Category: Track/Video Release

Kaipa release first single & share music video of upcoming album “Sommargryningsljus” / now available for pre-order 

Sweden-born, folkloric progressive rock band Kaipa proudly announce their new album Sommargryningsljus. 49 years after the release of their debut album, the band is set to reveal the 15th longplayer of their musical journey, Sommargryningsljus, which will be released via InsideOutMusic on June 28th, 2024.  Sommargryningsljus is now available for pre-order:

Sommargryningsljus (Single Edit) (lnk.to)

The announcement comes with the release of the first single of the album, which is a mélange of both the opening and closing track of Sommargryningsljus, subsequently named “Sommargryningsljus (Single Edit)”. Two of the songs from the album, the opening track Sommarskymningsljus and the ending track Sommargryningsljus, can be heard together in this single edit version, as they were originally written.

The song is about dusk and a journey through the night to meet the light again at dawn. The single comes with a lyric video that showcases the mystical vibes of twilight and gives a glimpse of the album aesthetics and illustrations.

Watch the video for Sommargryningsljus (Single Edit) here:

Listen to Sommargryningsljus (Single Edit) on your favorite DSPs here:

Kaipa – Sommargryningsljus (lnk.to)

Hans Lund comments:

„I had written all the songs for the album and the total playing time was 70 minutes, but then something unexpected happened. One day when I was recording with Aleena Gibson, we took a break and went out into my garden to have a cup of coffee. Suddenly Aleena started singing some notes and I said it was beautiful. ‘Okay, let’s write a song‘, she said. So we returned to the studio and 15 minutes later a new song had been born. We were both delighted with the result and said that this song must be on the album and the lyrics must be in Swedish. I developed the song and created an interlude built on the same chords. The melody was hovering around in the studio and it landed gracefully in my fingers when I started to play. One early morning a few weeks later, the words suddenly came floating down and landed in my consciousness.“

Sommargryningsljus will be available as

·      Ltd. CD Mediabook with extensive 24-pages booklet

·      12’’ Gatefold 180g 2LP black vinyl

·      digital album

Tracklist:

1.    Sommarskymningsljus 00:01:30

2.    Seven Birds   00:09:50

3.    Like Thousand Dawns 00:11:08

4.    Revelationview 00:09:28

5.    Chased by Wolves And Burned by The Sun 00:10:17

6.    Spiderweb Train 00:15:29

7.    Songs In Our Hands 00:13:00

8.    Sommargryningsljus 00:03:58

9.    Sommargryningsljus (Single Edit) 00:05:24

Kaipa are:

Hans Lundin – keyboards & vocals

Per Nilsson – electric & acoustic guitars

Jonas Reingold – bass

Darby Todd – drums

Patrik Lundström – vocals

Aleena Gibson – vocals 

Haken guitarist Richard Henshall announces solo EP; releases first single/video 

Mu Vol. 1 EP set for release 7th June

First single/video ‘Mu’ streaming now

Progressive multi-instumentalist and celebrated guitarist Richard Henshall has announced the release of his new EP – the first in an a trilogy – Mu Vol. 1, on 7th June,. He has also unveiled the first single ‘Mu’, along with a multi-cam play-through video.

Watch the video here:

Preorder Mu Vol. 1 EP here:

Mu by Richard Henshall – DistroKid

During 2020 Henshall started work on his Mu collection, a trilogy of EPs that explore his love for jazz-infused, intricate instrumental music. The EPs will be released throughout 2024 and promise to be some of his most richly textured, adventurous music to date. Richard is joined by drummer Lang Zhao and saxophonist Adam Carillio, while he handles guitar, bass & keyboard duties.

On the Mu EP and launch single ‘Yang’ he comments: “I got the initial rhythmic idea for Mu on a flight home from a Haken tour just before the lockdown kicked off in the UK. Little did I know that it’d end up being the catalyst for a trilogy of jazz-tinged, instrumental EPs. The rhythmic powerhouse, Lang Zhao, is on the drums and his highly creative playing style has really elevated these arrangements to new levels. This new collection of songs has a strong focus on rhythm and explores some new ground for me as a writer and guitar player. I can’t to share what I’ve cooked up with everyone.”

Richard Henshall is a composer, guitarist and keyboardist hailing from London, England. He is acclaimed for his work as founding member of progressive metal juggernaut Haken, as well as his endeavours as a solo artist. Henshall has been named as Music Radar’s no. 11 ‘best prog guitarist’ and in Guitar World’s ‘top 15 best prog rock guitarist’. 

In 2014, Henshall joined forces with Between the Buried and Me’s Dan Briggs and formed Nova Collective. Together they wrote the critically acclaimed ‘The Further Side’, which draws influences from the likes of Chick Corea and Mahavishnu Orchestra. In 2017, Henshall, alongside his Haken bandmates, featured in Mike Portnoy’s Shattered Fortress performing the songs of Dream Theater for a year of very special shows around the world.

In 2019, Henshall completed work on his ambitious debut solo album, entitled The Cocoon, which features Jordan Rudess as well as host of other guests. The music ranges from dense polyrhythmic passages to delicate minimalistic interludes and features Henshall’s trademark guitar and keyboard playing throughout along with his debut performance as a lead vocalist. Prog Radar described it as “a truly impressive release and one that shows Richard at the height of his creative powers.” 

Lesoir announces new album Push Back The Horizon – Released 20th September 2024 (V2 Records)

Lesoir, a five-piece band hailing from Maastricht, Netherlands, and formed in 2009, has quietly cultivated a global fan base and are now ready to step out of the shadows again for their 6th album ‘Push Back The Horizon’ to be released on September 20th 2024.

‘Push Back The Horizon’ includes 10 songs, composed by the bands guitarist Ingo Dassen, and lyrics and vocal lines written by singer and multi-instrumentalist Maartje Meessen. 

The album is produced by John Cornfield, known for his work with Muse, Kashmir, Razorlight, Supergrass, Robert Plant, New Model Army & Ben Howard, among others. In addition, dedicated collaborated for the vocals with Paul Reeve, Matt Bellamy’s (Muse) vocal producer. The instrumentation was recorded at the Muziekgieterij, Maastricht. The vocals were recorded in Cornwall, UK. Mastering is done by Steve Kitch, keyboardist of The Pineapple Thief. String compositions and arrangements by Ingo Dassen, James Merryweather and Maartje Meessen. The album will be released on CD, LP (black), 2LP (Bloody Mary coloured with ‘Babel’ as bonus track) and digitally.

‘Push Back The Horizon’ is preceded by the title track (already released) and new single ‘As Long As Your Girls Smile’ (out today) and delves into the intricacies of human existence, exploring relationships and life’s complexities. A sometimes limited control over circumstances adds nuance to the human experience, revealing a collective tipping point. The album offers a snapshot of relatable stories, emphasizing life’s potential for both thoughtful moments and unexpected events that provide glimmers of hope. Centered on family and brotherhood, it transcends geographical boundaries, highlighting the power of collective action. Instead of dwelling on the past, the album encourages a forward-looking perspective, urging a collective effort to try again for a better outcome.

Listen to the new single here:

Lesoir – As Long As Your Girls Smile (orcd.co)

Or watch the video here:

Lesoir has always had a professional DIY mentality, for the last 4 years Lesoir built a team around them with Glassville Music as their management and bookings agent worldwide. This gives the band the opportunity to focus on their marketing and performance. The band has been completely self-supporting on social media, partly produces its own videos, has a permanent in-house crew, its own mixing desk, IEM, microphone, backline, transport and is equipped to play a show anywhere. For years, the band has been proactive in getting the story of & behind the band across the stage online and offline.

In 2019, the band toured for 5 weeks with prog legends Riverside. After the tour, the band made a real splash within the scene and the subsequent self-released album, with the help of Glassville Records, called ‘Mosaic’ was met with high praise and landed on several annual charts.

The band had about 20 headline shows lined up when the pandemic broke out. When touring was temporarily no longer an option, the band used its time to release the 20-minute-and-20-second epic ‘Babel’ on a ltd handmade etched vinyl. The 250 pieces were independently released and sold out within four weeks.

‘Push Back The Horizon’ is poised for a global release by V2 Records, renowned for their collaborations with Skunk Anansie, Mumford And Sons, Moby, Kaiser Chiefs and Ane Brun.

Pre-order the album here:

LESOIR | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree

IVE:

06.04.24 Artrock Festival Reichenbach (D)

09.05.24 Urpop Urmond (NL)

30.05.24 The Waiting Room London (UK)

31.05.24 The Great Estate Festival Redruth (UK)

30.06.24 Openluchttheater Valkenburg (NL)

18.08.24 Crescendo Festival Saint-Palais-Sur-Mer (F)

The Oculist Release New Track, ‘Terminal’, and Video From Acclaimed Debut Album ‘Cautionary Tales’

After releasing the album ‘Cautionary Tales’ at the beginning of the year, The Oculist present their latest offering with a video for their song Terminal. This song explores the sinister tale of Robert Berdella and presents the bands stylistic versatility, featuring stellar musicianship, effortlessly weaving between prog and death metal styles with aplomb.

Watch the video here:

The Oculist is Adam Dunn and Çağrı Tozluoğlu. Track features the extraordinary talents of Simon Fitzpatrick on the bass and James Wise on drums. Terminal mixed at TimbreWorks London and mastered by legendary Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios Sweden. 

Order ‘Cautionary Tales’ from bandcamp here:

Cautionary Tales | The Oculist (bandcamp.com)

Projected Twin Unveils New Single “A Feat of Rage” from Upcoming Album “The Life & Death of Shaun Holton”

Renowned producer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Shaun Holton, known under the moniker Projected Twin, is set to mesmerise audiences once again with the release of his latest single, “A Feat of Rage,” from the highly anticipated album “The Life & Death of Shaun Holton.”

Holton, who recently assumed the role of lead singer for the critically acclaimed Australian Progressive Rock band Southern Empire, has been making waves in the music industry. Southern Empire’s 2023 album, “Another World,” received widespread acclaim, with Holton’s vocal prowess earning him recognition as one of the best vocalists of 2023 by Prog Press “The Prog Mind.” The album itself was listed among the top 10 releases of 2023 by “Prog Magazine,” standing shoulder to shoulder with progressive icons Steven Wilson and Peter Gabriel.

“A Feat of Rage” marks the first single from the forthcoming Projected Twin album, which represents Holton’s fourth full-length release. This album is highly anticipated as it follows the conclusion of a conceptual trilogy of albums, the cult-celebrated “Earth/World” series.

Projected Twin’s sound is deeply rooted in progressive rock, drawing influences from 90s alternative, pop, rock, and metal icons such as Filter, Incubus, and Alice in Chains. Holton’s journey into the world of prog began in late 2005 when he was introduced to the discographies of Porcupine Tree and Opeth, alongside local Australian alt-rock/prog icons Cog and Karnivool.

Commenting on “A Feat of Rage” and the upcoming album, Holton shares, “This single is a glimpse into the sonic journey of ‘The Life & Death of Shaun Holton.’ It’s a blend of progressive elements with the raw energy of alternative rock, offering listeners an immersive experience.”

“The Life & Death of Shaun Holton” represents an ironic take on Holton’s public display of an identity crisis since Projected Twin’s conception, questioning whether he is, in fact, the artist ‘Projected Twin’ or ‘Shaun Holton.’

Listeners can immerse themselves in the captivating sounds of “A Feat of Rage” on all major streaming platforms starting 12/4/2024. Stay tuned for the release of “The Life & Death of Shaun Holton” for a musical experience that transcends boundaries and genres.

Listen to, and order, the track from bandcamp here:

https://projectedtwin.bandcamp.com/track/a-feat-of-rage

About Projected Twin:

Projected Twin is the musical brainchild of producer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Shaun Holton. With influences ranging from 90s alternative to progressive rock icons, Projected Twin’s music offers a unique blend of sonic textures and emotive storytelling. “The Life & Death of Shaun Holton” represents the next chapter in Holton’s musical journey, promising an immersive experience for listeners.

Dark folk / prog artist Marjana Semkina (Iamthemorning) announces new album and streams first single

Sirin album out 31st May; ‘We Are The Ocean’ lyric video streaming now

Album guest features include Jim Grey (Caligula’s Horse) & Mick Moss (Antimatter).

Progressive dark folk artist Marjana Semkina has announced the release her second solo LP – Sirin – on 31st May 2024 along with a Kickstarter campaign. She has also unveiled the first single ‘We Are The Ocean’ along with a stunning lyric video.

Watch the lyric video for ‘We Are The Ocean’ here:

Pre-order Sirin here:

SIRIN by Marjana Semkina — Kickstarter

Known for her work as the vocalist of prog duo Iamthemorning, self-exiled Russian Marjana has forged a successful solo career with two critically acclaimed solo releases: her 2020 debut solo album Sleepwalking, and 2021 follow-up EP Disillusioned. Like its predecessors, Sirin is a journey of dark stories and fairy tales, told with Marjana’s uniquely captivating voice, on a foundation of detailed musical arrangements. However there is a prevailing darkness and grief, inspired by of Russian invasion of Ukraine, with the first single about by the protests.

On new single ‘We Are The Ocean’ Marjana comments: “This song was inspired by all of my Russian friends coming out to protest against the war when it started, despite the fact that there was a very good chance they’d get arrested for doing so – a lot did in the end. I wrote lyrics to this song on a train to one of those protests in London, Trafalgar Square in early March 2022.”

On the album Sirin, she continues: “Sirin is a mythical creature from ancient Slavic mythology, half-bird half-woman, she’s a harbinger of bad luck and death, and it’s believed that if you meet Sirin a big catastrophe will happen – except in case with the events surrounding this album it’s already happened. Sirin cries and mourns for humankind, and nothing can be more appropriate in this day and age. Sirin is one of very few creatures that can travel between worlds – a world of gods of light, a world of dark deities (in some versions an alternative to the underworld) and a world of mortals. This felt appropriate because the album is quite diverse in sound and some might think parts of it sound happy, but the subject matter is almost always quite morbid, which creates a contrast that I enjoy.

“I was never very political and I always tried to keep my art within the realms of lore, literature and imagination. But when events like the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine happen, it is impossible – and I’d even say, unforgivable – to stay silent and do nothing. Thankfully being based in the UK I feel rather safe speaking out against the current regime and I do have a platform that I can use to try and show the world that Russians disagree with the actions of the Russian government, and there are so many of us that only wish for this to be over. I’m just trying to show it in the most artistic way I can muster.”

Now permanently based in the UK, Marjana has been an active campaigner against the Russian occupation in Ukraine and has raised thousands of pounds via her activities to support the victims of war. She will continue her work, including selling a number of a limited run of handwritten lyrics from Sirin, with the money going to Ukrainian charities. Acts punishable by 15 years imprisonment should she return home.

Marjana is joined by an array of world class musicians (detailed below), which includes two very special guest vocal performances from Jim Grey (Caligula’s Horse) and Mick Moss (Antimatter).

Marjana has previously collaborated with many incredible artists, including The Flower Kings, Jordan Rudess, Blackbriar, as well as Anna Murphy with their Maer project. Combined with her work in Iamthemorning, her experiences have enabled her to become one of the most unique and exciting solo artists in the progressive world today. 

Recording musicians:
Grigoriy Losenkov – piano, bass guitar, synths, drum programming
Vlad Avy – electric guitar, synths, drum programming
Keli Guðjónsson (Agent Fresco) – drums 
Charlie Cawood (Medieval baebes, Knifeworld) – acoustic guitar, bouzouki, glockenspiel, hammered dulcimer, luiqin, guzheng
Liam McLaughlin (Sithu aye, IATM) – electric guitar
Margarita Chernyshevskaya – 1st Violin 
Petr Chepelev  – 2nd Violin 
Julia Uliashcenkova – Viola 
Julia Romashko – Cello 

Trifecta, the trio of Nick Beggs, Adam Holzman and Craig Blundell release new single and video for “Stupid Pop Song”

Taken from The New Normal Released 12 April 2024 on Kscope

Following the announcement of the soon to be released second musical observation in the form of The New Normal from Trifecta, the collaboration of singer songwriter Nick Beggs, keyboardist extraordinaire Adam Holzman and internationally renowned drummer Craig Blundell; the fearless trio have released a new single – “Stupid Pop Song”.

The single is accompanied by a glorious, animated video created by Willow Beggs (@_willowbeggs www.willowbeggs.com )

Watch the video:

As Nick Beggs explains the song was not destined to be released by Trifecta “Stupid Pop Song was written for my daughter Willow who had a band for a while and was looking for material. I wrote it in the car one day whilst thinking about her musical journey.

It obviously has a different narrative and irony when sung by me which is what happened in the end owing to the fact her band split up.

I played it to Craig and Adam who both thought it would work well for Trifecta, but at the time I was unsure.  They kind of talked me round after playing with the arrangement in their studios.

I think it worked out rather well.”

Stream the single here:

Trifecta – Stupid Pop Song (orcd.co)

It is often said that the greatest musical groups are the ones with the right mixture of ideas, talent and chemistry. These are things Trifecta have in abundance. It is, of course, no secret that the three members – keyboardist Adam Holzman, bassist/Chapman Stick mastermind Nick Beggs and drummer Craig Blundell – have spent their most recent years touring some of the world’s biggest stages as part of many bands including with Steven Wilson. So when they decide to form a largely instrumental offshoot as a trio, eventually writing and releasing 2021’s Fragments debut, they were already off to a head start, with a tangible sense of creative familiarity that had been stunning audiences in every corner of the globe. 

For listeners seeking to escape the confines of the normal world, ‘The New Normal’ will enable a window into vistas in a multitude of sonics and in concept. By combining elements of Progressive Rock, Jazz Fusion all with a dash of typical English wit the band bring the listener into a world where sound is malleable, time is a mere concept and vegetables have otherworldly properties like the ‘Stroboscopic Fennel’. 

This new 19 track, epic sees the band building upon the innovative ambition and genre-hopping skulduggery they so fearlessly introduced themselves to the world with on ‘Fragments’. The New Normal could easily have carried on in that same direction and comfortably delighted fans of all three musicians, as well as their associated projects. But if there’s anything we know about Holzman, Beggs and Blundell, it’s that they are bursting with ideas of every kind. Which explains why this album is guided by an uncontainable brilliance and bravado that packs in so many twists and turns, practically laughing at any notion of genre or boundary. 

Joining the trio of masterful musos is Alex Lifeson (Envy of None / Rush) for additional guitar on ‘Once Around The Sun With You’ and Theo Travis (Steven Wilson) on saxophone for insectoid grooves of ‘Daddy Long Legs’. Alongside John Paul Jones’ very chapman stick from 1979 that was sent to Nick and used to record ‘The New Normal’. 

 The album was recorded in the Bermuda Triangle of normality that is Leighton Buzzard, Bedford and New York between 2019 and 2023, engineered by the band and mastered by Andy VanDette (Beastie Boys / Rush / Whitney Houston), adorned with artwork that was inspired by an original idea from Hajo Muller.

Available on Limited edition white 2 LP / CD / 2 LP and digitally – with pre-orders available here:

Trifecta – The New Normal (lnk.to)

SiX By SiX launch ‘Obiliex’; second single from forthcoming new album ‘Beyond Shadowland’

SiX By SiX, the progressive power trio comprising Ian Crichton (Saga), Nigel Glockler (Saxon) and Robert Berry (3.2), recently announced the release of their sophomore album ‘Beyond Shadowland’ on InsideOutMusic on 26th April 2024. The band reconvened in Berry’s own Soundtek Studios in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2023 to bend, shape, hammer and caress their diverse musical talents into 11 impressive new tracks.  With this album, they continue to define and build upon their unique melodic space, welding guitar-driven rock, metal and prog into a unique and powerful sonic setting.

Today they launch the album’s second single, and you can watch the video for ‘Obiliex’ here:

Robert Berry comments of the track: “Ian, Nigel and myself discussed if we should take a chance releasing a slower song with one of the most passionate and raw guitar solos ever? Our joint conclusion was….YES! Obiliex has become a favourite of the band, with the beauty of the guitar, the depth of the lyric, the power of its tranquil groove. We hope you enjoy the calm, the depth, the sheer raw energy of the song.”

Watch the previously released clip for ‘The Arms of a Word’ here: 

Ian Crichton comments: “On the new record we kept our style but have written stylistically some quite different tunes. I gave Robert a lot of parts, sections, licks, middle 8’s, etc. He added verses, bridges, etc… and vocals!  He’s a brilliant arranger. Of course, Nigel is a powerhouse. As always, he played great on this record.”

Nigel Glockler adds: “Playing with Ian and Robert is always terrific. Making this album was a productive time. Ultimately, we narrowed things down to eleven tunes. Good ones too! I left the sessions feeling very pleased. I think everybody’s going to be impressed with the new album.”

Robert Berry continues: “I’ve always believed that music has the power to bring people together. This record is a testament to that notion. As always, working with Ian and Nigel on an actual second album was a moving experience for me.  Truly special.”

‘Beyond Shadowland’ will be available as a Limited CD Digipak, Gatefold 180g Black 2LP (featuring 4 exclusive bonus tracks) & as a Digital Album. The artwork was once again created by Rob Fowler.

Pre-order now here:

Six By Six – Obiliex (lnk.to)

The full tracklisting is as follows:

1.     Wren 

2.     The Arms of a Word  

3.     Can’t Live Like This  

4.     Obiliex

5.     Only You Can Decide  

6.     Titans 

7.     Outside Looking In  

8.     Spectre

9.     Sympathise  

10.  One Step

11.  The Mission

Vinyl-only bonus tracks:

1.     SiX By SiX Orchestra Medley

2.     The Arms of a Word (Instrumental)

3.     Honor Bridge

4.     The Mission (Instrumental) 

The bands self-titled debut, released in 2022, established the trio as a power chord-driven celebration of artistry, passion and persistence. Prog Magazine said that the record was “exciting, often potent and demands repeated listens”, while Classic Rock Magazine called it “an inspired opening salvo that bubbles with chemistry.”

Background:

Ian Crichton is best known as one of the founding members of Saga, alongside his brother Jim. Saga went on to sell roughly 10 million albums world-wide and continue to perform around the world. As the driving force behind SiX By SiX, Ian takes a cunning turn, in assembling another potent band but one that focuses on his guitar prowess.  This time with established players, each with a celebrated past, refined skills, and unlimited potential.  

Nigel Glockler began his career in 1980 as the drummer for the British band Krakatoa. In 1981 he found an opportunity with singer Toyah.  By the end of the year, he joined metal legends, Saxon. Except for two brief absences, Nigel has been behind his massive drum kit as an integral part of Saxon ever since.His powerhouse drumming is the engine that drives SiX By SiX’s songs forwards relentlessly.

Robert Berry first gained international attention with San Francisco-based Hush, releasing well-received recordings and then touring the USA. In the mid-1980s Berry’s first solo album garnered positive reviews in the most influential trade publications and attracted the attention of several major labels. At the suggestion of one of those labels, Robert moved to the UK to work with guitarist Steve Howe (of Yes fame) along with drummer Nigel Glockler in an effort to revitalize GTR. When GTR stalled, Robert partnered with British rock legends Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer to form ‘3’.  With Emerson and Palmer, Robert achieved a top ten charting single and toured the USA. Robert’s melodic sensibilities complement Ian’s extraordinary guitar and Nigel’s signature drumming perfectly.

Dim Gray – Murals – New Single Out 15.3.24 – mixed by Bruce Soord of The Pineapple Thief

Having returned triumphant from their European tour as guests of prog behemoths Big Big Train in late 2023, Norwegian art rock/pop act Dim Gray immediately began work on what will become their third album. The first result of their latest recordings is their new single, ‘Murals’, a song that packs plenty of punch with the distinctive sounds coaxed out of his instrument by guitarist and co-vocalist Håkon Høiberg that have become his trademark.

‘Murals’ has been written and is sung by Høiberg, with Bruce Soord of The Pineapple Thief behind the mixing desk. “I wanted to delve deeper into the Norwegian folk music heritage and was inspired by the Norwegian Hardanger fiddle and its unique melodic sound,” explains Høiberg. “Combining it with a primal, upbeat soundscape to craft the various parts of the song, it resulted in a sound that you rarely hear played by an electric guitar.”

The song’s lyric centres around the fact that whenever somebody finds themselves at a crossroads in their life, someone else has already been in the exact same situation. It is an important perspective to have, especially for those running the risk of losing themselves in their thoughts.

Having recruited Milad Amouzegar (guitars and keyboards) and Kristian Kvaksrud (bass) as permanent group members in the late summer of 2023, ‘Murals’ marks the first release by Dim Gray as a quintet, kicking off what promises to be an exciting year with further singles followed eventually by their third album.

Dim Gray came together in Oslo in 2013 while studying music. Spending years perfecting their sound, the trio of Oskar Holldorff (vocals and keyboards), Håkon Høiberg (guitar and vocals) and Tom Ian Klungland (drums) issued their debut album ‘Flown’ in 2020 to rave reviews. They were subsequently picked up by Big Big Train’s own label English Electric Recordings, who released ‘Firmament’ in 2022 to similar acclaim. The group have promoted both records around the UK and in mainland Europe with a number of shows guesting with Marillion and Big Big Train.

The Tangent (For One) announce new studio album ‘To Follow Polaris’; launch first single ‘The North Sky’

‘To Follow Polaris’ is a new “full on” Progressive Rock album by The Tangent, set to be released on the 10th May 2024 (InsideOutMusic). That’s not necessarily a surprise, that’s what the band are known for. But at the same time, it’s something else too. As Andy jokes, playing on the Jaws strapline, he says “well this time it’s actually no personnel”.

To coincide with the announcement, a video has just been launched for the track ‘The North Sky’, albeit in an edited form. Watch it now here:

In a year when members of The Tangent could be seen onstage all over the world with Steve Hackett, Soft Machine, Karnataka, David Cross, It Bites, Cyan and others, plus on recordings by those artists and The Anchoret, The Michael Dunn Project, Argos and Retreat From Moscow, it became clear that there was not going to be time to get together for anything more than one gig in April 2023.

So the band agreed that the band’s leader/main writer Andy Tillison would keep the material coming and would make an album by The Tangent entirely alone. It would still be The Tangent. Just for one.

“Besides Which” Andy says, “I’ve always wanted to do this, use what I have learned from Luke, Jonas, Steve, Theo and many other alumni and take it to final production. Now was the time!”

What transpired over the following year is in one sense an “absolutist” solo album and is entirely the work of one person in all aspects including artwork, layout, design, lyrics, composition, performance, recording, production, mixing, mastering and authoring. But in another sense it’s totally Tangent. “I could not have begun to make this record without having had the experiences of working with the band. So although the different instruments are not attempted to be played in the actual style of the normal lineup, they are inspired by the kind of things these guys do”

‘To Follow Polaris’ will be available as a Limited Deluxe Collector’s Edition CD Mediabook (including bonus track and extensive 24-page booklet, Gatefold 180g 2LP vinyl (also including bonus track), & as Digital Album. It would be preferable if you pre-order from the band’s website now here:

The Tangent : Official Website – Home

Or from other websites here:

To Follow Polaris (lnk.to)

1.     The North Sky 11:36

2.     A ‘Like’ In The Darkness 08:19

3.     The Fine Line 08:04

4.     The Anachronism 21:01

5.     The Single (From A Re-Opened Time Capsule) 05:51

6.     The North Sky (Radio Edit) 03:42

7.     Tea At Bettys (Bonus Track) 17:32

Produced between January and November 2023, the album features Andy using his multiple keyboards system as normal, but adds to the mix his first ever released performance on Bass Guitar and his second on stick driven (electronic) drums. Add electric and acoustic guitars and electronic wind controller and this is a full band recording in every sense of the word. A recording which shows Andy’s lifelong influence by artists such as Yes, Van Der Graaf Generator, Porcupine Tree, Groove Armada, Earth Wind & Fire, Roger Waters and his bands, Return To Forever, Deep Purple, Gentle Giant, Steely Dan and any band featuring the keyboard player Dave Stewart.

Conceptually Andy claims the album is, ahem, “highly optimistic” but regular listeners to his work will anticipate correctly that this optimism will not be ill founded or over-easy and will be highly critical of obstacles to that optimism and the album will look as much into the dark as it does into the light. 

The album is intended to be thought of as a regular Tangent album – but not as the future of the band. It’s everyone’s intention to make the FOURTEENTH album as The Tangent. For Five.