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 (Van Der Graaf Generator)
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
STEVE SMYTH This month's proGuest is a site favorite around here: Guitarist extraordinaire Steve Smyth. This axe legend has graced the lineups of bands like Nevermore, Dragonlord, Testament, Vicious Rumors, etc. He received his break in 1993 when Shrapnel Records president Mike Varney featured him in the “Hometown Heroes” column of Guitar World magazine. His latest and most ambitious project to date is The Esseness Project and one we had the distinct pleasure of reviewing here at The Prog Files. Check out that five-star review HERE. The Esseness Project were on the Artist Spotlight here as well, a few months ago. We had the chance to interview Steve back then. He talked about some future plans with the band. You can read it HERE. The article also contains some useful links for those who want to know more about him and the band. Steve was very generous with his time and took a short break from his writing to review three promising indie bands. |
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AETHERIUS The New Way of Thinking LISTEN |
Cool, moody intro, that goes into familiar territory from there for me. Maybe a little Symphony X and early DNB era Nevermore influence there, with that moody clean guitar… I like it. I hear Dream Theater influence for sure throughout the first few minutes of the track, great guitar tones as well! Myself, I am not fond of the rap style vocal in progressive music; I hated it when Dream Theater did it, it just doesn’t fit to me. Singer has a good delivery, I think I hear some The Nice symphonic style arrangements throughout though, each instrument has its space in the arrangements. Good musicians overall. Visit their myspace page at: www.myspace.com/aetherius |
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COSMIC NOMADS The Engulfed Forest LISTEN |
Nice thematic intro, kind of Yes meets Styx inspired?! I think, and it’s cool to hear use of a Pentatonic melody over several key centers like that. Dig the B3 tones, and overall the room sound of the recording. Very 70’s style sound overall. Visit their website at: www.cosmicnomads.com.au |
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SPECIAL OPS Anger Is Creeping LISTEN |
Kind of has that 70’s/80’s retro rock sound to it. Good vocal hook on the chorus, and dare I say I hear a little bit of John Oliva influence in the vocals there? More straight ahead rock, than really progressive, I think….. Visit their website at: www.opsmission.com You can find our previous proGuests in our ARCHIVES page. |
JACK DUPON
L'Echelle Du Desir
GODSTICKS
EP
CIRCA:
HQ
JUDY DYBLE
Talking With Strangers
PETER HAMMILL
Thin Air
TUNER
Müüt
AGENTS OF MERCY
The Fading Ghosts of Twilight
QUEEN
A Night At The Opera
DAYS BEFORE TOMORROW
The Sky Is Falling
MICHAEL JOHN THOMAS
Guitorchestra
TOBIN MUELLER
A Bit Of Light
