sexta-feira, julho 29, 2016

Yoke Shire: Live at Merrimac Library - Friday 7.29.16

Yoke Shire Live Rock Performance at The Merrimac Library!
Friday, July 29, 2016  7-8 p.m.

The Merrimac Public Library • 86 West Main St, Merrimac, MA 01860

Yoke Shire celebrate summer with a free outdoor live rock music performance at The Merrimac Public Library. All ages are welcome, so bring a picnic dinner & enjoy an evening of original Yoke Shire music along with a selection of some of the greatest classic rock songs of all time.

In the event of inclement weather the show will be moved inside the library to their great sounding performance room.

The show will be broadcast worldwide at: TNNRadio.com
(works best on desktop & laptop computers running Firefox or Chrome browser)





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Last Two Bands For ProgDay 2016!

LUZ DE RIADA:

LUZ DE RIADA is a quartet that combines progressive rock, jazz, folk and experimental music. Formed in Mexico City in 2010 by multi-instrumentalist Ramsés Luna (ex Cabezas de Cera), the idea was to create a musical collective of talented musicians from other bands and projects. With influences that range from KING CRIMSON to ZAPPA, the music explores the dialogue between predetermined and spontaneous music.  The band released the third part of its trilogy, Cuentos y Fábulas (Tales And Fables), this year and begins a new chapter with its first shows in the US.  The current lineup is working on new material for the next musical adventure.

AD ASTRA:

New York based guitarist Joe Nardulli's self-titled debut CD inspired and intrigued some of the area's finest musicians. After jamming with a few, the result was AD ASTRA (To The Stars).  The instrumental quartet mixes the playing and energy of fusion with the compositional slant of symphonic rock.  With tone and melodic sensibilities reminiscent of Steve Morse and Eric Johnson, the focus is on compositions that are tightly structured, eschewing the bombast and length that progressive rock is known for. Smooth, thematic playing styles blend perfectly with soaring, uplifting melodies and odd, shifting time signatures.  In addition to music from past albums. the band will also be performing new material from its next release.

Join DEUS EX MACHINA, DISCIPLINE, BENT KNEE, JONATHAN SCALES FOURCHESTRA,  EYE, LUZ DE RIADA, AD ASTRA and IN THE PRESENCE OF WOLVES at ProgDay 2016, the 22nd edition of the longest running progressive rock festival in the world. The festival will take place on Saturday, September 3rd, and Sunday, September 4th, at Storybook Farm in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.  For more information, and to hear music from this year's bands, please visit us at


Ayreon - 'The Theater Equation'' out today in North America!




Ayreon's 'The Theater Equation' Live release is officially out in North America today.
'The Theater Equation' is available as a deluxe artbook version including blu-ray, 2DVD's & 2CD's, as well as a special edition 2CD & DVD digipak, standalone blu-ray & digital audio download. 

The release is available at these links:





The video clip for 'Day Two: Isolation' can be see here: 


In September 2015, over the course of four sold-out shows, Ayreon's legendary progressive rock concept album 'The Human Equation' was brought to life as a full-blown musical production at the Nieuwe Luxor theater in Rotterdam.
 
This limited run of performances was witnessed by die-hard fans from across the world, but now Arjen Lucassen's story can be witnessed by all, as a recording of the final night of those special evenings is being released as both a DVD & Blu-Ray package on June 17th, 2016. 'The Theater Equation' is subtitled in nine different languages and includes nearly one-and-a-half hours of bonus content.

Arjen comments: "Even today as I write this, I am amazed and touched by how hard everyone worked and how much love and care they generously gave to make it all happen. Sometimes the dream becomes reality!"
 
The stage show stars Dream Theater frontman James Labrie in his original roll as "Me" and features nearly the entire cast of vocalists from the original 2004 album. The main cast is supported by a specially put-together 19-strong Epic Rock Choir. This is a unique document of an undertaking that was surely once in a lifetime.
 
CAST:
James LaBrie as 'Me'
Devon Graves as 'Agony'
Heather Findlay as 'Love'
Eric Clayton as 'Reason'
Magnus Ekwall as 'Pride',
Marcela Bovio as 'Wife'
Irene Jansen as 'Passion'
Anneke van Giersbergen as 'Fear',
Jermain van der Bogt (Wudstik) as 'Best Friend'
Mike Mills as 'Rage/Father'
Nienke Verboom as 'Nurse'
Peter Moltmaker as 'Doctor'
Anita van der Hoeven as 'Mom'
 
BAND:
Ed Warby: Drums
Jeroen Goossens: Flutes and woodwinds
Johan van Stratum: Bass
Maaike Peterse: Cello
Ben Mathot: Violin
Marcel Coenen: Guitars
Freek Gielen: Guitars
Erik van Ittersum: Keyboards/synths
Ruben Wijga: Keyboards/synths
Epic Rock Choir 
 
THE HUMAN EQUATION STORY
After a mysterious single-car accident, the victim - a man in his late 30s - lies comatose in the hospital. Before the accident he was a powerful businessman, wildly successful by any measure but also known for his cutthroat business tactics. Now he finds himself trapped in a prison that took him a lifetime to build: the prison of his own mind.
 
Guarding the prison are his emotions, which have taken on vivid personas inside his mind. Some are friends, some are foes, and they all have their own agendas. Some aim to trick him or dominate him, others to comfort or inspire him. But the one objective they all share is to force him to face up to the demons of his past and the deep truths about who he is and how he's lived his life, all of which he's conveniently ignored until now. Fear, Rage, Agony, Love, Passion, Reason and Pride take turns engaging the man in this emotional warfare.
 
Two people hold vigil at the man's bedside: his wife and his best friend. They are desperate to understand how the accident happened and to see even the tiniest sign that the man will regain consciousness. But the man's recovery is not their only concern: is it possible that he somehow found out their secret, and that the "accident" wasn't really an accident at all? Would he ever be able to forgive them?
 
Will the man have the strength to face the truth about himself and the ones he loves? The story unfolds over his twenty-day emotional struggle with Fear, Rage, Agony, Love, Passion, Reason and Pride, in which each day of coma is represented by a song.
 
ARJEN LUCASSEN Online
 
INSIDEOUTMUSIC online: 
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

Classic Rock Legends Wishbone Ash 'Take It Back' on North American Fall Tour



Musical journey through back catalog plus selections from recent recordings on tap

Wishbone Ash, one of the most influential guitar bands in the history of rock, bring it to their North American fans on the 2016 "Take It Back" Tour. As they celebrate their 47th anniversary at shows from Denver, CO, to New York City, the guys will present time-honored classics and deep tracks from the back catalog, as well as material from recent recordings.

"We'd like to mix it up a little," says founding member Andy Powell. "Perhaps include a different epic instrumental, dust off a couple of the old harmony-driven songs, feature an unexpected track from our latest album, 'Blue Horizon.'"

Formed in 1969, Wishbone Ash finds itself in rare company these days. Not many bands are still going strong after nearly 50 years. It takes a serious lifetime of commitment to the craft of making music; but, more importantly, real skill is required to navigate the shifting seas of the music industry, and few know that better than Powell.

"We laid down strong musical roots in the '70s, and these roots continue to prove productive," he says. "Also, we nurtured our fan base as much as possible through fan club conventions, newsletters and the like; but this was all given a great boost once the digital age came into being, with websites and social media."

Wishbone Ash is led by Powell on guitar and vocals, trading licks with Finnish guitar master Muddy Manninen. Bassist Bob Skeat, an 19-year veteran of the band, sets the pace with Joe Crabtree, one of the best of Britain's new breed of drummers, himself an 8-year Ash veteran who also handles a lot of the band's tech requirements.

Through the years the band has delved into various musical genres, from folk, blues and jazz to pedal-to-the-metal rock and electronica. Whatever the style, Wishbone Ash's hallmark is the distinctive twin-melodic lead guitar interplay that has influenced such bands as Thin Lizzy, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Iron Maiden and, more recently, Opeth.

True road warriors, each year the band logs around 30,000 miles, roughly equivalent to circumnavigating the earth.

"The hours, days and weeks we spend touring and recording results in a close-knit group, for sure," says Powell. "It allows us to bring a level of intensity to the table that people seem to pick up on and appreciate."

The fruitful results of near-constant touring are evident on the latest DVD release, "Live in Paris," recorded in May 2015 during a three-day residency at Le Triton Theatre in Les Lilas, Paris.

Powell says, "We recorded three nights of material, including current versions of some classic songs, plus some deep tracks that people won't necessarily expect."

The band recently released a four-disc "Road Works" box set, a compilation of four separate shows recorded in Germany and the UK. In October 2015, Powell completed his autobiography, "Eyes Wide Open: True Tales of a Wishbone Ash Warrior," co-written with Irish music journalist Colin Harper. The book, published by Jawbone Press, has met with public and critical acclaim.

"Our concept was to root my musical story and that of the band's to the times in which I came of age," says Powell. "That is to say, relating it to those times, decade by decade, so that the reader could get a picture of how I was impacted by the social and musical trends and how I weathered those changes. We also wanted to keep it breezy and poke a little fun at this music game at the same time."

There is no other rock band in history that has done more with the twin guitar concept than The Ash. Be sure to catch them on the Take It Back Tour this September. Tour dates and more information can be found atwww.wishboneash.com.

WISHBONE ASH "Take It Back" Tour North America September 2016
SEPT 8 Denver CO Soiled Dove
SEPT 9 Colorado Springs CO Stargazers
SEPT 10 Kansas City MO Knuckleheads
SEPT 12 Milwaukee WI Pabst Theatre – Turner Hall
SEPT 13 Minneapolis MN Famous Dave's
SEPT 16 Edwardsville IL Wildey Theatre
SEPT 17 St. Charles IL Arcada Theatre
SEPT 18 Auburn Hills MI Callahan's
SEPT 19 Fort Wayne IN C2G Music Hall
SEPT 20 Pittsburgh PA Rex Theater
SEPT 21 Buffalo NY Sportsmen's Tavern
SEPT 22 Albany NY The Upper Room
SEPT 23 Jim Thorpe PA Mauch Chunk Opera House
SEPT 24 Norfolk CT Infinity Hall
SEPT 25 Londonderry NH Tupelo Music Hall
SEPT 26 Annapolis MD Rams Head
SEPT 27 Sellersville PA Sellersville Theater
SEPT 28 New York NY Highline Ballroom
SEPT 29 Pawling NY Daryl's House Club

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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

quinta-feira, julho 28, 2016

Karmakanic launch lyric video for 'Steer By The Stars'; new album 'DOT' out now!






Sweden-based progressive rockers Karmakanic have just released their fifth album 'DOT' on InsideOutMusic. To celebrate they have released a brand new lyric video for the track 'Steer By The Stars' which you can see here: 

 
Jonas Reingold had this to say: "This 4 min song stands in contrast to the 30 min epic that is on the album. I like the Yin and Yang philosophy; dark / bright, complex / simple. It has always been a real thread throughout the musical history of Karmakanic. It showcases Göran Edman at his best, Gentle Giantish vocal harmony arrangement with a stunning lead performance. This is also my very first compositional collaboration with my long time buddy Andy Tillison, he also recorded some awesome hammond organ for the track. Start the engines and steer by the stars, it might take you to places never seen before." 
 
You can also watch the 'God, The Universe And Everything Else No One Really Cares About Part. 1' (edit) video here:


The album is available at these links:
 
This is the band's first studio album since 2011's much-praised 'In A Perfect World' and the current line-up includes Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings), Göran Edman (Yngwie Malmsteen), Morgan Ågren (Casualties Of Cool, Frank Zappa, Steve Vai), Lalle Larsson (Agents Of Mercy), Nils Erikson, Krister Jonsson, Andy Bartosh and Ray Aichinger 

You can find the full track-listing below:
 
1.     Dot
2.    God The Universe And Everything Else No One Really Cares About Part. 1
3.     Higher Ground
4.     Steer By The Stars
5.     Travelling Minds
6.    God The Universe And Everything Else No One Really Cares About Part. 2
 
The artwork for 'DOT' (below) was created by Hugh Syme, who has previously made covers for Rush, Aerosmith & Iron Maiden. The album will be available as a CD/DVD Jewel case (featuring 'The Making Of DOT', Karmakanic Live In The US and Interviews), LP with CD & digital download.

Look out for more info in the coming weeks! 

KARMAKANIC Online
 
INSIDEOUTMUSIC online: 
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

quarta-feira, julho 27, 2016

Prog Legends Stick Men Feat. King Crimson Members New Album “Prog Noir” Available For Pre-Order



Berlin, Germany - Much to the excitement of music aficionados worldwide, prog legends Stick Men will be releasing their new album "Prog Noir" on October 21, 2016, which is now available for pre-order as a single disc edition and a super deluxe box set, which contains an additional bonus CD with exclusive material, a double vinyl version of the album, a t-shirt and poster. The band, featuring members of King Crimson, have also released a new lyric video for 'The Tempest'! A departure from their previous efforts, "Prog Noir" also includes 'song' oriented material featuring vocals on several tracks.

Says Tony Levin, "I'd say that the album is somewhere between having a unifying concept and just our current compositions. Part way through the recordings, the 'Prog Noir' title, lyrics and idea came up - it sort of shined a dark, noir light on what had come before, and it influenced what came after (including some 'noir' instrumental interludes that will be part of the box set version. For me that's a good way to go - I like a concept involved with an album sometimes, but I don't feel it needs to encompass every piece."

Watch the new Stick Men video:

Stick Men is a progressive rock band created by musicians with extensive experience playing together. Pat Mastelotto and Tony Levin are the rhythm section of the legendary band King Crimson. Mastelotto is in demand all over the world as the premier drummer for progressive rock. Levin plays in Crimson, with Peter Gabriel, and has recorded with John Lennon, David Bowie and others. Markus Reuter is arenowned composer/guitarist who designed and plays his own unique touch style guitar.

Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto, the powerhouse bass and drums of the group King Crimson for more than 2 decades, bring that tradition to all their playing. Levin plays the Chapman Stick, from which the band takes it's name. Having bass and guitar strings, the Chapman Stick functions at times like two instruments. Markus Reuter plays his 8-string touch guitar – again covering much more ground than a guitar or a bass. And Mastelotto's drumming encompasses not just the acoustic kit, but a unique electronic setup too, allowing him to add loops, samples, percussion, and more.

The result; audiences are fascinated by watching just three musicians onstage perform their unique compositions as well as wild improvisations and some cover versions of songs by King Crimson, Mike Oldfield, etc.

Before "Prog Noir", Stick Men have released 4 studio CDs (Soup, Absalom, DEEP, Open) as well as a couple of live albums.

Says Markus, "What's unusual about 'Prog Noir' is that we spent years composing it. Usually we get the ideas and quickly turn them into an album or start playing them in on the road. The imperative of a band like ours, that's out on the road touring a lot of the time, is to have new material each year. But this time the idea was to really refine the material, reject all but the best (indeed, there are some very nice pieces that didn't make the cut) and create a really special album that might define our band in terms of where our journey has taken us."

Stick Men is:

Tony Levin - Born in Boston, Tony Levin started out in classical music, playing bass in the Rochester Philharmonic. Then moving into jazz and rock, he has had a notable career, recording with John Lennon, Pink Floyd, Peter Gabriel, Yes, Alice Cooper, and many more. He has also released 5 solo CDs and three books. In addition to touring with Stick Men, he is currently a member of King Crimson, of the Peter Gabriel Band, and of the Levin Brothers jazz band. His popular website, tonylevin.com, featured one of the web's first blogs, and has over 4 million visits.

Pat Mastelotto - Very rarely does a drummer go on to forge the most successful career on the demise of their former hit band. Phil Collins and Dave Grohl have managed it, so too has Pat Mastelotto, a self taught drummer from Northern California, who has also been involved with pushing the envelope of electronic drumming. Pat has spent a lifetime jumping genres from pop, to prog, to electronica to world music with – among others – Mr. Mister, XTC, David Sylvian, The Rembrandts, Kimmo Pohjonen, and for the last 20 years with King Crimson.

Markus Reuter - Markus is a composer, guitarist, and producer. Initially trained as a pianist, he subsequently studied Robert Fripp's Guitar Craft and learned to play the Chapman Stick, later moving onto the U8 Touch Guitar. Reuter has released many solo recordings and worked extensively with other musicians. He is one of the core members of the experimental band Centrozoon, is half of the duo Tuner (with Pat Mastelotto) and was also a member of Europa String Choir. Reuter has collaborated with Ian Boddy, Robert Rich, No-Man singer Tim Bowness, and many others.

In support of "Prog Noir" Stick Men will tour Europe in October 2016, then again in January/February 2017 in the U.S. and Canada. Says Markus"We love covering a lot of territories, so the future after those booked shows will involve our heading to S. America, Japan, and more places. Yes, we'll have some videos to offer of the new material - hard to describe those now because we're in the process of making them."

"Prog Noir" is available in pre-sale in 3 formats:
Signed Limited Edition Combo Package - Deluxe Box Set (2LP/2CD/Poster) with T-Shirt; Regular CD and Download (WAV, FLAC, ALAC and/or MP3-320 formats)

SIGNED LIMITED EDITION COMBO PACKAGE DELUXE BOX SET (2LP/2CD/POSTER) + T-SHIRT
The combo package includes:
• 2LP 180 grams gatefold (the LP has a, 11 minute bonus tracks on the Side B of the second LP, which is not included in the regular CD package)
• 2CD special edition of the new album, Digipack. (Disk One is the regular 10 track album. Disk Two contains 8 bonus tracks.)
• Full color poster of the album artwork (17x22 inches)
• Full color T-Shirt (front only). Available in Navy Blue and Black.

ALL BOX SETS WILL BE SIGNED BY ALL 3 BAND MEMBERS (Tony, Pat & Markus).
All orders will be shipped in the late October.

Pre-orders are  $140 USD / 120 EUR plus shipping.
Those who contribute $200 USD / 190 EUR or more, will have their names included in credits inside of the box set.

This special box set includes digital pre-order of "Prog Noir". Fans will get 4 tracks now (streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more), plus the complete album the moment it's released.

SINGLE CD, REGULAR EDITION of "Prog Noir" (10 tracks) can be pre-ordered for $17 USD / 15 Euros plus shipping


DOWNLOAD of "Prog Noir" (10 tracks in WAV, FLAC, ALAC and/or MP3-320 formats) can be pre-ordered for $10 US / 8 EUR

Exclusively available at:
(orders placed from North, Central and South America, Middle East,
Africa and Asia)

(orders placed from Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia)

Official website:

Facebook:
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

terça-feira, julho 26, 2016

Prog Duo Middlesong Release New EP "Directions" Feat. YES Legend Billy Sherwood



Buffalo, NY - Prog duo Middlesong has release a new three-song EP titled "Directions" featuring YES legend Billy Sherwood. With Joe Schneider (vocals, guitar, keyboards) and Phil Tomczak (keyboards, guitars), Middlesong has heavy Prog and Classic Rock influence, along with hints of Folk, Pop and Americana. Middlesong's eclectic sources produce a universal sound that musicians and non-musicians will appreciate!

The three new tracks ("Directions in D Minor (Make Sure That You Learn)", "See This Through", "Rain to Sun") were started at Middlesong Studios in Hamburg NY, followed by mixing and production by Billy Sherwood at his studio in California. Billy, who plays bass, drums, keyboards, guitar on the tracks, is a renowned producer, musician and performer, and is currently the bass player for the progressive rock band YES. Billy has worked as producer and engineer for countless artists in the rock and progressive rock genres. His musicianship and talent is respected world-wide.

"It was great fun working on the music with the guys, I'm very proud to have been a part of it all and very much looking forward to having it now get out there for everyone to hear and enjoy."- Billy Sherwood

Says Phil and Joe, "We both love to write music. We were surprised and very pleased by the way the songs evolved. Never having worked together previously as songwriters, we soon found that the music seemed to write itself, and took off into directions all their own (which led us to the title for the EP). Nothing was off the table. We allowed all of our influences to enter into the songwriting process. Billy Sherwood was then able to polish and bring the songs to life while preserving our original tunes."

For all three songs in the EP, Joe and Phil wanted to write songs with a solid musical structure, but take some chances along the way. Most of their songwriting begins with a nylon and steel string guitar, developing a musical theme, and taking shape from there (the "Middlesong Method").

"In particular, with 'Directions in D Minor (Make Sure That You Learn)', we explored the key of D minor, while providing the listeners with different styles within the same song – a classic Prog offering. Each section of the song represents a stage of one's life; chasing the musical dream; wrestling with the muse.

"With 'See This Through', our intent was to write a song that everybody could relate to, tapping their foot along the way. A fun part of the song for us was setting the scene for an old Western saloon in the bridge and lead section – providing a change from the main structure of the song, and a bit of an unexpected adventure. The theme of the song itself is one of perseverance, and speaks to both the whole of humanity, as well as to the individual."

"Rain to Sun" is a great example of the "Middlesong Method". The song came together quickly, with an instrumental lead melody written by Joe, and an initial arrangement of strings and choir voices written by Phil. In this song (as well as in "Direction in D Minor"), they left plenty of room for producer and performer Billy Sherwood. "In 'Rain to Sun', we were thrilled by his meandering bass line that complimented the dual guitar tracks. Billy precisely interpreted and felt the pulse of all of our songs with his bass and percussion."

Joe Schneider and Phil Tomczak formed Middlesong in 2015. It didn't take long to realize the synergy and soul of their collaborative songwriting! Joe is a veteran of the performance stage. Augmented by his guitar playing, Joe's vocals soar with clarity, smoothness of texture, and deep feeling. Joe finds inspiration from singer-songwriters such as Lennon-McCartney, Tom Petty and Billy Joel. He has great, natural instincts for melody and harmony, and a gift for writing lyrics that touch our souls in just the right place. Phil's love for music stems from the piano, influenced by the likes of Rick Wakeman and Keith Emerson. His versatility extends to the guitar, which plays a significant role in Middlesong's songwriting and distinctive sound. Phil's musicianship evokes imagery and will carry you along on the clear road ahead, or sweep you off into a surprising new direction.

As well as Billy Sherwood, Middlesong has worked with renowned mastering engineer Maor Appelbaum. The duo are currently in the studio writing and arranging the remaining tracks to fill out the complete, debut album to be released sometime in 2017.

In closing Phil and Joe have this to impart, "We appreciate your listening and at the purest level, we hope you enjoy our music!"



To purchase:
CDBaby (main links for purchasing):
Full "Directions" EP and Individual Song Download: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/middlesong4
Directions in D Minor (Make Sure That You Learn): http://cdbaby.com/cd/middlesong3

SoundCloud:

ReverbNation:

sexta-feira, julho 22, 2016

The Pineapple Thief launches "In Exile" music video


THE PINEAPPLE THIEF LAUNCHES "IN EXILE" MUSIC VIDEO
11th album "Your Wilderness" out this August on Kscope


LONDON, U.K. - The Pineapple Thief has launched a music video for the track "In Exile," taken from the group's upcoming 11th studio album, Your Wilderness, out August 12 (August 19 in France) on Kscope. Stream the new clip on YouTube at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LTh10MHMOo and Vimeo at:https://vimeo.com/174219105.

Frontman Bruce Soord comments: "'In Exile' is the first track on our new album and I think it sets the tone perfectly. To me, it's immediately apparent to the listener how important Gavin [Harrison's] drumming is, as well as Darran [Charles'] fantastic guitar work - not to take away anything from the three of us in the band of course! As for the meaning, it's a song about estrangement."

Your Wilderness showcases the group performing without any inhibitions, providing a springboard for the ongoing creative growth of The Pineapple Thief.

For the first time, The Pineapple Thief has brought in several special guest performers. Bruce Soord adds: "Since our last album 'Magnolia,' the most eye catching change is obviously having Gavin Harrison contribute drums throughout the album. This has not only redefined our sound, but also redefined how we approached the songs as a band.  Gavin's drumming is technically brilliant, but also incredibly musical, and it inspired all of us to raise our game. I've also rediscovered my progressive roots in terms of song-writing and arrangement. Added to that, we were lucky enough to have John Helliwell from Supertramp contribute some beautiful clarinet parts and Geoffrey Richardson (Caravan) provided a string quartet. We were also joined by a lovely four piece choir and, to cap it all off, my friend Darran Charles (Godsticks) added some jaw dropping guitar playing... You've never heard a The Pineapple Thief album like this one! I am convinced people will love this record as much as we do."

Your Wilderness was recorded entirely by the band with the exception of the drums, which Gavin Harrison produced and engineered at his own studio. The string quartet was recorded at Geoffrey's own studio in Canterbury. The album was mixed and produced by Bruce Soord and Steve Kitch with mastering duties also carried out by Kitch. There will be a special lossless 5.1 surround mix available with the special edition mixed by Soord.

A lyric video for the track "No Man's Land" can be seen on YouTube at:https://youtu.be/qxYFXw5I45A and Vimeo at: https://vimeo.com/167882200

Your Wilderness will be released by Kscope on the following formats:

Deluxe 12" hardback book featuring:

44 page artwork book
CD8 track original album
New bonus 8 Years Later CD
DVD-AV -  8 original tracks hi resolution stereo & 5.1 audio (24/96 MLP Lossless stereo, 24/96 Lossless 5.1 surround, 24/96 PCM stereo & DTS 96/24 5.1 Digital surround) mixed by Bruce Soord.

CD featuring:

8 original album tracks with a total playing time of 41.07 minutes.
24page booklet in digisleeve

180g heavy weight LP featuring:

8 original album tracks (with MP3 download code).
8 page booklet

Digital download featuring:

8 original album tracks mastered for iTunes (pre-orders receive "No Man's Land" and "In Exile" as instant downloads)

All formats (CD / LP / Deluxe Edition / exclusive bundles) are now available to pre-ordervia the Kscope webstore at: www.kscopemusic.com/store (all physical format pre-orders through Kscope store will receive signed band postcard). Digital pre-orders are available at:


1. In Exile (05:40)
2. No Man's Land (04:20)
3. Tear You Up (4:53)
4. That Shore (04:36)
5. Take Your Shot (04:34)
6. Fend For Yourself (03:49)
7. The Final Thing on My Mind (09:52)
8. Where We Stood (03:46)

Seen as one of the most vital rock bands the U.K. has produced over the last two decades, The Pineapple Thief was formed in 1999 by founder and chief songwriter Bruce Soord. The band has steadily evolved and refined its sound with the bass playing of Jon Sykes and the production and keyboards of Steve Kitch now so integral to the sound. "After so many years, The Pineapple Thief has become way bigger than the sum of its parts," says Soord.

The Pineapple Thief is currently booking a European tour for late 2016 and planning live shows in the U.S. and Canada.

Stay tuned for more information on The Pineapple Thief and Your Wilderness, out this summer on Kscope. 
 
The Pineapple Thief online:
 
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

Matt Stevens - New album out now.



Matt Stevens is a solo guitarist, band member and composer from North London. He is probably currently best known for his work as a guitarist and songwriter for the instrumental rock band The Fierce And The Dead. Between 2006 and 2015 he performed a series of live concerts using an acoustic guitar and a loop pedal across the UK opening for Steve Rothery, Nick Harper, Jon Gomm, RM Hubbert, IQ, Thomas Leeb, Fish, Mike Keneally, Daevid Allen and many others. He has recorded four solo albums. In 2014 he signed to Esoteric/Cherry Red records for the release of the Lucid album which featured members of King Crimson, Knifeworld, Chrome Hoof and Frost*. It stayed in the Prog magazine chart for 3 months peaking at 8.

Matt Stevens was voted 5th in the Prog Magazine 2014 Reader's Poll for best guitarist alongside Steve Howe, Steve Hackett, Steve Rothery and Guthrie Govan. He was nominated for a Breakthrough Artist Prog award in 2014. Lucid was a Guitar Player Magazine Editor's Album Of The Month and in various magazine and website's albums of the year critics polls. He was also worked with Judy Dyble, Cosmograf, Lextrical, Shineback, Emmett Elvin, Andy Tillison, Nine Stones Close and numerous others. 

The Fierce And The Dead have released 2 albums and 3 EPs since 2010 and are currently signed to BEM records. They continue to tour regularly and have recently supported bands including The Aristocrats & Crippled Black Phoenix and played at the Arctangent festival with 65daysofstatic, Deafheaven and Deerhoof, amongst many other festival appearances. They were nominated for a Prog Magazine Award for best new act and have received positive press from Time Out New York, Total Guitar, Rock A Rolla, Echoes And Dust and others. They have been selected to be the first instrumental act to play the 2016 Ramblin Man festival with Hawkwind, Europe & Whitesnake and are currently recording their third album.


"An effortless display of cleverly arranged and resourceful playing....(an)acoustic masterclass"Classic Rock Presents Prog (live review June 2011)

"A one man guitar orchestra" Acoustic Magazine UK

"This is a unique album coming from a unique musician and one i would seriously implore anyone to experience it."Music Mafia UK.

This collection includes a live solo guitar and loop pedal set from a church for Farncombe Music Club from 2014 that was recorded from the desk, 2 ambient pieces and two lost songs.  I'm really pleased that the live songs exist as a record of my live performances from this period, no overdubs were made to the recording. The versions of the songs are really different from the studio ones, I usually wrote the songs in this format and added the production with Kevin afterwards so it's nice to have these versions out there. Pecadillo was recorded for my friend Kavus Torabi's Believers Roast label for a compilation in 2012 and Blue Filter is an out take from the recording of the Ghost album from 2010. I believe the ambient tracks were recorded around 2011 live on my home studio. This is material that has been released as downloads online but never on CD before and they have been remastered and tidied up for this album.

Matt Stevens Sites
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

New Album from scandinavian Nordberg



Music transcends language and Peter Nordberg is an example of that. He has been far more successful outside Sweden even though he sings in his native tongue swedish.

Peter is something of a restless soul. He spent his twenties and thirties travelling and performing all over Europe, before eventually landing in Stavanger, Norway in the mid nineties.

At his neighborhood pub on Stavanger's east side, Nordberg finally found the collaborators, and the peace of mind, to finish writing his first album of original songs. Recorded over two weeks at a fjord-side cabin, "Tiden Visar Vägen" (Time Shows The Way) contains 11 songs about love, loss and belonging. It was released in 1999.

The second, somewhat darker solo effort, "Slott I Sanden" (Sandcastles) was recorded in Stockholm, Stavanger and New York, and released in 2005.

The following year, Nordberg joined forces with Norwegian singer/songwriter Vidar Johnsen. The duo spent the next few years frantically writing, recording and touring. They released three records in as many years. 2007's Ord & Ögonblick, Mål & Mening from 2008, and I Ild & Vatten (2009) brought a string of radio hits, several local Grammy nominations and combined sales of more than 100 000 copies.

After moving home to Stockholm in 2010 Nordberg continued to collaborate with musicians from both Sweden and Norway. Här I Nord (Here In The North), released in 2012, shows Peter from a lighter, airier side. There is also an even deeper connection to Sweden's long and rich folk tradition than had been evident on the Johnsen / Nordberg albums and Peter's previous solo efforts.

This trend continued on the 2014 EP "Hellre I Det Blå" (Rather In The Blue) with more prominent use of traditional Swedish instruments such as nyckelharpa.

2016's "Om Man Inte Är Här", on the other hand, strikes quite the contrast, with its heavily electronic soundscapes and the almost total sidelining of Nordberg's acoustic guitar. However, even if the album is an at least temporary departure from some of Peter's trademarks, the humanity, the storytelling and his distinct voice are very much present.

Released on April 29th, the album was the result of a very successful crowd-funding campaign.


Peter Nordberg is currently travelling Scandinavia and, for a week in June, he was in the US, promoting the brand new record. And even if "Om Man Inte Är Här" is fairly devoid of Peter's acoustic guitar, it is still his primary travelling and performing companion. When you see him in concert, expect an intimate and sympathetic performance boosted by a remarkable catalog of songs.
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

John Wesley announces forthcoming new album 'a way you'll never be' plus US tour dates with Marillion & Steven Wilson



Renowned singer / songwriter & guitarist John Wesley has announced he will release his forthcoming 8th studio album 'a way you'll never be' on October 7th, 2016, and you can view the stunning cover art by Carl Glover of Aleph Studio (Porcupine Tree, Marillion) above.

John had this to say:
"'a way you'll never be' was fairly big step for me in that I have worked extremely hard at bringing the two sides of my writing together; the "acoustic singer songwriter" and the "electric heavy guitar" elements. This album is most certainly the set of songs that has successfully combined my introspective lyrics with the aggressive type of guitar playing and writing that I love. Mark Prator and Sean Malone brought the songs to life as an amazing rhythm section. The themes of the lyrics, the melodies, and the playing make these my favourite, most cohesive and adventurous set of tracks to date. Stylistically the songs revisit some of the guitar music of the 70's that grabbed me and made me want to be a guitarist. Sonically I combined those 70's big guitar tones with the modern sounds available to us as guitarists today."
 
In support of the album, John will head out as support to Marillion & Steven Wilson in the US & Canada and you can find the full list of dates below:

With Marillion
Friday 21 October 2016 - The Regency Ballroom San Francisco, CA, USA
 Saturday 22 October 2016 - Saban Theater Beverly Hills Beverly Hills, CA, USA
Tuesday 25 October 2016 - Paramount Theatre Denver, CO, USA
Thursday 27 October 2016 - Vic Theatre Chicago, IL, USA
Friday 28 October 2016 - Vic Theatre Chicago, IL, USA
Saturday 29 October 2016 - Hard Rock Live Northfield, OH, USA
Monday 31 October 2016 - Danforth Music Hall Toronto, ON, Canada
Tuesday 1 November 2016 - Virgin Mobile Corona Theatre Montreal, QC, Canada
Wednesday 2 November 2016 - L'Impérial Bell Québec, QC, Canada
Friday 4 November 2016 - Royale Boston Boston, MA, USA
Saturday 5 November 2016 - 9:30 Club Washington, DC, USA
 Sunday 6 November 2016 - Keswick Theatre Philadelphia, PA, USA
 Tuesday 8 November 2016 - Playstation Theater New York, NY, USA
 
With Steven Wilson
Thursday 17 November 2016 - Center Stage Atlanta, GA, USA
Friday 18 November 2016 - The Plaza Live Orlando, FL, USA
Saturday 19 November - State Theatre Tampa, FL, USA
Sunday 20 November - Culture Room Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
 
'a way you'll never be' was produced by Jim Morris at the legendary Morrisound Studios and you can find the full track-listing below:

1.   by the light of a sun
2.   a way you'll never be
3.   to outrun the light
4.   the revolutionist
5.   nada
6.   the silence in coffee
7.   unsafe space
8.   sun.a.rose
9.   epic
10.  pointless endeavors
 
John Wesley has built a long and varied career as a songwriter, guitarist, and recording artist. His music has been called lyrically sensitive and musically dynamic. His song-writing style incorporates emotionally-charged vocals that evoke the honesty and intimacy of Roger Waters and Patty Griffin coupled with a melodic yet intricate guitar style reminiscent of David Gilmour, Alex Lifeson, and Jeff Beck. John Wesley has performed as guitarist/vocalist for critically acclaimed UK based recording act Porcupine Tree, during the "In Absentia", "Deadwing", "Fear of a Blank Planet", and "The Incident" world tours with whom he played with for nine years, culminating in 2010 with sold out performances at Radio City Music Hall and the Royal Albert Hall.
 
Look out for more information on the album in the coming weeks.

JOHN WESLEY online:
 
INSIDEOUTMUSIC online:
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

NOSOUND LAUNCHES NEW VIDEO FOR "SOGNO E INCENDIO" FEAT. ITALIAN SINGER ANDREA CHIMENTI

Fifth studio album "Scintilla" out September 2 on Kscope



ROME, Italy - Ahead of the release of its fifth studio album Scintilla on September 2 via Kscope, Nosound has launched a new video for the song "Sogno E Incendio" featuring acclaimed Italian singer Andrea Chimenti. Stream the clip on YouTube at:

Nosound's Giancarlo Erra explains: "The video was directed by Erika Errante. She was introduced to me by Andrea [Chimenti] via his son, as she had produced a few videos for his band and I wanted a video done by someone else for once, not myself. For this reason I wanted to give her full freedom. All we knew is that we didn't want to go too literal with the lyrics in the song, but instead expressing the concept in another way. So the concept is explained through the idea of lost and found people and feeling, and transformation from one into the other. It is a more loose and artistic connection, and I liked it a lot for that reason."

Giancarlo Erra co-wrote the song with Andrea Chimenti: "Working with Andrea was extremely easy; we discovered we have a common emotional ground, so the theme of my album immediately vibrated with him and together we quickly arrived to the meaning this song was meant for. The song is all about the spark (scintilla) that can ignite a fire, but for that to happen there's a need for dead dried leaves, or branches, or old paper, so the old and dead stuff that seems useless is what is really needed for the fire to start again."

On the collaboration and creative thought process Chimenti adds: "Giancarlo Erra had long ago sent me an instrumental song to listen to. It struck me immediately and I liked very much the idea of working with him, but as often happens we were busy with various things and that tune remained in the drawer for a while ... maybe it was not the time to deal with it because everything happens when it has to happen. At the beginning of this year, after a series of events that have transformed my life, the text and singing for that song were born. The extraordinary piano sequence of Nosound, with its perpetual motion, rolled out the words, one after another like a string of pearls and the album title 'Scintilla' was the thread on which they walked.
 
"The crescendo of the second part suggested to me fire as a purifying element that from a spark turns into a real fire. I love music when it manages to be evocative, calling into dreams and images. The music of this song has in it all that strength and not just that of the dream, but that of the spark, the fire prelude."

Inspired by personal upheaval and a desire for change, Scintilla is an emotionally complex and musically direct work, presenting a stripped-down set of compositions that mark a major departure from Nosound's trademark symphonic lushness and production precision. Taking in influences from post rock, shoegaze and alt-singer-songwriters, the album imaginatively utilizes a mostly organic and acoustic sound palette.

In addition to Andrea Chimenti, Anathema's Vincent Cavanagh lends his distinctive vocals to two of the album's tracks, and cellist Marianne De Chastelaine returns once more to the Nosound fold (this time in a more free-flowing and improvisational capacity).

An additional Scintilla track and video, "Short Story," can be streamed on YouTube at:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLtfb-HcTz8&feature=youtu.be and Vimeo at:https://vimeo.com/167108079.

Scintilla is available to pre-order via the Kscope webstore at: https://www.burningshed.com/store/nosound as a deluxe CD/Blu-Ray in Mediabook (with 24 page booklet and Blu-Ray containing HD stereo and 5.1 surround sound mixes, plus additional video content) and audiophile double 180g vinyl edition (mastered at 45rpm to ensure quality) in a gatefold cover with booklet and poly-lined inner bags. Download and streaming versions will be available to pre-order at: http://smarturl.it/SCINTILLA_DIGITAL with instant downloads of "Short Story" and "Sogno E Incendio."


1. Short Story [02:24]
2. Last Lunch [07:00]
3. Little Man [04:38]
4. In Celebration of Life [05:34]
5. Sogno E Incendio [04:44]
6. Emily [03:19]
7. The Perfect Wife [07:27]
8. Love is Forever [02:51]
9. Evil Smile [04:33]
10. Scintilla [06:27]

Regarded by critics and fans alike as one of the most interesting up and coming alt/art rock bands in Europe, Nosound inventively combines influences from '70s psychedelia, '80s/'90s ambient and contemporary alternative, progressive and post rock. The project started as a one man studio project in late 2002 by Giancarlo Erra, but has since grown into a five piece band, evolving into something unique, focused and powerful. The music is evocative and intense, with personal songwriting.

A cathartic album of emotional extremes, Scintilla marks the brave beginning of the second phase of Nosound's fascinating career. Stay tuned for more information on Nosound andScintilla, out this September on Kscope. 

Nosound is:
 
Giancarlo Erra - vocals, guitar, keyboards
Marco Berni - keyboards, vocals
Alessandro Luci - bass, upright bass, keyboards
Paolo Vigliarolo - acoustic/electric guitars
Giulio Caneponi - drums, percussion, vocals
  
Nosound online: 
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine

YES Legend Jon Anderson To Receive Prog God Award From Progressive Music Awards!



London, UK – Music legend Jon Anderson will be presented with the Prog God award at this year's Progressive Music Awards, in association with currencies.co.uk, which will be held at London's Underglobe on September 1, 2016! This very special honor is awarded to musical innovators within the world of progressive rock music and sees Anderson joining such music luminaries as Rick Wakeman, Ian Anderson, Peter Gabriel and Tony Banks, in collecting the prestigious award.

Says Jon "After all these years, it's just wonderful to be getting this very special award. Music has guided me along to this point in my life and I'm forever excited about the new and progressive musical adventures I am given by the gods of music. Making music is like breathing to me, and I am blessed to be able to create music every day. A very grateful and humble thank you."

Read about the Prog God award here:

YES's original singer/songwriter for 35 years, Jon Anderson has had a successful solo career, which includes working with such notable music artists as Vangelis, Kitaro, and Milton Nascimento. Jon recently joined musical forces with jazz violin legend Jean Luc Ponty to form the AndersonPonty Band. The duo released their critically acclaimed CD/DVD titled "Better Late Than Never" in 2015 and have completed two successful tours of North America. Jon's new album with Swedish guitarist Roine Stolt titled "Invention of Knowledge" was released on InsideOut Records on July 8, 2016 and it's getting amazing rave reviews worldwide! His latest venture is reuniting with YES alumni Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman - ARW.

Catch Jon Anderson on tour with ARW this Fall 2016!
ARW official website: http://www.arw-tour.com/

Watch the new Anderson/Stolt video "The Knowing": https://youtu.be/scVF-gF3pIM

For more information:
Jon Anderson official website: www.jonanderson.com
AndersonPonty Band official website: http://www.andersonpontyband.com/
Jon Anderson & Roine Stolt FB page: https://www.facebook.com/AndersonStolt/

                                      Photo by Deborah Anderson

About Prog Magazine:
Prog launched in March 2009 as a four-edition special highlighting one of popular music's biggest, boldest and most original forms. It quickly grew to nine issues a year. Prog now has a worldwide readership of 50,000 and a dedicated website www.progmagazine.com. In 2012 Prog debuted The Progressive Music Awards to further celebrate and support the best in the genre both classic and upcoming. Due to demand, the mag is now published ten times a year and has previously been nominated at the PPA Awards for Specialist Magazine Of The Year.
 
About TeamRock:
TeamRock is the global home of rock and metal music. It connects rock fans with incredible content on a range of platforms and is already the go-to destination for fans and artists alike. Owner of the leading rock and metal brands TeamRock, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog, TeamRock engages with fans through websites and apps for mobile and desktop, digital and print magazines, radio and gaming. TeamRock is backed by Harwood Private Equity.
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Progressive Rock & Progressive Metal - E-Zine