You don’t often see, or hear, a troupe of classically trained musicians making progressive rock music along with an all-female vocal trio. Yet, as its name alludes to, Knells II is the second album of New York’s The Knells, a band united under Andrew McKenna Lee’s vision. The compositions are rather short and to-the-point, but are meticulously written with many intertwined layers more akin to a woven tapestry than merely a bunch of parallel threads. Knells the Second is a direct successor of the first of its name, superior in every regard – except in duration. The Knells was … Read more
Merkabah – Million Miles
Moloch was a defining album for me. As one of the first, and, above all, best, albums truly bridging the gap between jazz and metal into a strange form of palatable yet challenging avant-garde jazz record. The Polish quintet is now back with their third release: Million Miles. Their newest takes up where Moloch left off – kicking and screaming –, and offers us an experience that’s almost as searing as its predecessor. However, instead of pure abrasive power, Million Miles is more delicate, tasteful, and mature than its older sibling. They obviously still share the same genes, but … Read more
Squintaloo – Über Bord!
Squintaloo is a German experimental progressive rock quartet, and they released their latest album, Über Bord!, in June 2017. Their style is eclectic and modern, drawing many comparisons to even some more out-there math rock and prog rock outfits. While very rooted into harmonic cohesion with a rather simplistic melodic approach, most of the eccentricity comes from the structures, the odd rhythms, and the layers of effects that affect the guitar sounds. That is not to say that those two aspects are not well done or that playing them doesn’t require a high degree of musicianship from the players’ … Read more
Aiming for Enrike – Las Napalmas
This Norwegian experimental math rock duo is about as colourful as the cover art for their latest album, Las Napalmas. Released in late October, the 34-minute album is a playground for effect pedals on the part of Simen Følstad Nilsen on guitars, and for odd rhythms from Tobias Ørnes Andersen’s drumkit. The result is an energetic, almost punkish vibe that emanates from the singing strings and beating drums. If you’re into the likes of Yowie, or would like a more experimental The Physics House Band, look no further than Aiming for Enrike.
Dreamgrave, Schizofrantik, Abronia, Earth Electric, Impact Fuze, Traun, N█O, Eeviomorfia, and Tetragrammacide
Dreamgrave – Monuments, Part 1: The Anxious
Hungarian progressive metal band Dreamgrave have released the first part of their Monuments trilogy: The Anxious. The Mad and The Imperious are to be released nine to ten months apart. Their sound borrows a lot from progressive rock, with many a softer passage, laden with violins and soaring vocals, but the harsher metal nature of the band shows itself already on the second track, “Monuments”. It starts oozing of Diablo Swing Orchestra’s signature swing riffing with female vocals and violins accompanying the drums and bass foundation. Not too long afterwards, the riffs … Read more