splinter

 Magellan present themselves as a decidedly creative and unpredictable band, demonstrating the ability to elegantly range from prog to metal, tribal influences to funky and jazz.

 I have never heard a keyboard so varied, crazy, and bold... a comparison with the masters Keith Emerson, Rick Wakeman, and Jordan Rudess is not so exaggerated!

Magellan's Impending Ascension is a richly creative progressive rock album that skillfully blends prog, metal, funk, and jazz influences. The Gardner brothers showcase remarkable keyboard virtuosity reminiscent of prog masters. Despite some instruments being less prominent, the album creates a unique 80s-inspired funky-pop atmosphere. Tracks range from extended intricate compositions to shorter, synth-driven pieces. This underrated album is an essential listen for prog fans and keyboard enthusiasts. Listen to Magellan's Impending Ascension and experience an inventive blend of prog rock and metal with dazzling keyboard mastery!

 You need to be prepared for emotions and make sure you have your heart wide open before putting this "Weather Systems" in the stereo.

 Anathema confirms itself as an emotional and unpredictable band.

Weather Systems by Anathema is a deeply emotional album that continues the band’s transformation from dark doom metal to melodic, uplifting sounds. Combining orchestral elements with touching vocals, the album offers a heartfelt listening experience. It's praised for its catchy yet refined melodies and is especially recommended for those who embrace music as an emotional journey. Despite one slightly dull track, the album secures its place among the best releases of its year. Listen to Anathema's Weather Systems and experience a powerful journey through emotion and melody.

 Sylvan have returned to that introspective, intimate, and delicate prog that characterized their best works.

 Marco Glühmann’s vocal performance is thrilling, one of the most expressive singers on the scene.

Sylvan's 'Sceneries' marks a welcome return to complex, suite-based prog rock after a brief pop-oriented phase. Featuring five long suites with rich orchestral arrangements and emotional vocals by Marco Glühmann, the double album delivers 90 minutes of intimate and introspective music. While slightly less innovative than some earlier works, it remains a highly recommended listen for prog fans. The reviewer advises combining tracks to preserve the suites' flow for an optimal experience. Listen to Sylvan's 'Sceneries' for a rich, emotional prog rock journey full of intricate suites and heartfelt vocals!

 "The melodic coupling between guitar and voice is the strength of this band, especially emotionally."

 "Touchstones is another masterpiece you cannot miss."

This review highlights Subsignal's album Touchstones as an impressive follow-up to their debut, blending melodic prog with tasteful metal elements. The vocal-guitar duo of Markus Steffen and Arno Menses is praised for its emotional impact, supported by inventive keyboard work. The album stands out in the 2011 prog landscape despite being underrated. It's recommended for prog enthusiasts seeking fresh sounds. Explore Subsignal's Touchstones for a refreshing progressive rock journey you don't want to miss!

 The release of "Heritage" literally split Opeth fans into two camps.

 The decision to give up distinctly fast-paced songs allows the musicians to better showcase their compositional and performance qualities.

Opeth's 2011 concert in Milan showcased their transition from death metal to 70s-style progressive rock, focusing on clean vocals and musicianship. The setlist combined new and older songs without growls, provoking mixed but open-minded fan reactions. Supporting act Pain of Salvation had a lukewarm response, but Opeth energized the audience with skillful performances and humor from Mikael Åkerfeldt. Despite longing for their heavier past, the review appreciates this new era and applauds the band's evolution. Explore Opeth's musical evolution—watch or listen to their vibrant 2011 Milan show now!

 Muse are definitely one of those bands for which the word 'rock' is not enough to define them.

 'Absolution' is the definitive step forward, perfectly midway between creativity and balance among the elements.

The review highlights Muse's third album, Absolution, as their most balanced and creative work, blending rock with classical and electronic elements. It praises the variety of tracks and the skills of the band members, especially Matthew Bellamy. The album is recognized as a milestone in alternative rock, influencing many subsequent artists. The reviewer recommends it to listeners seeking a diverse and artistic rock experience. Discover Muse's Absolution and experience a groundbreaking fusion of rock, classical, and electronic music—listen now!

 Technique here truly gives the impression of not being an end in itself: John Petrucci avoids firing excessively long, hyper-fast, and forced solos.

 For me, it can be considered one of the best and most representative [albums] along with some of their albums from the '90s.

This review highlights 'A Dramatic Turn Of Events' as a strong return to Dream Theater's classic sound after Mike Portnoy's departure. The band balances melody with technical skill, reducing overly aggressive metal elements from recent albums. The new drummer Mike Mangini fits in well, and the album includes notable ballads and creative interplay between Petrucci and Rudess. The reviewer considers it one of the band's best recent efforts, pleasing longtime fans. Discover how Dream Theater blends melody and metal once again in 'A Dramatic Turn Of Events'—listen now and experience their epic comeback!

 Mac’s vocal performance on this album is as remarkable as in the subsequent albums.

 'Hypothetical' represents the period of maximum inspiration for the British band, combining thrash metal riffs and atmospheric parts with pompous AOR-style choruses.

The review pays tribute to Andrew McDermott, vocalist of Threshold, focusing on their album 'Hypothetical'. It highlights the album's blend of thrash riffs, melodic breaks, and atmospheric keyboards. The vocal performance is praised, and the album is recommended as an entry point into Threshold's unique progressive metal sound. It urges rediscovery of the band following McDermott's passing. Discover the powerful legacy of Threshold's 'Hypothetical'—listen now and experience progressive metal at its finest.

 'The World' is excellent for getting closer to the band; it gives a clear idea of what the band’s sound was like in their best times and transports the listener to a fairy-tale world.

 In 'Queen Of Hearts,' the balance of various elements finds its zenith with romantic passages, dynamic atmospheres, and significant guitar work.

Pendragon's 'The World' is a landmark album in the 1990s neo-progressive rock revival, showcasing their artistic maturity and unique romantic style. Featuring Clive Nolan's symphonic keyboards and Nick Barrett's emotive vocals, the album blends modern melodies with classic prog influences. Key tracks like 'Back In The Spotlight' and the epic 'Queen Of Hearts' highlight the band's musical strengths. This album marks the start of Pendragon's most inspired fairy-tale period in their career. Explore Pendragon's 'The World' and immerse yourself in a timeless neo-progressive rock journey!

 The album is a real stroke of genius for the particular way it is structured, although it doesn’t actually seem that particular!

 This album is fundamental for the rebirth of the progressive genre and an example of how we can create well-crafted melodies without becoming tediously verbose.

Misplaced Childhood by Marillion marked a crucial moment in the 1980s progressive rock scene, skillfully balancing catchy melodies and prog intricacy. While simpler and more accessible than their earlier work, the album achieved commercial success and remains influential. The review highlights standout tracks and the album’s concept nature. It acknowledges the constraints imposed by record labels but praises Marillion for revitalizing prog and inspiring future generations. Dive into Marillion's Misplaced Childhood and experience a timeless blend of progressive complexity and catchy melodies – listen now!