Enjoy the surprise - 9.75/10 ❤

Avant-Garde Metal / Progressive Metal - Angerer, AKA "Seth" Angerer, has been on the scene for nearly a decade and I'm livid with Angerer that last year marked my first contact with this prodigy. His sophomore album Multiple Tonality Disorder was originally released in '21 under "Seth Angerer" and remastered (?) in '24 under the shortened and rebranded "Angerer" moniker, just in time for me to nominate the album for avant-garde album of the year. It features a delectable production of the highest calibre and features a dazzling swarm of instruments darting through and enlivening the whole experience. It truly feels like an journey that could easily be played in parallel with a ballet or some such thing; full of wild twists and turns; brimming with eccentric compositional frolicking. Multiple Tonality Disorder couldn't be a more fitting title, as "Seth" (if that's his actual name) said himself: it's groovy and haunting; epic and light-hearted; and above all it's DAMN proggy - definitely more than most prog bands can lay claim to these days. Despite that commentary sounding like word of caution for the prog-averse, it's definitely far from the hackneyed style or technique over substance that you'd find in modern prog. No, this is the needle in the haystack, as depressing as that is. His masterful grip over all the instruments he plays (or otherwise composes) reminds me of the humorously and deceptively adept wizard from The Sword In The Stone where he commands all of the whatnots to his bidding. In case it couldn't get anymore delightful, Seth's vocals are jaw-dropping. It's been a while since I'd place a vocalist in the upper echelons of the "jack of all vocal styles, master of all" with the likes of Devin, Patton, and Lou Kelly, but Seth unequivocally belongs right up there (even if he's not so keen to show it off). Just listen to that stentorian bellow around 01:28 of "At The Heart Of All Beauty" as an example. He delivers unparalleled growls, throat singing, operatic soars, Travis Ryan-like raptor snarls and shrieks...I question whether there's anything he can't do within his register. As a cherry on top, I'm a sucker for the facetious, self-deprecating, or otherwise comedic spoken word featured on the album as you'd find on albums from 6:33 or Troldhaugen. I can't recommend this enough for fans of avant-garde leaning prog. If you find this to your liking, his upcoming album The Nine Sources is releasing in an interesting way, song-by-song, starting with the first one a few weeks back. He also has an impressive back catalogue featuring some symphonic-only work and other gems like "Dancing Shadows Of Aspergistan", "Shaolin Combat Pigeons", and "I Think Grandpa Is Lagging". FFO Organized Chaos, David Maxim Micic, 6:33, Devin Townsend, Others By No One, proggy weirdness - 9.5/10 ❤

Instrumental Progressive Metal - Epic modern progressive metal FFO David Maxim Micic, Plini, StarSystems, Sithu Aye, etc. Absolutely stunning 9.5/10 ❤

Avant-Garde Metal / Rock - Anyone who has seen a few updates to this list over the years know I have a implacable penchant for goofy tunes: Öz Ürügülü; Tardigrade Inferno; Lou Kelly, The Dear Hunter...and now Bear Ghost. This album is an absolute...bLaSt. I can tell the band is drawing from varied sonic influences, but not being "well-listened" in those styles I'm failing to adequately articulate that here. Sprinkling in these seemingly unseemly reagents on top of a core of pop-like sensibility lends the band an infallible, hip-swaying formula from song to song. TLDR: like fun? Listen - 9/10 ❤

Progressive Metal / Progressive Rock - If you can listen to the abject irony of the opening track, “A Hymn Of Preface”, with a mental smirk on your face, you’ve found a way to spend the next hour and twenty minutes of your time. Or not. I’m not responsible for any sort of deep-set cringe you sustain. Enough about the intro: our intrepid musician, Blake Hobson - magnificent in his insouciant approach to art - shares with the audience a masterclass on veritably adventurous music (both conceptually and musicially). Prodding at the fabric of this genre’s tightly-knit self-aggrandising nature, The Spectacular, with its unhinged display of unadulterated imagination, earns Blake a warm-welcome amongst the legends in this niche genre, warranting comparison to albums such as Ziltoid; Amazingous; Alchemist Hans Blomberg; Dethklok’s discog (most likely); the entirety (? probably) of Lou Kelly’s work; etc. (as if there’s much more?). Truth be told, delving deeper into the weeds of this album will probably only serve to further confuse, but more importantly exhaust my vocabulary in my attempt to do this nautical metal musical the commendation it deserves. I’ll leave you with this: hiding in plain sight of this album’s flippant comportment is Blake’s enthralling sonic repertoire, brimming with laudable proficiency. If you’ve come up short during your hunt for novel prog metal/rock, this is the album you need. Bonus: a song entirely dedicated to FÆRTs - 9/10 ❤

Avant-Garde Metal - A delirious and genre-defying ride through prog/alternative metal, punk, funk, rockabilly, country, and whatever else these madmen felt like tossing in*. There's something to be said of my of how this band deftly bypasses my deep-seated aversion to anything so overtly jovial with their tongue-in-cheek charm. Much like many of the other bands on this list, the sheer frivolity is matched by musicianship of the highest calibre; every instrument oozes soul as the band smoothly shifts between the manic and the light-hearted. The vocalist’s bottomless bag of stylistic tricks and the band's uncanny knack for crafting grooves of the such flavour elevates the record to a masterclass in masking musical genius behind quirk in such an approachable way. While the releases that followed are a little easier to pigeonhole (and notably bereft of metal in case anyone cares), none manage match the unhinged characteristic of the first two. FFO: wtf is this...and probably Tenacious D. *I probably got many of those wrong, don't hold me accountable - 9/10 ❤

Instrumental Progressive Metal - It is such a fulfilling when you witness a band unleash a true work of art after a promising debut. While Toska hasn't released anything ground-breaking with this release, they are certainly pushing the envelope insofar as to what is expected of true progressive metal - something progressive. Rabea's expertise as a connoisseur guitar playing and sounds engenders this album with an air of mastery. Mastery and complete control. Every rhythm and groove is spot on and articulated. The crescendos are immense. The atmospheres are haunting, stirring, serene. All that said, the dynamics are what make this such a special listen, weaving handfuls of influences into a awing tapestry - 9/10 ❤

Avant-Garde Metal - Jazz! Jazz! Jazz! Diablo Swing Orchestra with more twists and turns! A true amalgamation of metal and various forms of jazz: scat, free jazz, swing, big band, and who knows what else. Uplifting, adventurous, and charismatic - 9/10 ❤

Progressive Darksynth / (Industrial?) Metal - I've not explored the all these -synth and -wave genres much, particularly because I often wind up disappointed. Or perhaps it's that artists I've heard in this scope simply don't explore melody and rhythm in an enthralling way, almost as if those elements are afterthoughts to the intention of laying down a bass-heavy foundation or leaning prominently into the "vibe". Volkor X and Keygen Church are the only artists I know that deliver exactly what I want from a sound like this: majestic melodies inducing visions of majestic boss battles with mosh pit-inspiring intricate rhythms to compliment. Listen to the title track and tell me you don't feel like a fucking hero - 9/10 ❤

Progressive Rock - For fans of Road Salt-era Pain Of Salvation - 9/10 ❤

Avantgarde Metal / Folk Metal - How many bands do you know from Tunisia? Znous is not just here to change the answer to that question, but to obliterate any assumptions about what metal from the region can sound like. From the very first track of this EP, "Sidi Arbi", you're snatched up into a whirlwind of genre-hopping chaos: death, black, groove thrash, hardcore, and more, all stitched together with seamless precision. Now, there're plenty of bands that can lay claim to fusion of a similar magnitude – if not greater – but what indelibly sets Znous apart is their unadulterated fusion of styles with their local influences. Frenzied playing of hand drums lend an undeniable impetus and each track features an unerring affinity for uncommon, yet gripping, grooves that force their way into your skull like the earworms that they are. Arabic makes for a veritably enthralling language in the context of harsh vocals – there’s a grit and power in the enunciation that lends the already imposing vocals a commanding air. While these are certainly a highlight, it would be irresponsible to ignore the beautifully arranged cleans and harmonies. Lyrically, the band doesn’t hold back. Translations are available on their website, but fair warning: their political voice is as raw and unfiltered as their sound. Fans of Thy Catafalque’s genre-fusion will find much to love here - 9/10 ❤

Progressive Metal - Standing out as a rare gem amidst the oversaturated modern prog metal scene, Reconciliation is made even more impressive by the fact that it's the work of a single individual. Replete with a grandiose 20-minute opus, ALMO leaves no stone unturned in his effort to craft an immersive and cinematic experience. While listening I knew I recognised the sound design somewhere. It turns out its courtesy of Lulu de la Rosa, known for mastering Ihlo's debut, lending an exquisite touch to the album. Instruments dance in staggered tandem, a delightful and intricate operation that is sure to pique the interest of every prog-head. While the album is not without its tropes found in the realm of prog, they seamlessly fit into the overall composition without detracting from the writing. As the album progresses, ALMO flirts with the extreme side of metal, adding delightful embellishments to the overall tame style. Standout tracks like "PANIC ATTACK!!!" and the monolithic title track are my favourites for this very reason. Impressively mature for a debut, ALMO is a band to keep on your prog radar - 8.75/10 ❤

Progressive Metalcore - Apple sauce is a versatile component of baking and other cooking. Somewhat aptly named after this delicious creation, Apple Sauce is a theatrical progressive metal band with core leanings unlike any I've ever heard before. With both instrumental and vocal flexibility, the band delivers a unique palette of bombastic riffing and epic climaxes combined with a distinctive choice of instrument augmentations that flavour their experimental song-structures. Although it was for me, this might not be love at first play, but I can promise that you won't get this sort of experience anywhere - 8.75/10 ❤

Progressive Metal / Jazz Fusion / Symphonic Rock - Can anyone tell me what the metal equivalent of jazz fusion is? Jazz abomination? Jazz explosion? In any case, my experience with jazz in-fusioned metal hasn't been so fruitful. I do have an affinity for the swing, but that's about as far as I'll go. Generally, I have a distaste for the senselessness that comes with experimenting with jazz, which is precisely what bands of this ilk seem to be doing: experimenting to little effect. There are a few bands that scratch that unique itch for me, but they're mostly hit and miss...then comes Clément Belio who's right on the money. The album starts with a 10-minute ethereal reverie; feather-light in nature, airy vocalisations with a serene backdrop of delicate chimes and dialled-down symphonic arrangements. At this point you may feel compelled to balk at the notion of listening to another 40 minutes of what may seem like an insipid musings...and then the third track kicks in: lush symphonic arrangements; delectable polyrhythms; replete with experimental curve-balls. Surprisingly, being an album that's somewhat metal in nature, the guitars don't take the front-row seat. In fact, the most prominent instrument is the piano, played both with hammering fists and defy fingers. Now, jazz is just one of the layers of this album and the orchestral elements never feel out of place or used as a mere afterthought. If there's one thing that Clément does right, it's his knack for dynamics; the intensity's ebb and flow bringing about an organic and dream-like effect. Drawing comparisons to Angerer - another band in this list - I'll unabashedly and pompously quote myself: "It truly feels like an journey that could easily be played in parallel with a ballet or some such thing; full of wild twists and turns; brimming with eccentric compositional frolicking." If you've found the mix of jazz and metal to be a hard sell, give this album a shot - 8.5/10 ❤

Progressive Melodic Death Metal / Groove Thrash Metal - I absolutely adore a band that can deliver ferocity while allowing themselves to indulge in their playful side. Think of the vibes (not styles) of bands like Troldhaugen (first two albums) and Trepalium - we’re talking about tight syncopation and groove rooted in unusual rhythms: music that brings your body undulate in more than just your neck. That’s not to say that Hypermass entirely eschews aggression in a style where it would be expected. In fact there’s something of a non-linear diminishing of the aforementioned playfulness as the album unfolds from track to track, which I think works in favour of the album delivering a good dose of variety. Stylistically speaking, the band can be compared to the likes of Soilwork, Byzantine, and Gojira (ironic considering the blurb I wrote for the previous addition to this list, Dvota). One thing those 3 bands have in common is their flair for developing catchy grooves that deliver the melody inside the main riff, rather than through an auxiliary instrument. This is where Hypermass delivers in a way that threatens to eclipse the competition and stand with the heavyweights in this nuanced “style” - 8.75/10 ❤

Progressive Math Metal - I couldn't tell you what took me so long to add this band. I've been a devout fan since their sophomore effort, Violent Ends. Perhaps it was my fear of doing them an injustice by drawing too many similarities to Vildhjarta. Anyhow, here it finally is: a band that you'd be amiss to dismiss. The band has evolved from their math metal roots, refining their sound into a more adventurous, sophisticated, masterful blend of both math and prog. Though Reign Of Silence is my personal favourite of their releases, Heart Prince is the more enthralling release, a testament to their gift for cinematic and artful compositions. The vocals are without doubt one of the stand out elements of their sound, offering a soothing yet powerful presence that never fails embellish the instrumentation with a flair of elegance, much like Wilderun's earlier releases. Despite my focus on their melodic prowess, the album delivers hard-hitting, masterful grooves, rendering it a release that would be welcomed by listeners of all takes on modern metal - 8.75/10 ❤

Instrumental Symphonic Avant-Garde Metal / Fusion - You'd never guess from the manner that this guy disparages his music that he's brimming with talent. I've been following him since I discovered his other band, ...?. If you're into erratic music prone to unexpected twists and turns, this guy is for you. Think Mr. Bungle, but without the nonsense nonsense, if that makes any sense - 8.75/10 ❤

Instrumental Progressive Math Metal / Djent - A down-tuned deluge of rhythmically captivating guitar abuse and syncopated drumming in perfect polyrhythmic synergy. While there is little in the way of variation between songs, the execution is so meticulous it doesn't detract from the experience whatsoever. Stoort Neer's craft is rhythm, and it's rhythm that is delivered. While occasionally dabbling in thrash, tech death, or even heavy metal, the primary style is a plodding math-driven djent-like instrumentation that is as infectiously groovy as it is dark. Upon first listen, many would draw parallels to Vildhjarta or even Humanity's Last Breath (and yes this makes sense since there's quite the overlap in members), however the soundscape is certainly less dense and largely unembellished by background elements. If your neck has an itch, this will give it a good scratch - 8.75/10 ❤

Progressive Metal / Instrumental / Grunge? - Easily the most straight-forward release that Rabea has been involved in, and arguably his most infectious. A masterclass in groove, every riff seems meticulously engineered to trigger an unresistible urge to fling your head around. The duo has also released another EP called 2880 which is worthy of equal praise. I'm taking the easy way out for this one, so for more context, see my notes on Toska’s Fire by the Silos above or my comments under the MS entry for Rabea Massaad's Grinding Gears, Vol. 2. - 8.75/10 ❤

Avant-Garde Metalcore - If it weren't for the -core influences, this album would be among my favourites. Regardless, the whimsical, quirky songwriting is not something to be missed - 8.5/10

Alternative Metal / Rock - Not often do I find myself drawn to bands that carefully tiptoe the line between rock and metal, but in my eyes Black Peaks is one of the few among the likes of Karnivool that is sure-fire gateway to this somewhat dividing (pun unintended) style. The band's two releases have explored this style with varied intensity, with the debut being more chaotic and aggressive, while this release is more reserved and emotive. Regardless, the band's cumulative experience draws on various genres in the rock/metal continuum, including post-rock, math rock, sludge, math rock, and more. All of these are carefully extracted and injected in a way that allows for such dynamic intensity that it breaks the boundaries of the aforementioned line. In some ways, you can think of them as a heavier Karnivool or Rishloo. Packed with impeccable melodic sensibility and catchy riffing, this band is a no-brainer for anyone more open to something on the lighter side - 8.5/10 ❤

Progressive Metal / Progressive Rock - *In the months leading up to David Maxim Micić's release of Bilo IV*: "Can we get Bilo IV before the release date?". "We have Bilo IV at home". Despite the self-deprecating album title and the irreverently named finale "Ass And Balls" (which actually features David Maxim Micić), a collective of DMM fans operating under the moniker Collabiloration have (with DMM's blessing) put out the most impressively accurate (and undoubtedly flattering) imitation of DMM's upcoming album. For any fans of DMM, this is a must. It's too unerring to not be an inside job... - 8.5/10 ❤

Melodic Death Metal / Folk Metal / Thrash Metal - My first encounter with Concrete Age was with their 2023 output Bardo Thodol and - to be honest - I don't recall being impressed. Since then they've released two more full-lengths - 9 in the last 13 years! - and it seems they've taken things to the next level. What they deliver here is an ever so groovy blend of melodeath and thrash with a seamless, tasteful, and respectful integration of folk styles and instruments from all over West and South Asia. What sets Concrete Age apart here from other bands of its ilk is their knack for variety and pacing, excelling at delivering an engaging experience and knowing just when to shake up the flow. The production is much punchier this time around, really accentuating the gargantuan instrumentation displayed throughout. Similarly it still retains a modicum of rawness that engenders a level of authenticity that's well-suited to this combo of styles. While its all the rage for metal bands to drop in random snippets of folk elements from non-Western countries, it's tough to find ones that do it so tastefully; Concrete Age is one of the few needles in the haystack - 8.5/10 ❤

Folk Metal* - Despite the invariable disparagement that pirate-themed metal bands face, they remain a staple in your average metalhead's playlist, and with good reason. There's a certain panache and unaffected waggishness that flows like a wellspring from this style of music. The Dread Crew Of Oddwood doesn't reinvent the wheel here. In fact they do the very opposite and dismantle pirate metal as it's known today into something oozing sincerity; you'll see what I mean. Replete with chuckle-worthy lyrics, a killer vocalist, and one of the best parts written in 2024 ("Giant Fucking Demon Crab" I'm looking at you), you'll be hard-pressed to find a jaunty album with a more potent feel-good factor in recent times. Whether you're a fan of the genre or whether it has let you down recently, this is an absolute blast to listen to... *not technically metal, yet undeniably so - 8.5/10 ❤

Progressive Metal / Post-Black Metal - This one-man band shows some damn promising potential. Listening to this record paints an aural landscape with the confluence of Opeth and Agalloch at it's heart. The artist deftly maneuvers the path between black metal ferocity and proggy acoustic riffage, careful not to leave any of the stylistic middle-ground unscathed and occasionally taking unexpected and inspiring turns in musical experimentation. Sadly, despite my seemingly positive disposition, my qualms with the vocal phrasing have not improved from the debut and continue to taint my enjoyment of this record. That being said, I highly doubt that such a petty complaint would irritate anyone else. I will most certainly be keeping a close eye on this band in the future - 8.5/10 ❤

Progressive Death Metal / Groove Thrash Metal - Some bands are seemingly inimitable: either (1) their sound is too nuanced or (2) those who try simply fall flat of an incredibly high bar. Gojira is more in the former camp, but the point is: The point is: similar bands to Gojira? Well, take a look at the list at the bottom of the band’s MS profile, which is as confusing as it is accurate. Enter Dvota with a staggeringly refined debut, addressing the gap in the market ever since Gojira dropped their pummelling sound in favour of a more digestible approach that started about a decade ago (up to you to define the album). That said, one would be amiss to dismiss Dvota as a Gojira clone, much in the way that Atavistia isn’t the equivalent for Wintersun. Though I did talk about Gojira more than Dvota so at this point I feel you know what to expect - 8.5/10 ❤

Blackened Mathcore / Grindcore - Think melodic grindcore à la Anaal Nathrakh with umm...blackened mathcore. It sure sounds far-fetched at this point, but once you decide to subject yourself to the album's incessant and frantic expression of some disturbed emotion, I think you'll come to the same conclusion. A stampede of riffs quarreling over dissonance vs. melody, backed by disquieting vocals and drums - 8.5/10 ❤

Progressive Metal - Imitation, reinvention, or iteration. Of these core intentions that steer a band in the studio, I've always been drawn to the latter two. Inundated as the genre is with the former, this makes for a search fraught with desensitisation. The silver lining is that gems like Ions' Counterinuitive shine ever so much more brightly. While I'd be amiss to class this as perfect, there are certain tracks that sure have me fooled. Though it may not be immediately apparent, the blatant roots and related derivations that form their sound doesn't stop Ions from iterating more than just superficially. Where the band stands head and shoulders above the competition is in their near-impeccable execution of phrasing. A prog fan isn't engrossed simply by virtue of a band iterating (or combining) the styles of the titans in the genre, but by introducing novel and masterful rhythms and melodies. Ions' exemplary showcase of dense, yet intricate, prog keeps me hopeful and searching for more. 8.5/10 ❤

Progressive Math Metal / Djent - Jakub has made quite the name for himself in the progressive rock/metal scene, but this release showcases that he never had the opportunity to fully express his style with its myriad influences. This record is brimming with enough well-meshed styles to make any prog fan drool. Dreamy and jazzy instrumental passages and Plini-esque playful displays of virtuosic prog bridge groovy and - at times - plodding instrumentation with beefy guitar tones, taking a nod to the likes of Gojira, TesseracT, Periphery, and David Maxim Micic. While largely instrumental, two guest vocalists are featured - including Rafał Piotrowski of Decapitated - and Jakub himself takes on vocal duties here and there. Sadly, the album feels slightly drawn-out towards the end as parts of different songs sound rather similar and the sparing use of vocals didn't help to differentiate these passages. Additionally, the contrast between the extreme and light-hearted instrumentation that proved so captivating takes its leave exactly halfway through the album. That said, unlike Jakub's work with Disperse, this release is dripping with passion and seeing this project become his priority would be very delightful - 8.5/10 ❤

Extreme Progressive Metal - Ihsahn meets Opeth meets Sylosis? Aggressive. Intricate. Groovy. My only gripe is that the gritty clean vocals - which are quite pronounced - occasionally dominate the music and clash with the instrumentation. That being said, the clean vocalist is very talented. Strangely, the album features quite a bit of hard rock, especially in the last two tracks. I recommend starting with the 7th track. Quick note: Karhu has since released a new album titled "Genericist" and, to be frank, I found that name rather apt...i.e. give that album a try, but the previous one is better - 8.5/10 ❤

Atmospheric Black Metal / Post-Black Metal - Unrelentingly bleak and yet beautifully evocative, carried by lush symphonic touches. The dense, "fizzing" production effortlessly envelops the instrumentation, engendering both an air of melancholy and menace as the band seamlessly knits the myriad levels of the extremity of their style. Throughout the EP, the band's zeal is truly unabating, even as the instrumentation ebbs and flows between poignant melodies and spacious atmospheres to an inexorable, swirling hurricane. I purposely selected this EP over the debut album, the latter stumbling in its second half with a half-hearted foray into a shoegaze/DSBM experiment, rife with cringey vocals. It was surprising to find that this isn't already on MS considering it feels right up the alley for a majority of folk here - 8.5/10 ❤

Alternative Metal - It's System Of A Down. I'm very sure of this. But the good SoaD. Not the bad SoaD - 8.5/10 ❤

Progressive Technical Death Metal - The melodic and progressive side of Gorod with a dash of the death metal side of Gojira's Terra Incognita and the "brutal" side of Between The Buried And Me - 8.5/10 ❤

Psychedelic Rock / Prog Rock - This synth-drenched sci-fi odyssey sports a rather conspicuous stylistic overlap with Mastodon's later work, which will be of little surprise when you discover it's Brann Dailor behind the kit (and mic). The synths do All The Heavy Lifting, ceremoniously dragging you by the stem of your tripping brain through frantic rhythms, swirling textures, and melodies so juicy you’ll wonder if guitars were ever needed at all. Actually...are they even there? Brann’s unmistakable vocals shift seamlessly from a soaring timbre to laid-back 70s croons (maybe not the right word or era), more than once enwreathed in robotic effects to top off that classic old-school sci-fi vibe. His drumming, unsurprisingly, anchors the chaos with such finesse as to make the wild sound tame. The back half of the album loses a bit of the album’s tight direction, but it’s a cosmic journey all the same - 8.25/10 ❤

Progressive Metal / Djent / Instrumental - Conceived to showcase their affinity for slick, modern production, they inadvertently crafted an album of exceptional taste. Prometheus is irresistibly catchy, with an impeccable sense of groove that sets it apart from most djent acts today. Clocking in at 51 minutes, the album features 23 bite-sized tracks that oscillate from pummelling onslaught to a trudging grind, almost always underscored by tasteful symphonic overtones. Imagine Monuments, but with the compositional sensibilities of Keith Merrow's earlier work. This will be a real treat for any riff afficionado with little care for album arrangement. My personal favourites are tracks 1, 6, and 12. - 8.25/10 ❤

Extreme Progressive / Groove Thrash Metal / Heavy Metal - Heavily influenced by Nevermore, Vulture Industries, and Disillusion. Also worth noting that their interludes give off an Akercocke-like vibe. - 8.25/10 ❤

Progressive Melodic Death Metal - With Insights, Distress Of Ruin transcends their metalcore roots, delivering a vibrant prog melodeath EP totally out of left field. Echoing the densely packed, lush soundscapes and symphonic arrangements of An Abstract Illusion, the band creates beautifully immersive climaxes. Catchy and rhythmically solid, it's a must-listen for fans of modern prog melodeath - 8.25/10 ❤

Progressive Metalcore - Fans of Baard Kolstad (Leprous) are likely aware of his many musical exploits, but here's one that's remained outside of the limelight for a bit too long in my opinion. Fight The Fight have honed their accessibility to the point where it's likely to appeal to just about any metalhead with an affinity for catchy tunes. Despite employing the latest trend in metalcore as their baseline, their knack for writing invariably groovy songs takes, throwing in a handful of prog and hardcore for good measure. While I'm not sure if Baard is now a permanent member here, it's great to hear his drumming in a more straightforward musical context again. As expected, his contribution — even in this more constrained setting — adds a certain mischievous flair that you may not be accustomed to from bands in the genre. The music itself is straightforward, like this mini-review: it sounds massive, packs a wallop, and it makes your body move - 8.25/10 ❤

Progressive Metal, Mathcore, Hard Rock, Groove Thrash Metal, Technical Metalcore, Sludge Metal, Alternative Metal, Glam Metal, Nu Metal - No track on this album serves as a precedent for any of those following it. The innumerable styles that these guys incorporate into their unique style compel me to label them as experimental, yet the sheer cohesiveness deters me from doing so. My obsession with talented vocalists impels me to note that the vocalist has me wide-eyed with admiration. The one word that I could use to describe the album would be upbeat - other than that I'm at a loss for words. Honestly there's not much I can say about this album that would do it justice - just listen to any of their tracks that you can find on YouTube, including the link to their new track above. Also, if you ever have a craving for a song with a ridiculously catchy, yet cheesy, chorus, don't forget to listen to the closing track: "Filthy Animal, Go And Save Yourself!" - 8.25/10 ❤

Progressive Deathcore - I, Valiance presents a unique blend of progressive deathcore that is as enthralling as it impressive - yes, deathcore can be creative. You'll certainly find a few breakdowns here and there, but they're used to complement the music rather than serve as a go-to when ideas run dry. A deluge of fiendish deathcore dominates the record, oft intensified by vicious black metal elements or rhythmic Djent. Well-placed keyboards accentuate the mood: chilling and dissonant at times, while carnival-esque at others. The crisp, modern production brings out the punch in every instrument and the vocals cut through wonderfully. One thing is for certain: this is irresistibly groovy. Your. Head. Will. Move. In case you aren't fond of typical dichotomous deathcore vocals - or are simply curious - you can check out the instrumental version of the album on their Bandcamp page. Sadly, the second half of the album leans more heavily on deathcore antics than I'd like, but I'm very keen on hearing what the band has in store for us in the future - 8.25/10

Progressive Industrial Metal - Anyone familiar with and infatuated by the industrial tinged progressive metal style of Devin Townsend will feel right at home here. Rick Chappell's discography is much like a truncated version of the elements of Terria, Accelerated Evolution, and Addicted. As of now, there isn't much that separates Rick's work to Devin's, but it's nicely done and considering his consistent output we can expect a full release sometime in the new future - 8.25/10 ❤

Progressive Groove Thrash Metal - We've all been familiarised the Gojira devotees releasing debuts last year: Kozoria, Septaria, and Theraphosa. Did they all decide to end their band names with "a" because...no that's inconceivable. Something to mull over another day... Well here's one that doesn't. Enter Shane Driscoll: a one-man act appearing out of the blue, tackling every instrument and the vocals on his debut album in a bustling show of mastery over neck-breaking grooves. The sound doesn't offer anything new, but the mastering by TesseracT's own Acle makes for a superbly tight sound that lends itself to the syncopated style. Fans of the groovy side of Gojira's L'Enfant Sauvage will find themselves right at home: pushed, melodic screams; parallel rhythms in synergy; hypnotic verses and interludes. While I absolutely delight in this release, I do have one gripe: the vocals often overstay their welcome and occasionally the instrumentation is oversimplified to make room for the singing despite it's monotonous style. That said, much like Hypermass, this the strong is the riff in this one and makes for a highly replayable album despite its opportunities. I'm also a sucker for Gojira's style so there's that - 8.25/10 ❤

Experimental Mathcore - Destrage lacks impulse control, but what if they took it to the next level. I present to you Zilf's debut EP that takes the weird up a notch. This freakish melting pot of an record moves between its elements like a manic canine that has caught scent of an unknown forest creature. It's a groovy oddball with mathcore at the base, but spiced up in a way that hasn't been explored very much. If you're typically not fond of "core", but love that prog shit, this one's for you - 8.25/10 ❤

Progressive Avant-Garde Metal - A theatrical amalgamation of Leprous, Pain Of Salvation, Shaolin Death Squad, Opeth's acoustic prowess, and Solefald-style clean vocals. There's no doubt that this album radiates with talent - innovation even. Despite this - and the album's brevity (for prog) - the seemingly repetitive nature of the instrumentation ended up dulling the initial excitement. Additionally, the near hour-long concept album is frequently interrupted at the precedence of dramatic narration - I found this detracted from the experience, however other listeners more appreciative of these elements may be able to derive something positive from it. All that being said, the album was released nearly 4 years ago and the band is working on new material. An EP was released in September last year for those interested - I've only heard the teaser so it's difficult to assess what we're dealing with - 8/10

Grindcore + ? - A blistering 20-minute grindcore onslaught - scathing from start to finish. Despite being a deviation from my usual stylistic taste, I gravitated towards the infectious groove behind the wanton destruction. Though the album festers with undiluted hatred, the relentless assault is almost inviting - 8/10 ❤

Progressive Black Metal - Arcturus and Dimmu Borgir take a waltz - 8/10

Progressive Industrial Metal - Featuring members of Haken, To-Mera, Cilice, Ulsect, Dodecahedron, and Ramage from Ramage Inc. himself, this debut EP delivers an impressive sonic buffet with with it's panoramic soundscapes and all-encompassing walls of sound that one might compare to Devin's production style. While stylistically similar to Ramage's own work, the overlap with Haken's early day style is definitely prominent. Though just four tracks, the near 30-minute runtime is largely comprised of a trio of sprawling prog epics. Released in 2017 to little fanfare, it's a shame there's been no follow-up since. Despite its flaws melodically at points, prog fans would feel right at home with this release - 8/10 ❤

Progressive Deathcore - Once in a while a deathcore band comes along a delivers in a way that makes you forget how vapid deathcore can be. One can easily draw parallels to Ovid's Withering or Shadow of Intent with this release, but the fact that this level of quality was written, performed, and orchestrated by a single human is inspiring. Eschewing deathcore tropes like comical gutturals and shrieks as well as the familiar undying assault of unwarranted breakdown after breakdown, Ellipsism is a release that is sure to appeal to even those upon the highest of horses, so long as they are moved by groove and melody. Showing immense growth from his sophomore album, Ben's relatively consistent output and striking potential is something to reckon with - 7.75/10 ❤

Mathcore / Alternative Rock - Frenzied "math" driven bursts with alternative rock neutralise the caustic metal mixture. An ambitious record that explores more than most others of their ilk. Start with track 3 or 4 - 7.75/10

Progressive Metal - External eschews the trend-chasing that new prog bands often find themselves mired in, favouring atmosphere and graceful build-ups. On Dreamscapes, the band channels VOLA's moody-elegance-over-crushing-riffs while putting their own spin on it. The vocalist’s resonant timbre – conspicuously similar to Asger's own – enwreathes the dense atmosphere with a soothing embrace, amplified by beautiful harmonies and lush vocal layering. Screams make a rare appearance on the record, but come in at just the right time (another nod at VOLA – they're enamoured by the band), adding a welcome dimension. Some phrasing choices feel slightly odd "intra-riff", but these moments are sparse enough to not break the album’s steady flow. A solid debut effort that warrants fans of the genre to keep a watchful eye over over their later efforts. FFO: VOLA, Votum, The Anchoret, Ions - 7.75/10 ❤

Djent / Progressive Math Metal / Folk Metal - By the 3rd track I had resigned myself to the prospect of enduring another 30 minutes of uninspired, albeit well-executed, Humanity's Last Breath/Vildhjarta worship. Naturally I was taken aback by the introduction of folk elements at the end of the 4th track; to my delight, I never quite regained my purchase. Throughout the record Harkla slogs through the mire crafted by their prodigiously beefy and plodding sound. Then, as if the established sound was a mere pretence, these delicate saboteurs gradually transmute their sound by way of tasteful augmentation. The frequency and magnitude of this burgeoning stylistic freedom peaks about midway through the album, but their efforts do not relent, delivering an engaging album that defies initial expectations. I strongly recommend trying a few tracks across the album before dismissing the band as another run-of-the-mill "thall" devotee - 7.75/10 ❤

Progressive Rock / Jazz Fusion - Only in the process of writing this did I discover that the all too obvious stylistic overlap between Clément Belio - who was just added to this list - and Itzamna can be attributed to the fact that he was (is?) a member of this seemingly inactive band. It ties in nicely with what I wrote in about the meandering nature of jazz and rock/metal - this is a little wayward for my tastes, but mainly it also triggers my allergy of the ostensibly cheerful and uplifting style of writing. Objectively, I can recognise that the songwriting is solid, but I just can't seem to get past that gripe affecting broad swaths of this record. There are moments where I think it shines - to name a few: the beautifully haunting "Je Vivroie Liement" which climaxes in a chilling almost doom-like way; about a fourth of the way into "Shalam Pt. 3: Thale" the band goes into overdrive, covering Baltic folk influences, brooding black metal-like strumming, and Leprousy études; the ominous vibes on "Nuées" melded with erratic pluckings of Middle Eastern / North African string instruments; most of all I enjoyed "Red Dragon", featuring Matthieu Romarin of Uneven Structure fame. None of these are my highlights because they're all but tonally metal, but rather the drive and atmosphere that grabs my attention - 7.75/10

Progressive Metal / Math Metal - This is what a side-project featuring members of Meshuggah, Textures, and Mencea would sound like. Sadly, I recently discovered that the band has split-up - 7.75/10 ❤

Blackened Progressive Extreme Power - Skipping between throat clenching black metal, cheese-laden extreme power, and folk-dusted acoustic interludes, this is a band that should be monitored by fans of the genre - I have a hunch that their follow-up opus is going to be rather compelling...aaaaaaaaaaaand they split-up - 7.75/10

Instrumental Djent / Jazz - If you burrow somewhere between Animals As Leaders and T.R.A.M., you'll find Resurrecting Id. Radio appropriate soundscapes of playful djent and noodling jazz eventually merge into a highway of erratic guitar chugs and chaotic saxophone screeches, the direction and magnitude orchestrated by the frantic, off-beat drumming. Simple as this: if you're a fan of AAL and T.R.A.M - djent and jazz - check it out - 7.75/10

Folk Metal / Groove Thrash Metal / Industrial Metal - I've been a fan of Arsafes' work since hearing the debut album of his eponymous solo project, Ratocracy. Despite only being involved in two albums since then - one under the aforementioned moniker and another with Kartikeya - he's remained fairly prolific in terms of releasing a relatively steady trail of breadcrumbs in the form of singles and EPs. When this project was announced a few years back - as a stop gap for Kartikeya's hiatus if I recall correctly - I was pretty relieved to hear this side of his output wasn't put to rest. However, instead of delivering the ominous brutality of the band I expected it to mimic, Arsafes sidles along his familiar style of bouncy industrial grooves, equally aggressive as it is jaunty. I wasn't expecting someone else to own the vocals, but they are safe enough to not jeopardise the expectations of those familiar with Arsafes' work. The music is simple and catchy, this time seamlessly incorporating Armenian folk for a fresh take on his usual style. While he's yet to top that debut album I mentioned at the start, this will do just fine until he cooks up something more grandiose for us all - 7.75/10 ❤

Alternative Metal / Progressive Metal / Nu Metal - Tool's softer, proggy, alternative, bass-driven riffs building into belligerent nu metal reminiscent of Mudvayne - or what little I've heard from them - with vocals escalating from cleans into deranged screams spanning the two. The album deviates from this pattern commencing on the 6th track, which largely features acoustic folk à la Amiensus. The album closes on an atmospheric/ambient track with light electronic touches. "Equilibrium" - one of two tracks available on YouTube - appears to be heavily influenced by Elegy-era Amorphis and is probably one of the best tracks on the album. The clean and gritty vocals may get on the occasional listener's nerves - 7.5/10

Progressive Metal - Road To Square One is equal parts ambitious as it is catchy, tracing the fine line between nerding over seemingly discordant elements (see Native Construct for this done well) and appealing to those who may not have a strong penchant for prog (see Haken). Taking their own blend of spices from the rack of modern prog giants, Aquae Furtivae doesn’t stop there: employing copious curve-balls to keep the listener on their toes. Some “interesting” harsh vocal choices and vapid riffing does eventually detract from the flow of the album, but you’d be amiss to let this band replete with potential fly under your radar in the future. At the very least, we owe it to them to jam to one of the hardest hitting prog riffs of the last few years found the 2nd half of the opening song, “South” - 7.5/10 ❤

Deathcore / Djent - How conceited. Disclaimer: it's not, but it comes close. Well, not really, but they wish it did. Whether the juvenile charade is meant to appeal to younger audience or as a mocking jibe at seriousness in metal, it's irrelevant; the jubilant, headbang-inducing music speaks for itself. Just listen to the impeccably crafted climax of "Extra Thicc" around 2:30 as a testament to this. Embracing every trope of modern "prog" deathcore and djent, they abuse every gimmick in the book. Fortunately, the breakdowns blend seamlessly, unlike some others *looks askance at Lorna Shore*. If you can overlook the irreverence and hackneyed style, fans of modern deathcore will have a blast - 7.5/10 ❤

Extreme Progressive Metal - Creating music is intrinsically creative, but there’s creativity and then there’s creativity. While Fronteeria’s debut album, How Eden Rose From Untilled Earth, instils an inexplicable unease in me with its unintentionally wayward nature (see “In The Shadow Of Appalachia”), one can but stand in awe of the creativity the music oozes with. There aren’t many solid releases this year that can contend with the originality at display here, let alone debuts! While the band’s influences are clearly rooted in extreme prog, they certainly don’t let that limit their output. One of the ways this manifests is through tone: there’s something wonderfully dissonant about some of the instruments on this record; not in the traditional sense, but in an ineffable way that scratches an itch that I didn’t know I had (see “A Tulip In A Twister”, also one of the highlights). The incredibly raw and diverse vocals are impeccably befitting of the wild instrumentation, and also a standout in this record worthy of praise. While I do have mixed feelings about this record, I highly recommend listening to the mammoth of a track called “Sequoia Lumberjack”. This reminds me of listening to Omnerod’s debut for the first time - I could tell there was immense potential and 9 years later they delivered the 2023 AotY. I’d gladly way 9 years to hear the culmination of this band’s efforts - 7.5/10 ❤

Avant-Garde Metal / Jazz Fusion - JZZBLK is a band that's simultaneously all over the the place stylistically yet wholly wrapped in a neat bow. You'll hear some jazz and black metal - as someone incredibly perceptive would expect - along with extreme prog, sludge, and hardcore. Whether some of those styles may be well off the mark, you can be sure you'll find yourself surprised at this abominable concoction. I recall being fascinated with their stylistic concept when I heard their debut when it was released years ago, but it was rather hit and miss. While they still don't always land on their feat and it can be a little meandering to say the least, it sure makes for an intriguing listen - 7.5/10

Deathcore / Djent - Excellently executed run-of-the-mill modern deathcore which ventures into djent at times. Many of you may know him for his comedy channel on YouTube, but here he is composing. Considering the calibre of his playing and songwriting that he displayed in his flippant attempts, it was a surprise when he stuck to the basics. Looking forward to a follow-up as I have a feeling it's going to be a little more adventurous - 7.5/10

Progressive Blackened Death Metal - An abrasive, old-school production gives this little EP quite a bit of oomph. There are so many adjacent styles packed into these short 20 minutes, but it always feels congruous. Sadly it seems they have split up and that their (equally ambitious) EP is no longer available online - 7.5/10

Progressive Metal - You don't always need to reinvent the wheel to write good music, but it comes at the price of comparisons. Marsh Tea is a new band to the prog scene that proves that you don't need to be original to deliver some ear worms. While they aren't as successful in this task as bands like Nospūn, the band successfully navigates the archetypical prog soundscape with style. You'll hear some Haken, Threshold, Symphony X, though the most prominent influence they proudly wear on their sleeves is Dream Theater, particularly the compositional style and tone reminiscent of that band's mid-era. Unlike those bands, however, the band doesn't always pull off the softer or more spaced out parts where the vocals are meant to shine. I'm more drawn to the groovier, heavier sections in that regard, but nevertheless this is rather impressive for a debut and I'm looking forward to hearing what they have in store for any follow-up - 7.5/10 ❤

Post-Metal / Instrumental - A competent dive into post-metal, balancing groovy riffage on a sprawling cinematic tapestry. The band shines when leaning into heaviness, but I find myself grimacing at the overuse of tremolo-picked and reverb-laden lead guitars scattered across the album without adding any substance. Some sections do overstay their welcome and unnecessary delay the build-up, but it usually pays off. The first track is the most dynamic track and well-written by far, so don't be disappointed as you dive deeper into the album. FFO: Toska, Year of No Light, Russian Circles, Telepathy - 7.5/10

Progressive Death Metal - Solid album with a really fitting production for the old school style. Reminds me of Suffocation a bit - 7.25/10

Melodic Black Metal - Solid melodic black with a persistent haunting atmosphere. The album shines the brightest when the pace shifts often enough between the groovy, melodic, and atmospheric styles in the bands repertoire, but sadly those are few and far between and eventually the style overstays its welcome - 7.25/10

Progressive Metal / Instrumental - A solid, if unremarkable slice of contemporary prog that nods to the late '90s and early 2000s heyday of the genre. The opening track is the clear highlight with its radiant atmosphere. Sadly, no follow-up has surfaced since its 2013 release. - 7.25/10

Metalcore / Deathcore - Jared Dines, the familiar face of YouTube metal talent shows and memes; you all remember him, right? Well here he is, all grown up. The Grey sees Jared stepping up his compositional game into a more mature space, deviating from the tropes of his past writing to deliver something more mature. While he doesn't offer anything ground-breaking here, the album proves an enjoyable package of modern metal-/deathcore. There's a bit of inconsistency in the quality between tracks, but there are certainly some highlights such as tracks 2-4. There's some real potential to consider here, provided he eschews the overused chugging found on most of the material here - 7.25/10

Progressive Melodic Death Metal - Not ground-breaking by any means, but prods at the barriers of the genre to dig away some nuances that make this enjoyable - 7.25/10

Sybreed worship an understandably crisp, hyper-digital production that gives the album a mechanical edge, particularly when the band kicks off into overdrive. Unfortunately, breathy, drawn-out clean vocals dull that edge and feel out of place in the otherwise tight mix. "Cell 600" is the clear standout, precisely because it eschews them. FFO: Fear Factory, Sybreed - 7.25/10

Progressive Deathcore / Djent - Oh dear, not another band combining two of the most worn-out genres in metal. I can almost sense you scowl from here. I'll admit: these guys haven't exactly reinvented the wheel, but they built themselves one that spins pretty darn well. Pretty much everything you'd expect from the mix of these two genres is there: short bursts of guitar leads in between chugs; deep "core" vocals; breakdowns at 40bpm; synchronised drumming. Think the deathcore counterpart of Within The Ruins. Would you be able to point out Azgard from a crowd of other bands playing this style? Probably not. Does that make them bad? No. If you're a fan of deathcore, jump on the wheel and take a ride - 7/10

Avant-Garde Black Metal / Progressive Post-Hardcore? - This is vicious, though strangely inviting. The dissonance builds an inexorable wall of aggression backed by unrelenting screams of anguish. The occasional non-metal interlude provides respite from the onslaught. In the end, it's not cohesive enough to warrant more listens, but their sophomore release showed more promise before they subsequently broke up the same year - I'd give that a spin - 7/10

Progressive Sludge Metal - Having just added Arcadea, I thought I’d follow with another Mastodon-adjacent, this time only in sound. Gigafauna deliver a slab of sonic chonk, channelled through progressive sludge that lumbers through shifting stylistic landscapes, occasionally following in the footsteps of some of the greats like Gojira and Tool. While the parts impress on their own, there’s a lack of cohesion both between and within parts, particularly with the melodies which makes this a little fatiguing to listen to - 7/10

Instrumental Psychedelic Atmospheric "Metal" - You're burning through the recently re-released Twin Peaks series. In your apprehension during the final episode, you make a grave error in mistaking your bag of shrooms for popcorn. What do you do? Listen to this album, surely...While that mightn't be wise, this cacophony of psychedelic discord would well prepare you with an appropriate sound-scape for your imminent journey. Layering light, dissonant, distorted guitars with bouncy "surf" guitar tones with some smooth, slithering fretless bass weaving through. The drums occasionally reach a tipping point whereupon they draw upon extreme metal influences to bring you further mental discomfort. Sadly, the more memorable moments become a blur within a maze of pointlessly meandering passages - 7/10

Progressive Melodic Death Metal - Somewhere on the sonic spectrum of Barren Earth and Opeth. Some potential here, but sadly they split up. Still worth a listen for those after that specific sound - 7/10

Ambidjent - Spacey ambiance? ✔ Poly-rhythmic instrumentation? ✔ Hearing riff after riff of poorly imitated D-jent ends up detracted more than it adds to the music. Let's put it this way, if they eschewed - or improved upon - that style, the dreamy ambiance would have skyrocketed my rating a full point. Edit: new album on the way and the first single sounds infinitely better than this EP! - 6.75/10

Ambidjent - Solid but unremarkable djent that leans heavily on the sound of early Periphery and TesseracT without carving out its own identity. Later efforts show slight improvement, but nothing particularly standout. - 6.75/10

Modern Progressive Metal - Not as in djent, moreso the 'core and technical elements along with the refined production - 6.5/10

Djent / Electronica - Despite the interesting combination of electronica - I apologise for the lack of distinction - and Djent, the novelty of AnovA's songwriting wears off quickly. The few interesting moments throughout these two EPs - such as on "Hill Of Ice" - are, sadly, obscured by the unimpressive instrumentation and boring vocal melodies. Fortunately, the well-crafted production lends some of these "meh" moments a level of tolerability. If you take a look at the tracklist, you'll see that the "parts" - i.e. tracks - aren't in order, let alone complete. Perhaps once the third and final release is out and these tracks can be put in order from 1-18, the content might be more enjoyable. There's potential here - let's wait and see - 6.25/10

Extreme Progressive Metal / Progressive Death Metal - Dark, aggressive, and atmospheric, much like Ancient Ascendant with some Opethy passages. Unfortunately the substance of the two sprawling 10+ min songs on this EP aren't really justified as they fail to reach any prominent peaks that you'd expect from the genre - 6.25/10

Mathcore / Progressive Death Metal - A chaotic swirl of mathcore and proggy death metal that often feels like it’s chasing chaos for its own sake. There's the occasional glimpse into something greater, but those vanish almost as quickly as they arrive. Here, instead, they sound like a mathcore variant of Atheist; disjointed and unpredictable. They've lost some of the originality that made their debut EP compelling; here's hoping they return to something more concrete. - 6/10

Stoner Rock / Alternative Rock - Track 1 or 5.

Instrumental Modern Progressive Metal

Progressive Gothic Metal - Honestly, I've never been able to identify gothic metal for some reason, but this is my best attempt at classifying this band. Gothic peeps, help me out.

Progressive Metal - Opeth taking a crack at standard prog. Listen to "Memories" and you'll get the reference ★

Avant-Garde Post-Metal ★

Post-Metal - seems I never got around to typing this one in despite the links were there...odd...I'll write something soon.

Progressive Metal - Hard-hitting original prog. Much recommended for anyone into prog ★

Post-Metal / Alternative Metal - The cover art has an owl. I love owls. This addition needs no justification. Fine-think Sólstafir with some bouncy alternative metal thrown in ★

Instrumental Progressive Metal/Rock / Fusion - Track two features guest vocalists, the only non-instrumental track and track 6 features a 5 minute drum solo. If you don't like the sound of that, or aren't a fan of virtuosic fiddlage, I'd avoid this.

Progressive Sludge / Grunge - Reminiscent of a grungy, softer Mastodon ★

Instrumental Modern Progressive Metal

Progressive Post-Rock - Not really metal. Sounds like Devin Townsend's Ghost with some post-rock elements thrown in ★

Instrumental Oriental Progressive Metal

Progressive Metal / Progressive Rock - Kingcrow with a dark, Nevermore-like vibe ★

Extreme Experimental Metal - Employing a wide array of contemporary and non-contemporary styles and instruments to bring you absurd music for those with eccentric tastes. Unfortunately, said absurdity tends to detract from the songwriting rather than complement it...

Indie Rock / Prog Rock - The closest this gets to metal is on track 9 - which isn't very metal at all. I can hardly call this prog rock. With that said, just listen to track 7. You will be blown away by the melodies and her voice. Reminds me of Avatarium's clean passages.

Progressive Metal

Progressive Rock - Hint: part of the reason why I picked this is the cover of a famous death doom band's song that you'll find in their discography ★

Modern Progressive Electronic Metal - Textures' keyboardist's side-project featuring aforementioned band's vocalist, Daniel ★

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤

❤