The John Hackett Band embodies the spirit of progressive rock. From John’s pastoral flute textures, through the funky interplay between drummer Duncan Parsons and bassist Jeremy Richardson to the intricacies of Nick Fletcher’s lead guitar the group embrace pop, rock, jazz, classical, funk and all stops in-between, from the tenderest of ballads to hair-raising
instrumental workouts!
John Hackett has been a much-loved and admired figure in the progressive rock scene since the mid-70’s; best-known for his flute work with his brother, former Genesis guitarist, Steve Hackett on albums such as Voyage of The Acolyte, Sketches of Satie and Please Don’t Touch, alongside his own solo albums Checking Out Of London, Another Life
John Mitchell is an English musician, songwriter and record producer. A multi-instrumentalist who predominantly sings and plays guitar, Mitchell is a member of several popular progressive rock bands, including Frost*, It Bites and Arena. John releases his solo music under the pseudonym Lonely Robot. John also masterminded the bands Kino and The Urbane and played bass for alternative rock band A. John has performed live with the likes of John Wetton (Asia) and Martin Barre (Jethro Tull) to name a few.
Last Night of the Progs FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/871165237977396 First Night of the Progs FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/334250666382614
Manuel Barbará, an acclaimed metal guitarist and composer, is pleased to announce the release of his new video for the single “Whisper in a Storm”. The track, featuring Thalia Tymowski of Among the Stars and guitarist Millisa Henderson, is the title track from Barbará’s latest EP, released on September 13, 2024. He comments on the collaboration:
“I’ve wanted to have Thalia Tymowski sing a song of mine ever since I met her in 2020. I’m super happy to be able to feature her on something as cool as this. It was very satisfying to pour my fascination with Cyberpunk into a song with Thalia’s help and Millisa’s guest solo at the end made me nervous to record mine.”
Barbará continues to explain that “Whisper in a Storm” is the most “traditional” of the four songs with a typical verse-chorus structure. It still features odd expanding and contracting rhythms and huge stacks of guitars with Tymowski’s powerful voice tying the whole thing together. The final bridge gives way to two melodic guitar solos and a final, crushing riff.
Inspired by the Cyberpunk genre and specifically the film “Blade Runner”, the single showcases Barbará‘s ability to weave complex narratives through instrumental music. His fascination with Cyberpunk as a genre grew out of a few authors in the 80s reinventing the noir genre to talk about the political, social, economic, and scientific shifts that were happening at the time.
The collaboration with Tymowski on vocals adds a new dimension to Barbará‘s typically instrumental approach and is recommended for fans of Keith Merrow, Monuments, and Meshuggah.
Watch and listen to the music video for “Whisper in a Storm” via its premiere on V13 HERE.
Track Listing: 1. Dead Hand (feat. Jody Miller) – 5:43 2. A Different Horizon (feat. Jake Howsam Lowe) – 5:49 3. Aphelion (feat. Michael Nystrom Bala) – 4:13 4. Whisper in a Storm (feat. Thalia Tymowski & Millisa Henderson) – 4:51 5. Whisper in a Storm (instrumental) – 4:51 EP Length: 24:42
“the song (A Different Horizon (feat. Jake Howsam Lowe (Plini)) blends metal heaviness and classical music concepts to create something intricate, unique, and highly technical.” – Decibel Magazine “Berklee trained and steeped in metal music, composing, and shredding, the EP (Whisper in the Storm) is going to unite die-hard metal fans and guitar geeks alike. The first single off this EP is “Dead Hand,” which features Jody Miller, a renowned violinist in the video game music scene.” – Ghost Cult Magazine “If a sophisticated and often elegant variety of mainly instrumental progressive metal is a subject matter of particular interest, and you are fond of such creations exploring the entire span from gentle and melodic all the way towards the extreme, then you will find this EP quite the rewarding experience I’d imagine.” – Progressor “When I came across New Jersey based guitarist and composer Manuel Barbará and his solo debut album “Moonrise” in 2021, I saw myself blown away by his modern instrumental style, combining mighty heaviness with dreamful electronic sounds. Finding inspiration in a wide range of classical, neoclassical as well as contemporary artists and bands, his new EP, “Whisper in a Storm”, lines up here as well, offering epic shredding within a spacey atmosphere fitting to the Blade Runner theme. While the playing is highly sophisticated and not an easy listen due to its dissonance and complexity, there’s still this djenty grooviness that keeps me vibing with it. Recommended ffo modern Progmetal in the veins of Tesseract, Periphery and Meshuggah.” – The ProgSpace “It is no surprise that a composer and big-time guitar player as Manuel Barbará took care of everything on “Whisper in a Storm”: all songs were written and (almost) performed only by Manuel Barbará, and produced and promoted all by himself. The result of Barbará’s musical expertise resonates throughout all the sequences of this musical journey on “Whisper in a Storm”, full of guitar solos and complex string instrument arrangements and impressive drum tempo and captivating Djent riffs. But the cleverness of “Whisper in a Storm” is on the other side of the coin. Even though “Whisper in a Storm” is grounded by lavishing on melodies which are composed in the high level of mastery of Barbará, the fact is that “Whispers in Storm” brings to us five palatable songs. I guess that Manuel Barbará’s main goal was not only to mesmerize guitar-students-amazed-by-complex-solos-lovers on “Whisper in a Storm”, but also to relate with people who love just to listen to good songs. The Progressive harmonies on “Whisper in a Storm” seem to stroll by guitar riffs, with synchronized tempo that resembles experimental Metal bands like Tesseract and Devin Townsend, and shredders players as Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai. 10/10” – Ever-Metal “Prog metal, with a pinch of metal/deathcore musically” – Moshpit Radio 89.9FM WORT (Madison, WI)
The song “LOVE CRAFT” is track 10 of 10 stellar compositions on CLOUD OVER JUPITER’s fourth studio release, Atomic Jupiter, out now via Melodic Revolution Records. Led by multi-instrumentalist Jerry King and featuring long-time Jupiter member Michele King, the music boldly explores the future of progressive rock, moving from lush orchestrations to unveiling a mesmerizing sonic world filled with Lovecraftian horrors.
Production Notes: The album was arranged and written by Jerry King, with this track co-written by Jerry King, Michele King, and Dave Newhouse. Performers include Fred Hodshon on bass and synth bass, George Newhouse on drums and percussion, Michele King on vocals, Dave Newhouse on lyrics, vocals, keys, horns, and synths, and Jerry King on all guitars.
Produced and arranged by Jerry King, Atomic Jupiter was mixed and mastered at The Rec. Room by Ian Beabout. The album features striking artwork by Dan Sauer Design and is dedicated to the memory of Ric Parnell, who passed away in May 2022.
{The video, created by Thornswrath, utilizes NASA imagery through their Creative Commons distribution. All still images are courtesy of NASA/public domain/Creative Commons license, with animated sequences generated on DDG by Shaun Lawton’s Deep Dreamer. Special thanks to Jerry King for the opportunity to create a video that elevates the music to a new dimension. Stay tuned for the next video!}
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
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