There’s almost no point in even writing an introduction for this one – regardless of what is written, prog fans will already have a four-paragraph rebuttal ready and waiting before I’ve even sent this to my editor. Because somehow, prog fans always know. They just do.
Hence, why this introduction feels pointless. Prog-heads already either know about the release, have bought the release, or are ready to argue that that is not a prog release. Then, throw vinyl into the mix, and the cauldron gets hotter as some fans declare that a release is available in their country, while another says that it isn’t in theirs, so does it actually count?
Prog is simply the most entertaining genre for a multitude of reasons – the conversations it creates, and the strong opinions that it manifests in the process.
So, go on, tell me. You already knew all of this/listened to this/prog, this is not. I know it’s coming.
Haken – in a fever dream
With a recipe of equal amounts dorky and equal amounts spectacular, Haken managed to pull off two often juxtaposing adjectives at the same time rather cohesively to a deliver a solid prog-metal/prog-rock record. It teeters here and there with melody, however there isn’t too much of just about anything. It’s all the right amounts. Grooves, dirty vocals, with a bit of a modern twist, here’s one for the entry-level proggies.
Protest The Hero – Within
This almost feels like a guaranteed description for a Protest The Hero record, but hell, rhythmic shifts and time-switches are a-plenty on this newest offering. Regardless of the predictability (complimentary), it’s their first offering in a couple of years, and it should scratch the itch for the PTH fans that were in desperate need of new music.
If These Trees Could Talk – The Hidden Hand
I’ve saved the best, the most contentious pick, for last as this album sits comfortably between progressive and released last week – but nevertheless, when an instrumental prog record gets thrown into your lap, you know it’s gonna get the people going. Their fourth studio LP, the group from Ohio of all fucking places, pieces together a pretty intricate puzzle.