Track/Video Release – Page 2

New Release Round Up – Glass Hammer, IQ, Bjørn Riis, Oak

Due to some technical issues, we’ve been offline for a while but we are back with four fabulous new releases from Glass Hammer, IQ, Bjørn Riis and Oak. So, without any further ado, let’s dig in!

Glass Hammer – ‘Rogue‘

GLASS HAMMER GOES ROGUE WITH April 11th RELEASE

Glass Hammer’s “Rogue” spins the tale of one man’s fateful, final journey. “He leaves everything he knows behind,” explains composer Steve Babb. “And thinks he’s returning to a place where he once knew happiness, but in reality, his odyssey will sweep him away to somewhere completely unexpected.”

Babb explains that the ten-song album explores themes of regret, heartache, and the mortal salience that comes with age. “Life is fleeting,” he continues. “It’s a heavy topic for an album, but the music isn’t as heavy as our last few releases. Rogue is much more like the Glass Hammer albums our fans refer to as “classic.”

And who’s in the lineup? “It’s no secret that Glass Hammer reinvents itself every few albums,” says Babb. “It’s happened again! This time with a lot of new faces.”

Rogue features performances by Fred Schendel, Reese Boyd, and David Wallimann (GH guitarist 2006-2010). Vocalists Thomas Jakob (Netherlands) and Olivia Tharpe (USA) are new to the band. They’re joined by guitarist Oliver Day (UK), keyboardist Ariel Perchuck (Argentina), drummer Evgeni Obruchkov (Poland), and others. “It’s an international cast of characters,” Babb points out. “A super-talented group that our fans are sure to love.”

The hour-long Rogue is Glass Hammer’s twenty-second studio album. Fans can pre-order autographed copies, t-shirts and downloads on the band’s website:

https://glasshammer.com

Steve Babb photo credit: Julie Babb

Track list:

1. What If

2. The Road South

3. Tomorrow

4. Pretty Ghost

5. Sunshine

6. I Will Follow

7. The Wonder Of It All

8. One Last Sunrise

9. Terminal Lucidity

10. All Good Things

IQ – ‘Dominion’

GEP recently announced the release of Dominion, the long-awaited new album from IQ, the first new music in 6 years following-up 2019’s Resistance. Dominion will be released on March 28th, 2025.

Today, the band have released the video for the first single titled “No Dominion” which you can see here:

Peter Nicholls: “Hot on the heels of Resistance’ six years ago! Yes, it’s been a long time coming (we couldn’t be accused of rushing these things!) but we’re confident this album is really strong and has been worth the wait. To be releasing a new IQ album in our 44th year feels genuinely exciting”.

Mike Holmes: “We did actually write a lot more material for Dominion, but this choice of songs (and the running order) feels like a cohesive album to me. Even in this age of streaming individual songs I still approach a new album with a ‘side one’ and ‘side two’ thing in my head and the selection and placement of songs for Dominion just feels like a classic album should (I know, I’m using ‘old people’ speak!). “The original intention was to have a second disc of other material but that would have taken a lot longer to put together and we figured six years was quite enough. It does mean that there’s already quite a bit of stuff ready for the next one.”

Dominion will be available in a six panel digi-sleeve CD with 16-page booklet and a one-disc coloured vinyl album in a gatefold sleeve.

Pre-orders for the album will begin on Feb 17th, 2025 via the band’s website:

https://www.iq-hq.co.uk

Bjørn Riis – ‘Fimbulvinter’

Bjørn Riis is among Norway’s most acclaimed and prolific artists in the progressive rock genre. As a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, he’s transitioned from learning his trade in obscure cover bands to having worldwide success both as a forming member of Airbag and as a solo artist.

This spring, Bjørn follows up his highly acclaimed ‘Everything to Everyone’ (“This fantastic musician’s best work!” – Progradar UK), with a new album, ‘Fimbulvinter’ on the 11^th of April.

To whet the appetite of his fans, the track Gone has been chosen as a single and Bjørn has this to say about it:

“”Gone” was the first track I wrote for the album. It’s one of those songs you just want to play loud in your car going fast on the highway! I wanted it to have that pop and monumental feel to it, while dealing with a somewhat serious matter. It’s about the fear of not being enough, of being rejected and dealing with that by wanting to escape and flee. I’m playing all of the instruments, with Kai Christoffersen on drums and my long-time collaborator, Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes, mixing and co- producing.”

Gone can be streamed or downloaded from the following link:

https://orcd.co/bjornriis-gone

‘Fimbulvinter’ is a personal album, based on Bjørn’s own experience dealing with anxiety. The lyrics are profoundly honest and emotional, describing utter hopelessness, paranoia and despair yet a hope and gratitude. Riis says:

“It’s not an autobiographical album but I wanted to share some of my own experience and write about a topic that I think is very important. Mental health is something everyone is dealing with in one form or another, in different periods of life. It’s something we all can relate to but it’s still somewhat of a tabu. The music is possibly the heaviest I’ve written. There’s some really powerful stuff, with guitars and drums, but there are also beautiful and evocative moments that adds a strong contrast and diversity.”

The title, ‘Fimbulvinter’, refers to Norse mythology and the tale of the long winter that leads up to Ragnarok – the end of the world and a new beginning.

Fimbulvinter feature Bjørn on all instruments and vocals, with contributions from Airbag’s Henrik Bergan Fossum (drums), Arild Brøter from Pymlico (drums) and Kai Christoffersen.

Once again, Bjørn has teamed up with long-time collaborator Vegard Kleftås Sleipnes, who co- produced, mixed and mastered the album.

Tracklisting for ‘Fimbulvinter’ is as follows:

1. Illhug
2. Gone
3. Panic Attack
4. She
5. Fimbulvinter
6. Fear of Abandoned

‘Fimbulvinter’ will be available CD, Digipak, Digital and Black Vinyl LP and Coloured Vinyl LP formats, and can now be pre-ordered at:

KAR294 Bjørn Riis – Fimbulvinter

And bandcamp here:

https://bjornriis.bandcamp.com

Oak – ‘The Third Sleep’

With their highly anticipated fourth album, ‘The Third Sleep’, Norwegian progressive rock band OAK delivers a striking exploration of societal complacency and the struggle of the individual. The album contrasts light and darkness, both thematically and musically, seamlessly blending folk-inspired acoustic passages with the raw intensity of progressive metal, evoking echoes of Opeth and beyond.

On the 25^th of April, OAK follows up their highly acclaimed ‘The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise’ with a new album, ‘The Third Sleep’.

About the album, the band has this to say:

“The Third Sleep continues the development from TQROC lyrically and further descends into the darkness of the mind errands. The form is suggestive and poetic, with room for interpretation within certain limits. The album is also more outgoing than its more introspective predecessor, with socially critical lyrics that require the listener’s attention and an ability to read between the lines.”

With a rich musical foundation that spans classical piano, electronica, progressive and hard rock, Oak has carved out a distinctive sound—both captivating and challenging in equal measure.

Recorded in Ljugekroken (Oslo), the album was mixed by David Castillo (Katatonia, Leprous, Opeth) and mastered by Jacob Holm-Lupo (White Willow, Donner) at Dude Ranch Studio, Sandøya.

Prepare to experience “The Third Sleep”, a thought-provoking journey through sound and emotion.

Tracklisting for “The Third Sleep” is as follows:

1. No Such Thing
2. London
3. Run Into the Sun
4. Shimmer
5. Shapeshifter
6. Borders
7. Sensory Overload

“The Third Sleep” will be available CD, Digital and Blue/Purple Smash Vinyl LP formats, and can now be pre-ordered at:

https://www.karismarecords.no/kar288-oak-the-third-sleep

and bandcamp:

https://oakinoslo.bandcamp.com/album/the-third-sleep

OAK originated as a duo, which expanded into today’s line-up of Simen Valldal Johannessen on vocals, piano and keys, Øystein Sootholtet on bass, acoustic and electric guitars and Sigbjørn Reiakvam on drums, percussion, programming, keys and guitars. The fact that OAK’s members come from diverse backgrounds, which range from classical piano, to electronica, to prog and hard rock, with references to both the alternative scene as well as the progressive rock scene, has allowed OAK to create a unique sound.

FROST* launch stand-alone single ‘Western Atmosphere’

UK Progressive Rock group Frost* is pleased to share a new stand-alone single titled “Western Atmosphere.” This song was originally featured as a Japanese-only bonus track on the album ‘Life in the Wires,’ and sees band leader Jem Godfrey joined by Randy McStine (Steven Wilson, Porcupine Tree – live guitarist), Mike Keneally (Devin Townsend) & Nick D’Virgilio (Big Big Train).

Godfrey says this about the track: “I sometimes wonder what would have happened had I stayed in bed 10 minutes longer than I did on Monday 11^th of January 2010. Perhaps my life would have gone in a completely different direction and Frost* would have ended up with the lineup of myself on keys, vocals and bass, Mike Keneally on guitar, Nick D’Virgilio on drums and Randy McStine on guitar and vocals. We’ll never know, I guess.”

You can check out “Western Atomosphere here:

https://frost-band.lnk.to/WesternAtmosphere-Single

“It’s actually a continuation from Day and Age” explains Godfrey, “the first track on the new album starts with the end of the last track from that album “Repeat to Fade,” where the static comes up and a voice says “Can you hear me?”. I remember putting that in when we did Day and Age as a possible little hook for the future; a character somewhere out there in Day and Age land trying to be heard. What does he want to say? Can anybody hear him? Day and Age kind of sets up the world that this character lives in and Life In The Wires tells his story”.

The story revolves around the main character Naio, an aimless kid heading for a meaningless future in an A.I. run world. He hears an old DJ talking on the ancient AM radio his mother once gave him and decides to trace the source of the signal and find “Livewire” to see if there’s a better future out there. However, the All Seeing Eye is less than impressed at this bid for independent thought and fights back. Soon Naio finds himself pursued across the country by an outraged mob as he tries to locate the home of Livewire and his freedom. Tune in at www.lifeinthewires.com and see if you can hear Livewire on the radio.

Helping create this parallel world are the “classic” Frost* lineup of guitarist John Mitchell, bassist Nathan King, and returning drummer Craig Blundell.

Fans of the band’s masterful debut album Milliontown (2006) will enjoy the band revisiting the style that made that debut album one of the most successful prog rock albums of the last 20 years, a fact that was not lost on Godfrey as he was writing this new record.

“With Day and Age, we made it a very specific point: we’re not doing any solos, we’ll do clever arrangements. And we enjoyed that discipline, but this time I thought it might be good to row back on that position a bit. Plus, I wanted to have a little bit of a nod to Milliontown with this album, because it’s been nearly 20 years since Milliontown came out and I’m still proud of it. The 15-minute title track has a few of those Milliontown moments in it which were great fun to do again.”

Frost* released their critically acclaimed double concept album ‘Life In The Wires’ last October. The album received rave reviews from press and fans alike, ending up on many end-of-year Best-Of lists and winning Album of the Year in The Prog Report Awards.

Stream or purchase ‘Life in the Wires’ here:

https://frost-band.lnk.to/LifeInTheWires

CIRCU5 announce new studio album: Clockwork Tulpa

UK prog rockers, CIRCU5, have announced that their second album, Clockwork Tulpa, will be released on March 7, 2025.

The album is now available to pre-order at https://www.circu5.com/. Pre-order supporters gain access to bonuses, including posters, early-access downloads and ‘The Vault’: a boxed flash-drive collection featuring behind-the-scenes demos, lyrics and concepts from the album’s creation.

Clockwork Tulpa is CIRCU5’s first album release as a full band, with Tin Spirits frontman Mark Kilminster and drummer Lee Moulding joining founder Steve Tilling. “With Mark and Lee in the band, CIRCU5 can now establish its own unique identity,” says Steve. “I’m excited about where we can take the band next.”

The 10-track album comes nearly eight years after CIRCU5’s eponymous 2017 debut. The extended gap was due to Steve contracting Long Covid and committing to projects with ex-members of UK rock band, XTC. “The songs reflect life’s ups and downs during that time. But I learned a valuable lesson: don’t be swayed by the plans of others. Stay true to yourself and your goals.”

Clockwork Tulpa continues the story of ‘Grady’: a troubled character moulded from birth by the mysterious CIRCU5 organisation. “It’s not just storytelling,” says Steve. “It’s a reflection on how people navigate the trauma of tough childhoods without falling prey to isolating belief systems. But ultimately, it’s about making the best songs we can.”

Ahead of Clockwork Tulpa’s release, CIRCU5 have made two album tracks – Freakshow Train and Skin Machine – available on streaming services. To pre-order Clockwork Tulpa, visit https://www.circu5.com/

Clockwork Tulpa tracklist

1. Make No Sound

2. Sing Now

3. Freakshow Train

4. Skin Machine

5. Infinite Lucid Geometric Fever Dream

6. Clockwork Tulpa

7. Violet

8. Change the Weather

9. Don’t Spare Me

10. Scars

Watch the video for Freakshow Train here:

BEARDFISH announce ‘Songs For Beating Hearts’; first new studio album in nearly 9 years

Cult Swedish progressive rockers Beardfish began playing their first live shows together this year since breaking up in 2016, and now they are very pleased to announce the release of a brand new studio album titled ‘Songs For Beating Hearts’ on the 1^st November 2024 (InsideOutMusic). Coinciding with this announcement is the launch of a brand new single titled ‘In The Autumn’, a piece of music that some may recognise from their recent live dates. This song is a duet between Rikard Sjöblom & guest vocalist Amanda Örtenhag. Watch the video now here:

“I think the reunion became an idea in 2021, a few years ago,” explains Rikard Sjöblom. “We started talking about doing something. People had made amends, and I guess everyone started missing being in a band together, and missing each other! We all kept in touch, and things ended up on the right foot in many aspects, and then we started talking about maybe meeting up and trying to play something. I had a couple of new songs written, and they really sounded like Beardfish, and I had some instrumental doodles that I was working on. So we met up and tried to play. The first thing we played was Without Saying Anything from Mammoth, and we started jamming and it felt like home, even after many years. I felt like, ‘These are my brothers!’

With strong echoes of past glories but a whole new vibe of wistful wonderment, Songs For Beating Hearts is a glowing testament to the magic that happens when these four musicians join forces. From the dreamy melancholy of the opening Ecotone and the intricate opulence of five-part sprawl Out In The Open, to the prog-friendly pastoralism of bittersweet 11-minute epic Beating Hearts, and the sobering prog-noir of the closing Torrential Downpour, Beardfish have not just made their strongest work to date, but also their most emotionally resonant. Loosely held together by thoughts of love, loss, friendship and finality, Songs For Beating Hearts is the sound of four kindred spirits laying their hearts bare.

‘Songs For Beating Hearts’ will be available as a Limited CD Digipak (including one bonus track), Gatefold LP & as Digital Album, all featuring artwork from longtime collaborator Spencer Keala Bowden, and can be pre-ordered now here:

Beardfish – In the Autumn (lnk.to)

The full track-listing is as follows:

1. Ecotone 04:30

2. Out in the Open 20:33

3. Beating Hearts 11:01

4. In The Autumn 05:58

5. Ecotone (Reprise) 00:43

6. Torrential Downpour 08:29

7. Ecotone – Norrsken 1982 edition (Bonus Track) 06:13

Beardfish originally formed back in 2001, and today are made up of Rikard Sjöblom, David Zackrisson, Magnus Östgren and Robert Hansen. They released eight studios albums up until their disbandment in 2016 The band are confirmed for 2025’s edition of Cruise To The Edge.

DELUXE HARDBACK BOOK EDITION OF PORCUPINE TREE’S ICONIC 2007 ALBUM FEAR OF A BLANK PLANET ANNOUNCED

SET FOR RELEASE ON 25^th OCTOBER 2024 ON THE TRANSMISSION LABEL

Pre-order the new 2024 6-disc edition of FOABP Here:

Porcupine Tree – Fear Of A Blank Planet Deluxe 6 Disc Box Set (lnk.to)

London label Transmission have announced a new edition of Porcupine Tree’s Grammy-nominated 2007 album Fear Of A Blank Planet. With a 112-page hardback book, five CDs, and a Blu-ray disc, the new edition includes remasters of Fear Of A Blank Planet and the Nil Recurring mini album, approximately 55 minutes of previously unreleased demos, an early live performance of a still work-in-progress version of the album, as well as BBC and instore session recordings – the most complete collection of the album and related material to date.

The set consists of:

112-Page Hardback Book: The centrepiece of this collection is a 112-page book, with an in-depth examination of the process of creating the album by Stephen Humphries with interviews, alongside rare photographs from photographers Lasse Hoile & Carl Glover.

Disc 1 (CD): 2024 remaster of Fear Of A Blank Planet.

Disc 2 (CD): 2024 remaster of Nil Recurring EP.

Disc 3 (CD): Approx 55 minutes of previously unreleased demos by both band and Steven Wilson, offering a rare insight into the creative process for the album, including 2 tracks not recorded for the final album.

Disc 4 (CD): A live recording of a work-in-progress version of the album made at The Garage, Saarbrucken on 23rd September 2006, while the band were still refining and developing the material. This has been mixed from the multitrack tapes for the first time for this edition.

Disc 5 (CD): A 5 track BBC radio session (Maida Vale Studios, 13th April 2007) plus an 8-song acoustic / unplugged in-store performance from Park Avenue, Orlando (4th October 2007).

Disc 6 (Blu-ray): Includes remastered stereo and 5.1 surround sound mixes of Fear Of A Blank Planet and Nil Recurring, as well as a new 2024 documentary – ‘The Making of Fear Of A Blank Planet’. Also features 3 music videos, 3 songs performed live on film at The Palladium, Koln (4th December 2007) and 2 live visual films (‘Sleep Together’ and ‘Anesthetize’).

“an aggressively modern merger of Rush’s arena art rock, U.K. prog classicism —especially Pink Floyd and King Crimson — and the post-grunge vengeance of Tool”

Rolling Stone

Originally released in 2007, Fear Of A Blank Planet is Porcupine Tree’s ninth studio album and both band and fans alike consider it to be a high point in their catalogue. Their biggest selling album at the time, it was the band’s first album to break into the Billboard Top 100 in the USA as well as charting significantly across Europe, earning them a Grammy nomination in the process. The album includes guest appearances from Robert Fripp (King Crimson) & Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson and featured in Rolling Stone Magazine’s Greatest Prog Albums Of All Time as well as being named Classic Rock’s Album of the Year in 2007.

A concept album inspired by the Bret Easton Ellis novel Lunar Park, Fear Of A Blank Planet’s lyrics address how the adolescent protagonist battles his terminal boredom and attention-deficit disorders with a regimen of prescription drugs, TV, computer gaming, mindless violence, empty sex, and self-harm.

Following the release of Fear Of A Blank Planet in 2007, Porcupine Tree solidified their reputation as one of the rock’s most celebrated bands with their 2009 release The Incident garnering critical acclaim and earning the band another Grammy nomination. After a significant hiatus while members moved on to other projects, 2022’s highly anticipated return with Closure/Continuation demonstrated the band’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of their sound.

FEAR OF A BLANK PLANET DELUXE TRACKLISTING

DISC 1

1. Fear Of A Blank Planet (2024 Remaster) [07:28]

2. My Ashes (2024 Remaster) [05:09]

3. Anesthetize (2024 Remaster) [17:52]

4. Sentimental (2024 Remaster) [05:26]

5. Way Out Of Here (2024 Remaster) [07:37]

6. Sleep Together (2024 Remaster) [07:28]

DISC 2

1. Nil Recurring (2024 Remaster) [06:15]

2. Normal (2024 Remaster) [07:08]

3. Cheating The Polygraph (2024 Remaster) [07:10]

4. What Happens Now? (2024 Remaster) [08:24]

5. Fear Of A Blank Planet (Tour Live intro) [02:02]

DISC 3

1.Fear Of A Blank Planet (Demo) [07:01]

2. My Ashes (Demo) [05:09]

3. Anesthetize (Demo) [16:49]

4. Sentimental (Demo) [05:03]

5. Cheating The Polygraph (Demo) [07:07]

6. Sleep Together (Demo) [07:26]

7. Always Recurring (Demo) [03:49]

8. Hey Sleeper (Demo) [03:36]

DISC 4

1. Fear Of A Blank Planet (Live at Garage, Saarbrucken, 23 September 2006) [09:05]

2. My Ashes (Live at Garage, Saarbrucken, 23 September 2006) [05:44]

3. Anesthetize (Live at Garage, Saarbrucken, 23 September 2006) [17:12]

4. Sentimental (Live at Garage, Saarbrucken, 23 September 2006) [05:07]

5. Cheating The Polygraph (Live at Garage, Saarbrucken, 23 September 2006) [06:58]

6. Sleep Together (Live at Garage, Saarbrucken, 23 September 2006) [08:11]

DISC 5

1. Blackest Eyes (BBC Session, Maida Vale, 13 April 2007) [04:27]

2. Fear Of A Blank Planet (BBC Session, Maida Vale, 13 April 2007) [07:29]

3. Sleep Together (BBC Session, Maida Vale, 13 April 2007) [07:20]

4. The Pills I’m Taking (BBC Session, Maida Vale, 13 April 2007) [05:58]

5. Halo (BBC Session, Maida Vale, 13 April 2007) [05:42]

6. The Sky Moves Sideways (Live in-store performance, Park Avenue, Orlando, 4 October 2007) [04:02]

7. Even Less (Live in-store performance, Park Avenue, Orlando, 4 October 2007) [03:27]

8. Stars Die (Live in-store performance, Park Avenue, Orlando, 4 October 2007) [04:34]

9. Waiting (Live in-store performance, Park Avenue, Orlando, 4 October 2007) [03:52]

10. Normal (Live in-store performance, Park Avenue, Orlando, 4 October 2007) [04:52]

11. Drown With Me (Live in-store performance, Park Avenue, Orlando, 4 October 2007) [04:09]

12. Lazarus (Live in-store performance, Park Avenue, Orlando, 4 October 2007) [04:06]

13. Trains (Live in-store performance, Park Avenue, Orlando, 4 October 2007) [04:28]

DISC 6

1. Fear Of A Blank Planet (5.1) [07:28]

2. My Ashes (5.1) [05:09]

3. Anesthetize (5.1) [17:52]

4. Sentimental (5.1) [05:26]

5. Way Out Of Here (5.1) [07:37]

6. Sleep Together (5.1) [07:28]

7. Nil Recurring (5.1) [06:15]

8. Normal (5.1) [07:08]

9. Cheating The Polygraph (5.1) [07:10]

10. What Happens Now? (5.1) [08:24]

11. Fear Of A Blank Planet (Video) [04:19]

12. Way Out Of Here (Video) [04:17]

13. Normal (Video) [03:52]

14. Sleep Together (Live Visual Film) [07:32]

15. Anesthetize (Live Visual Film) [17:14]

16. Fear Of A Blank Planet (Video – Live at Palladium, Koln, 4 December 2007) [08:37]

17.Anesthetize (Video – Live at Palladium, Koln, 4 December 2007) [17:14]

18. Sleep Together (Video – Live at Palladium, Koln, 4 December 2007) [08:03]

19. The Making Of Fear Of A Blank Planet (Documentary Film) [48:23]

The new edition of Fear Of A Blank Planet will be released on Transmission on 25^th October 2024.

Pre-order here:

Porcupine Tree – Fear Of A Blank Planet Deluxe 6 Disc Box Set (lnk.to)

FROST* return with their new double concept album ‘Life In The Wires’

UK progressive rockers Frost* are pleased to announce the release of their brand new double concept album ‘Life In The Wires’, due out 18^th October 2024 via InsideOutMusic. “Every prog band worth their salt really should do a double album, shouldn’t they?” asks Frost* frontman Jem Godfrey. “We’ve always kind of had this idea of wanting to do one. So I sat down last summer and thought, well, I’m just gonna have to get my head down and go for it.”

Today also sees the launch of the first track taken from the album, the first part of the album’s epic title track. Watch the video for ‘Life In The Wires, Part 1’, created by Christian Rios/Ray of Light Films, here:

Stream the single & pre-order the album here:

Frost* – Life in the Wires, Pt. 1 (lnk.to)

Helping create this parallel world are the “classic” Frost* lineup of guitarist John Mitchell, bassist Nathan King, and returning drummer Craig Blundell.

‘Life In The Wires’ will be available as a Limited 2CD, Gatefold 180g 2LP & as Digital Album, with subtle difference across the 3 formats for added interest. The album features artwork design by Carl Glover, who also designed the cover of ‘Day And Age’. The full track listing is as follows:

CD1:

1. Skywaving 1:57

2. Life in the Wires, Part 1 5:30

3. This House Of Winter 6:10

4. The Solid State Orchestra 6:35

5. Evaporator 8:09

6. Strange World 5:09

7. Idiot Box 4:59

8. Absent Friends 3:58

CD2:

1. School (Introducing The All Seeing Eye) 3:12

2. Propergander 5:34

3. Sign Of Life 5.44

4. Moral And Consequence 8:13

5. Life in the Wires, Part 2 15:51

6. Starting Fires 4:40

Band picture credit Will Ireland.

Dim Gray – ‘Ashes’ (live), new single out 24.07.24

In August and September 2023, Norwegian rock quintet Dim Gray undertook their first extensive tour of the UK and Europe, playing 15 dates across nine countries with Big Big Train. The band recorded each show and have picked out a selection of songs and performances that will form a live digital EP to be released in the autumn.

The EP will contain live versions of songs from both Dim Gray albums to date, as well as their recent single, ‘Murals’. Each performance was recorded by front of house engineer Rob Aubrey at shows in England, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Norway and mixed by him to create a document that captures the band’s live sound in authentic fashion.

The second track to be issued from it is ‘Ashes’, the original version of which can be found on the band’s second album, ‘Firmament’ (2022). Drummer Tom Ian Klungland states that “with ‘Ashes’, I feel we really showed that we could evolve and expand our sound yet still sound like Dim Gray.”

This live version of the song was recorded at a hometown show in Oslo on 29th August 2023. Vocalist/keyboardist Oskar Holldorff explains: “‘Ashes’ is a dramatic piece that relies more on electronic sounds than many of our other songs, so we had to approach playing it live a little differently.” Guitarist Milad Amouzegar adds: “I think we managed to do the song justice live. We played it a few more times on this tour, but the energy on stage in Oslo was amazing. I don’t think it sounded any better than on that night.”

Stream the single here:

Ashes (Live in Oslo, 2023) by Dim Gray – DistroKid

Dim Gray was formed in Oslo by the original core trio of Oskar Holldorff (keyboards, vocals), Håkon Høiberg (guitar, vocals) and Tom Ian Klungland (drums), issuing debut album ‘Flown’ in 2020 to rave reviews. Subsequently signing to English Electric Recordings, they released ‘Firmament’ in 2022 to similar acclaim. The group have promoted both records in both the UK and mainland Europe via guest slots with Marillion as well as Big Big Train. Milad Amouzegar (guitar, keyboards) and Kristian Kvaksrud (bass) joined as permanent group members in 2023.

‘Ashes’ follows the late June release of ‘The Wave We Thought We’d Ride Forever’

Stream here:

The Wave We Thought We’d Ride Forever (Live in London, 2023) by Dim Gray – DistroKid

DIM GRAY
Oskar Holldorff – keyboards, vocals
Håkon Høiberg – guitar, vocals
Milad Amouzegar – guitar, keyboards
Kristian Kvaksrud – bass
Tom Ian Klungland – drums, vocals

All band pictures by Anne-Marie Forker.

EchoVerse announce debut album ‘Whisper Between Worlds’ with video for new single “Not Like The Other”

EchoVerse is a Progressive Rock band that seamlessly blends Christian spirituality with elements of Prog, Hard Rock, and even Classical music. Set to release their debut album Whispers Between Worlds on August 20th, 2024, the band navigates complex themes of faith and the human experience through a series of powerful tracks.

The band are pleased to share the new video for “Not Like The Others,” directed by Christian Rios, here:

The band had this to say about the new single:
“‘Not Like The Others’ confronts the hypocrisy within modern churches, highlighting the emptiness of outward displays of faith without genuine love, and challenges us all to embrace true compassion and humility in our journies with God. The track is also a straight-ahead rocker with some 7/4 riffs to help maintain our Prog cred. :)”

EchoVerse has also launched a Kickstarter campaign to support the album’s release, featuring an 8-panel Digipak CD, two limited Vinyl options, a Kickstarter-exclusive T-Shirt, and much more.

Kickstarter details here:

Support EchoVerse: Help Launch Our Debut Prog Rock Album! by EchoVerse — Kickstarter

Drawing inspiration from bands like Spock’s Beard, Rush, Marillion, and Dream Theater, EchoVerse builds on the foundation of their former group, Ascher, with a new lineup and a fresh creative vision.

Whispers Between Worlds opens with “Not Like the Other,” which addresses outward hypocrisy in modern churches, and quickly moves into “Sins of the Father,” exploring the enduring impact of generational sin on today’s society. “Feelings of Grey” then offers a contemplative look at mental health, emphasizing the comforting role of faith during dark times. The narrative of hope and resurrection unfolds in “Empty,” which narrates the story of The Passion from the Empty Room to the Empty Tomb. Reaching a narrative crescendo, “The War Within” presents a 31-minute epic, divided into nine sections, that explores the battles between man and evil, both internally and externally. The album concludes with “Walk Alone,” which poses profound questions about the choices we make and the paths we choose to follow.

Track Listing

1. Not Like the Other (5:44)

2. Sins of the Father (6:45)

3. Feelings of Grey (6:42)

4. Empty (5:23)

5. The War Within (Total Time 30:54)

I. I Walk Away (5:17)

II. Something Sinister This Way Comes (1:51)

III. The Devil in My Ear (2:35)

IV. Push Back (3:20)

V. Now (3:57)

VI. Final Conflict (6:05)

VII. Back Where I Belong (3:51)
VIII. I Know It’s You (2:52)

IX. The War Within (1:06)

6. Walk Alone (6:17)

EchoVerse:
Kyle Graves: Lead Vocals
Doug Bowers: Vocals, Keys, Bass, Guitar
Rob Perez: Lead Guitar
Kyle Fagala: Drums, Vocals

NICK MAGNUS: ‘A Strange Inheritance’ (Magick Nuns Records) – Released 16th September

“It was a strange inheritance, unexpected, an oak chest bound with iron straps come into my possession, from a relative of whom I knew nothing…

Nick’s seventh progressive rock album takes us on a cinematic voyage; a swashbuckling tale of love, loss and revenge. An unexpected bequest reveals the story of a young woman whose misplaced love condemns her to the grim streets of 18^th century London. She is deported, travelling across the high seas to the New World where imperialism and injustice rule, and an island paradise that is not what it seems.

Watch the video for Bloody Money, featuring John Greenwood and Tony Patterson:

Pre-order now:

Nick Magnus, Keyboards, Composer, Producer (magnus-music.com)

Composer, keyboard player and producer Nick Magnus is best known for his work with ex-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett from 1978 to 1989, providing his keyboard talents to at least twelve of Hackett’s albums to date, as well as extensively touring Europe, the UK and the US.

Nick started his musical career in early 1976 with the cult symphonic rock ensemble, The Enid. At the end of that year, he left The Enid to spend two years with the progressive rock band, Autumn. In 1999 Autumn released a CD of their material originally recorded in 1977 entitled ‘Oceanworld’, subsequently re-issued in 2019 on vinyl. He has released six solo albums of his own compositions: ‘On Till Morning’ (1994), ‘Inhaling Green’ (1999), Hexameron’ (2004), ‘Children Of Another God’ (2010), ‘N’monix’ (2014) and ‘Catharsis’ (2019). A live album with John Hackett was released in March 2011.

The latter half of the 1980’s included session work with many diverse artistes such as China Crisis, Renaissance, George Martin, Mungo Jerry, Carl Wayne (The Move), Johhny Mars, Cilla Black, Jose Carreras, Brian May (Queen), Richie Havens, Bonnie Tyler, Mike Batt, Classix Nouveaux, David Essex, Pete Bardens (Camel), Duncan Browne, Chris Rea, and Colin Blunstone.

Nick’s skills as keyboardist, producer and writer are frequently in demand, with recent contributions for artists such as United Progressive Fraternity, Amanda Lehmann, John Hackett, Dik Cadbury, Damanek, The Rocking Horse Club, Tony Patterson & Brendan Eyre and the ‘Harmony For Elephants’ project. Nick is also a regular contributor to music technology magazine, Sound On Sound.

A Strange Inheritance is packaged in a 6-panel gatefold digi sleeve, with a 24-page full-colour booklet of photographs and lyrics.

All music composed and arranged by Nick Magnus, all lyrics by Dick Foster.

Nick Magnus – keyboards, synthesisers, percussion, tongue drum, production.

Album Tracks:

An Almost Silent Witness 10.07

Blood Money 4.45

Philadelphia 5.16

At Sea at Night 5.54

Four Winds 8.14

Welcome To The Island 5.19

Black and Scarlet 5.22

To Whom it May Concern 5.36

Total Running Time: 50.45

Guest Artists (bios on website)

Tony Patterson, Andy Neve, John Greenwood, Louise Young, Ginger Bennett and Steve Hackett

Album teaser video:

TIM BOWNESS’ NEW SINGLE ‘WHEN SUMMER COMES’ OUT TODAY

SECOND SINGLE TO BE TAKEN FROM THE NEW ALBUM POWDER DRY, RELEASED 16^TH AUGUST ON KSCOPE

STREAM/DOWNLOAD ‘WHEN SUMMER COMES’

Tim Bowness – When Summer Comes (orcd.co)

The sublime second single from Tim Bowness’s forthcoming Kscope label release Powder Dry is out today. The track, titled ‘When Summer Comes’, is a shimmering fusion of treated pianos, Mellotron flutes and bittersweet vocals. A quietly haunting soundtrack for a film that never was, the piece presents a potent mix of classic croon and blissed-out atmospherics.

Bowness says, “There’s a yearning, nostalgic quality to the song, I think. It’s about someone trying to convince themself that meaningful change will come, while instinctively knowing they’ll end up making the same mistakes again. It’s a cinematic ballad with hints of personal favourites such as late ’60s Scott Walker and Beehive-era David Sylvian. Inevitably, there’s some no-man (and a lot of me) in the mix as well.”

Mixed by Bowness’s partner in no-man, Steven Wilson, the evocative, abstract video for the song was created by Matt Vickerstaff.

WATCH THE NEW VIDEO BY MATT VICKERSTAFF

“This is the best and most creative of all of Tim’s albums.” – Steven Wilson

Featuring 16 pieces over its restless 40-minute duration, Tim Bowness’s eighth studio album Powder Dry represents a new beginning on a new label.

A collection of acute contrasts, the album is a vibrantly accessible and wildly experimental genre-blurring assault, embracing Industrial Rock, Electro Pop, singer-songwriter directness, haunted carnival soundscapes and more.

Entirely produced, performed and written by Bowness (a first), Powder Dry was mixed (in stereo and Surround Sound) by Bowness’s partner in no-man (and The Album Years podcast), Steven Wilson, who also acted as Bowness’s sounding board during the mixing process.

Powder Dry tracklist

Rock Hudson

Lost / Not Lost

When Summer Comes

Idiots At Large

A Stand-Up For The Dying

Old Crawler

Heartbreak Notes

Ghost Of A Kiss

Summer Turned

You Can Always Disappear

Powder Dry

Films Of Our Youth

This Way Now

I Was There

The Film Of Your Youth

Built To Last

PRE-ORDER ‘POWDER DRY’ LP/CD

Powder Dry – new album from Tim Bowness (lnk.to)

– Limited edition pink vinyl LP – exclusively available on the official Tim Bowness/Kscope store

– Limited edition yellow vinyl LP – available through indie retailers (w/ signed art print available from Rough Trade UK ONLY)

– Limited edition – 2-disc CD & DVD – includes DVD with 24-bit 48khz PCM stereo and 5.1 Dolby Digital mixes by Steven Wilson

– CD / LP / Digital

– Exclusive signed postcard included in all pre-orders from the Tim Bowness & Kscope store

UPCOMING SHOWS

JUL 27, 2024

EppyFest 11 @ Smokey Joe’s Diner, 16 Bennington St, Cheltenham, GL50 4ED

Cheltenham, UK

DEC 1, 2024

The Fiddler’s Elbow, Camden, London NW5 3HS

Prog The Forest. Tim Bowness and Butterfly Mind will headline this year’s Prog The Forest.

Artist picture by Leon Barker.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: