I don't get everything, but this is what I have so far....
AnVision- Astral Phase: Ken calls them a prog metal Eloy. They are indeed a heavier version of the Polish Invasion Sound Syndrome (PISS for short) ala Riverside, Votum,etc. Disc is a bit inconsistent, especially in the vocal department, but I still enjoyed it.
Circle II Circle- Seasons Will Fall: It's the band's best release since the debut. Zak still sounds phenomenal after all these years. I'm biased as hell as I prefer the tunes that have that classic Tage vibe. I can't say that I'm a huge fan of that guitar tone though to be honest.
Crash Diet- The Savage Playground: Sleazy 80's cock rock at it's finest. I'm not even sure the new Hardcore Superstar is going to top this one.
Dante- November Red: This one came out of nowhere. It's heavier melodic metal ala Tomorrow's Eve. I still haven't given it the time it deserves, but all prog fans should have this on their radar.
DGM- Momentum: It's the perfect title. They have a ton of it going forward as they have actually taken it up a notch from the previous disc. I will say that *this* is how you do a proper Russell Allen guest spot.
Disperse- Living Mirrors: This one hit me like a sledge hammer. Combine complex prog with that PISS style of vocals and you get a total winner. The hooks are not as immediate, but once you absorb what's going on you will be in awe. Both the guitar & bass are world class.
Dreamshade- The Gift of Life: It's the catchy side of Soilwork complete with better guitar leads.
Emergency Gate- You: It's the heavier side of Soilwork complete with ...well not exactly..but you get the picture.
Eternal Tears of Sorrow- Saivon Lapsi: The closest comparison would be Amorphis. However, they are a bit more slick with the polish. I only got this today, but so far, so good.
Helker- Somewhere in the Circle: Finally, a bit of dark & dirty power metal arrives. Vocalist comes from the RJD school and elevates this disc because it could use a bit more in the chorus hook department.
Jorn- Symphonic: Yeah..it's Jorn. It's the same cake, but a different icing.
Kingcrow- In Crescendo: I make no secret of my love for this band. When I'm sitting outside in the evening with a glass of wine, this is my go to disc. I want to point out that they have a better dynamic sound & production on this disc than any "name" producer out there currently. My speakers bleed with separation & clarity.
Mutum- Premonitions of War: It's Epica lite with a bit of the Delain vibe thrown in here & there. Good stuff, but outside my preference zone.
My Soliloquy- The Interpreter: It's a quirkier Threshold (shocker since it's Pete doing everything). If you haven't heard it, prepare yourself for the most English of English accents. To me, that just makes it sound even more prog.
Persefone- Spiritual Migration: Death metal Dream Theater. The musicianship is off the charts. The clean vocal lines are increasing, but the growls rule here.
Riverside- Shrine of the New Generation Slaves: Sorry, but this ranks at the bottom of their discography for me. Pain of Salvation can keep the retro sound to themselves.
Saxon- Sacrifice: Some great tunes...some fillers. Thus, it's basically like every other Saxon disc over the past decade.
Serenity- War of Ages: The band has cranked up the intensity this time with a lot of uptempo numbers that makes Kamelot go...hey wait a second.. Clementine does continue to add another dimension to the band's sound. The duets are ace.
Sleepers Awake- Transcension: Is there such a thing as "occult prog?" I normally don't do this guitar tone & atmosphere, but they throw enough twists along the way to keep my interest high.
Soilwork- The Living Infinite: I haven't been able to listen to both discs back to back yet. It's that overwhelming. They do go back to the earlier style quite a bit, but they continue to pound away with the catchy shit that I love. You can tell the masters can still teach the class.
Stratovarius- Nemesis: This actually wins shocker of the year so far. The songwriting is consistent and it has some of the catchiest hooks since Visions. Welcome back gentlemen!
Tellus Requiem- Invictus (The 11th Hour): Traditional prog metal that I need to give more listens too. While it's a good disc, I can't help but believe I didn't hear that "spark" I listen for with the first spin.
Time Grid- Life: While not on the level of Beyond the Bridge, they have that same vibe with the dueting vocals. Lots of recent prog metal lacks warmth. They have it.
Voodoo Circle- More Than One Way Home: The best fucking Whitesnake disc since "Slide It In." This one will be in the player longer than any disc released this year.
W.E.T.- Rise Up: Jeff Scott Soto + outstanding song writing = best AoR. In fact, I dare proclaim this as the best music Jeff has been involved with..yeah..suck on that O'Neil.
AnVision- Astral Phase: Ken calls them a prog metal Eloy. They are indeed a heavier version of the Polish Invasion Sound Syndrome (PISS for short) ala Riverside, Votum,etc. Disc is a bit inconsistent, especially in the vocal department, but I still enjoyed it.
Circle II Circle- Seasons Will Fall: It's the band's best release since the debut. Zak still sounds phenomenal after all these years. I'm biased as hell as I prefer the tunes that have that classic Tage vibe. I can't say that I'm a huge fan of that guitar tone though to be honest.
Crash Diet- The Savage Playground: Sleazy 80's cock rock at it's finest. I'm not even sure the new Hardcore Superstar is going to top this one.
Dante- November Red: This one came out of nowhere. It's heavier melodic metal ala Tomorrow's Eve. I still haven't given it the time it deserves, but all prog fans should have this on their radar.
DGM- Momentum: It's the perfect title. They have a ton of it going forward as they have actually taken it up a notch from the previous disc. I will say that *this* is how you do a proper Russell Allen guest spot.
Disperse- Living Mirrors: This one hit me like a sledge hammer. Combine complex prog with that PISS style of vocals and you get a total winner. The hooks are not as immediate, but once you absorb what's going on you will be in awe. Both the guitar & bass are world class.
Dreamshade- The Gift of Life: It's the catchy side of Soilwork complete with better guitar leads.
Emergency Gate- You: It's the heavier side of Soilwork complete with ...well not exactly..but you get the picture.
Eternal Tears of Sorrow- Saivon Lapsi: The closest comparison would be Amorphis. However, they are a bit more slick with the polish. I only got this today, but so far, so good.
Helker- Somewhere in the Circle: Finally, a bit of dark & dirty power metal arrives. Vocalist comes from the RJD school and elevates this disc because it could use a bit more in the chorus hook department.
Jorn- Symphonic: Yeah..it's Jorn. It's the same cake, but a different icing.
Kingcrow- In Crescendo: I make no secret of my love for this band. When I'm sitting outside in the evening with a glass of wine, this is my go to disc. I want to point out that they have a better dynamic sound & production on this disc than any "name" producer out there currently. My speakers bleed with separation & clarity.
Mutum- Premonitions of War: It's Epica lite with a bit of the Delain vibe thrown in here & there. Good stuff, but outside my preference zone.
My Soliloquy- The Interpreter: It's a quirkier Threshold (shocker since it's Pete doing everything). If you haven't heard it, prepare yourself for the most English of English accents. To me, that just makes it sound even more prog.
Persefone- Spiritual Migration: Death metal Dream Theater. The musicianship is off the charts. The clean vocal lines are increasing, but the growls rule here.
Riverside- Shrine of the New Generation Slaves: Sorry, but this ranks at the bottom of their discography for me. Pain of Salvation can keep the retro sound to themselves.
Saxon- Sacrifice: Some great tunes...some fillers. Thus, it's basically like every other Saxon disc over the past decade.
Serenity- War of Ages: The band has cranked up the intensity this time with a lot of uptempo numbers that makes Kamelot go...hey wait a second.. Clementine does continue to add another dimension to the band's sound. The duets are ace.
Sleepers Awake- Transcension: Is there such a thing as "occult prog?" I normally don't do this guitar tone & atmosphere, but they throw enough twists along the way to keep my interest high.
Soilwork- The Living Infinite: I haven't been able to listen to both discs back to back yet. It's that overwhelming. They do go back to the earlier style quite a bit, but they continue to pound away with the catchy shit that I love. You can tell the masters can still teach the class.
Stratovarius- Nemesis: This actually wins shocker of the year so far. The songwriting is consistent and it has some of the catchiest hooks since Visions. Welcome back gentlemen!
Tellus Requiem- Invictus (The 11th Hour): Traditional prog metal that I need to give more listens too. While it's a good disc, I can't help but believe I didn't hear that "spark" I listen for with the first spin.
Time Grid- Life: While not on the level of Beyond the Bridge, they have that same vibe with the dueting vocals. Lots of recent prog metal lacks warmth. They have it.
Voodoo Circle- More Than One Way Home: The best fucking Whitesnake disc since "Slide It In." This one will be in the player longer than any disc released this year.
W.E.T.- Rise Up: Jeff Scott Soto + outstanding song writing = best AoR. In fact, I dare proclaim this as the best music Jeff has been involved with..yeah..suck on that O'Neil.
