DAYS BETWEEN STATIONS

Days Between Stations is the creative partnership between guitarist Sepand Samzadeh and keyboardist Oscar Fuentes. The duo came together in Los Angeles in November 2003, and named the band after the 1985 novel by Steve Erickson. The band’s sound – Samzadeh calls it “art-rock,” Fuentes labels it “post-prog” – reflects their varied influences, as well as a shared disregard for stylistic boundaries... more

BILLY SHERWOOD

We are much honored this month to have Billy Sherwood (CIRCA:, former YES) as our interview guest. He just released his new CD titled "At The Speed Of Life". Currently, beside his solo projects he is one of the members of the band CIRCA:, formed by ex-YES members Tony Kaye and Alan White, along with Jimmy Haun. They released their first solo album in 2007, followed in 2008 by a live DVD. They are currently in the studio working on their second solo CD...more

Kate BUSH / Never For Ever

1980‘s “Never For Ever” is Kate’s 3rd album. The album was co-produced by Jon Kelly & Kate herself. One of the most interesting things about this album is that it is the first record by a British female artist to top the UK album charts. (Wikipedia). Kate’s progressive approach to music reaches its peak with Never For Ever. She tastefully blends different genres including folk, oriental, rock, classical and jazz. Unlike her first two albums which she wrote on piano, this one was written on synths... more

MIND WARP CHAMBER / SKEPTIC'S EYE

Another CD I obtained while attending ProgPower in 2007 was this gem by Chicago based progressive metal band MindWarp Chamber. I typically have CDs handed to me free of charge, but going on a hunch and trusting the word I was hearing from others that I "must have this CD", I went ahead and plunked down the cash for it... and never regretted it one second.

I'm going to keep this relatively short. This album will blow you away. It's symphonic metal with (pardon the pun) mind warping elements that will keep your constant attention. Keyboardist Ed Bethishou is not called "Shreddy" for nothing. This guy RE-DEFINES the keyboard players role in a metal band. It's evident he is classically trained, but make no mistake that he is well educated at the School of Metal.

Kilkenney's drumming is an assault of barbaric beats backing the tightly wound up wall of sound provided by Buczko & Sullivan ...and then there is Scott Huffman - vocalist extraordinaire. He manages to dominate the music and demands attention for his ability to feel the metal current riding underneath his vocal prowess.

It's not a matter of IF these guys will be signed to a major label - the only question that remains is WHO it will be to ink the deal.

DALE JUDAY