Time Horizon’s Forthcoming Documentary, Countdown to a Better Day is Making Waves on the Film Festival Circuit

Time Horizon’s forthcoming documentary, Countdown to a Better Day, produced by the acclaimed U.S. AOR Melodic Progressive Rock band, continues to gain recognition on the international film festival circuit.

The film has already received awards from both the Christian Family Film Festival and Cinemafest, and was recently accepted as a contender into the prestigious Atlanta Christian Film Festival.

Countdown to a Better Day is a compelling live documentary chronicling the creative journey behind the band’s third and most ambitious release to date, The Power of Three. The film features dynamic live performances, in-depth interviews, and special guest appearances by renowned artists Michael Sadler (SAGA) and Michael Manring (Michael Hedges).

Watch “Countdown to a Better DayTrailer Here

Production Details:

Filmed at Mauman Studios
Presented by Mauman Studios Presents
A Cross Promotions Production, in association with Time Horizon
Director of Photography: Brenton Ekstrand
Executive Producers: Clark Langon & David Bradley Mau
Co-Executive Producers: Ralph Otteson, Allen White & David Miller
Producers: Brenton Ekstrand & Bethany Ekstrand

About Time Horizon

Time Horizon is a Christian progressive AOR rock band from Northern California, known for blending melodic rock, symphonic textures, and spiritually uplifting themes into a compelling modern prog sound. Founded by Ralph Otteson, a keyboardist and songwriter with a passion for creating music with a message, the band was formed to deliver songs that are both musically adventurous and faith-affirming.

Time Horizon draws inspiration from classic prog giants like Yes, Genesis, and Neal Morse, while forging their own identity through rich vocal harmonies, layered synths, and dynamic, odd-metered compositions. Their music strikes a unique balance between instrumentation, memorable vocal melodies, and catchy rhythmic structures, resulting in a sound that is at once familiar and distinctly their own.

Rooted in the spirit of timeless progressive rock, yet forward-thinking in execution, Time Horizon continues to craft songs that resonate with both the heart and the mind.

Time Horizon is…

David Mau: Lead Vocals and support keys
Ralph Otteson: Keyboards, background vocals
Bruce Gaetke: Drums, lead and background vocals
Allen White: Electric and acoustic bass
David Miller: Electric and acoustic guitars
Michael Gregory: Lead electric guitar

Musical Characteristics

  • Lush keyboard arrangements
  • Soaring guitar solos
  • Uplifting lyrical themes
  • Tight vocal harmonies
  • Spiritual and philosophical storytelling

Collaborations and Community

Time Horizon is respected in the Christian and progressive rock circles. They have collaborated with artists connected to bands like Saga, Emerald City Council, BlissBliss, Yes, Glass Hammer and Michael Hedges. Their music is often featured on progressive rock radio.

Time Horizon Releases

1. Living Water (2011)

Time Horizon’s debut album introduced their unique blend of melodic progressive rock infused with Christian themes. Living Water features uplifting lyrics, soaring melodies, and intricate arrangements. The album drew comparisons to bands like Neal Morse and early Kansas for its spiritually themed content and symphonic rock sound.

2. Transitions (2015)

A powerful sophomore release, Transitions expanded on the band’s signature style with more refined production and songwriting depth. The album showcased strong vocal harmonies, thoughtful lyrics, and dynamic musical interplay. Highlights include collaborations with guest artists from the prog scene, cementing their reputation in the Christian prog rock community.

3. Power of Three (2022)

Marking a new era, Power of Three featured a fresh lineup and an even more polished sound. The album continued the tradition of faith-centered lyrics wrapped in sophisticated musical arrangements, incorporating AOR and symphonic influences. Standout tracks blend uplifting messages with radio-friendly accessibility and progressive complexity.

4. New Album (TBA)
The Band has confirmed that they have many demos in the can and are working on their yet to be titled follow-up to the highly acclaimed album “Power of Three” released in 22′

Time Horizon listen, purchase, watch and discover links
https://httpsmrrmusiccom.lsnto.me/timehorizon

Cross Promotion
https://crosspromoter.com/

Mauman Studios
https://maumanstudios.com/

Melodic Revolution Records
https://li.sten.to/mrrmusiccom

French progressive metal band Altesia announce new album ‘The Somnambulist’ & first single “Her Ghost In Limbo”

Formed in 2019, French progressive metal band Altesia have built a loyal following with the acclaimed albums ‘Paragon Circus’ (2019) and ‘Embryo’ (2021). Now, the band presents its most ambitious work to date with the exciting, immersive, and visceral third album, ‘The Somnambulist,’ out June 13, 2025.

The band has long embraced the idea of playing music without labels or boundaries, but ‘The Somnambulist’ is undoubtedly the album that best embodies this vision.

“This album is undoubtedly our most accomplished, collective, and diverse work to date. Every note, every interpretation, every silence, has been thought out and discussed. It marks a turning point in our history as it allowed us to rethink the way we composed music until now, and it lays the groundwork for years to come,” says Clément Darrieu (vocals – guitar).

The band are pleased to share the stunning first single “Her Ghost in Limbo”.
You can watch the video, directed by Yann Evrard, here:

While the musical atmosphere of a song usually influences its lyrics, the band pushed itself to innovate in its compositional approach. “We gathered to write the concept of the album in a sequenced manner, each song acting as a chapter in the story and embodying an emotion, a mindset of the character at that particular moment. For the first time, it was the theme of each song that influenced the music, and this new approach turned out to be thrilling.” adds Clément Darrieu.

 “All five of us listen to a lot of different genres, and it’s natural for us to incorporate our various influences into our music. The prog side allows us to bridge all these universes, even if some are completely different. For example, on ‘The Somnambulist Pt.2’, you’ll find black metal transitioning into bluegrass, Latin sounds, and many other things. We have a blast playing this music without imposing any limits on ourselves to push our creative boundaries.” concludes Darrieu.

Track List
1. ‘The Somnambulist Pt.1’
2. ‘Her Ghost In Limbo’
3. ‘Anomaly Of One’
4. ‘Sepia Cathedral’
5. ‘Visceral’
6. ‘Of Guilt And Blood’
7. ‘The Somnambulist Pt.2’
8. ‘Post-Mortem’


Yann MENAGE – Drums, backing vocals, growls, classical & rhythm guitar, djembe
Clément DARRIEU – Lead vocals, rhythm & acoustic guitar, clouclou
Alexis ‘Idler’ CASANOVA – Lead & rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Henri BORDILLON – Keyboards, sound design
Hugo BERNART – Bass

ALTESIA Online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
BANDCAMP
INSTAGRAM

Murky Red Release the Single Pineapple Sweet this Friday from the Upcoming Album “Long Time No See”

Belgian progressive rock band Murky Red is set to release their second single, Pineapple Sweet, this Friday, April 4th, 2025. The track will be available exclusively on Bandcamp throughout April, with a wider release on all streaming platforms in May. This new single follows the success of their acclaimed video of the same name, continuing the band’s signature blend of atmospheric rock and surreal artistry.

About the Song

“Pineapple Sweet” is a mesmerizing fusion of sound and surrealism, crafted by Stef Flaming. The song showcases Murky Red’s signature atmospheric rock, blending rich melodies with an ethereal, dreamlike quality. Its hypnotic rhythms and evocative instrumentation create an immersive sonic experience that lingers long after the music fades.

According to Stef,

“As a Dutch speaker, I find it entertaining to mispronounce English words or invent non-existent ones. For example, the Dutch word for pineapple is ananas, which, when pronounced in English, can sound—especially to those with a mischievous mindset—like “an anus.” That playful absurdity was the main inspiration for writing a song where I could embrace such silliness.

Beyond that, the message is simple: Don’t take yourself too seriously. You’re not the center of the universe—be that only to your closest family and friends because that’s what truly matters. Stay humble, and don’t waste energy trying to convince the world of your greatness. Most importantly, enjoy the simple things in life as much as you can.”

Music and Lyrics by Stef Flaming.
Mastered by Ian Beabout

Watch Pineapple Sweet Here

About Pineapple Sweet Video

The video amplifies this experience with a dazzling visual journey—imagine a psychedelic, Monty Python-esque adventure drenched in vibrant, surreal imagery. This mind-bending feast for the senses perfectly complements the song’s trippy essence, making Pineapple Sweet a captivating audiovisual experience unlike any other.
Video by Stef Flaming.

Murky Red is a Belgian progressive rock band known for blending classic rock, blues, and psychedelic influences. Their music often features a mix of moody atmospheres, intricate guitar work, and poetic lyrics, reminiscent of bands like Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, and The Doors.

The band was formed by Stef Flaming (vocals, guitar) and Yolanda Flaming (keyboards, backing vocals) and has gained recognition in the underground prog scene. They released albums such as Time Doesn’t Matter (2012) and No Pocus Without Hocus (2015), both of which were well-received for their warm, vintage sound.

Murky Red Online
Website: https://www.murkyred.com/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/murkyred.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murkyredband/
Bandcamp: https://murkyredmrrartist.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/04t5WtpV93WAyfqzRvamhm?si=9hphuv89QB20zhOiRNK17A

Melodic Revolution Records
https://li.sten.to/mrrmusiccom

First ever Tusmørke live album out in May

It’s almost unbelievable and quite strange to think about, but Karisma Records’ most productive band of all time, Tusmørke, has never released a live album. This will change on May 9th, when the semi-acoustic live album “En pakt med naturen” will be released!

En pakt med naturen is Tusmørke’s first ever live album, recorded live at Oslo’s biggest independent record store Big Dipper, as part of their 25th anniversary celebration last October. “We knew we had to do something special with Tusmørke. Benediktator and Krizla have since the early 2000s been building their record collections and releasing their own music simultaneously. We like to think the records we sold them in our store somewhat influenced their musical output, at least we know that the albums they released had a huge impact on us!” (Andreas Leine Jakobsen, Gerenal Manager, Big Dipper Musikk & Hi-Fi

“Is this Folk Horror? Silly question, perhaps, but we need you to mutter certain phrases while listening: Bucoloc, acoustic, ancient, uncanny; acid, pagan, peasant, occult; wildness, wilderness, wildestness, Wicker Man. Ever since the start of Tusmørke, we’ve wanted to make an acoustic album. In Skien, Telemark in the 90s, we wanted to record in an ancient loghouse with an open hearth (årestue) in the local folk museum Brekkeparken. Years passed and line-ups changed. Then, when we supported Ved Buens Ende at Blå in the Autumn of 2021, we were joined by Åsa and Dauinghorn. They played some of the arrangements that we finally managed to record here, after several attempts to find a suitable time and place to make it happen. Again, time had passed and line-ups had changed, but the spirit of Folk Horror remained. We ask you to close your eyes and picture yourself in a windowless low dwelling, open to the sky through a hole in the roof. Acrid smoke curls upward and occasional sparks fly from the smoldering fire. Music wafts through the gloom in this serene scene of timeless primitivism. There is no electricity. There are no synthesizers. I won’t even mention digital things, because they don’t exist. There is only Folk Horror and you are in League with Nature.” (Benediktator)

TRACKLIST

  1. Høstjevndøgn
  2. Salomonsens Hage
  3. Singers and Swallows (CD only)
  4. Kjentmannen
  5. Heksejakt
  6. Age of Iron Man
  7. Cycle Of the Gylfaginning
  8. Den Behornede Guden

Upcoming concerts:
22/3 – Hør Hør, Oslo (Bydyra)
29/3 – Høvleriet, Haugesund
11/4 – Karga, Kariköy, Istanbul, Turkey
12/4 – Haymatlos Makan, Ankara, Turkey
15/4 – Jesuit Cultural Centre, Alexandria, Egypt
17/4 – Cairo Jazz Club, Kairo, Egypt
03/5 – Sykkelbryggeriet, Skien
10/5 – Verkstedet, Trondheim
11/5 – Rockheim, Trondheim (Bydyra)
31/5 – Muskelrock, Alvesta, Sweden
14/6 – Salt, Oslo

UK Progressive Rock group Solstice share video for “Life” – New album, Clann, out next Friday.

UK group Solstice are set to release their 8th studio album, Clann, next Friday, April 4th, 2025 through specialist US label Progrock.com Essentials.

To celebrate the album’s forthcoming release, the band have shared the video for the track “Life.”
You can watch the video here:

“As an album title, ‘Clann’ acknowledges the strong sense of family both within the band and among our supporters. As for the song ‘Life’, it’s the recognition of those bonds as they grow and make whatever time we have left together the greatest gift of all” – Andy Glass

Recorded both in a variety of recording studios and by individual band members at home, Clann includes a first in the band’s career with the track Plunk which features a brass section recorded at the beautiful Grand Chapel Studio in Toddington, Bedfordshire. Glass admits that “there might be a bit of a Big Big Train influence there somewhere!”

Clann manages to cover a great deal of musical ground in its nearly 40-minute running time. Firefly opens up proceedings and will be familiar to many already through its airing at numerous gigs and its inclusion on both the band’s Live At The Stables and Return To Cropredy releases. Its pulse-pumping energy, hard-edged yet infectious grooves, whirling bursts of synth and violin and its glorious guitar solo lift the spirit and sweep us into Solstice’s mesmerizing world. Elsewhere Life delivers smooth, soulful, modern pop with an elegant dance-friendly heart and Plunk is taut swaggering funk in 7/8 with brass stabs and a left-field, gritty guitar solo. Frippa is built on an urgent, bluesy Crimson-esque riff in 5 and spotlights organ, violin and even more incendiary guitar. Final track, the 14-minute Twin Peaks, in some ways harks back to what prog polymath and longtime Solstice fan Steven Wilson once described as the band’s “spacey and spacious” early material – it’s gentle, reflective and airy with pastoral, folky strains, yet builds into a soaring expression of rapturous celebration and spiritual freedom. 

Lyrically, the album continues established Solstice themes of love, joy, peace, harmony and acceptance, yet Clann admits that not everything in the garden is always rosy. Although longing for some ultimate redemption, both Plunk and Frippa feature a level of reproach for unidentified liars and cheats with Plunk even exercising some wry schadenfreude at the downfall of the song’s antagonist.

Check out the video for the first single “Firefly” here:
https://youtu.be/BMJMTdOHaV4

‘New album Clann is the third and final chapter of what has become known as the Sia Trilogy which began in 2020 with the band’s current revitalized lineup. These three albums spread love, joy and good vibes throughout every cell of their listener’s bodies.’  – Sonic Persepctives

Clann Track List
1.Firefly
2.Life
3.Plunk
4.Frippa
5.Twin Peaks

All songs written by Andy Glass
 
Solstice line-up
Andy Glass – Guitars, backing vocals
Jenny Newman – Violin
Pete Hemsley – Drums
Jess Holland – Lead vocals
Robin Phillips – Bass
Steven McDaniel – Keyboards
Ebony Buckle – Backing vocals
Dyane Crutcher – Backing vocals

Voted Best Band in Prog magazine’s latest annual Reader’s Poll, and arriving on an exuberant wave of positivity created by previous albums Sia (2020) and Light Up (2022), both widely acclaimed within the prog community and beyond, Clann completes the most recent phase of Solstice’s 40-plus year career. As band founder, composer, and guitarist (winner of Prog magazine’s most recent Best Guitarist Prog Award) Andy Glass explains, “[Sia] made me realize the potential and by the time we were working on Light Up the whole band had raised its game. I believed then that a trilogy of albums was what it would take to create our best work and track that journey. Clann is the final album in the Sia Trilogy and it’s everything I’d hoped it would be. Let’s hope the universe likes it too.”

SOLSTICE Online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
YOUTUBE
FRIENDS OF SOLSTICE

Check out our friends at https://bloggers.feedspot.com/rock_music_blogs/

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!