely different from anything we’d done up to that point, and quite frankly, since. Out of all of our records, I think this one is most suitable for the vinyl format due to the fact that it is not really cluttered with stuff. A pretty airy recording with 5 musicians and done on 2 inch tapes as well. It’s a record I’m immensely proud over and it also remains a fan-favourite I believe.
Commenting further Steven Wilson adds “At the time I remember getting death threats from metal fans for “ruining” the band! As if it could be anyone’s intention but Mikael’s to do a record like that anyway. Damnation was when everyone understood that he was not going be trapped within the confines of any genre or label, and that the band’s importance and influence would be far reaching. Rightly so Damnation is now seen as a timeless masterpiece, and I’m very proud to have had my part in making it.”
Alongside Luke Machin and Dan Nelson, the second Cyan album will be released on Nov 17th 2023.
Keyboardist and composer Rob Reed, known for his work with Magenta, Kompendium and Sanctuary solo albums, has once again joined forced with Peter Jones, along with Luke Machin and Dan Nelson for a new Cyan album titled Pictures From The Other Side. The second album from the resurrected project is due out on the 17th of November 2023. The new album contains 6 songs, including the epic 17-minute track ‘Nosferatu’. The CD is accompanied by a DVD with a full 5.1 surround mix of the album and a live acoustic performance of songs from the previous album For King And County.
Watch the video for the album’s opening track “Broken Man” here:
Cyan was originally formed by Robert Reed (Magenta) when in school, back in 1983. After recording some demos at a local studio, the band went their separate ways. Years later, those demos led to the release of ‘For King And Country’ on the Dutch SI music label. It was the first of three Cyan albums released in the 1990s before the project was shelved and Rob went on to form Magenta.20 years later Rob Reed, along with a killer line-up, decided to brush off the cobwebs and successfully release a completely re-worked version of the ‘For King And Country’ album. Cyan has since performed at the 2023 Night Of The Prog festival in Germany, and at the 2022 Summers End and Fusion festivals in the UK.
Rob Reed: “I remember that the first Cyan album ‘For King And Country’ was written when I was still in school with a band I formed with some school friends. After I left school, we went our separate ways and it was several years later that I was approached by the record company. After the success of the first album, they wanted a follow-up so I wrote new material for what became ‘Pictures From The Other Side.’ It was more song-based, but included a couple of long epics.
Obviously, I was influenced by the classic Prog of Genesis and Yes when writing this originally, but I was also listening to a lot of other bands of the time like It Bites, Simple Minds and Marillion. It’s been great to finally hear this material played by this line-up, it’s a completely different album. Re-written, re-recorded and re-arranged. Hopefully, I’ve brought to the album, everything I’ve learned in my career.
Pete Jones: “It’s a joy to be involved in the ongoing resurrection of the Cyan canon and the vision Rob has for these new interpretations. As a vocalist, there’s so much to work with on the new album, with epics like “Broken Man,” which really let me dig deep into my inner Genesis prog vocals. The title track has some great hooks, as does the rest of the album. Tracks like the dark but beautiful “Solitary Angel,” and the vampire world of “Nosferatu,” really call for some vocal gymnastics where I can stretch myself and really go for it. Then there’s “Follow The Flow,” which is just gorgeous. As with all Rob’s stuff, it’s the feeling and emotions which are key to the whole thing. I hope I’ve managed to do my bit with the vocals.
We’ve now got a few gigs under our belt, including the recent fabulous time we all had at Night Of The Prog in Loreley. That was a real highlight of the year for me. The live band is sounding really great, with Luke, Dan, Jiffy and the man himself Rob Reed all at the top of their game. As well as doing the vocals, I play sax and whistles, and rhythm guitar which Rob asked me to do in a moment of madness. Ha-ha. All being well, we’ve got some rather special shows in the pipeline for next year. So I’m looking forward to the album coming out, and taking it to the stage!”
CD tracklisting: 1- Broken Man 2- Pictures From The Other Side 3- Solitary Angel 4- Follow The Flow 5- Tomorrow’s Here Today 6- Nosferatu
DVD consists of: Full album in Dolby Digital and dts 5.1 surround Promo videos The Quiet Room session (live acoustic performance) 1- I Defy The Sun 2- Don’t Turn Away 3- Call Me 4- Man Amongst Men/The Sorceror 5- Snowbound 6- For King And Country
Cyan is:
Robert Reed (Magenta / Kompendium / Sanctuary / Chimpan A)
Peter Jones (Tiger Moth Tales / Camel / Francis Dunnery’s It Bites)
Dan Nelson (Godsticks / Magenta)
Luke Machin (Maschine / The Tangent / Karnataka / Francis Dunnery’s It Bites)
Having returned with their announcement of their new album previously, fans at long last can hear the first sample of what to expect on the up-coming OzricTentacles release ‘Lotus Unfolding’.
Today the band have made available a beautiful visualiser that takes us inside the world of ‘Lotus Unfolding’. Created by Matthew Vickerstaff ( Facebook / Instagram ), the video brings the psychedelic album art to life as we’re transported into the wormhole of the magical realm of OzricTentacles sonic creations.
Musically the track brings signature elements of the band’s sound to the forefront. Opening with the ethereal chimes and flutes as we’re slowly transported into the sonic oasis of Lotus Unfolding, we’re treated to beautiful acoustic passages before electronics open up for a cathartic guitar solo bringing the song to a musical crescendo before slowly returning back to the realms of consciousness as the song dissipates. Put simply, it’s a trip!
The album was recorded, written and produced in their own Blue Bubble studio in Fife during 2022 – 2023 by Ed Wynne with a little sonic help from Silas. Mastered by Adam Goodlet and illustrated with some nicely detailed ethereal artwork by Steve McKeown and Sally Clark.
Ozric Tentacles’ aural synapses buzz throughout the album to channel the band’s limitless creativity, making Lotus Unfolding the perfect conduit of the spiritual and the physical. It’s an essential addition to the band’s catalogue.
Lotus Unfolding is another sonically illustrated excursion through the musical realms the band have explored in their latest chapter. Album opener ‘Storm In A Teacup’ kicks the album off in spectacular style traversing the realms of time and space with flair and virtuosic poise. It’s followed by the groove driven ‘Deep Blue Shade’, whose melodies are vividly brought to life by trademark Ed Wynne exquisite guitar playing. This is swiftly accompanied by the serene title track – as close to a musical yoga session at the centre of the hippocampus you’ll ever experience.
Lotus Unfolding line up consists of Ed Wynne (Guitars, Synth and Bass) and Silas Wynne (Modular Synth and Keyboards) . Alongside Ed and Silas is Brandi Wynne (bass), Saskia Maxwell (Flute), Tim Wallander (Drums) and Paul Hankin (Percussion).
Lotus Unfolding will be available on CD Digipak, Limited Marble LP with limited die cut sleeve, Blue LP also with limited die cut sleeve, Black LP and available digitally.
Coming up shortly, OzricTentacles will be bringing their signature brand of tripped out instrumental Rock to the masses alongside label mates Gong in November for an extensive UK tour that will pick back up in March of 2024, suitably titled ‘The Last Blast Tour’.
18th November – London, O2 Forum with The Crazy World of Arthur Brown
19th November – Manchester, O2 Ritz
20th November – Sheffield, O2 Academy2
21st November – Colchester, Arts Centre
23rd November – Northampton, Roadmenders
24th November – Bristol, O2 Academy
25th November – Gloucester, Guildhall
26th November – Birmingham, O2 Academy2
28th November – Brighton, Chalk
29th November – Norwich, Epic Studios
30th November – Bournemouth, O2 Academy
1st December – From, Cheese & Grain
2nd December – Liverpool, O2 Academy
UK TOUR W/ GONG– MARCH 2024
7th March – Exeter, The Phoenix
8th March – Falmouth, Princess Pavilion
9th March – Lyme Regis, Marine Theatre
10th March – Cardiff, The Globe
11th March – Swansea, Patti Pavilion
13th March – Southampton, The 1865
14th March – Margate, Dreamland
15th March – Hull, The Welly
16th March – Nottingham, Rescue Rooms
17th March – Stockton-on-Tees, Georgian Theatre
18th March – Lincoln, Engine Shed
20th March – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
21st March – Newcastle, University
22nd March – Glasgow, St. Luke’s
23rd March – Edinburgh, Summerhall
About OzricTentacles:
One of the most influential bands to emerge from the UK’s festival scene, Ozric Tentacles formed during the solstice at Stonehenge Free Fesetival 1983, going on to become psychedelic staples at Glastonbury and other festivals. The creative vision of multi-instrumentalist Ed Wynne, the Ozrics’ uniquely trippy soundscapes connect fans of progressive rock, psychedelia and dance music culture.
DOUBLE-DISC EDITION OF THE 2006 STUDIO DEBUT FROM ANATHEMA’S DANIEL CARDOSO, AND ULVER’S KRISTOFFER RYGG. NOW REMASTERED, INCLUDING EXTRA DISC OF DEMOS AND INSTRUMENTALS, PLUS COMPREHENSIVE INTERVIEW
Recorded between Portugal and Norway in 2005–2006, and produced and mixed by Cardoso himself. Murder Nature was released to great critical acclaim, and has gained the reputation of being a lost classic of sorts over the years, whilst the compositions themselves remained timeless and ageless, and often requested for a proper and extensive reissue.
This newly remastered double-disc edition of Murder Nature, now includes a special bonus disc of unreleased instrumental and demo material from the time period, along with a cover of Seal’s ‘80s hit “Kiss From a Rose”. The release also includes updated art and layout, and contains a booklet featuring a comprehensive interview delving into the beginnings, endings, and inner workings of the whole project, courtesy of writer Jonathan Rosenthal, (Invisible Oranges, Decibel, Brooklyn Vegan) plus additional words from members of other luminaries of the progressive metal scene, such as Periphery and Between the Buried and Me.Murder Nature stands as a pinnacle of forward-thinking metal from the 2000s, for fans of Tool, A Perfect Circle, Queens of the Stone Age, and Faith No More.
“Murder Nature was a pretty bold album, especially if you put it into the context of when it was made, and how. Looking back, I’m still surprised that we pulled it off, but I’m glad we did ’cause it pretty much paved the way to my long-lasting career as a musician and producer.” – says Daniel Cardoso.
Murder Nature will be available as a double CD and single LP.
MURDER NATURE Track list:
1. Baby Blue [06:34]
2. Skin Flick [04:23]
3. Masterpiece [Of Art] [03:34]
4. Blunt Instrumental [03:49]
5. It Hurts [04:00]
6. Watergate [03:40]
7. Seven [04:00]
8. Kill Me [02:07]
9. Wonderworld [03;38]
10. Rapid Eye Movement [04:48]
11. Falling On Sleep [04:46]
12. Kiss From a Rose [04:18]
DISC 2 (CD ONLY)
1. Baby Blue (Instrumental) [05:18]
2. Skin Flick (instrumental) [04:26]
3. Masterpiece [Of Art] (instrumental) [03:38]
4. Watergate (instrumental) [03:43]
5. Seven (instrumental) [04:03]
6. Wonderworld (instrumental) [04:40]
7. Rapid Eye Movement (instrumental) [04:47]
8. eM lliK (Kill Me reverse) [02:07]
9. Baby Blue (Unreleased Demo) [05:18]
10. Skin Flick (Unreleased Demo) [04:24]
Masterpiece [Of Art] (Unreleased Demo) [03:38
Head Control System was a venture set out by multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Daniel Cardoso (Anathema / Sirius), originally under the moniker of SinDRomE, which developed into a dynamic and what could also be considered a somewhat trailblazing style of alternative metallic rock with prog textures. The missing piece of the puzzle was completed when Daniel was joined by Kristoffer Rygg of long-standing Norwegian experimental – and erstwhile black metal – legends Ulver. Together with Kristoffer’s unmistakable vocal delivery and Daniel’s finely-honed instrumentation, an intricately woven opus of seduction and darkness with abstract existential musings was created in Murder Nature, the band’s only studio album to date. It was originally released back in 2006 through Voices Music & Entertainment (EU) and The End Records (US).
‘Inure’ is the fourth single from Isbjörg’s upcoming second full-length album which is expected to be released in the spring of 2024.
Along with the latest singles from 2023, ‘Inure’’ marks a new era for the band who, since the release of their debut album ‘Iridescent’ in 2019, have welcomed JonathanKjærulff Skovlund as their new front figure.
With its calm and atmospheric pace, ‘Inure’ showcases a more fragile and mellow side of Isbjörg. The song is a duet between lead singer Jonathan Kjærulff Skovlund and guest vocalist Margrethe Christine Wellejus and portrays a failing relationship that neither of them has thestrength to end. The conflict and the music escalates slowly and finally culminates in an epic climax in true Isbjörg fashion.
‘Inure’ is available on all major streaming services from Thursday the 26th of October 2023.
Isbjörg is a Danish math-stadium rock band centered around the piano.
The aim of the band has always been to surprise and break musical boundaries without compromising the songwriting. Odd time signatures and polyrhythms combined with catchy hooks and lush melodies captures the listener in an intense and captivating soundscape.
Following the release of two EP’s and singles, Isbjörg released their debut album ‘Iridescent’ in 2019. The album was very acclaimed by both fans and critics for its epic, piano-centered sound and the captivating songwriting.
After the release of ‘Iridescent’ Isbjörg have been touring around Denmark and played everything from small clubs to big festivals such as SmukFest in 2019. The last couple of years Isbjörg have worked intensively on writing their follow-up album. After the departure of singer Niklas Jespersen in early 2022, Isbjörg welcomed Jonathan Kjærulff Jensen (Lara Luna) as their new lead singer and are now standing stronger and more focused than ever with a lot of single releases in 2023 before releasing their second full-length album in early 2024.
Cinematic progressive rock band Proud Peasant (Austin, TX, USA) will release their new album Communion on Basement Avatar Records on October 20, 2023. The album is the follow-up to their debut album, Flight, and the second part of the It Does Not Cease trilogy.
Proud Peasant have forged a reputation for combining classic and modern sounds together, drawing comparisons to Mike Oldfield, Gryphon, Wobbler, and King Crimson, while also incorporating elements of movie and video game soundtracks, metal, thrash, chamber music, avant-garde, Chinese classical music, and ragtime jazz to create a cinematic mix of sounds.
Proud Peasant’s debut album ‘Flight’ was called an “aptly titled escape into musical fancy that masterfully knots together British folk, cinematic symphonic rock, Elizabethan prog, Gentle Giant-ish vocal fugues and even videogame-score-like whimsy.” (Progression Magazine) The album achieved significant acclaim, ending 2014on several best-of lists, reaching #1 on Amazon’s Progressive Rock charts, and spending 11 weeks on the Gagliarchives Top 20 Progressive Rock Albums of the Week.
Their next release was with ‘Peasantsongs’, a collection of rare and unreleased tracks, including covers of classic tracks by Eloy and Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, which were featured on Stuart Maconie’s Freak Zone on BBC Radio.
The band returns with ‘Communion’, the follow-up to ‘Flight’, and the second part of the ‘It Does Not Cease’ trilogy. Engineered by Chico Jones and mastered by SarahRegister, ‘Communion’ continues the sonic and stylistic shifts from previous albums, but brings a heavier, more modern sensibility, and adds vocals to the mix. Featuring an eclectic mix of six songs, the album culminates in the final track, The Fall, a 19-minute epic exploration of genre, mood, and sound.
Communion will be released on CD, digital download, and all major streaming services on October 20, 2023.
Acoustic guitar virtuoso Jon Gomm and acclaimed composer Jo Quail have announced details on the ‘Parallel Worlds Tour’ set to take place across the UK in December this year and into January 2024.
Jon Gomm, the singer-songwriter and acoustic solo performer based in Yorkshire, known for his once-seen-never-forgotten guitar style is one of only three artists to have an Ibanez signature acoustic guitar (alongside Satriani and Steve Vai) and has been voted the world’s best acoustic guitarist by MusicRadar/ Total Guitar/ Guitar World. In 2020 he released his most recent album ‘The Faintest Idea’ on Kscope. Jon comments on Jo,
“In Jo Quail I’ve found a musician who shares my vision of striving to use one instrument, and a load of technique, to create a sound as big and deep and detailed as possible, to build a world around the listener. Hopefully the two of us on the same show will be a fairly epic experience.”
Following the release of her latest album ’The Cartographer’ last year on By Norse and European tours with Wardruna, Emma Ruth Rundle and Amenra, virtuoso cellist Jo Quail was invited by Robert Smith of The Cure to perform twice at his Meltdown curation and has been commissioned by the prestigious Roadburn Festival. She has also performed with the likes of Wardruna, Low, Battles, Boris and MONO amongst many other artists. Jo comments on Jon,
“Virtuosic is one word to describe a performance from Jon, but does not come close to conveying the emotion and intent that threads through every song; awe-inspiring technical brilliance serving the music he creates. As two soloists, Jon and I share some similarities, yet we have strong individual musical identities, and to bring our worlds together for these unique concerts is an immensely exciting prospect.”
Parallel Worlds UK tour – December 2023 & January 2024
