Atmospheric progressive metal of extensive meandering soundscapes – an EP of genre-fusing takes both dissonant and harmonised, beginning with a nine-minute epic that feels like multiple tracks in one. Swedish composer and musician David Blomgren creates under the project name Valfreyja, and The Rose Of Rebirth is a multi-coloured, chaotic and conceptually profound look at the artistic freedom that drives his approach.
Progressive Metal
To introduce the unique composition style and playing of Parachute Eyes, Thoughts Escaping is ideal. The release opens up with a sincere and distinct, undistorted guitar tone and melody, and sets a likeable groove for around three minutes, before shifting suddenly but fittingly, to a more distorted, power-chord and structurally intense approach.
Introducing a cinematic, progressive metal and operatic chaos of emotional intensity. ununk blends the familiar and the unknown, throughout the changing pace and presence of a conceptually complex We Are Such Stuff As Dreams Are Made On.
Fearlessly heartfelt and inspired by the very location where the songwriter’s own father’s ashes were laid to rest – Stag on the Cliff is an empowering and immersive instrumental composition, with a multitude of distinct moments of evolution and shifting dynamic that consistently hold tight to your attention.
Explosively fast-paced operatic metal meets with electronic design, Faith, and progressive storytelling – Arcane Sage captures the sense of epic adventure implied by the name, as we dive into the complex layers and performative passion of Celestial Desire.
Conceptual depth, poetic insights, and a melodic but progressive metal core – Hermetic Sage delivers a multi-faceted new album, brought to life with equal parts contemporary programming and heartfelt intentions.
Supremely unique alternative metal, a Gospel-like opening choir vocal and contrasting distortion promising a quickly catchy metal groove and set-up – Hope Seed capture a clear sense of personality and original flair, with the depth and intention of Non Believer.
Cincinnati alternative rock project Bio Borg intertwines the pace and riff-strong embrace of progressive metal, with raspy punk vocals and echoing sentiments, throughout a chaotic and cinematic yet compelling arrangement.
“The creative process is very meditative and therapeutic, you can see me in my zone drooling on my guitar sometimes because I’m so focused. Sometimes when I sing or play an instrument I even cry or become overwhelmed with emotion. It’s a divine experience, and I can’t say I’d be here without it.”
Dungeons and Dragons fanatics unite – a series of albums inspired by the limitless possibilities that lie within the simple roll of a dice. Producer and artist DM Kel delivers the fourth instalment of his Questing project, with the twenty original tracks of The Divine, The Damned, and The Ghost.
This playlist is a musical anthology, inviting listeners to reflect upon the human condition through the sadly forever relevant lens of conflict and determination. It’s a fiercely focused set of stories and songs, with a boldly heartfelt undertone that feels decidedly honest and, at times, heart-breaking.
Psychedelic dark metal with a creative twist of progressive musicianship and intriguing conceptual depth – UK five-piece Hookjaw pour their heart and soul into the process, along with a sheer and superb level of musical ability.