splinter

 If you play it to someone who knows nothing, by ear, they would place it in the '80s without much hesitation.

 Referring to the band’s original name, we could jokingly say that in this aspect… it doesn’t bite.

It Bites FD's Return to Natural revisits the band's classic prog pop sound with a vintage 80s production style. While it captures the nostalgic spirit, some aspects feel less vibrant and more relaxed. The instrumental performance stands out, especially the jazzy bass lines, but the album lacks the immediate impact of earlier works. Fans of the original band may find it a pleasant, if diluted, continuation. Explore It Bites FD's Return to Natural and experience a nostalgic blend of 80s prog pop with modern touches—listen now!

 Here they really hit rock bottom, there’s very little musical about it.

 They really don’t seem to want to do things right… as long as they sell a lot, the girls flash at the concerts, who cares about everything else...

Imagine Dragons' album Loom marks a disappointing step into overly commercial music, lacking the depth and quality seen in their earlier work. While a few tracks show some merit, the album largely features screamed vocals, overblown choruses, and weak instrumentation. At just 28 minutes, it’s a brief ordeal for many listeners. The review expresses hope for future improvement but doubts remain. Dive into the full review to see why Imagine Dragons’ Loom divides opinion—and decide if it’s worth your listen!

 "Theories of Emptiness knows how to amaze in its own way."

 "There seems to be an intention to go beyond metal; metal builds the scaffold that supports everything, but it seems that it’s no longer the most important thing."

Evergrey’s latest album, Theories of Emptiness, leans heavily into melodic and atmospheric tracks while retaining their metallic roots. The band surprises with diverse styles, ranging from gothic rock to dark prog, featuring notable collaborations. While some tracks recall previous albums, the overall effort showcases their consistent quality and willingness to evolve without losing identity. The album highlights the band’s mastery of melody alongside their solid metal foundation. Discover Evergrey’s melodic metal journey in Theories of Emptiness—listen now and experience their evolving sound!

 Billie continues to be as she has established herself: velvety, delicate, elegant, she relentlessly continues to have nothing to do with the surrounding music scene.

 Guys, this is art-pop!

Billie Eilish’s third album marks her artistic maturity with a refined and elegant art-pop sound. She eschews commercial electropop formulas for intricate, progressive structures and acoustic textures. The album highlights her unique vocal style, recalling a timeless elegance rather than modern trends. Collaborating again with Finneas, she delivers a sophisticated and distinctive musical offering that stands apart in today’s music scene. Discover Billie Eilish’s mature art-pop sound—listen to ‘Hit Me Hard And Soft’ now!

 "The 6 songs flow very well, with parts fitting naturally into an engaging whole that keeps the listener glued to their headphones."

 "Vanden Plas will certainly not rewrite the history of prog-metal in 2024, but they have produced a decidedly brilliant example of the genre."

Vanden Plas' latest album, The Empyrean Equation of the Long Lost Things, embraces its classic prog-metal roots while introducing fresh dynamics and smoother transitions. The new keyboardist’s influence shines through subtle but notable changes, especially with keyboard tones and organ use. Although not revolutionary, the album impresses with its fluid compositions and strong instrumental work. Some minor flaws and verbosity exist, but the overall impact is engaging and worthy for fans of the genre. It's a reaffirmation of the band's enduring quality. Discover the fresh yet classic prog-metal sound of Vanden Plas' latest album—listen now and experience their compelling musical journey!

 The project presents itself, at least for now, with slow, relaxed, hypnotic music, a sort of delicate yet dark ambient music.

 It’s really difficult to classify this work, as it seems not to fit into a precise genre, and this can be more than ever a boast.

North Sea Echoes unites Ray Alder and Jim Matheos in a duo project far removed from their Fates Warning metal roots. Their 2024 album delivers slow, hypnotic music blending dark ambient and soft rock elements. The minimalistic instrumentation encourages deep reflection without metal’s intensity. This unique and original release is a pleasant surprise that offers a fresh and atmospheric listening experience. Discover North Sea Echoes’ hypnotic and original sound—listen to their debut album and experience a refreshing departure from metal.

 The album, despite the recovery of a certain aggressiveness, is very catchy and easily accessible.

 Child of Prophecy is the only track where Myrath truly aren’t afraid to show who they are, aren’t afraid to be metal or to be Arabic.

Karma sees Myrath partially restoring their metal roots while embracing stronger melodic and symphonic elements. The album is accessible and catchy but lacks the full aggression and authenticity of their earlier works. Instrumental performances stand out, especially in bass and drums. Although less Arabic in some tracks, the band’s distinctive oriental influence remains. It’s a solid release that reflects both artistic maturity and commercial considerations. Discover Myrath’s evolving sound in Karma—listen now for a unique blend of catchy melodies and oriental metal flair!

 This second work is even more Radiohead-esque than the first.

 The album presents itself as a sad and whining lullaby, also capable of transporting the more attentive and visionary listener’s mind.

The Smile's second album, Wall of Eyes, delivers a mature and hypnotic experience, marked by delicate acoustic touches and subtle experimentation. The album closely echoes Radiohead's sound but carves its own niche with a Europeanized bossa nova and jazz influence. Its eight tracks create an immersive atmosphere, blending indie and alternative elements with occasional math-rock energy. Wall of Eyes marks a thoughtful evolution in the band's style and offers a captivating listen for fans and new listeners alike. Dive into The Smile's Wall of Eyes and experience a hypnotic blend of delicate sounds and bold experimentation—listen now!

 Temic’s debut is absolutely convincing without being revolutionary.

 When Diego steps into action, it’s undeniably him, with his flashy and aggressive style.

Temic's debut album 'Terror Management Theory' delivers a convincing mix of modern prog-metal and djent, featuring sharp guitars and melodic vocals. Diego Tejeida's aggressive keyboard style shines, adding unique depth. The album balances heavier and slower, anguished moments without extreme overindulgence. Though not revolutionary, it’s a solid, well-crafted work for fans of contemporary prog-metal. The review also reflects on the genre’s evolution compared to the melodic power of past waves. Discover Temic's fresh prog-metal sound—listen to 'Terror Management Theory' and explore modern progressive metal evolution!

 The trio composed of Nick D’Virgilio, Neal Morse, and Ross Jennings returns in less than two years with the second album “Sophomore,” an album that is substantially more mature.

 Sophomore is the album of confirmation but also a step forward, resulting slightly richer and more engaging than the first.

The trio of D’Virgilio, Morse & Jennings returns quickly with ‘Sophomore,’ a more mature and richer follow-up to their debut. The album explores acoustic-driven folk, country, and blues with a distinct American vibe. Instrumentation is delicate and evocative, featuring acoustic guitars, organ pads, and subtle percussion. Though Ross Jennings’ vocals remain secondary, the album impresses as a step forward and promises future releases. Discover the heartfelt acoustic journey of D’Virgilio, Morse & Jennings – listen to ‘Sophomore’ and feel the rich Americana vibe.