Search Results: progressive

• Streaming Now! Prog Collective LUNAR Unveils Groundbreaking Concept Album “Tempora Mutantur”

  Jan 30, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Sacramento, USA’s progressive metal pioneers LUNAR are set to release their most ambitious project to date, “Tempora Mutantur” on January 31, 2025. A meticulously crafted concept album that explores the intricate passages of time, personal transformation, and emotional landscapes, the record represents a milestone in the band's continuing musical evolution. They comment on the release:

  “We’re very excited to present our new album “Tempora Mutantur” to the world! This album is more thematic rather than conceptual like the last album. This album deals with something everyone can relate to and no one can escape: the passing of time. As we get older, our perspective changes, we gain some things, and lose others… sometimes the things and ones we love. And we struggle and fight along the way.”

  Lunar hopes that fans will be able to resonate with the album and find some solace in it as it is highly relatable to the theme of time passing. Continued and driven by drummer and primary songwriter Alex Bosson (Helion Prime, Planeswalker) after the passing of co-band founder Ryan Erwin in 2018, the album is the result of a deeply personal and introspective creative process.

  The album's eight tracks weave a complex narrative that explores themes of seasonal change as metaphors for personal growth, mental health, and the passage of time. From the opening track to the three-part title suite that closes the album, Lunar demonstrates its unique ability to transform personal struggles into universal musical statements that resonate with listeners on multiple levels. The album is recommended for fans of Haken, Tool, and Porcupine Tree.

  Listen to the album stream premiere of “Tempora Mutantur” via Decibel Magazine HERE.

  ​

  Lunar's fresh lineup features guitarists Carlos Alvarez and Connor McCray (Vis Mystica) along with keyboardist Anthony Stahl plus album guests Wayne Ingram (Wildrun), Joe Gullace (Thank You Scientist), and Sam Vallen (Caligula's Horse).

  A studio project since first conceived in 2014, LUNAR will make its live debut next year at the 2025 Hyperspace Metal Festival in Vancouver, BC, Canada on April 11th. Info here.

  LUNAR's "Tempora Mutantur" will be available from Saibot Reigns Records as of January 31st, 2025.

  Album pre-order - http://lunarbandofficial.bandcamp.com/​

  ​

  (Album Artwork by Ed Bosson)

  Track Listing:​
  1. A Summer To Forget – 6:37
  2. Fall Back Into Old Habits – 11:16 ft. guest guitar solo by Wayne Ingram (Wilderun)
  3. Seasonal Interlude – 4:47
  4. Weakening Winter Touch – 8:46
  5. Spring In My Step – 7:26
  6. Tempora Mutantur: Part I – Passage of Time – 3:12 ft. guest guitar solo by Sam Vallen (Caligula's Horse)
  7. Tempora Mutantur: Part II – Broken Pendulum – 3:47
  8. Tempora Mutantur: Part III – Watch The Weather Change – 4:51
  Album Length: 50:45

  Album Credits:​
  Performance and Writing credits - full info HERE.
  Produced by: Alex Bosson
  Mixed by: Carlos Alvarez
  Mastered by: Tony Lindgren

  Album Main Lineup:​
  Chandler Mogel – Clean Vocals
  Brian Lewis – Growl Vocals
  Carlos Alvarez – Rhythm Guitar
  Connor McCray – Lead Guitar
  Ryan Price – Bass
  Alex Bosson – Drums
  Anthony Stahl – Keyboards

  Live Lineup:​
  Chandler Mogel – Clean Vocals
  Brian Lewis – Growl Vocals
  Jordan Price – Guitars
  Ryan Price – Bass
  Alex Bosson - Drums

  For more info: Facebook.com/lunarbandofficial | Instagram.com/lunarbandofficial | X.com/LunarBandOffcl | Spotify

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• FROGG To Deliver A Sonic "Eclipse" of Bold, Modern Metal w/ Debut Album Coming March 2025

  Jan 30, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

   

  Frogg, the technical metal sensation from New York, USA, announces they will unveil their debut album "Eclipse" in March 2025. A long time in waiting, this first full-length features ten tracks of heavy, raw, progressive, and avant-garde thinking metal.

  Over the last two years, the band has been unraveling singles such as "Double Vision Roll", "Dandelion", and "Wake Up" with music videos, all of which will be showcased on the record that was co-produced by Frogg guitarist/vocalist Sky Moon Clark and Jamie King (Between the Buried and Me, The Contortionist, Scale the Summit).

  The singles each exhibited different stylistic strengths, "Wake Up" being more progressive, "Dandelion" and "Double Vision Roll" more in the vein of something between death metal and prog metal. At the end of the day, Frogg is an amalgamation of the music the quartet enjoys, and that’s what the band is and why they sit in between a few key sub-genres.

  "A sonic eclipse where every genre collides—progressive, technical, and just enough death to keep your neck sore for weeks." adds the band's newest addition bassist Ethan Emery (Survive The Sun & Absurd Condition).

  "The people who are already faithful to FROGG will find as much of the stuff that they signed up for as surprises. We don’t operate in one genre all the time," adds drummer Will Brown.

  Lyrically, the record explores Mythology from various places along with tying tales and emotions together. Fans can expect seasonal singles from Frogg going forward as they already have plans for follow-up singles to come real soon after the album's release.

  FROGG’s main ambition is to hit the live circuit with a perfected performance and its brand-new line-up. With performance in mind, FROGG has been relentlessly rehearsing new original material and old, to deliver an authentic live experience.

  Committed to technical excellence and progressive innovation, Frogg is recommended for fans of weird and wild, and fans who appreciate bands such as Protest The Hero, Between The Buried And Me, Zenith Passage, Unexpect, and Obscura.

  "Eclipse" is due out on March 7, 2025, and is available for pre-order at https://froggofficial.bandcamp.com.

  Spotify - https://spoti.fi/4heSdtu​

  ​

  Album Artwork - Artists: Yann Kempen & Bertrand LeFebvre

  Track Listing:​
  1. Walpurgisnacht (4:44)
  2. Life Zero (4:30)
  3. Dandelion (3:50)
  4. Eclipse I: Blind Bakunawa (4:20)
  5. Eclipse II: Sickened By Silence (4:48)
  6. Interspecific Hybrid Species (4:19)
  7. Wake Up (6:22)
  8. Sun Stealer (4:41)
  9. Double Vision Roll (3:29)
  10. Omni Trigger (4:07)
  ​
  ​Album Recording Credits:​
  • All songs performed by: FROGG
  • All songs written by: FROGG
  • Produced by: Jamie King & Sky Moon Clark
  • Mixed by: Jamie King
  • Mastered by: Jamie King
  • Album Artwork by: Yann Kempen & Bertrand LeFebvre
  ​
  ​Album Band Line Up:​
  Sky Moon Clark - Vocals, Guitars
  Will Brown - Drums, Percussion, World Instruments
  Brett Fairchild - Guitars on tracks 1, 5, 6,10
  Nick Thorpe - Bass on tracks 1,4,5,7,8,10
  David White - Bass on track 2
  Brad Williamson - Bass on track 6
  Jack Lynch - Bass on track 3
  Emma Rae - Clean vocals & keys
  ​
  ​Live Band Line Up:​
  Sky Moon Clark - Vocals, Guitars
  Brett Fairchild - Backup Vocals, Guitars
  Ethan Emery - Bass
  Will Brown - Drums

  For more info: https://linktr.ee/froggband​

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• PROG METAL MANIA (Munich, DE) Announces 2025 Lineup w/ SCAR SYMMETRY, DISILLUSION, XAON, OBSIDIOUS, POEM, F.K.Ü. and More!

  Jan 28, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  PROG METAL MANIA (Munich, DE) Announces 2025 Lineup

  w/ SCAR SYMMETRY, DISILLUSION, XAON, OBSIDIOUS, POEM, F.K.Ü. and More!

  Offering an exciting mix of established greats as well as emerging, young bands, Prog Metal Mania Festival is making its event debut on May 2nd and 3rd in Munich, Germany at the world-famous Backstage, featuring the headliners SCAR SYMMETRY, DISILLUSION along with OBSIDIOUS, XAON, POEM, and more.

  Official Prog Metal Mania Spotify Playlist - https://spoti.fi/4aqkF9p​

  Shaping up to be a must-attend for Progressive Rock and Metal fans from Germany and beyond, the 2025 inaugural lineup sees 13 bands and one special guest hailing from Sweden, Germany, the UK, France, Greece, Italy, and Lebanon. While each one of them brings something special out of the broad Prog, Metal & Mania spectrum, most haven’t played in the Bavarian capital before or rarely visited Southern Germany until now.

  Organizer Katha states: “The idea for Prog Metal Mania came to life through the collaboration of Mostly Metal m/ & The Progspace and the common wish to bring certain bands on one of Munich’s most prestigious stages for heavy music. Even though it's a new festival, the response to the first announcements has been overwhelming, grateful for the warm welcome we got within the scene. We’re really happy to have so many fantastic bands on board, and can’t wait to celebrate their music and the festival’s debut with all those Prog Metal Maniacs from near and far!”

  Day split tickets and weekend passes are available at the following link HERE.

  Friday, May 2nd, 2025 - Doors 13:00, Stage times 13:30 - 23:30​
  Disillusion
  Obsidious
  F.K.Ü.
  Vulkan
  Loch Vostok
  Ihlo
  Jester’s Tears
  ​
  ​Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 – Doors 12:30, Stage times 13:00 - 23:30​
  Scar Symmetry
  Poem
  Xaon
  Turbulence
  Aeons
  Soulsplitter
  John Macaluso

  About The Bands - https://progmetalmania.com/en/Bands/​

  SCAR SYMMETRY – With legendary guitar wizard Per Nilsson as a driving force, the Swedish band perfectly blends mind-blowing riffs with virtuoso soloing, built up on mighty synth layers, complex yet groovy rhythms, and topped by a vigorous dual vocal attack. Fascinating Metal fans all over the world, they will play their first show in Munich after 12 years!

  DISILLUSION - With their special blend of Progressive Death Metal, the German band takes their audience from the top of the world to the end of the sea. By creating dense, multi-layered soundscapes and versatile movements at the forefront of artistic concepts, they already released three rich, fully matured Metal masterpieces.

  OBSIDIOUS – Named after black volcanic glass, the group’s moniker exudes something dark, of fiery origin, and metaphorically offers a nearly limitless platform for expression and advancement. Having caught the Extreme Metal scene by storm with their iconic debut in 2022, the international Tech Death powerhouse is set to blow the roof off at Prog Metal Mania 2025!

  TURBULENCE – The Lebanese masters of musical story-telling even make a robot dream with their marvelous soundscapes and virtuosic playing, inviting their listeners on captivating, emotional journeys.

  JOHN MACALUSO - Born in the US, now living in Italy, the legendary drummer has already played on over 200 albums (ARK, Michael Romeo, Powermad, Yngwie Malmsteen…) and countless tours. He will present a special show for fans of hot rhythms and cool stories with his terrific, versatile playing and some glimpses behind the scenes.

  XAON - The French Symphonic Death Metal band spreads its wings on the hunt for nothing less than epicness. By melting the raw energy of Extreme Metal with the finesse and vehemence of a mighty orchestra, their music is absolutely mind-blowing, yet with an amazing sense for details - Brutal and beautiful at the same time.

  VULKAN – The Swedish band with the eruptive name offers mesmerizing melodies to immerse yourself in, served on a layer of intriguing rhythms with a true sense for incredibly atmospheric soundscapes.

  LOCH VOSTOK – By bringing together raw beauty with complexity and finesse, their music comes along brutal yet with a catchy grooviness, delivering fat choruses, shredalicious solos, and poisonous hooks.

  POEM – There’s a certain beauty in melancholy, and the Greek quartet absolutely brings this to the top with its unique, intense compositions. The outstanding voice and expressive performance of singer George Prokopiou make each song a highly emotional experience.

  F.K.Ü. - Since there’s a huge overlapping between the Horror and the Metal communities, it seems like a great idea to bring these two beasts together, and F.K.Ü. clearly pull out all the stops on this. Heavily inspired by Freddy Krueger & Co, these four Swedish guys will bring Metal and Mania to Munich.

  AEONS – Hailing from the Isle of Man, the Progmetal powerhouse will come to Germany with three albums under their belt, taking their audience from the plains of the American West to ancient Greece, and even to the vast reaches of space with their mighty, musical tales.

  SOULSPLITTER – Following their combined musical vision, the German arts collective melts various stylistic splitters into a soulful, new whole. Over the past years, they delved deeper into a specific aspect of their signature sound where heavy guitars and intricate rhythms meet classical piano in a prominent position.

  IHLO – The band from Scotland blends modern Progressive Metal with electronic and pop influences to create a sound that is huge musically, emotionally crushing, and full of hooks. Their debut recently got a re-issue via Kscope, and with album No2 showing up on the horizon, they also might bring new music to Munich in May.

  JESTER’S TEARS - Even though the name of this Munich-based band might be quickly associated with an album title by Marillion, it is rather the multi-layered symbol for their music, and was actually inspired by Venice and its famous carnival. The five musicians will open Prog Metal Mania with their powerful mix of wonderful playfulness and complex, yet accessible songs.

  More info:

  ​https://progmetalmania.com​

  ​https://www.facebook.com/ProgMetalMania/​

  ​https://www.instagram.com/progmetalmania​

  ​https://linktr.ee/progmetalmania​

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• Streaming Now! Marko Bojkovic's New Album "Powercore" Speaks of Empowerment And Positive Accomplishments

  Jan 23, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

  

  Inspired by his youthful years of playing Sonic Adventure on his Sega Dreamcast and being wondered but its luring soundtrack, Marko Bojkovic has been exploring instrumental guitar sounds for many years and is preparing to release his eighth studio album "Powercore" on January 24th, 2025 on Forerunner Recordings. With nothing but positive messaging in mind, Bojkovic encourages listeners during its seven tracks that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to and believe in themselves. In addition to the guitar work, Bojkovic played all the bass lines on "Powercore" along with recruiting guest vocals from Chris Thomas (growling vocals, clean vocals) and Gabe Vermund (clean vocals).

  "This album is me finally channeling my personality in my music! Powercore is meant to be accessible to metal fans and non-metal fans alike. It's a positive listening experience that motivates the listener to go out and accomplish a task and not want to give up. Also a bit of self-reflection such as wanting a better life but having to deal with a lot of bullshit or if a best friend was a real one. A lot of metal songs seem to be about sadness and negativity, and while those songs are very cool and heartfelt, metal songs can be positive and inspire the listener to go out and achieve a set goal!" adds Marko Bojkovic.

  Packing the most punch with perfectly combined progressive metal, power metal, metalcore, and djent along with influences from jazz fusion to classical music, Bojkovic's new album "Powercore" is named after his own dubbed genre of metal called Progressive PowerCore. Musically, the album's guitar solos are among the best he's ever written. As a small content creator on YouTube and Patreon, Bojkovic has become known on the internet for his economy-picking prowess, which he showcases to excellent use on the songs featured in this full-length.

  Before the album officially drops, Bojkovic has teamed up with Ghost Cult Magazine for its full stream premiere, which can be heard HERE.

  Recommended for fans of Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold, Periphery, Dream Theater, and Firewind, Marko Bojkovic's new album "Powercore" is available for pre-save at the following link - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/markobojkovic/powercore​

  Fans interested in Bojkovic's Patreon Page to get exclusive content about his guitar playing and techniques, please subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/MarkoBojkovic​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Anesthesia (No Easy Way Out) - 3:58
  2. From Within - 5:29
  3. Sacrifice For Sanity - 3:50
  4. What We Accomplished ft. Chris Thomas - 3:17
  5. Find Your Flame ft. Johnny Ray (The Mourning) - 4:00
  6. Thrown - 5:41
  7. To Reminisce - 4:54
  Album Length: 31:11

  More info: Facebook.com/markobojkovicmusic | Instagram.com/markobojkovicshredsguitar

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• DEREV Returns With Powerful New Single “Cyclone” Ahead of Upcoming Album "Troubled Mind" Out March 2025

  Jan 15, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Toronto, Canada's progressive metal band Derev is unveiling their latest single “Cyclone” a dynamic exploration of inner turmoil and redemption that showcases the band's evolution while staying true to their signature sound. The track follows their earlier single “Room 9” and is the latest preview of their highly awaited first full-length album “Troubled Mind” slated for release on March 26, 2025. The band comments on the lyrical content:

  “Building on the narrative, this song revolves around the negative thoughts that plague our minds, constantly reminding us of our perceived unworthiness and shortcomings. This mental state, "Imposter Syndrome" makes us doubt our skills and successes, leaving us feeling unworthy, ashamed, and fearful of being exposed.”

  “Cyclone” demonstrates Derev's masterful blend of technical prowess and emotional depth, featuring intricate instrumentation that builds from a tension-filled atmosphere to a captivating climax. The song opens with a haunting guitar riff that gradually intensifies as layers of bass and drums create an underlying sense of unrest. This tension ultimately gives way to a soaring, heartwarming guitar solo that brings a moment of clarity before concluding with a memorable cliffhanger riff.

  The forthcoming album "Troubled Mind" promises to take listeners on an emotional journey, featuring both energetic highs and poignant lows. It is recommended for fans of Opeth, Dream Theater, and Porcupine Tree.

  Watch and listen to the lyric video for “Cyclone”.

  Spotify - https://show.co/XRS9Tlm​

  Due out March 26, 2025, "Troubled Mind" is available for album pre-order at https://www.derevmusic.com/store​

  First single - Animated video for “Room 9” at https://youtu.be/ryl-vajc7-M​
  ​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Buried Voice (7:23)
  2. Cyclone (5:39)
  3. Crawl Space (1:16)
  4. Room 9 (6:15)
  5. Paracusia (4:35)
  6. Tides of Time (5:59)
  7. Darker Self (5:44)
  8. Trace Within (5:01)
  ​
  ​Album Band Line Up:​
  Adel Saflou - Vocals
  Armando Bablanian - Guitar
  Michel Karakach - Drums
  Stan Komarovsky - Bass
  Ran Zehavi - Keys
  ​
  ​Live Band Line Up:​
  Mike Symons - Vocals
  Armando Bablanian - Guitar
  Michel Karakach - Drums
  Stan Komarovsky - Bass
  Ran Zehavi - Keys

  More info: Derevmusic.com | Facebook.com/derevmusic | Instagram.com/derevmusic | X.com/derevmusic​

  About: “Divided by war, United by music”

  Derev is a progressive rock band captivating global audiences with its innovative blend of progressive rock and traditional Middle Eastern music.

  After fleeing the war in the Middle East and finding refuge in Toronto, Canada, founding member, and Drummer Michel Karakach reunited with his best friend, guitarist Armando Bablanian, to turn what was once a mere childhood dream into a powerful reality.

  Derev’s debut release "Leap of Faith" melded the raw energy of hard rock with the rich textures of traditional Middle Eastern music they grew up with, offering a fresh perspective on topics often overlooked in modern music. This distinctive sound quickly caught the attention of both local and international audiences, propelling Derev into a series of successful shows across Canada.

  The band's dynamic lineup now includes bassist Stan Komarovsky, providing the backbone of Derev's sound, and keyboardist Ran Zehavi from the progressive rock band Scalar, adding depth and complexity. Leading the live charge is frontman and vocalist Mike Symons to replace previous singer Adel Saflou who is featured on their forthcoming studio offering "Troubled Mind". Symons' compelling presence and vocal prowess complete the live ensemble.

  As Derev gears up to release their anticipated second album "Troubled Mind" on March 26th, 2025, they continue to carve out a unique niche in the music world. Their innovative sound promises to captivate new listeners and industry veterans alike. Keep an eye on Derev as they redefine what rock music can be.

  Discography:
  2025 - Troubled Mind - LP
  2021 - Leap of Faith - EP

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