TEE "The Earth Explorer"

TEE is a five piece flute front progressive rock band from Tokyo, Japan. Their so-called 'European' sound is unique considering their far-east origin. The imaginative tunes with complex ensembles and rhythms will definitely catch the attention of prog lovers all over the world. Their sound will remind you bands like Camel, King Crimson, Asia Minor or even Frank Zappa on some parts. The band was formed in 2004 when... more

Kevin BARTLETT

You may not know his name but you have definitely heard his music more than once or twice in your life. Maybe on HBO, or on MTV, or on VH1, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel. Doesn't ring the bell? How about American Idol Rewind, or Dr. 90210? We had interviewed Kevin Bartlett a couple of years ago when his second solo album GLOW IN THE DARK was released. Bartlett has been quiet since that time but but he has been secretly brewing new projects. A few months ago he had put a new song...more

Peter Hammill, founding member of Van Der Graaf Generator, released his 28th solo album " nearly 3 months ago. He recently got back home from a short tour covering North America, Canada and Italy. In the 70's when bands like...more

FRIGHT PIG Barque At The Lune *** REVERSAL OF GRAVITY Scuba Gear ***

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