splinter

 In 2016, Dream Theater rediscovered their wonderfully symphonic side.

 You wanted less virtuosity? Achieved! You wanted more melody? Here it is!

Dream Theater’s 'The Astonishing' marks a bold and ambitious concept album focusing on melodic symphonic rock rather than metal virtuosity. The album tells a dystopian story of empire and rebellion, enriched by orchestral and choral elements. While some filler tracks and repetitive choruses exist, the overall freshness reinvigorates the band’s sound. The review highlights the band's willingness to innovate and deliver a new energy that satisfies both critics and fans seeking less heavy influences and more melody. Dive into Dream Theater’s 'The Astonishing' for a symphonic prog-rock journey and experience the band’s freshest sound in years!

 This guy can’t make a bland track even when he does pop!

 Steven Wilson is always there!

Steven Wilson's 4 1/2 EP offers 5 new tracks showcasing a variety of styles from melodic rock to jazz and electronic experimentation. While not as enchanting as his major works, it maintains his signature quality. The standout track 'Happiness III' delivers an unexpectedly catchy pop-rock vibe. Reworked old tracks fall short, suggesting Wilson should avoid revisiting past projects. Overall, the EP sustains interest and reflects Wilson's consistent artistry. Discover Steven Wilson's diverse 4 1/2 EP and experience his blend of rock, pop, and experimental music now!

 "Coldplay shows they can do pop far more decently than many of their peers, and they deserve respect for this."

 "The album is quite varied, oscillating between funk, ballads, and songs that wink at r'n'b, with brilliant and bubbly guitar throughout."

Coldplay's 'A Head Full of Dreams' marks a return to straightforward, well-crafted pop-rock after their experimental 'Ghost Stories'. The album is praised for its varied styles including funk, ballads, and subtle r&b influences, with a strong emphasis on guitar and piano. While not without flaws, particularly the final track, it stands as a solid and enjoyable record that balances commercial appeal with musical detail. The choice to collaborate with Beyoncé is debated but the overall arrangements remain impressive. Discover Coldplay's vibrant return to pop-rock with 'A Head Full of Dreams'—listen now and explore the blend of emotion and energy!

 They include what I would even define as the best combination of guitar and vocals today circulating under the melodic aspect.

 As if a flamenco guitarist and a metal guitarist chose to duet together but both presenting themselves in a softer version of their respective genres.

Subsignal's fourth album 'The Beacons of Somewhere Sometime' continues to refine melodic prog-rock with a strong blend of guitars and vocals. Despite a more ordinary keyboard presence compared to earlier releases, the album shines with brilliant acoustic passages and emotionally evocative singing. Some standout tracks showcase effective melody and clever instrumentation, while the title suite is solid but less impressive. The review praises the band's ability to create catchy, refined music and hopes for wider international recognition. Discover the melodic prog-rock mastery of Subsignal by exploring 'The Beacons of Somewhere Sometime' today!

 Love Fear and the Time Machine takes the softest elements found in the previous album and pushes them further; we are thus faced with the most intimate and refined album of the band.

 They knew how to dare much better with Anno Domini High Definition, that indeed could have opened a new course, but unfortunately, it was an isolated episode.

Love, Fear and the Time Machine is Riverside’s most intimate and refined album, emphasizing soft guitars, dark bass, and relaxed keyboards. While it evolves from earlier works, it doesn’t mark a bold new direction. Influences from Anathema and The Cure shape the gothic and vintage sound. The review appreciates the melodic quality despite wishing for more daring innovation. Discover the refined melodies and atmospheric depths of Riverside’s Love, Fear and the Time Machine today!

 A fresh and inspired album, which will most likely end up in my personal top 10 of 2015.

 The album indeed maintains a strong connection with the classic and 70s prog but at the same time sounds very modern.

Spock's Beard delivers a fresh and inspired prog rock album with The Oblivion Particle, blending classic 70s influences with modern sounds. The band's lineup with Ted Leonard and Jimmy Keegan brings new vitality, showcased through varied instrumentation including mandolin and violin. Tracks like "Bennett Built a Time Machine" and "The Center Line" offer surprising stylistic turns, while the album overall confirms prog as a vibrant, evolving genre. The reviewer found this album among their favorites of 2015, appreciating its creativity and innovation. Dive into The Oblivion Particle and experience Spock's Beard's vibrant blend of classic and modern prog—listen now!

 Russell Allen, whose vocal timbre is always quite varied, being melodic at times, angry at others, hoarse in some moments, warm in others, even a bit virtuosic at times; perhaps his best performance?

 The final judgment is that of a somewhat conventional but not too much album, there remains regret for that handful of interesting solutions that are not developed properly.

Underworld continues Symphony X's heavy and sharp prog metal style, with Russell Allen delivering strong vocals. The album offers solid metal performances but lacks bold experimentation. Certain tracks impress, especially for their keyboard work and melodic moments. However, some ideas could have been developed better. Fans may find it decent but somewhat conventional. Explore Symphony X's Underworld for a heavy onslaught of progressive metal with powerful vocals and keyboard highlights!

 The title track ‘Kite’ is a perfect synthesis of all that Camelias Garden are.

 The sound is tremendously sharp, clean, and engaging, confirming the band as fresh and vital.

Camelias Garden returns with the 2015 EP 'Kite,' showcasing a blend of indie folk and prog rock with fresh electric and electronic touches. The six-track EP features a varied mix of acoustic and electric songs, including the standout title track 'Kite' that fuses folk and post-rock. Despite being a shorter release, it highlights the band's continued evolution and promising future. Explore Camelias Garden's 'Kite' EP now and experience the fresh blend of indie folk and prog rock!

 Drones indeed almost completely forgets the stylistic variety and the experimentation of the previous albums to focus on a pure and raw rock’n’roll.

 In essence, we have a very 'ordinary' album, in some ways even a bit 'academic,' which offers 52 minutes of energy and adrenaline but never truly takes off towards the magnificent.

Muse’s album Drones abandons their recent eclectic and experimental style for a raw, guitar-heavy rock sound reminiscent of their early work. While delivering strong energy and solid musicianship, the album lacks the innovative genius and variety that characterized their previous releases. The reviewer appreciates the album but feels it is somewhat ordinary and possibly a response to disappointed fans. Overall, Drones is enjoyable but not groundbreaking. Discover Muse’s bold return to raw rock with Drones—listen now and decide if this gritty sound hits or misses!

 “Wearewhoweare truly marks a real compositional maturity and is even in my personal top 10 of albums released in 2014!”

 “We need to shake off the stereotype that the Pallas are 'the ones from The Sentinel'... especially when the others prove to be even better.”

This review highlights Pallas as an often overlooked neo-prog band beyond their landmark album 'The Sentinel.' Their 2014 album 'Wearewhoweare' showcases compositional maturity and inspired keyboard work, blending dark, edgy, and varied sounds. It encourages listeners to revisit or discover the band beyond stereotypes, emphasizing the album's diverse tracks and atmospheric depth. Ultimately, it recommends giving Pallas another chance for progressive rock fans. Explore Pallas' 'Wearewhoweare' and experience the depth of modern neo-prog rock today!