Staff picks by Ivor

The new Sumo Cyco is out. It's probably of not much interest to most of you but it's here in case you want some pop infused nu metal. I've seen them live almost 10 years ago. They were fun. This new album says to me that they are still fun. I like it. You don't have to. But if it so happens that you're curious, here's a YouTube playlist.

Friday June 13th (!) is going to be a significant day. After three decades songs from this magnificent milestone of doom genre are going to be once again performed live by the original line up that recorded them. If you can't make it to the first show (or the few select appearances thereafter) let this be then an opportune moment to revisit (or perhaps discover?) this album and the preceding EP Sorrow. Not something I thought I'd ever see happening but here we are anyway. There is going to be much rejoicing!

Power rock trio playing jazz. Or jazz musicians rocking out. Whichever description sounds more intriguing to you. Bob's your giddy aunt, or something.

I'm fairly sure this excellent and versatile gem isn't getting all the attention that it deserves. I've been captivated by this beautiful album for two months already and I think it's going to last me a while yet. Don't pass it by, you may like it too!

The new Lethe album is out! Though not quite as out there as one would expect or possibly want it to be. It's most definitely a good mood-album. Not to mention that Anna Murphy's always a joy to listen to.

It's always nice when form follows function and the message dictates the medium of its expression. What starts out as a somewhat ordinary prog rock album soon turns heavier and blends space rock and stoner to support the narrative of a space exploring android. I've always found bands to be at their most imaginative when they cross over into genres outside their established conventions. If unwilling to explore the album in full make sure you at least listen to the (mostly instrumental) closing track "The Return of Daedalus." It's some great songwriting and theme development right there with exceptional bass-work to boot. It's not an all around perfect album but some of it is quite spectacular indeed.

This gloomy slow folk experience is well worth taking your time to get through. While the album is rewarding as a whole it's the closing track that takes the cake. Just like with Pink Floyd's Meddle it's "Echoes" that you really long to hear, it's going to be the magnificent experimental cover of Scott Walker's "Farmer in the City" that you'll be returning for. In doubling the length the song's crushing culmination has more in common with Swans than with the haunting original, making it literally the hefty anchor-piece of the album.

Listen to the YouTube playlist.

If you are feeling calm and comfortable in your daily life–the situation in the world being what it is and all–and are looking to boost your sense of distress and nervousness, Kong are here to provide. The primary emotion of their music is that of anxiety and restlessness. Quality is for you to judge. I'm just a messenger.

It is more than likely that you missed this album when it was released about two and a half years ago. Even I missed it and I was familiar with their previous albums and was hopeful for the new endeavours. Tro has been playing often for these past two months. It's symphonic metal of the better kind, of the more interesting variety. From Sweden. In Swedish. Tough to pick a favourite but I'm leaning towards "Ett vingslag."

If you want post metal done right, Long Distance Calling should be your first pick this year. Boundless is an album full of absolutely breathtaking music true to its name. With an excellent production to match it soars freely in the sky and you'll enjoy every moment of freedom of imagination it brings.

Remember the amazing Pure Reason Revolution which split up about half a decade ago? Well, Bullet Height is the spiritual successor put together by the former PRR guitarist Jon Courtney, joined by Sammi Doll on vocals. It's a bit darker, a bit heavier, and somewhat more electronic, yet it unmistakably retains the vocal harmonies and songwriting hooks that made PRR so good. It is recognisable as a follow up to PRR's "Hammer and Anvil" and, if anything, advice to follow the musician has never been more apt.

Try "Bastion," "Hold Together," or "Wild Words."

If prog along the lines of Unitopia, Neal Morse or Transatlantic is your thing, don't miss out on the début album of Australia's Southern Empire, formed by the former Unitopia's keyboardist Sean Timms. Not only do they know how to write good prog tunes, they also have a handle on producing epics: clocking in at almost half an hour, "The Bridge that Binds" is brilliant and worth every moment of your time. Danny Lopresto on vocals is also top-notch. This album is definitely one of my favourites this year.

Try "Forest Fire" or "Hold" and hear for yourself.

If there is an album released this year that will knock you flat on your back then this has got to be Possession, a début album by Vôdûn. A powerful rocking statement, this has been one of the most memorable releases this year and my personal go to album when low on energy. It can kick start you like no other and goes to show that a trio of guitar, drums and vocals is still enough for good music.

Try "Loa's Kingdom" or "Mawu"

Lighthouse is without contest the most beautiful album released this year, past and future. This young duo from Russia keep improving on their already very skilful song-writing and deliver something that is magical. This time with guest appearances from Gavin Harrison, Colin Edwin and Mariusz Duda. If prog rock built around piano, classically inclined composition and beautiful voice is your thing, don't miss out on it.

I feel like a ton of bricks has fallen on me. I don't know nor care what this band was without Cammie Gilbert but she makes this album perfect in its little imperfections. I'm floored by her voice. I'm in love with her voice. It scratches the very depths of my soul. This is an album I wasn't prepared to find... And, man, that The Moody Blues cover is just wonderful.

Listen to "Winter" or "Suffer the Last Bridge" or just go get the whole damn album. It's totally worth it.