The highly-anticpated album from Jason Bieler and the Baron Von Bielski Orchestra, The Escapologist, is out today!
The Escapologist is a wild, unpredictable ride through Bieler’s ever-expanding sonic playground, where genres are merely suggestions and rules are meant to be laughed at. Each of the 10 tracks takes its own distinct path, yet together they create one of Bieler’s most cohesive and compelling collections to date.
“I was advised that my quote for this press release should be short and at least vaguely related to the album. So here goes…I appreciate that most companies now label pants as a 34-inch waist when they’re really a 36 or 38. We all know the game they’re playing—but I respect it. I consume an alarming amount of full-fat Greek yogurt daily, and to this day, I have never had a cavity. Coincidence? I think not.
“As for the album—music, music, blah blah… Recording this was unlike any other record, except for all the ways it was exactly like every other record. It’s heavier than our previous stuff, yet somehow lighter. Hope you dig it!” – Jason Bieler
Recorded at the illustriously named Baron Von Bielski’s Audio Propulsion Labs, the album features an all-star lineup of musicians, including long time collaborators guitarist Andee Blacksugar (Blondie, KMFDM, Peter Murphy), drummer Edu Cominato (Geoff Tate, Mr. Big, Soto), as well as new friend and bass player extraordinaire Johan Niemann from Evergrey.
To celebrate the album’s release, Bieler has released the haunting new single “Hollow.” You can watch the video here:
With a discography that has already garnered critical acclaim in progressive and alternative music circles, The Escapologist takes Bieler’s artistry to deeper, more introspective levels—lyrically dark and rich, musically adventurous, and brimming with unexpected turns.
“The Escapologist” has a good mix of genres from rock to prog, even synthy dance, sure to make anyone who listens enjoy it.” My Global Mind
The new Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius music video, “Voodoo Vortex (Part 1)” might remind fans of prog rock, fusion, and classic rock of the 1970s in sound and look. Musically Joe was channeling his favorite fusion violinists—Jean Luc Ponty, Mahavishnu Orchestra’s Jerry Goodman, Didier Lockwood, and Eddie Jobson.
First Joe organized some video imagery generated and edited by Robert Minsk. Next, Joe interspersed photos by (“Impostor!” album designer) Jody Gianni and performance footage shot by (Stratospheerius’ “Outrage Olympics” video director) David Levin from the band’s recent album release party in Rutherford, NJ.
The video premieres at Stratospheerius’ online watch party on YouTube on Friday, February 21, at 9 PM ET/6 PM PT/3 AM on Saturday the 22 in the Netherlands at
“Impostor!” has found fans all over the world. The initial music video “Outrage Olympics” was recently chosen to be featured at the LA-based “Independent Shorts” awards. In the past few months, over 120 stations have picked up the album for airplay, helping the band chart on Relix/Jamband radio, and finding favor on a number of Best of 2024 album lists, including the song “Chasing the Dragon” making its way to Epic Tracks of the Year charts. Now the album’s been picked up for International Distribution in the UK by Burning Shed, and Germany’s Just for Kicks.
The Progressive Aspect’s John Giordano compares “Voodoo Vortex (Part 1)” to King Crimson’s “Matte Kudasai.” “The effects Deninzon uses on the violin deepen the aural interest,” and raves about the “Impostor!” album, “While there is a definite Kansas vibe, no other band sounds quite like Stratospheerius.” The Prog Report’s Prog Nick loves the “glorious melody” of “Voodoo Vortex (Part I).” “Ethereal and hazy to begin with, it develops into an expansive arrangement in 11/8 timing that, despite its complexity, will have your head bobbing. The weaving interplay between Deninzon’s violin and Hubauer’s keyboards will enrapture you, and Gianni holds it all together perfectly, with an economical yet elaborate approach. He is a very fine drummer indeed.”
Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius released “Impostor!” on Trey Gunn’s 7d Media and features Joe (electric 7-string violin, acoustic violin, viola, chin cello, lead and background vocals, and producer), Michelangelo Quirinale-(Guitars), Paul Ranieri (bass), Jason Gianni (drums), and Bill Hubauer (keyboards). “Impostor!” is mixed and mastered by Rich Mouser (Tears for Fears, Dream Theater, Weezer). The group’s music’s been compared to Rush, Muse, Dream Theater, and Kansas, who welcomed Joe into the band in May 2023. “While Kansas became my main gig, it was my work with Stratospheerius that got their attention.”
Acclaimed Italian progressive rock band ifsounds just released their first live album, Live in Teatro.
Captured during a high-voltage 90-minute performance at the historic Teatro Antonio Di Iorio in Atessa, Italy, this release immerses listeners in the band’s electrifying stage presence, intricate musicianship, and deep emotional resonance with their audience.
Recorded on December 14, 2024, Live in Teatro presents the full live rendition of MMXX—ifsounds’ critically acclaimed 2023 studio album—alongside a handpicked selection of their finest compositions spanning nearly two decades. Featuring 14 tracks sung in both English and Italian, the album also revisits two rare gems from their early days as if, offering fans an intimate glimpse into the band’s artistic evolution.
Track-list 1.MMXX (Live) 23:12 2. The Collector (Live) 05:53 3. Summer Breeze (Live) 04:38 4. Last Minutes (Live) 05:25 5. Violet (Live) 04:12 6. Red Apple (Live) 04:32 7. Stendhal Syndrome (Live) 04:13 8. Kandinsky’s Sky (Live) 04:10 9. The Old Song (Live) 03:22 10. It’s just me (Live) 03:39 11. Scappa via (Live) 04:31 12. Don’t go (Live) 03:21 13. Oceans of Time (Live) 04:15 14. MMXXII (Live) 08:54
Italian prog band Overture just released their second single “Bagliori” from the upcoming album A mezz’aria sul tempo, due out via Melodic Revolution Records later this year.
The Single is a reflection of the emotions its music evoked in us—a deeply personal text penned by our singer on March 14, 2020, just four days after the onset of pandemic confinement. It began as an expression of uncertainty and fear, yet found its conclusion intertwined with melodies infused with soul, written as the world slowly emerged from darkness. The song embodies a journey from turmoil to tranquility—a return to serenity after a harrowing period, much like a stormy sky that, in time, gives way to the radiant sun. It is a testament to the beauty, hope, and resilience of life, conveyed through the comforting words of reassurance to a little girl who was once so afraid.
Additional Information
Album Name; A mezz’aria sul tempo Single name; Bagliori Music; Samuele Desogus and Overture Lyrics; Pier Mauro Marras
Performed By Pier Mauro Marras – Vocals Samuele Desogus – Guitars Simone Desogus – Drums Simone Meli – Keyboards Fiorella Piras – Flute and Vocals Stefano Sanna – Bass and Double Bass
Recorded by Samuele Desogus and Overture. Recorded atDomo e Nonna Studios – Mores, Via S. Salvatore da Horta n.6. Mixed, mastered, and produced by Samuele Desogus and Overture.
The band recently launched a video for Bagliori that can be viewed here.
Official video for the first single taken from the upcoming album Transmutation
Feat. Simon Phillips, Steve Hackett, Nick ‘D Virgilio, Craig Blundell, Randy McStine, John Mitchell, Lalle Larsson, Andy Tillison, Tomas Bodin, Luke Machin, Göran Edman, Krister Jonsson, Dina Höblinger, Amanda Lehmann, Gary Schuller, Lelo Nika, Jan-Olof Jonsson, Rob Townsend, Roger King and Jonas Reingold.
JONAS REINGOLD is thrilled to announce the release of TRANSMUTATION, the sixth studio album from his critically acclaimed solo project, KARMAKANIC.
After an eight-year hiatus, Reingold returns to Karmakanic with renewed passion and creativity. He describes Transmutation as his boldest artistic statement yet, pushing progressive rock to new heights and reaching new audiences.
“It’s been an amazing journey creating this beast of an album, collaborating with exceptional musicians in state-of-the-art studios like Ocean Way in Nashville and CLA Studios in LA. I’m deeply grateful for everyone’s contributions to Transmutation. The title itself signifies transformation into a new state of being—just like the constant flux of the universe. My music evolves too, starting as a seed and blooming into something vibrant—hopefully not fading too soon!”
Reingold has enlisted a stellar lineup of world-class musicians to bring his vision to life. Among them is his longtime friend and musical companion, Steve Hackett (Genesis), who delivers breathtaking guitar work throughout the album. Drum legends Simon Phillips (Toto, The Who, Judas Priest), Nick D’Virgilio (Big Big Train, Spock’s Beard, Mr. Big), and Craig Blundell (Steven Wilson, Steve Hackett, Frost) provide a rhythm section of extraordinary depth.
For the first time, Reingold collaborates with vocalist John Mitchell (Asia, Lonely Robot, Frost, Arena), whose gritty, soulful voice perfectly complements Reingold’s melodic compositions. Additionally, Randy McStine delivers lead guitar firepower, marking their first collaboration since The Fringe in 2016.
“I have to pinch myself seeing who’s on this album—heroes of mine! I’m truly humbled and grateful for their contributions. This is a joint venture. I often joke that Karmakanic is the prog equivalent of FC Barcelona—only the best players onboard.”
The album also features an all-star lineup, including Lalle Larsson, Andy Tillison, Tomas Bodin, Luke Machin, Göran Edman, Rob Townsend, Roger King, and Krister Jonsson, among others.
Recorded across Nashville, Los Angeles, Germany, and Austria, the album delivers a breathtaking sonic experience, mixed by five-time Grammy-winning engineer Chris Lord-Alge (Rolling Stones, Muse, Tina Turner, Prince) at his Los Angeles studio, MIX LA.
Transmutation releases on 7th March 2025 and will be available on CD, vinyl, and streaming platforms. Celebrating independent artistry, all formats will be released on Jonas’s own label, Reingold Records.
The artwork/photo by Diana Seifert and graphics by Hajo Müller—known for Steven Wilson’s recent projects
Karmakanic is a progressive rock band from Sweden, formed in 2002 by bassist Jonas Reingold, best known for his work with The Flower Kings. Their music blends symphonic prog, jazz fusion, and rock, often featuring complex compositions, rich melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics.
The band’s lineup has evolved over the years, with notable members including Göran Edman (vocals), Krister Jonsson (guitar), Lalle Larsson (keyboards), and Zoltan Csörsz (drums). Karmakanic’s sound is marked by intricate instrumental passages, dynamic arrangements, and a balance of technical proficiency and emotional depth.
Some of their key albums include:
Entering the Spectra (2002): Their debut album, exploring cosmic and philosophical themes.
Wheel of Life (2004): A more refined sound with introspective lyrics and melodic complexity.
Who’s the Boss in the Factory? (2008): Widely regarded as one of their best works, blending symphonic elements with strong songwriting.
In a Perfect World (2011): Featuring catchy melodies and sophisticated compositions.
DOT (2016): Inspired by Carl Sagan’s “Pale Blue Dot,” this album explores humanity’s place in the universe.
Karmakanic is praised for their ability to create both grand, epic pieces and intimate, heartfelt songs, making them a standout in the modern progressive rock scene.
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