splinter

 Saga did a truly great job... the album ends up seeming as credible as an album of new material.

 The result is something that quite closely resembles folk... from one extreme to the other.

Saga's album Symmetry revisits older tracks through intricate acoustic reinterpretations, avoiding clichés and adding diverse folk instruments. Despite being a rework and not new material, it delivers fresh energy and creativity. The thoughtful track selection and skilled rearrangements give the album a unique identity, bridging Saga's futuristic roots with a rustic, folk-inspired sound. Explore Saga’s Symmetry for a fresh acoustic take on classic tracks—listen now and rediscover their unique folk-inspired sound!

 Billie Eilish’s second album is consistent with expectations, indeed, it further refines the sound, makes it even less pop, softer, and more whispered.

 The tracks of 'Happier Than Ever' seem like real hypnotic lullabies, where the instrumentation is gently invoked and Billie whispers in her distinctive way.

Billie Eilish's second album 'Happier Than Ever' defies expectations by refining her sound into a softer, less pop-driven style. The album blends minimalist electronic, indie pop, and intimate acoustic elements, showcasing her unique vocal style. Despite a minor misstep with 'Therefore I Am,' the album maintains artistic integrity and suggests Billie's successful evolution beyond her debut. Her image is also evolving, signaling future possibilities. Listen to ‘Happier Than Ever’ now and experience Billie Eilish’s uniquely refined sound and intimate storytelling.

 The album is indeed harsher compared to the previous ones; if the first two had few metal elements, this one has a few more.

 Liquid Tension Experiment have resurrected and are more alive than ever.

Liquid Tension Experiment 3 marks a long-awaited reunion delivering an explosive blend of sophisticated instrumental rock and jazz fusion. Though the album leans heavier with metal elements and sometimes echoes Dream Theater's style, it retains originality through Tony Levin's groove and significant improvisation. The bonus disc offers deep dives into pure improvisation, showcasing the group's fearless musicianship. Fans of the project will appreciate the album's mixture of energy, experimentation, and mastery. Dive into Liquid Tension Experiment 3 and experience the masterful fusion of virtuosity and innovation. Listen now and explore the bonus improvisations!

 A.C.T are representatives of an unusually lively and bright prog-rock that, however, also hides a melancholic aftertaste.

 The band expresses itself at its best even without major stylistic upheavals.

A.C.T's second EP 'Heatwave' offers 27 minutes of energetic prog-rock blending funk rhythms and melancholic melodies. Though sticking to their signature style, the band shows renewed inspiration and production clarity. The reviewer prefers full albums but appreciates this EP's quality. The band is already working on a third EP, signaling ongoing creativity. Dive into A.C.T's Heatwave EP and experience fresh, energetic prog-rock that blends funk and melancholy—listen now!

 Sylvan has crafted an album absolutely in line with their style. Relaxed, refined, elegant, ultimately quite consistent.

 They had the intellectual honesty to contain the overall duration; here they limit themselves to 65 minutes.

Sylvan's 'One to Zero' is a delicately crafted neo-prog album that continues the band's trend of refined, subtle sound established in recent works. Despite its elegance and clarity, the album suffers from a lack of variety and some prolix moments, particularly in longer tracks. Vocalist Marco Glühmann's talent is somewhat subdued due to stylistic choices. Highlights include more energetic tracks that break the characteristic calm. Overall, it is a consistent work but offers limited surprises. Listen to Sylvan’s One to Zero for a refined neo-prog journey blending elegance with subtle energy.

 Transatlantic managed to "exceed with lightness," they pushed beyond with duration, but every moment is very lean.

 The abridged version feels like a reduced commercial edition rather than a truly different interpretation.

The review explores Transatlantic’s ambitious double-album 'The Absolute Universe,' highlighting its two distinct versions and complex debate about its suite-like nature. While stylistically classic prog rock with modern touches, the album experiments with song structures blending pop and progressive elements. The reviewer favors the extended edition but critiques the abridged version as a commercial compromise. Vocal interchangeability and musical intricacies are praised, affirming Transatlantic's status in updated classic prog. Dive into Transatlantic’s 'The Absolute Universe' and experience the evolution of classic prog rock with two unique versions!

 The Swedes have become a guarantee of quality, and once again, they display their compositional prowess.

 Escape of the Phoenix seems a bit too much like a repetition of what was done in the previous three albums and doesn’t really add anything new.

Evergrey's twelfth album, Escape of the Phoenix, continues the band's current artistic phase with solid composition and varied synth usage. While maintaining quality and sharp sound, it feels like a safe extension of previous works with no standout novelty. Highlights include gothic atmospheres and notable synth work, plus a duet with James LaBrie. The review expresses hope for more evolution in future releases. Discover Evergrey's latest album and experience the blend of sharp guitars and rich synths—listen now and decide if it’s their best yet!

 Steven Wilson is pop but remains always and anyway Steven Wilson.

 "The Future Bites" is classic to make purists grimace, those for whom their mighty artists should never get flustered, never try to do anything more easy.

Steven Wilson’s sixth album, The Future Bites, marks a pronounced shift towards electronic and pop sounds, moving away from his prog-rock roots. The album blends 70s to 2000s influences with sophisticated arrangements and varied tracks. While some purists critique the pop direction, Wilson’s creative mastery and attention to detail remain evident. The review highlights standout tracks and the album’s complex identity, recommending listeners approach it without prejudice. Listen to Steven Wilson’s The Future Bites and discover his bold fusion of pop, electronic, and prog influences.

 Vanden Plas is composing 8-minute tracks but has ideas for tracks of a maximum of 5 minutes.

 It’s always quite honest and dignified prog-metal... like a nice slice of cake, it doesn’t always turn out perfect, but it’s still a slice of cake.

Vanden Plas’ album 'The Ghost Xperiment IIIumination' continues their classic progressive metal style without major changes, following their 2019 release. The band delivers long tracks with solid musicality but struggles with excessive length and a lack of compositional variety. Some songs, like 'Fatal Arcadia,' stand out for better structure, while others suffer from repetitive passages. The review suggests the band could benefit from shorter, more focused songs to revive interest. Explore Vanden Plas' latest prog metal journey and judge if their long tracks captivate or overextend!

 "Here, everything seems decidedly flaccid, weak... the entire sound framework seems fragile and on the verge of collapsing."

 "Lucassen has run out of ideas this time but wanted to put them down anyway."

The review of Ayreon's 'Transitus' acknowledges the album as a respectable addition to Arjen Lucassen's body of work, maintaining the signature theatrical rock style with a gothic twist. However, it points out a lack of evolution, weaker arrangements, and limited instrumental development compared to earlier albums. The album's length and repetitive elements contribute to a less engaging experience. Despite its qualities, 'Transitus' falls short of the high expectations set by previous releases. Discover Ayreon's latest album and decide if Transitus lives up to its legacy—listen now and explore its gothic prog metal journey!