A proper recommendation of conceptual prog rock/metal is in order. A début album years in the making, beautiful and technically complex melodies, orchestrations, male and female vocals, often layered and following different leads, excellent musicianship - this is Beyond The Bridge. If you want a reference, bit of Haken's Visions might give you some footing you seek, though, don't build your expectations on that.

Hear a sample here, or a full track "The Apparition" at the homepage here.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Dane Train, Ag Fox, Milena, Nefarious

You like female fronted gothic metal but don't want to look like a pussy? You kind of like death metal but, then again, you kind of don't? You like some experimentation in your music but want it to remain within sensible boundaries? A bit of saxophone sounds hip to you? How about a couple of jazz interludes? If it's all yes, then this might be an album for you.

Hear a sample here!

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: BloodTears, Ag Fox, X-Ray Rod

Metal Storm Awards is so last year. So, for those of you who balance on the bleeding edge of new releases, here's a suggestion to keep you on track and in check. The great stuff that is Crippled Black Phoenix is back with a new album. From depressing post rockish experimental atmosphere to Floydy tunes, they have it and they own it. So, you take your time to enjoy it.

Try it out!

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: X-Ray Rod

Something you probably haven't stumbled across but deserves your very much in demand attention. I mean, how can you ignore an album with a title like that? Fact is, you can't. This record is backed by an actual scientific research. True story. Sometimes a bit djenty (ain't that a hot potato nowadays?), featuring cool soundscapes, often including bad ass riffs - this Jolly album is overall a beautifully structured record. If it ain't going to make you happy, it should at least make you feel good.

Taste it here!

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: jupitreas, Susan, Ag Fox, Milena, X-Ray Rod

A gem of a band you might have overlooked in the past. Excellent song-writing, beautiful and haunting melodies supplied by the cello, varying songs, a bit doomy, a bit proggy - this here is a great post metal blend to accompany you as we near the longest night of the year. Yes, it's a short release, and yes, it does lose some edge towards the end. Still worth your time, though.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Ag Fox, BloodTears, Dane Train, X-Ray Rod

In a couple of days Pure Reason Revolution will embark on their very final tour consisting of just six dates in UK. As a parting gift, their brilliant début album The Dark Third will be played in its entirety for the first time ever. So, this is a fitting moment to step 5 years into the past and revisit this beautiful progressive masterpiece that has found its way into my playlist more times than I could possibly count. This is an album that I've probably enjoyed the most from the past decade.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Ag Fox, BloodTears, Fat & Sassy!, Susan, Darkside Momo, Dane Train