With their highly anticipated fourth album, “The Third Sleep”, Norwegian progressive rock band OAK delivers a striking exploration of societal complacency and the struggle of the individual. The album contrasts light and darkness, both thematically and musically, seamlessly blending folk-inspired acoustic passages with the raw intensity of progressive metal, evoking echoes of Opeth and beyond.
On the 25th of April, OAK follows up their highly acclaimed “The Quiet Rebellion of Compromise” with a new album, “The Third Sleep”.
About the album, the band has this to say:
“The Third Sleep continues the development from TQROC lyrically and further descends into the darkness of the mind errands. The form is suggestive and poetic, with room for interpretation within certain limits. The album is also more outgoing than its more introspective predecessor, with socially critical lyrics that require the listener’s attention and an ability to read between the lines.”
With a rich musical foundation that spans classical piano, electronica, progressive and hard rock, Oak has carved out a distinctive sound—both captivating and challenging in equal measure.
Recorded in Ljugekroken (Oslo), the album was mixed by David Castillo (Katatonia, Leprous, Opeth) and mastered by Jacob Holm-Lupo (White Willow, Donner) at Dude Ranch Studio, Sandøya.
Prepare to experience “The Third Sleep”, a thought-provoking journey through sound and emotion.
Track listing for “The Third Sleep” is as follows:
No Such Thing
London
Run Into the Sun
Shimmer
Shapeshifter
Borders
Sensory Overload
“The Third Sleep” will be available CD, Digital and Blue/Purple Smash Vinyl LP formats, and can now be pre-ordered at:
OAK originated as a duo, which expanded into today’s line-up of Simen Valldal Johannessen on vocals, piano and keys, Øystein Sootholtet on bass, acoustic and electric guitars and Sigbjørn Reiakvam on drums, percussion, programming, keys and guitars. The fact that OAK’s members come from diverse backgrounds, which range from classical piano, to electronica, to prog and hard rock, with references to both the alternative scene as well as the progressive rock scene, has allowed OAK to create a unique sound.
The Melodic Revolution family is deeply saddened to share that Mike Visaggio, keyboardist and founder of Kinetic Element, passed away on the evening of February 11, 2025. Mike was 72.
Mike was not only an exceptional musician but also an inspiration to all who knew him. Throughout his life, he was deeply passionate about music, playing in rock, pop, and blues bands since the 60s. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, he recorded four albums as the keyboardist for Billy Falcon, but his true love was progressive rock.
In 2006, Mike released his well-received solo album, Starship Universe—a nine-track blend of bluesy progressive rock. Just a few years later, in 2009, he formed Kinetic Element, releasing their debut album, Powered by Light. The band, based in Richmond, Virginia, quickly gained recognition within the progressive rock community.
In 2013, Kinetic Element signed with Melodic Revolution Records, leading to the release of three acclaimed studio albums, including their most recent, Chasing the Lesser Light (2023), which followed the live album Live From New York. Despite battling illness, Mike and the band had already begun work on what would have been their fifth studio album.
Mike’s unwavering passion, extraordinary talent, and steadfast dedication to his craft, combined with his profound love of God and life, left an indelible mark on all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, his music and legacy will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come Rest in peace, Mike – Melodic Revolution Records
“Mike opened our first conversation when he called me and said, “I want to know why, of the seven guitarists recommended to me, you haven’t called me yet”. I loved his New York directness, but he revealed a very kind soul and lured me into believing that we could make it work, with me on the West Coast and Kinetic Element on the East Coast. Three albums, a few festivals in the US and UK, and several East Coast gigs rewarded his faith and determination to make it happen. I’ll be forever grateful for that opportunity, and I will sorely miss our deep conversations about anything and everything.” – Peter Matuchniak
Mike first called me during the early days of Travelog, saying, “I saw you on YouTube—if that’s really you, we’d like to offer you an audition.” I gave it my best shot at The Garage in Henrico, VA—and failed. My first-ever failed audition left me sorely disappointed. Months later, Mike called back: “Mark wants to give you another chance. I’m sure it’s a waste of time, but we told him okay.” Secretly, I had been practicing War Song, the track I couldn’t hack before. This time, I nailed it.
That was the start of an 11+ year journey—sometimes confrontational but always rewarding. Mike’s brilliance and perfectionism pushed us all. We didn’t always agree on what “perfect” meant, but he was always devoted to the music, as he was to God—inseparable in his mind. Playing live with him was extraordinary, and giving his music a voice was an honor. Mike put us on the prog map. My only regret is not meeting him sooner.
This chapter may be over, but his voice, heart, and soul live on in his music. Rest well, Maestro. – John Coleman
I first met Mike Visaggio back in 2006 when I was playing in a classic rock cover band. After practice, I’d break down my drum kit, haul it over to Mike’s house, and we’d jam—not just on classic rock, but a lot of progressive rock as well. Over time, he started sharing his original material with me, and before I knew it, he convinced me to play on three tracks for his solo album, Starship Universe. For the rest of the album, he relied on what I always called The Infernal Drum Machine lol.
Not long after, we started talking about forming a band to create original music. Though Mike was the primary songwriter, he let me name the band Kinetic Element. Eventually, we put out the first KE album, and somewhere along the way, I told Mike I’d be in this with him “until the wheels fell off.”
Over the years, the band saw different members come and go, but I like to think that Mike and I were the core of it all. We eventually assembled the best lineup this band has ever had, released albums, and played some incredible shows—including major progressive rock festivals up and down the coast, in Canada, and even in Wales.
We accomplished so much together on this musical journey, and I learned a lot from him along the way. He was like a brother to me. I, along with so many others, will miss him dearly. – Michael Murray
I remember when Olimpia and I returned from our birthday cruise. Mike sent me birthday wishes via Messenger and asked if we could meet. We knew each other from Facebook but had never met in person. I had offered him my help a few times before, but he wasn’t interested at the time.
I was busy playing in cover bands around the Richmond, Virginia area, but I had heard some of Mike’s music—and that was the kind of music I wanted to play. He sent me two songs to learn and told me to let him know when I was ready. Of course, I learned them in just two evenings—each song was 10-15 minutes long—and asked when we could get together. He was very surprised by how quickly I responded.
We met one evening, just the two of us—no drums, no guitar, just us—and played the songs. Todd, the guitarist, was already exhausted from auditioning bass players. But after we played, Mike was visibly impressed and happy. He told me, “Mark, I’ve been looking for a bass player like you for many years. Where have you been?”
I laughed and said, “Ten miles away from you, bro!”
Then came the full-band practice. Everyone was smiling and ready to work on the big project—the Travelog album. Mike told me they had auditioned nine other bass players from the Richmond area but couldn’t find the right one. Hearing that I was the right guy filled me with joy. That’s when my Kinetic Element adventure began.
My family and I came to the U.S. legally in 1994 after winning the visa lottery. It took nearly three years of embassy meetings, medical exams, and background checks before we could finally set foot on American soil. But it was worth it. This is a beautiful country, and we’ve met so many great people and friends here.
And one of them always impressed me—the maestro himself. Mike Visaggio. R.I.P., my friend. -Mark Tupko
Mike and I first connected around 2008 through Myspace, and from the very start, we formed a bond that only grew stronger over the years. By 2010, I was playing his debut solo album, Starship Universe, on air. It wasn’t until 2012, at RoSFest—a progressive rock festival in Gettysburg, PA—that we finally met in person. That weekend, we shared our vision of working together someday, a dream that became a reality the following year when we officially entered a musical partnership.
In 2013, we reunited at RoSFest, this time a day before the festival began. We met in the parking lot of the Eisenhower Hotel, where we were staying, and sealed our partnership with a signed contract. Each night, RoSFest hosted an after-show jam session in the hotel’s Conference Center, open to musicians of all levels—from hobbyists to professionals.
Mike was always there, lending a hand with equipment and sound, bringing his keyboards and PA system for others to use without hesitation. That first night in 2013, I had the honor of introducing Mike to festival attendees and announcing our partnership, knowing it was just the beginning of something incredible.
Over the years, our friendship and collaboration flourished, and MRR was proud to release four CDs and one LP—milestones in our lives that will never be forgotten. Though Mike is no longer with us physically, his legacy lives on in the music we created together. His spirit remains in every note we played.
Mike was more than a musical partner—he was a true friend. His impact on my life and the world of progressive music will resonate for years to come. – Nick Katona, Melodic Revolution Records
Colin Timpson (aka iCobbles) is a drummer turned song writer who started writing songs in 1983-5 with the band XIX (signed to RSO records). After they split up Colin decided to concentrate on a career as an accountant and he didn’t resume writing songs until 2010. He had some success with songs written for other unsigned artists in the UK and Europe. After his father’s death in 2020 he decided to work on a project to get his father’s piano concerto (The 610 Concerto) scored and performed. Then in 2022 he decided to write for himself and to release an album.
Cobbles is ever grateful for the vocal talents of John Mitchell and production skills of Nick Andrew, who have made this album possible.
Although John Mitchell is better known for his Prog rock material, in It Bites, Arena, Lonely Robot, his involvement in the Cobbles album (a distinctly Pop and Dance album) signifies a departure from his known genre and demonstrates John’s vocal versatility and brilliance.
You’re Not Alone
You’re Not Alone is the debut album by iCobbles, featuring John Mitchell on vocals. This album encapsulates a wide range of emotions and experiences, from the challenges of lockdown and the beauty of love to the pain of loss and the resilience required to overcome adversity. Each song tells a part of a larger story about human connection, resilience, and the enduring power of love and support.
The music production is equally meticulous, where the music on its own tells a story that is perfectly matched to the lyrics.
Kingmaker Publishing is delighted to announce the publication of its latest book. A Playground Of Broken Hearts – The Progressive Rock Revival 1984 To 1989 by Andrew Wild will be published on July 3rd, 2025.
Following Wild’s acclaimed 2024 book A Mirror Of Broken Dreams – The Progressive Rock Revival 1981 To 1983, A Playground Of Broken Hearts is the second of two books which provide the definitive account of the intertwined stories of the six bands which led the progressive rock revival: Marillion, IQ, Pallas, Pendragon, Solstice and Twelfth Night.
For A Playground Of Broken Hearts, Wild interviewed over 80 musicians and other participants in the 1980s progressive rock scene. The book also includes in-depth profiles of many of the other bands involved in the era: Abel Ganz, Airbridge, Comedy Of Errors, Electric Gypsy, Galahad, Haze, It Bites, Jadis, Janysium, Lahost, The Lens, Liaison, Multi Story, No-Man, Pride Of Passion, Quasar, Tamarisk, Trilogy and Twice Bitten.
The book features over 300 photographs and illustrations, many of which have either been previously unpublished or are very rare, and a foreword by Prog magazine editor Jerry Ewing.
A Sunday lunchtime and afternoon event to celebrate the book’s publication will be held in association with London Prog Gigs on 6th July 2025 at The Camden Club, London NW1 8AN.
The afternoon will include a panel discussion with Andy Glass (Solstice), Martin Orford (ex IQ), Brian Devoil (Twelfth Night) and more to be announced, as well as an audience Q&A. There will also be some acoustic music from Andy Glass and Solstice lead singer Jess Holland and from Martin Orford. The book’s author will be attending and signing any books purchased at the event. Doors open at 1pm, with lunch and drinks available.
Andrew Wild is an experienced writer, music collector and film buff with numerous books to his name including the official biographies of Twelfth Night, Galahad and Geoff Mann and recent publications about artists as diverse as Queen, Pink Floyd, Phil Collins, Dire Straits and the Allman Brothers Band. The first of two volumes analysing the songs of The Beatles, co-written with Big Big Train vocalist Alberto Bravin, will be published by Sonicbond in February 2025. Andrew lives in Rainow, Cheshire, UK. His website is: www.andrew-wild.co.uk.
All pre-orders received by 22nd June will be signed by Andrew Wild.
To request a review copy or to arrange an interview with Andrew Wild, please contact Roie Avin at roie.avin@royalavenuemedia.com.
*** Praise for A Mirror Of Dreams—The Progressive Rock Revival 1981 To 1983 “Andrew Wild’s book is an essential read.” – Johnny Sharp, Prog
“A hugely informative yet eminently readable book… gloriously written and lavishly illustrated.” – John Tucker, Record Collector (July 2024)
“[An] in-depth analysis, methodically researched.” – Chris Roberts, Classic Rock
“A book documenting something that has actually happened, something that was not just a blip on the radar, but something that touched the taste of a lot of people — that is an important book. The fluent writing and an interesting take of six bands travelling their own paths on the timeline, makes it such a wonderful read. This book made me feel like I was part of it.” – Jerry Van Kooten, DPRP.net
“To me, there is nothing interesting about reading a person who despises a variety of music writing about how much they dislike that style of music. Conversely, there’s plenty of interest to be had from a sympathetic writer going on a deep dive into something which they and you have a common interest in, and that’s what A Mirror of Dreams delivers in spades.” – Fake Geek Boy
“A Mirror Of Dreams is an ode to this progressive rock revival and to the youth of those who remember it… it’s a work of a love, a book from within the scene for people who remember the scene.” – Professor Martin Johnes, Buzz
“Andrew Wild has given us an extremely well-researched, well written and very readable account of how a much maligned genre was resurrected, if not from the dead, then from its deep slumber, telling us how and why musicianship, experimentation and pieces of music longer than three minutes once again found favour with fans” – Velvet Thunder
“This is a very well written book about a seldom-visited time with great music. Wild [has an] easy and never breathless style – [he] really knows his stuff.” – Fireworks
“This excellent exhaustively researched book gives an absorbing in depth account of the resurgence of prog in the UK in the early part of the 80’s. As well as providing a meticulously detailed overview of the scene as a whole, the author intertwines the histories of half a dozen influential key bands from the period who would all have their roles to play at the forefront of the burgeoning movement. A superb, comprehensive and dare I say definitive look at this era.” – The Afterword
“Written with a unique scholarly fandom, this story revolves around the Big Six (IQ, Marillion, Pallas, Pendragon, Solstice, Twelfth Night) who powered the 1980s revival and makes for a comprehensive compendium of those heady days. Some of the bands featured in this book went on to achieve amazing heights while others remain cult favourites. But whatever heights they attained, their stories have never been told with such chutzpah and sparkle.” – The Midland Rocks
“For all of us who were there or who’ve discovered the music subsequently, this is an absolute treasure.”- Andy Glass, Solstice
10th February 2025: Continuing the international success of the Mandoki Soulmates latest album, A Memory Of Our Future, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Vice President Jason Hanley invited Leslie Mandoki to the Rock Hall to celebrate 30 Years Of Soulmates in the motherland of rock music. We are thrilled to welcome Leslie Mandoki to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to commemorate 30 years of Mandoki Soulmates and their latest album, A Memory of Our Future, Hanley said, and honoured Mandoki’s oft-quoted maxim that music is the greatest unifier,” especially in this “labyrinth of crises where the compass has seemingly been lost.”
This Thursday evening in the Theater of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland became one of those memorable magical moments: During an evening of stories, film and music, the audience was treated to a look behind the scenes in the new film Mandoki Soulmates Inside Sound, shown here for the first time. The legendary musicians in the Soulmates are seen recording in the studio and playing live on stage; we see what backstage life is like and learn about the nearly-lost art of creating an entire album using a completely analog process, from first note to final vinyl LP. The film was followed by a Q&A with Leslie Mandoki, a devotee and master of analogue recordings, which he views as a way to honour his fans, saying he insists on their quality to send a handwritten love letter to our audiencenot a text message. In addition, many fascinating stories about playing with the Soulmates over 30 years were recounted, including tales of band and Rock Hall members Chaka Khan, and the late Jack Bruce and Jon Lord.
Mandoki expressed his very personal gratitude to the Rock Hall and the audience: What an honor be here in the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and to present our new album A Memory Of Our Future here. My father was right when he told me on his deathbed Don’t dream your life, live your dream. I was 15 years old, and that became my lifes motto.
Leslie Mandoki’s own story begins with his escape from behind the Iron Curtain to pursue freedom of musical expression, which eventually led to his work as a producer for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees including Phil Collins, Chaka Khan, and Lionel Richie, as well as working in key roles with icons of rock music such as Eric Burdon, Jon Lord, Robin Gibb, and Peter Frampton, as well as Jennifer Rush und Bonnie Tyler, and ultimately to the founding of the Mandoki Soulmates band. This virtuosic meeting of musical minds has been rightly called a band of bandleaders, and Leslie has become known as the Hungarian Quincy Jones, dubbed thusly by Steve Lukather and Al Di Meola. Younger Soulmate, bassist Richard Bona, explains: Leslie and Quincy have the same kind of essence to pull out forces and put them together to get to this result. So, its a wonderful gift hes got. The late, great Jack Bruce compared this ability to unite different characters in the band, both humanly and musically, with Duke Ellington.
In 1992, Ian Anderson, Jack Bruce and Al Di Meola became founding members of what, until then, was Leslie Mandoki’s project band, Mandoki Soulmates. Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) describes Leslie as the master chef in the kitchen, mixing all these exotic spices and mystical musical influences together. He is a great musician and its very rare that you get good musicians and good record producers in one person. He is the mastermind, we just turn up for work. Over the years, Leslie has continued to bring new musicians into the fold, and the Soulmates have developed into a unique supergroup with 13 albums, several live DVDs, Blu-rays, and countless concerts worldwide. The result of all this was once summed up by Greg Lake (Emerson, Lake & Palmer) who simply described the Soulmates as one of the best bands you will ever hear.
Mandoki’s vision for the Soulmates band is to bring progressive jazz-rock back to sociopolitical relevance. For him, music has always been an expression of freedom. With intellectual, poetic lyrics, the band takes a stand on sociopolitical change. Even after more than 30 years, the Mandoki Soulmates prove that they are one of the most creative and committed bands of our time. A Memory Of Our Future impresses not only with its musical brilliance, but also with its profound messages that encourage and unite us in a challenging world. As Supertramp saxophonist and Mandoki Soulmates member John Helliwell tells it, Leslie is a bona fide rock star who travels in the circles of presidents and prime ministersMikhail Gorbachev called Leslie my old friend and told him that rock and roll was instrumental in tearing down what Churchill called the Iron Curtain. Leslies whole story, which he tells through his music, is about escaping oppression and standing up for freedom and for this he was honoured by Henry Kissinger.
Mandoki explains: In these trying times, when the bridge-builders in our society are missing or ineffective, we artists have a responsibility to respectfully, and with humility, give something back to the audience for their decades of love, and for carrying us in their hands forward to this day.
Especially in New York, where I’ve recently spent much time, A Memory Of Our Future is getting traction with American media as one of the most important albums of the year. At the Times Square billboard in New York City, our album cover beamed at me with the caption Modern Day Masterpiece. The black swan cover image is an eye-catcher, and is prominently displayed in the trendy record stores in New York and Londonand it literally shone like a light at the end of the tunnel for my Soulmate John Helliwell and me from the LED wall in Londons Waterloo Station. The euphoric reviews, especially from America, really touch me: I fled to the West through the Iron Curtain as a young musician almost 50 years ago, so this is a realisation of a dream. As a teenager in the East, I was immensely proud of my seventh-generation tape copy of a copy of a copy (etc.) of a Jethro Tull album that I played (in mono) on my Tesla brand tape recorder. I dreamed that one day my own records would be presented in the legendary HMV flagship record store on Londons Oxford Street. Soulmates founding member Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull says, looking back on Leslie Mandokis story, Leslie often thinks of himself as a refugee, escaping from something disagreeable and leaving the past behind. But I prefer to think of Leslie as one who arrives in a new place, with new resolve, new commitment, new optimism.
As is customary at events like this at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, after the main event, Mandoki met the enthusiastic audience members, talking with them and signing CDs, LPs, and the 30 Years of Mandoki Soulmates Tour Book until late in the evening.
Italian prog band Overture will be releasing their new single “Bagliori” on February 21st, 2025 the single is from the upcoming album A mezz’aria sul tempo, due out via Melodic Revolution Records later this year.
About “Bagliori” 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.
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