splinter

 Myrath partially destroyed the perfect mix they had created to immediately propose something very light and accessible.

 The latest Myrath seems really like a sort of neo-melodic Arab music with just some distorted guitars in the background, not really the oriental metal they would like us to believe.

Myrath's album Shehili continues to blend progressive/power metal with North African and Middle Eastern folk elements. However, the album leans toward a softer, more orchestral sound than past releases, disappointing fans hoping for heavier metal. The reviewer appreciates the band's unique style but critiques the radical shift away from the powerful metal mix that defined their earlier success. Shehili offers positive energy and authenticity but may feel more like melodic Arabic music than metal at times. Discover Myrath’s unique blend of Arabic folk and metal—listen to Shehili today and decide if this softer style speaks to you.

 Perhaps the most solid and mature album by the Swedish band, which seems to have understood what it really wants and found the squaring of the circle.

 'Waiting for Miracles' flows very well despite its 84-minute duration, avoiding the heavy feeling typical of their previous double albums.

The review reflects a long-time prog fan's journey through The Flower Kings' music, highlighting their classic 70s-inspired style and tendency towards grandeur. 'Waiting For Miracles' is praised for its more controlled length and refined melodies, avoiding previous excesses and showcasing a delicate yet vibrant sound. The album is seen as a mature, appealing effort that balances traditional prog rock roots with modern touches. Dive into 'Waiting For Miracles' and experience The Flower Kings' refined prog-rock mastery today!

 "Out of six tracks only two are really developed as they should."

 "Vanden Plas would do well to change something and even do so in a somewhat drastic way."

The Ghost Xperiment Awakening by Vanden Plas continues the band’s established progressive metal style with six long tracks. While the album showcases skillful musicianship, the first half feels uninspired and repetitive, falling short of genre expectations. The stronger second half offers more dynamic, well-developed compositions. Overall, the album is competent but signals a creative plateau, calling for future innovation. Discover if Vanden Plas’ latest prog metal album lives up to expectations—listen to The Ghost Xperiment Awakening now!

 IQ has taken the habit of exaggerating, of doing things on a grand scale.

 'Resistance' can only satisfy neo-prog lovers.

IQ’s eleventh album 'Resistance' is a successful double album blending dark, space-themed experimental sounds with classic neo-prog elements. The first disc offers alien, atmospheric soundscapes, while the second focuses on melodic, dynamic compositions. The album maintains a cohesive mood influenced by science fiction and highlights the band’s continued growth and maturity after nearly 40 years. 'Resistance' is highly recommended for fans of atmospheric and complex progressive rock. Dive into IQ’s ‘Resistance’ and experience an epic journey through spacey neo-prog and melodic progressive rock!

 Coldplay prove when you least expect it that they are capable of surprising, of having a more serious and dark side that doesn’t exactly align with mainstream rules.

 Everyday Life is not a trendy album, it’s an album that contradicts anyone who thought Coldplay was only about chasing easy success.

Coldplay’s Everyday Life is a surprising and ambitious double album that defies mainstream pop conventions by exploring folk, gospel, blues, and world music. With a mostly acoustic and delicate approach, the band condenses creativity into short tracks that push musical boundaries. The album reflects a sincere artistic expression over commercial success. Notably, Coldplay forego stadium tours to prioritize environmental responsibility, underscoring their integrity. Discover Coldplay’s bold new direction in Everyday Life—listen now and explore a fresh, experimental side of one of pop’s biggest bands.

 John Boegehold’s synth work is a genuine slap to those keyboardists who think they’ve exhausted their style.

 Ted Leonard’s voice shines here, with songs seemingly crafted to enhance his melodic and ringing vocals.

Pattern-Seeking Animals, a side-project from Spock's Beard members, emphasizes melodic prog rock with smooth, accessible songs. The keyboard work by John Boegehold stands out for its inventive synth textures, while Ted Leonard delivers an engaging vocal performance. Although longer tracks feel stretched, the album shines in its shorter, refined pop-rock moments. A fresh, well-produced work showing great teamwork and a promising future. Listen to Pattern-Seeking Animals now and explore the melodic side of modern prog rock!

 It’s impossible not to appreciate, for example, the guitar peaks and the scream in the chorus of "Lost," the pounding bass with funky rhythm in "Crown of Thorns," the delicate and refined touches of "Some Days," the melancholic tones of "The Road."

 Class is not lacking, but self-referentialism abounds.

Ray Alder’s first solo album, What The Water Wants, revisits the melodic and lighter sound of early '90s Fates Warning, especially resembling the Parallels and Inside Out era. While it lacks originality and some guitar and vocal moments fall short of expectations, the album delivers effective and enjoyable melodies. Fans of that period and style will find much to appreciate, even if the album is not groundbreaking. Overall, a good, mannered release but not an essential listen. Discover Ray Alder’s melodic solo journey—listen to What The Water Wants now!

 "Pitfalls is an incredibly courageous album, possessing the kind of courage every band should have to experiment without fear of negative judgments."

 "Among the albums that kept me company in 2019, this is certainly the most varied and unpredictable; it even earned the top spot in my year-end top 10."

Leprous' album Pitfalls takes a bold step into new musical territories, mixing pop, funk, and progressive rock with strong emotional expression. The band's willingness to experiment results in a varied and unpredictable collection of tracks. Vocal performances are subtle and emotional, supported by melancholic strings and refined drumming. The album balances accessibility with artistic integrity, earning high praise as one of 2019's best releases. Discover the bold and inventive sounds of Leprous' Pitfalls—listen now and explore their musical evolution!

 This time there’s really no excuse not to love Opeth in a prog-rock guise…

 The vigorous orchestral arrangements are perhaps the true revolutionary element of the album.

Opeth’s thirteenth album, In Cauda Venenum, strengthens their prog-rock identity with gritty guitars, powerful orchestration, and renewed melodic balance. The band adjusts rather than overhauls their approach, blending classic prog influences with original ideas. Key tracks showcase a mix of acoustic beauty and robust progressive riffs, highlighting the group’s musical maturity. While not revolutionary, the album rewards repeated listening and affirms Opeth’s evolution. Explore Opeth’s In Cauda Venenum and experience the powerful blend of prog rock and orchestral intensity.

 "Third Degree is a more markedly progressive album."

 "This album contributes to making Flying Colors even more mysterious and difficult to label."

Flying Colors' third album, Third Degree, marks a notable shift towards progressive rock with longer, complex tracks. Balancing prog influences with classic rock and pop sensibilities, the album showcases the band's musicianship without fully abandoning their light rock roots. While some tracks explore extended instrumental passages and varied rhythms, others maintain direct, catchy melodies. The reviewer appreciates this balanced evolution and the band's unique identity amid prog influences. Dive into Flying Colors' Third Degree and experience their bold prog-rock transformation today!