Prog Reviews
Progressive Rock and everything that goes with it.
Mysterry and Imagination
by Alan Parsons
The first album in 1976 and an instant classic. I'm reviewing the black vinyl gatefold from 1987, remastered by A. Parsons.
The Alphans/Forever cycle by Ayreon began in 2017. The downfall of a technologically advanced species. Double CD.
In 2008, Ayreon released 01011001, the second album in the Forever cycle. The descendants of the Alphans make the same mistake. Their solution? Creating humanity from their Forever DNA. Triple vinyl.
Into The Electric Castle
by Ayreon
In 1998, “Into The Electric Castle” was released, making it chronologically the fourth album in Ayreon’s Forever cycle. What are emotions? Double CD.
The Final Experiment
by Ayreon
In 1995, Arjen Lucassen released the first album of his project Ayreon. It was the first of six of the best progressive rock albums in a rock opera format. Chronologically, it's album number three of the Forever cycle. The minstrel Ayreon receives visions of the future and is meant to warn of humanity's impending doom. CD.
In 2004, Ayreon released "The Human Equation", the fifth album in their Forever cycle. Set in the present day, the album explores the live of a patient in coma. It's another experiment. Again: What are emotions? Double CD.
In 2000, the first Universal Migrator album, "The Dream Sequencer," was released, marking part 6 of Ayreon's Forever cycle. The story takes place in 2084, when humanity has wiped itself out. The last living human reincarnates into the past using the Dream Sequencer. CD.
Flight of The Migrator
by Ayreon
"Universal Migrator Part II – Flight of the Migrator" was released in 2000, just one month after Part I – "The Dream Sequencer". The last human travels back to the beginning and, as the Universal Migrator, completes the circle. CD.
Time Voyager
by Barock ProjecT
Symphonic Prog. Oriented towards 70s vintage prog and 80s/90s neo-prog. Sounds interesting, but what is its "nutritional value"?
In 2024, Void by Indian musician Gaurav Gavilkar was released. Diane Galen joins the band as drummer. Good post-rock with vocal spice. CD.
In 2024, Louise Patricia Crane released her second solo album as a limited vinyl/CD-DVD. Music good, is the box too?
The Purpose Paradox
by Dilemma
The new album “The Purpose Paradox” by Dilemma was released on September 20th, 2024. A progressive rock concept album by the Dutch band. Limited CD.
In 2025, the German band Elleven released their concept album "8030." Melodic neo-prog.
When a dream of your own concept album comes true. Markus Lackmann and Lajosch Schrot with their debut. Fine prog rock from Germany.
Selling England by the Pound
by Genesis
This great album by Genesis was released in 1973. Here remastered in 2018, pressed on 180g black vinyl.
Playing The Fool Live
by Gentle Giant
In 1977, Gentle Giant The Fool played live. They were undoubtedly a great band. And I just can't get into them.
In 2025, IQ finally released a new studio album. Can IQ impress again? Neo-Melodic Prog.
“Subterranea Live At De Boerderij October 22 2011” was released in 2023. A worthy 3-LP set, top shelf in terms of sound and design. Blue, red, orange vinyl.
The studio album "The Road Of Bones" by the English Neo-Prog band IQ was released in 2014. It's not a concept album this time. It's Melodic Neo-Prog.
In The Court Of The Crimson King
by King Crimson
In 1969, King Crimson released their debut album “In The Court Of The Crimson King,” heralding the beginning of progressive rock.
Art/Post Prog-Rock from the Netherlands. Unique and interesting? Black Vinyl, 2020.
Lesoir's sixth studio album was released on September 20, 2024. CD version. Why do I like it?
Clutching At Straws
by Marillion
In 1987 Marillion's fourth and final studio album with singer Fish, Clutching At Straws was released.
This box set was released in 2021 as limited edition. Remastered and remixed. Black vinyl.
Misplaced Childhood
by Marillion
1985 – Prog-Rock as Neo/Melodic Prog-Rock. Commercially successful and good too? Black Vinyl.
Take an old CD, remaster it. Then another CD with 5 songs that every Marillion fan has in their collection anyway. Musically, of course, without a doubt.
Script for A Jesters Tear
by Marillion
In 1983, Marillion released their groundbreaking neo-prog debut. Initially derided as the "second best Genesis", Marillion blossomed considerably. Script for a Jesters Tear belongs in every prog collection.
Chrononaut C.
by No Man’s Valley
Interesting prog-rock mix from the Netherlands. Light blue vinyl. 2024.
