Dawnwalker’s forthcoming 6th album, The Unknowingdraws from influences of classic prog, art-rock and current day pop. The Unknowing follows their widely acclaimed 2022 album House Of Sand, inviting talented new players from Pupil Slicer, Deathbloom, Lure In plus flautist Bella Band to create an experience which is lively, epic, spooky and heartfelt in equal measure. The Unknowing has been specially recorded across three studios favouring vintage analogue equipment, natural performances, and minimal edits or overdubs in the vein of their prog heroes. The album has been co-recorded at Holy Mountain in London, as well as with Joe Clayton (Pijn) and Scott McLean (HealthyLiving, Ashenspire). The Unknowing explores deep themes of trying to understand our place in the universe.
THE UNKNOWING 1. Thema Mundi [4:10] 2. Capricorn [4:07] 3. Novus Homo [3:41] 4. Heaven & Earth [5:19] 5. Mirrorpool [3:16] 6. Sword Of Spirit [4:55] 7. Cancer (Rising) [4:26] 8. Fall To Earth [4:17] 9. The Law [3:58]
UNDERGROUND CONTEMPORARY PROG DARLINGS DAWNWALKER DAZZLE WITH THEIR LATEST OPUS THE UNKNOWING
For the past twelve years, underground British progressive champions DAWNWALKER have built up an impressive and explorative discography see-sawing between the fringes of metal and rock, with no two records helming a similar approach. Remaining triumphantly independent, the visionary project of Mark Norgate has blossomed from their origins as a collaborative studio project into a revered live entity. Once again, Dawnwalker re-invent themselves with a new cast of talented musicians for their sixth observation – THE UNKNOWING– a concept album meditating on grand themes concerning our shared search for belonging, and our desire to know our place in this vast, hostile and unknowable universe. “Dawnwalker absolutely nail their unique sound. That sense of beauty in dreadfulness, and it’s a journey well worth taking.”
~ Angry Metal Guy
Conceived across three recording studios and featuring exciting new players, Dawnwalker’s sixth album The Unknowing finds a sharply tuned focus on songwriting, harmony and sonic finesse. Joining mastermind and guiding light Mark Norgate are seasoned talents including Luke Fabian (ex-Pupil Slicer) on bass, Chris J. Allan (ex-Malefice) on drums, flautist Bella Band, and vocalist Sofia Sourianou (Deathbloom, Lure In) bolstering Norgate’s lead voice with wonderful counter harmonies. Recorded largely by Stanley Gravett at Holy Mountain Studios (which has helmed records by Idles, Jane Weaver, Spiritualized, Green Lung and many more), additional sessions also took place with Joe Clayton (Pijn, Leeched) at Manchester’s No Studio (Mastiff, Mountain Caller, Ithaca) and with Scott McLean (Ashenspire, HealthyLiving) at Neon Fable Studios in Edinburgh – all captured with organic approaches, minimal edits, and a vintage analogue sound in the spirit of prog’s original heroes, favouring naturalistic performances without click-tracks. Through shaking up their methodology more than ever, these risks have rewarded Dawnwalker with one of their most consistent and cohesive offerings to date. “An extended kaleidoscope of clashing crescendos suspended in a constant state of flux.“
~ Pit Of Plagues
With no ten minute epics and no ambient interludes, The Unknowing is a concise single LP disc experience built from nine individually memorable tracks, with only one breaking the five minute mark. In Mark Norgate’s own words, The Unknowing is “a conscious move away from post-metal towards something spacier and more progressive; and probably more pop too.” Hitting the nail on the head, these songs are proggy without being indulgent, challenging without being overly complex, catchy and melodious with enough weird and off-kilter moments. A progressive rock sound, but with a bubbling metallic DNA intact. A boiling pot of great contradictions and contrasting flavours falling sweetly into place. Norgate prepared for the writing of the album researching and meeting with mystics, Tarot readers and astrologers, driven by a divine desire to trace humanity’s evergoing ways of understanding the hands of time, the cosmos, and where we fit into that space.
“…[
Dawnwalker] reinvent themselves while maintaining a distinctive and consistent identity. There’s a classiness and scholarliness to it all that keeps you coming back for more.”~ Metal Injection
Each of these nine tracks expresses a yearning and an ever present search, which is reflected sonically with a brighter sound palette than on any previous records. The album begins with Sofia Sourianou’s siren-like voice luring in the listener as glistening piano and soft spattering drums set the scene on opener ‘Thema Mundi’. ‘Capricorn’acts as a mantra for the entire record with its chorus, “Called forth on that lonely road, / March on further into the unknown”as a dramatic organ stutters alongside swirling, crunchy guitars. ‘Mirrorpool’ is a dynamic and eerie centrepiece showcasing two complimenting voices weaving around each other. ‘Sword Of Spirit’ and lead single ‘Cancer (Rising)’ are amongst Dawnwalker’s most jaunty and energetic tracks, whilst the irresistible ‘Fall To Earth’ is a straight up headbanging air guitar rager. The Unknowing is yet another spectacular and engrossing entry into the lore of Dawnwalker, presenting them at their most spacious and detailed. Dawnwalker sound full of adventure and whimsy, neatly capturing a pastoral playfulness, whilst keeping their occult and folklore influenced spirit intact.
“The album deals with grand themes that we’ve been reaching for throughout our whole discography. It is a doomed attempt to solve the grand mysteries of existence that pays homage to so many astrologers, soothsayers, mystics, faith healers, cult leaders and charlatans. It’s about the attainment of knowledge, but also an acceptance of a kind of un-knowing, making peace with your own insignificance in the grand scheme of the universe and yet still being able to gaze in wonder at it all.” ~ Mark Norgate, Dawnwalker
FFO: PORCUPINE TREE, PETER GABRIEL, OPETH, ENGLISH TEACHER, ANATHEMA.
Dawnwalker continue to build their legacy independently and will self-release The Unknowing on October 18th in-house on classic black Vinyl, plus a limited blue marbled vinyl variant. The striking and gothic painted cover art depicts a Victorian astrologer, completing a beautiful and thorough album package evoking the themes of the songs within. Collaborating with House Of Sand artist Mitchell Nolte once again, The Unknowing is a relic for record collectors. In late 2023, Dawnwalker completed a short double-headlining UK tour with HealthyLiving, initiating some of this new recording line-up ahead of the album writing and studio process. The band have also shared stages with the likes of <Bruit, Sacred Son, Bodies On Everest, Sugar Horse, Novere, and more. Their malleable sound and adventurous subgenre melds have confidently seen Dawnwalker nestle comfortably within progressive rock, post-metal, experimental and heavy music scenes.Dawnwalker will celebrate the album’s launch with a hometown show at Islington’s Hope & Anchor on December 15th, with ambitions for bigger support slots and festival appearances in 2025.
THE UNKNOWING IS AVAILABLE FOR IMMEDIATE COVERAGE.
WE HOPE YOU ENJOY AND LOOK FORWARD TO READING YOUR THOUGHTS.CREDITS Written and performed by Dawnwalker. Music and lyrics by Mark Norgate. Recorded and engineered by Stanley Gravett at Holy Mountain Studios, London. Vocals recorded by Joe Clayton at No Studio, Manchester. Mixing and overdubs by Scott McLean at Neon Fable Studios, Edinburgh. Additional editing by Joe Clayton. Mastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege. Melody and Greek lyrics on ‘Mirrorpool’ by Sofia Sourianou. Cover art by Mitchell Nolte. Live photography by Oculus Sinistra.
DAWNWALKER (2024)Mark Norgate – Vocals, guitar and keyboards Luke Fabian – Bass Chris J. Allan – Drums and percussion Sofia Sourianou – Vocals Bella Band – Flute
PREVIOUS DISCOGRAPHY XIII (Redux) – Album – 2012 Dawnwalker – EP – 2014 In Rooms – Album – 2016
Mandala – EP – 2017 Human Ruins – Album – 2018 Crestfallen – EP – 2020 Ages – Album – 2020 House Of Sand – Album – 2022
Robeone is releasing his eighth album, “Optimistica” with the title cut as its music video on September 27, 2024. (The music video will be out on September 24). “The theme of the record is being optimistic in these crazy times. The music is to carry you away from all the negativity and bickering.
“Optimistica” is a jazzy tune with upbeat and fun instrumentals. “My hope is for it to carry the listeners away from their troubles.”
The music video for “Optimistica,” which also goes live on September 27, was created by Blake Carpenter, who produced past two other videos –“Broken Days” and “Peace A Dream”—from the album. The video offers insight into Robeone’s personality, with two of his passions—playing keyboards and watching dozens of dogs play outdoors. “I love animals,” he says, “I have three dogs and am fostering three others.” Watch the “Optimistica” music video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfOnzDsed4c
The “Optimistica” album, which is instrumental using 11 different keyboards, is inspired by a range of his emotions and experiences. The tender piano-led “Billie’s Heart” is dedicated to his wife for 50 years of service at her job at the community hospital. The bluesy “Possibly Blue” remembers Robeone’s friend Rhett Tyler, an amazing guitar man, who recently passed.
Reflective instrumentals about our times are “Broken Days” where he wails his keyboards, and “Peace a Dream” offers an introspective tempo. Robeone lets loose in “No Clue.” The last composition on “Optimistica” is “Colors,” which he says, “is to leave you in peace and calmness.”
Like all of Robeone’s previous releases, 100% of the sales go to the Bob Moog Foundation. The CD and Vinyl versions have a QR code for donations, and Robeone is “making T Shirts with the QR code on the back!” In addition to having a space at the Moogseum in Asheville, NC, “Optimistica” is available through Bandwagon USA and Bandcamp.
He will be performing at ProgStock, in Rutherford, NJ, this October 18-20. Also he’s curating outdoor performances and premiering the album in person for the first time.
Robeone (aka Robert Schindler) has been recording since the early 1970s. He’s worked with notables Ronnie Spector and for Johnny Nash when “I Can See Clearly Now” was a hit. He played with progressive rockers Mayson on Bearsville Records, pop rock acts The States on Chrysalis and Boardwalk Records. He’s in the progressive rock group ZOOM with Paul Landry on New Age Music Planet Records. Recently he recorded with two different Melodic Revolution Records’ artists Tony Romero’s Vortex and Joe Mac’s American Garage. He’s played live at a number of Festivals—most recently ProgStock and RosFest. Robert also worked on the award-winning soundtrack to “The Fiery Narrows – Following the Path of John Charles Fremont.”
Keyboards Used on “Optimistica”:
Moog Subsequent 37
Mellotron M4000D
Roli Seaboard
Expressive_e Osmose
Yamaha S80
ASM Hydrasynth
Kurtzweil Artis
Korg M3
Roland AX-Edge
Technics KN7000
Kurtzweil K2000
“Optimistica” Track Listing
Billie’s Heart 7:58 Broken Days 5:11 No Clue 3:56 Optimistica 6:11 Peace A Dream 5:22 Possibly Blue 5:07 Colors 6:10
All Songs Copyright Robeone Music BMI 2024 Transglobal Records
Progressive, psychedelic rock pioneers Gong have announced a new special edition of their highly praised 2023 release Unending Ascending today. The new release, a CD package with an 8-page booklet, includes 6 previously unreleased bonus tracks recorded live from the band’s superb 2024 show at Edinburgh’s Summerhall as part of the ‘Gong + Ozric Tentacles UK Tour’.
The release coincides with Gong’s extensive late-2024 North American & European tour which will see them play shows across the USA, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Poland, amongst others. “It’s been a long time coming but, following the release of Unending Ascending, Gong are delighted to be playing in the US. No minds left unblown or else” says Kavus Torabi.
“Cosmic rock of the highest order” – PROG
“If Unending Ascending is your first time encountering Gong, this is a spectacular introduction” – LOUDER THAN WAR
GONG UPCOMING SHOWS 15/08 Woodstock Forever ’24, Eisfeld – DE 16/08 The Forum, Tunbridge Wells – UK 17/08 A New Day Festival, Hernhill – UK 24/09 Chapel at Muhlenberg College, Allentown PA – USA 25/09 The Southern Music Hall, Charlottesville VA – USA 26/09 King’s Raleigh, Raleigh NC – USA 27/09 The Grey Eagle, Asheville NC – USA 28/09 Mockingbird Theater, Franklin TN – USA 30/09 The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids MI – USA 01/10 Reggie’s, Chicago IL – USA 02/10 Shank Hall, Milwaukee WI – USA 03/10 Token Lounge, Detroit, Westland MI – USA 04/10 Ludlow Garage, Cincinnati OH – USA 05/10 Irving Theater, Indianapolis IN – USA 06/10 Beachland Ballroom, Cleveland OH – USA 09/10 75 Stutson Street Auditorium Stage, Rochester NY – USA 10/10 Homer Arts Center, Homer NY – USA 14/10 Space Ballroom, Hamden CT – USA 15/10 The Iron Horse, Northampton MA – USA 17/10 The Strand Theater, Hudson Falls NY – USA 19/10 Orion Studios, Baltimore MD – USA 20/10 Progstock Festival @ Williams Center, Rutherford NJ – USA 07/11 O13, Tilburg – NL 08/11 Boerderij, Zoetermeer – NL 10/11 MS Stubnitz, Hamburg – DE 11/11 Hotel Cecil, Copenhagen – DK 12/11 Babel, Malmö – SE 13/11 Musikens Hus, Goteborg – SE 15/11 Debaser, Stockholm – SE 16/11 Rockland, Sala – SE 18/11 Validi Karkia Club, Pori – FI 19/11 Louhisali, Espoo – FI 21/11 Hybrydy, Warsaw – PL 22/11 Kuźnia, Bydgoszcz – PL 23/11 CK Zamek, Poznan – PL 24/11 Rialto, Katowice – PL 26/11 Kofferfabrik, Fürth – DE 27/11 KuBa, Jena – DE 28/11 Akropolis, Prague – CZ 29/11 Kino Ebensee, Ebensee – AT 30/11 Porgy & Bess, Vienna – AT 03/12 Backstage, Munich – DE 04/12 Das Rind, Rüsselsheim – DE 05/12 Jubez, Karlsruhe – DE 06/12 Cafe de la Danse, Paris – FR 07/12 Le Grillen, Colmar – FR 09/12 Harmonie, Bonn – DE
The universe of Gong began in 1969 when visionary Daevid Allen was inspired by a profound psychedelic vision. A founder member of Soft Machine, Allen incorporated his spiritual and metaphysical leanings into an evolving collective. More a mythology than a band in the conventional sense, Gong established itself as one of the most unique, innovative, and experimental rock groups of the seventies, through an exploratory mix of rock, jazz and psychedelia with elements of mysticism and surrealism, unafraid to deliver its messages directly, obliquely or whimsically.
The current incarnation, who were put together by Daevid for his swansong album with Gong, I See You, honour his intention that Gong do not die with him, urging the band to “carry it on into new unknown heights and depths far beyond anything I could ever imagine myself”.
Photo credit – Layla Burrows
The current lineup of Kavus Torabi, Dave Sturt, Fabio Golfetti, Ian East and Cheb Nettles is the most stable in Gong’s illustrious history, having written, recorded and toured together for eight years since Allen’s passing. A dynamic, powerful and explosive live band, their music draws from the credo of the original Gong while remaining committed to pushing the composition, performances and message into new realms, paying no mind to nostalgia.
The Unending AscendingSpecial Edition will be released on Kscope on 27th September on digipak CD with an 8-page booklet. Pre-order:https://gong.lnk.to/UA_special_edition
Acclaimed musician Leon Alvarado is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of the official video for the title track of his critically praised album, “The Changing Tide.” Set to premiere on Friday, September 20th, the video showcases mesmerizing visual sequences created by video artist Nuutti Kataja, marking an exciting collaboration between the two artists.
Reflecting on the new project, Alvarado shares, “In my previous video, we explored some really immersive imagery, where viewers felt as though they were stepping into a surrealistic painting. For this new video, I wanted to push the boundaries even further by blending a more realistic feel within a fantastical setting. Nuutti and I worked closely on gathering reference material and discussing different approaches to bring the scenes to life. When we ran some initial tests, I knew we were onto something special. The final sequences are stunning and flow seamlessly with the music. Nuutti did an outstanding job translating our vision into a visual masterpiece.”
Alvarado also commented on the use of modern technology in the creative process: “There’s a lot of debate around artificial intelligence, but I believe that when used properly, it can enable incredible visuals that might otherwise be prohibitively expensive to achieve. In the right hands, it can be a powerful tool for creativity.”
Musically, the video highlights Alvarado takes on drums, keyboards, and bass, while Edoardo Scordo, guitarist from Brit Floyd, lends his skill on guitar and slide guitar. The track was mixed and produced by Alvarado, with final mastering by renowned engineer Maor Appelbaum.
Fans of Alvarado and new listeners alike can look forward to the innovative blend of music and visuals in this highly anticipated video release.
THE CHANGING TIDE Video Release date: September 20, 2024
Credits: Leon Alvarado: Drums, Keyboards Bass & Effects Edoardo Scordo: Guitars and slide Guitar Produced and mixed by Leon AlvaradoMastered by Maor AppelbaumA.I. Video sequences by Nuutti Kataja. Editing by Nuutti Kataja and Leon AlvaradoTitles by Synergy Design Record on: Melodic Revolution Records
About Leon Alvarado: Leon Alvarado is a progressive rock artist known for his innovative fusion of electronic and rock music. Over the course of more than two decades, Alvarado has consistently demonstrated his ingenuity as a musician, constantly expanding the horizons of his artistic vision with each successive project. His repertoire boasts collaborations with esteemed figures in the Prog rock scene, earning him widespread acclaim and nurturing a devoted fan base worldwide. Beyond his own musical creations, Leon frequently collaborates with bands and promoters, channeling his artistic skills into crafting fascinating album covers and promotional tour materials.
UK underground progressive champions Dawnwalker unveil their latest opus The Unknowing. Helmed by mastermind and songwriter Mark Norgate, The Unknowing features an exciting new cast of players including Luke Fabian (ex-Pupil Slicer), Sofia Sourianou (Deathbloom, Lure In), Chris J Allan (ex-Malefice) and flautist Bella Band. Conceived across three studio albums, The Unknowing promises a sharply tuned focus on songwriting, harmony and sonic finesse through a new found foray into heavy, art-rock flavoured songs.
Main songwriter Mark Norgate hints that “T he album deals with grand themes that we’ve been reaching for throughout our whole discography; a conscious move away from post-metal towards something spacier and more progressive; and probably more pop too.” The Unknowing promises to challenge fans and listeners as a concept album meditating on grand themes concerning our shared search for belonging, and our desire to know our place in this vast, hostile and unknowable universe.
Following their widely acclaimed fifth album House Of Sand, Dawnwalker continue to build their legacy independently and will self-release The Unknowing on October 18th in-house on classic black Vinyl, plus a limited blue marbled vinyl variant, making The Unknowing is a relic for record collectors. In late 2023, Dawnwalker completed a short double-headlining UK tour with HealthyLiving, initiating some of this new recording line-up ahead of the album writing and studio process. The band have also shared stages with the likes of <Bruit, Sacred Son, Bodies On Everest, Sugar Horse, Novere, and more.
Progressive rock band Joe Deninzon & Stratospheerius spent six years making their sixth album, “Impostor!” due on 7d Media (City Hall Distribution) on October 11, 2024. The songs share stories of emotional battles Joe has observed in his life and the outside world.
“Sometimes you write a bunch of songs and don’t see the thread that binds them together until they are all on one album.”
“Impostor!” is being released 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).
Now the band are pleased to share the video for the new single “Outrage Olympics”. Watch the video here:
“‘Outrage Olympics’ criticizes cancel culture. It shows both the world at large and his band being spied upon by drones and cameras in a present-day dystopia.”
‘Impostor!’ features many outstanding guests and tackles a number of topics. “Cognitive Dissonance” features guest vocals from Randy McStine (Steven Wilson, Porcupine Tree) explores how religious intolerance destroys childhood friendships. “Storm Surge” explores anxiety and features some legends in the prog world, including pianist/flautist Rachel Flowers, guitarist Fernando Perdomo (“Echo in the Canyon,” Jacob Dylan, Carmine Appice), and Saga vocalist Michael Sadler, who co-wrote the song with Joe and the group’s drummer Jason Gianni. Inspired by Friedrich Burgmuller’s 19th century piano piece, “L’Orage (the Storm).”
The title track addresses impostor syndrome and the epic “Chasing the Dragon” about “ unrealized dreams and expectations, ‘Are we ever satisfied?’ The dragon represents that elusive goal, always just out of reach.” The song features guest vocalist Chloe Lowery (Trans-Siberian Orchestra).
The album also includes the Jean Luc Ponty/Jerry Goodman-inspired instrumentals “Voodoo Vortex Part I & II.” The song title, “Tripping the Merry-Go-Round” is taken from Bruce Springsteen’s lyric in “Blinded by the Light.” Joe performs most of the acoustic strings and describes the song; “If Gentle Giant wrote ‘Eleanor Rigby.’ It’s a snapshot of a long relationship where the ‘merry-go-round’ of life keeps people from making adequate time for each other.”
Stratospheerius also covers King Crimson’s “Frame by Frame” with backup vocals from Val Vigoda (Groovelilly).
Joe’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.” Looks like all that “dragon chasing” paid off for Joe and his bandmates!
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