splinter

 The guitar sometimes hits like a jackhammer, without mercy, with an almost industrial strength; sometimes, it really feels like being in a mechanical workshop.

 Tiktaalika is a fresh and resounding example of extreme prog-metal. Highly recommended.

Charlie Griffiths' solo album Tiktaalika offers a unique and heavy take on technical prog-metal, emphasizing thrash and industrial influences. The album stands out with sharp bass, heavy guitar, and virtuosic yet restrained playing. It includes subtle jazz and acoustic touches and a notable guest solo by Jordan Rudess. Tiktaalika is a fresh, extreme prog-metal album highly recommended for fans of the genre. Listen to Charlie Griffiths' Tiktaalika now and experience a new level of extreme prog-metal brilliance!

 It roughly seems like a well-organized report, as if the band paused for a moment to reflect on what they’ve done so far.

 Muse add their own touch, bringing their 'own' synth, and when the guitar intervenes it does so in Muse’s style.

Muse's 'Will Of The People' is a concise album reflecting the band's three core styles: rock, electronic, and classical. It embraces 80s synth influences while maintaining their signature sound. The album offers surprises like a metal-infused track and post-punk elements, though it avoids radical departures. Overall, it satisfies longtime fans with a well-rounded, energetic compilation that honors Muse's identity. Listen to Muse's 'Will Of The People' to experience their dynamic blend of rock, synth, and classical sounds firsthand!

 The sound of Envy of None is instead a minimalist, stripped-down soft rock where the former Rush member is hardly heard and has few opportunities to unleash his style.

 Maiah Wynne’s voice... seems designed precisely for this type of psychedelic and dreamy music; it’s deliberately slender and velvety, seeming like a cross between Billie Eilish and Elizabeth Fraser.

Envy of None is a refreshing departure from Alex Lifeson’s Rush legacy, showcasing a minimalist and psychedelic sound rich in dreamy electronics. The album features Maiah Wynne’s velvety voice, creating an ethereal and soft rock experience. Lifeson’s subdued guitar work surprises longtime fans, revealing his openness to new musical territories. This debut is highly rated and promises more to come. Listen to Envy of None now and experience Alex Lifeson’s bold musical transformation!

 Romeo tries to recover that balance between aggressiveness and melody that has been lost.

 Basically, it’s a band album, an album with the right balance between musicians and sounds, a group album presented as solo.

Michael Romeo's War of the Worlds Pt. 2 follows closely the style of its predecessor and Symphony X's prog-power metal roots. The album balances aggressive riffs with melodic orchestral passages but does not showcase a major leap in guitar virtuosity. The orchestral and metal elements coexist but often feel separated. Overall, it’s a solid album for fans of the genre, although it largely stays within familiar territory. Listeners hoping for a more distinct solo statement might be left wanting. Discover Michael Romeo's latest prog-power metal journey—listen to War of the Worlds Pt. 2 and experience the blend of orchestral and aggressive metal sounds!

 Porcupine Tree are back to stay.

 The album feels like a classic second-phase Porcupine Tree record with the added courage of Steven Wilson's solo experiences.

After years of uncertainty, Porcupine Tree returns with Closure/Continuation, a well-crafted album mixing their signature post-prog sound with new influences from Steven Wilson's solo career. The trio lineup brings fresh bass dynamics and subtle electronics, offering a balance between hard prog riffs and melodic moments. Notable tracks include the experimental 'Walk the Plank' and the dynamic 'Chimera's Wreck.' Bonus tracks add further depth to this highly anticipated comeback, suggesting the band still has plenty to say. Discover Porcupine Tree's thrilling return — listen to Closure/Continuation and explore their evolved progressive sound!

 Evergrey are a guarantee, we know that by now.

 'Reawakening' blends everything well, suspended between gothic metal, autumnal atmospheres, ’80s and modern sounds, for me the best track of the album.

Evergrey's 13th album, 'A Heartless Portrait (The Orphéan Testament),' introduces subtle but effective changes that refresh their melodic metal style. Guitars are smoother, synths less exaggerated, and an 80s flavor adds charm without full nostalgia. Standout tracks include 'Reawakening' and 'Wildfires,' blending gothic and modern elements. Though not revolutionary, the album balances new and classic Evergrey sounds, delivering a solid and convincing metal experience. Listen to Evergrey's latest album and explore a fresh yet familiar journey through melodic metal mastery.

 This work has been done on one track, the first track is replicated in electric version in the last track, and it’s impressive to note how natural the conversion is.

 His tone appears varied and well-modulated depending on the moment to be interpreted, yet he is fully convincing even when the register rises, showing grit without being annoying.

James LaBrie's 'Beautiful Shade of Grey' marks a successful departure from metal, embracing an acoustic rock foundation with melodic vocals and expressive guitar work. The album balances keyboard and electric guitar accents, creating a fresh yet familiar sound. LaBrie's vocal performance is notably better suited to this style, showing control and grit without annoyance. This acoustic project is a wise and refreshing reinvention for the Dream Theater frontman. Discover James LaBrie's refreshing acoustic rock journey—listen now and experience a new shade of his musical talent!

 "Pure Reason Revolution continues to represent the rougher and more alternative side of prog, almost in contrast to the more refined and elegant approach of the genre’s more classical nature."

 "The album appears slightly more varied and inspired than the previous one, with each track having more of its own identity and not being exactly a copy of any of the others."

Pure Reason Revolution's 'Above Cirrus' confirms their inspiring return with a darker, harder sound and diverse tracks. The album merges abrasive guitars, psychedelic synths, and alternative prog elements. It shows growth from their previous album 'Eupnea' through well-developed songs, even shorter ones. Highlights include tracks echoing Tool and varied electronic touches. The band appears more confident and inspired than ever. Listen to Pure Reason Revolution’s 'Above Cirrus' and experience their powerful and inspired prog rock comeback today!

 Only Passing Through is not another nostalgic prog whim; it’s fresh music made of very well-combined influences.

 Pattern-Seeking Animals are a reality that cannot be ignored, a brilliant name in the new prog.

Pattern-Seeking Animals’ third album, Only Passing Through, continues to push progressive rock boundaries with a mix of melodic prog, ethnic influences, and fresh modern sounds. The band successfully shortens track durations while blending Middle Eastern, Latin, and folk elements into a cohesive, engaging album. Key tracks like Everdark Mountain and Time Has a Way highlight the band's dynamic range. While one track falters, the overall record solidifies their place in new prog and hints at even greater creative heights ahead. Discover the unique blend of modern prog and world influences in Only Passing Through—listen now and experience a fresh prog journey!

 "Practically, in this album, Rammstein has turned their weak point into a strong one, and this leaves you speechless."

 "Zeit is the qualitative leap I probably didn’t expect... it still sounds classically Rammstein, but it happened, and it surprised me."

The review highlights Rammstein's surprising melodic growth on their album Zeit, noting a stronger presence of atmospheric and new age elements. While melodies were previously considered a weak point, this album pushes their melodic boundaries with smart experimentation. Classic heavy electronics and catchy metal-electronic tracks remain, balancing the new direction. Overall, Zeit represents a meaningful, yet moderate evolution in the band's sound. Discover how Rammstein redefined their sound on Zeit—listen now and experience their surprising melodic evolution!