splinter

 Threshold, while not changing the formula much, simply returning to greater complexity, have produced the best album in at least a dozen years.

 Legends of the Shires is the most prog and with the deepest and most intense atmosphere made in years and years.

Threshold's Legends of the Shires is a return to a deeper, more complex progressive metal sound, marking their best work in over a decade. The double album features a concept-driven approach, longer tracks, and the return of singer Glynn Morgan. Despite sticking to their familiar formula, Threshold explores richer atmospheres and sophisticated compositions, making this album a standout in their discography. Dive into Threshold's Legends of the Shires and experience their most ambitious progressive metal journey yet!

 This de-metallization of Leprous’s sound is not really a big surprise; it is probably just the confirmation of some impressions.

 They have continued to be Leprous, without resembling anyone; maybe there’s a bit of an indie influence visible but just barely detectable.

Leprous’ album Malina marks a deliberate shift from metal to a more progressive rock-oriented sound. The band embraces experimentation while maintaining their distinct identity. The album features diverse tracks with jazzy, electronic, and rock influences. Far from standardization, Malina showcases the band’s courage and innovation, highlighting their vocal power and creative songwriting. It's a confident step that sets Leprous apart from peers moving away from metal. Discover Leprous' bold transformation on Malina — listen now and experience prog-rock innovation beyond metal!

 "Wilson’s touch remains evident, and even those more vintage sounds are still reworked to the point of seeming entirely like a record made in our time."

 "To the Bone is definitely one of the albums of the year and will occupy a place of honor in my year-end chart."

Steven Wilson's album To the Bone experiments with vintage 1980s sounds merged with his distinct progressive style. Drawing inspiration from artists like Tears For Fears and Peter Gabriel, the album combines pop-friendly melodies and complex arrangements. It includes stylistic nods to Porcupine Tree, trip-hop, and even disco without sacrificing Wilson’s trademark class. This release shows Wilson balancing lightness and sophistication, earning a strong year-end recognition. Discover Steven Wilson's genre-blending masterpiece To the Bone—listen now and experience the perfect fusion of 80s pop and progressive rock.

 The album would have been better off titled 'Regress.'

 "Dancing in the Dark," the track where the guys stop being a pop band and actually become artists.

Imagine Dragons’ third album, Evolve, shows a clear push toward chart-friendly pop with a more electronic sound but suffers from flat production. Although some tracks like "Dancing in the Dark" and "I'll Make It Up to You" demonstrate artistic depth, many ideas are overshadowed by heavy percussion and focus on commercial success. The album is engaging enough to merit repeated listens despite its flaws. Overall, it’s a passing effort, hinting at what the band could achieve with greater attention to detail. Listen to Imagine Dragons' Evolve and explore its catchy hits alongside its hidden musical depths.

 The final result is something that stands exactly halfway between the Anathema of the late ’90s and those of the more recent productions, but also with a look towards the future.

 It almost seems like a perfect meeting point between old and recent Anathema, a sort of updated "2000 & Gone".

Anathema’s album The Optimist marks a confident step forward, balancing their darker late '90s style with modern post-rock and orchestral influences. The album features notable tracks with electronic and jazz elements, delivering a nocturnal, relaxed, and melancholic atmosphere. While some listeners may find the melodies lighter, the album maintains the band’s emotional core and showcases their continued evolution. Awarded album of the year at the Progressive Music Awards, it stands out as a strong, mature work. Discover the emotional depths of Anathema’s The Optimist—listen now and experience their evolving post-rock sound.

 The Source does not add anything new to what has already been done in the past but it is a very valid operatic progressive metal album.

 Lucassen has focused on a more economical power progressive metal without too many pretensions but with undeniable solidity.

The Source by Ayreon is a solid progressive metal album that emphasizes metal more heavily than past releases. While it maintains compositional richness, the album lacks innovation and surprises. The sound is more stripped down and direct, appealing to fans of power-epic metal. Although valid and well-executed, it doesn’t reach the heights of previous grandiose albums by Arjen Lucassen’s project. Discover Ayreon’s The Source for a solid dose of progressive metal—listen now and explore its rich metal-driven sound!

 The formula reveals itself once more as absolutely perfect; the listener is jolted from one mood and energetic intensity to another as if it were nothing.

 Not to be taken as a work of art, no, but recommended to listen to when you’re in the mood for something carefree and light.

The review praises Nickelback's Feed The Machine as a strong return to the band's successful hard rock formula after a less popular previous album. It highlights the energetic tracks balanced by melodic ballads and notes some unusual instrumental experimentation. While it doesn't break new artistic ground, it delivers a confident and enjoyable rock experience that reconnects with longtime fans. Listen to Nickelback's Feed The Machine and experience their energized return to classic rock vibes!

 Simplicity also becomes class, even in simplicity they manage to find that something that makes them unique and hard to imitate in soft-rock.

 This album has nothing to envy compared to works considered more important like the first two... except for those who are always looking for a flaw!

Blackfield V marks Steven Wilson's return as a permanent composer alongside Aviv Geffen in this melodic and essential soft rock album. The album features 13 tracks that blend harmonious guitars, delicate string arrangements, and atmospheric moods. Despite being simpler than the previous work, it maintains the quality and charm Blackfield fans love. Listeners are encouraged to appreciate its lightness and timeless appeal rather than seek flaws compared to earlier albums. The review praises the album's unique ability to deliver class through simplicity. Discover the melodic charm of Blackfield V—listen now to experience a unique blend of simplicity and class in soft rock.

 Promise kept. 'In the Passing Light of Day' indeed marks a full-fledged return to the sound of better times.

 We can say it calmly: the Pain of Salvation liked by longtime fans are back; if you lost faith in them with the latest productions, give this work a chance and you will find it again.

Pain of Salvation's ninth album marks a triumphant return to their signature progressive metal sound, blending classic elements with modern influences. Inspired by Daniel Gildenlöw's health struggles, the album delivers emotional depth and musical complexity. While incorporating new trends like djent, it honors the band's earlier masterpieces. Despite lineup changes, the band remains vibrant and relevant. Fans of their classic era will find much to appreciate here. Explore Pain of Salvation's heartfelt comeback—listen to 'In the Passing Light of Day' and rediscover progressive metal mastery today!

 Eye of the Soundscape is thus a little gem, with a well-identified musical orientation but quite varied in its solutions and sounds.

 It is an intense and engaging trip of over an hour and a half, vaguely psychedelic, even a little unsettling, to be listened to and experienced intensely.

Eye of the Soundscape, though composed of remixes and unreleased tracks, stands as a genuine Riverside album. It demonstrates more courage and creativity than the last two releases, embracing ambient and electronic elements. The album offers a varied sound palette with nocturnal, cosmic, and slightly pop-ish touches. It is both psychedelic and relaxing—a rewarding listen for fans and newcomers alike. Listen to Eye of the Soundscape today and experience Riverside’s bold ambient journey!