Matt7

 'Free' is once again pearlescent: less focused on a progressive matrix and therefore more designed to hit the listener with more direct songs and simpler listening.

 Never intrusive: Portnoy, although he could overdo it at any time, fits well into the project presenting a truly excellent, simple but direct and effective performance.

Three years after their debut, OSI returns with 'Free,' an album that favors simpler, more direct songs over complex progressive structures. The blend of electronics and rock shines through standout tracks, highlighted by Kevin Moore's vocals and Mike Portnoy's restrained drumming. The album offers a rare, enjoyable listening experience for progressive and electronic music fans alike. Despite limited recognition, 'Free' stands as a commendable work worth discovering. Discover OSI's 'Free'—an electronic-progressive gem worth your ears today!

 It is essentially an album of difficult, indeed very difficult assimilation.

 It certainly offers extremely interesting ideas, as well as an undeniable freshness, originality, and that desire to 'dare and overdo' that never harms in the prog field.

OSI's debut album represents a super-project with top prog musicians combining progressive rock, electronic elements, and fresh ideas. The album is stylistically diverse, featuring classic and melancholic tracks with electronic and 70s rock-progressive influences. The standout is a 17-minute suite showcasing rich atmospheres and transitions. Overall, it is a complex yet rewarding listen, praised for originality and musicianship. Discover the fresh and daring sounds of OSI's debut album—listen now and dive into a prog journey like no other!

 It is evident how there is no longer that great unity that distinguished the early years of this great band.

 When Kotzen tackles the tracks that made history before his arrival, everything collapses.

Mr. Big's 2002 live album 'In Japan' captures the band's farewell tour but reveals cracks in their once strong chemistry. The departure of Paul Gilbert and arrival of Ritchie Kotzen resulted in less energetic performances. Though some Kotzen-written tracks stand out, much of the live set lacks the vibrancy of earlier years, particularly on classic songs. The album serves as a subdued close to the band's celebrated 90s rock era. Discover Mr. Big's final live moments and decide if 'In Japan' lives up to the legacy—listen now!

 "Colorado Bulldog is a small instrumental and vocal masterpiece, rhythmic, energetic, and unpredictable."

 "For them, this album wasn’t the most successful. Ups and downs have led to slight fragmentation, which would be perfected only with 'Hey Man.'"

Bump Ahead by Mr. Big is a transitional album balancing the youthful energy of Lean Into It and the maturity of Hey Man. While not a masterpiece, it features strong performances, especially by Sheehan and Gilbert. The album contains standout rock tracks like "Colorado Bulldog" and "The Whole World's Gonna Know," alongside some weaker ballads. Overall, it is a good but uneven album in the band's ’90s catalog. Discover the blend of raw energy and refined rock craftsmanship in Mr. Big’s Bump Ahead—listen to this unique transitional album today!

 A sweet melodic vein stands out especially in the vocal parts.

 This group does its duty excellently with an inspired work, well-played.

Vanden Plas returns with Christ.0, a progressive metal album that blends symphonic elements with technical mastery. The concept revolves around The Count of Monte Cristo, supported by strong vocals and expert musicianship. While inspired by genre pioneers like Symphony X and Dream Theater, the album remains enjoyable and well-executed. Highlights include the title track and the bonus cover "Gethsemane". Explore Vanden Plas' Christ.0 and experience a masterful blend of symphonic and progressive metal storytelling.

 Subsurface represents a true pinnacle for the English band.

 The Destruction of Words is one of the most incredible wonders my ears have ever heard.

The review praises Threshold's album Subsurface as a standout in progressive metal, emphasizing its heavier and thrash-inspired style unlike Dream Theater. The album balances technical skill with engaging, atmospheric compositions, highlighted by tracks like 'The Art of Reason' and 'The Destruction of Words.' The reviewer encourages listeners to explore Threshold, calling the album essential for prog metal fans. Listen to Threshold's Subsurface and experience a progressive metal journey unlike any other!

 "This return from a long hibernation is one of the most convincing performances by our friends."

 "The advantage of this release is that it doesn’t have any tired or weak points, but flows brutally through its short 35 minutes of massacre."

Obituary's Frozen In Time is a compelling comeback album that excels with powerful tracks and consistent intensity. The album flows without weak points and embodies a distinct personality. Highlighted songs like 'Redneck Stomp' and 'Insane' showcase the band's raw energy and skill. While not surpassing their classic albums, this release satisfies longtime fans and new listeners alike. Listen to Obituary's Frozen In Time now and experience one of death metal's most intense comebacks!

 This little gem in the realm of progressive metal was released in 2003.

 The truly convincing and excellent piece of the entire setlist is the closing track "Unchanging," where the musicians show excellent complicity and emotion.

Sun Caged's self-titled 2003 debut impresses with strong personality and expert musicianship. Influences from Dream Theater and Fates Warning are clear yet personalized. Some tracks shine brilliantly, especially the opener and closer, despite occasional overplaying. Overall, a professional and emotional progressive metal album that stands out among contemporaries. Explore Sun Caged's debut album now and experience a masterful blend of emotion and technical prog metal artistry.

 The album opens with the excellent and fast 'Suddenly Mad' and the more or less melodic 'Bad Junks.'

 'Your Enemy Inside' is definitely the group’s manifesto and is the best of the bunch: it’s catchy and pounding.

Enemynside’s debut album 'Let The Madness Begin' is a promising entry in classic thrash metal, heavily inspired by 80s legends Metallica and Slayer. The band delivers energetic and technically sound songs with strong riffs and solos. While the album lacks innovation, it offers enjoyable and mature thrash metal that will appeal to fans of the genre. Some tracks stand out as their best work, and with growth, the band could develop a more distinctive style. Discover Enemynside’s energetic thrash roots—listen to Let The Madness Begin now!

 Paul Gilbert uses his guitar with a taste and musical intelligence that is truly above standard.

 'Going Where the Wind Blows'... is a mature ballad and perhaps the best ballad written by these four guys.

This review praises Mr. Big's fourth album 'Hey Man!' as their best effort, blending rock, hard rock, metal, and pop to create a unique sound. The band members' exceptional musicianship, particularly Paul Gilbert's guitar and Billy Sheehan's bass, is highlighted. Key tracks like 'Trapped in Toyland' and 'Going Where the Wind Blows' showcase the album's range from energetic riffs to mature ballads. The album stands out from their earlier works and captures a peak in their creative evolution. Listen to 'Hey Man!' and experience Mr. Big's finest rock fusion and musicianship today!