It’s satisfying to know that there’s a progressive rock band out there that takes the negative tags associated with the genre and runs with them. French progressive band Magma have answered critical statements like “pretentious,” “bombastic,” and “pompous” with a “hell yes we are” defiance since the early 70s. And they remain to this day… Continue reading Baldwin’s Choice: Magma
Tag: progressive
Baldwin’s Choice: Cardiacs
Cardiacs is what happens when worlds collide. Who would have thought that two completely separate rock subgenres with two entirely different musical outlooks would ever be able to work together? This band found a way, and the results are very exciting. Although bandleader Tim Smith will never admit to it, Cardiacs is the first (and… Continue reading Baldwin’s Choice: Cardiacs
Bair Grills: Sorceress by Opeth
After 34 years of listening to a wide spectrum of musical genres, few bands that I’ve encountered have transcended labels and specifications to the degree that Opeth has. Most groups fit comfortably into a niche, but others defy description by such menial means. With Sorceress, founder and frontman Mikael Akerfeldt continues his magnificent musical progression.… Continue reading Bair Grills: Sorceress by Opeth
Dissonance and Delicacy – A Review of Gorguts’ Pleiades’ Dust and Haken’s Affinity
Gorguts – Pleiades’ Dust I was new to Gorguts’ music when Colored Sands dropped in 2013. I was hesitant to check it out until an enormous amount of hype finally forced my ear. Quite honestly, it floored me. Not since Meshuggah’s Nothing or Gojira’s From Mars to Sirius had I been subjected to such a… Continue reading Dissonance and Delicacy – A Review of Gorguts’ Pleiades’ Dust and Haken’s Affinity
Fairytale in the Fog: A Review of Iamthemorning’s Lighthouse
Iamthemorning is a duo from St. Petersburg, Russia, consisting of singer Marjana Semkina and pianist Gleb Kolyadin. A talented collective of guest musicians joins them on their third release, Lighthouse. And it’s an absolutely beautiful collection of progressive chamber rock. All I can say is, “wow.” It’s been a while since I’ve heard a record… Continue reading Fairytale in the Fog: A Review of Iamthemorning’s Lighthouse
Throwback Thursday: Queensryche’s Promised Land
Queensryche were at the top of their game and at the peak of commercial success when Promised Land was released. It was received warmly, selling millions of copies and hitting respectable positions in the charts. This might have partially been due to residual interest in the band because of the platinum success of Empire before… Continue reading Throwback Thursday: Queensryche’s Promised Land
4 and ½ Stars: A Review of Steven Wilson’s 4 ½
Anyone who is an avid listener of Steven Wilson’s output knows that he has a knack for changing things up. That’s why his recent moves have been frustrating. The last two albums he’s been involved with, despite their excellent craftsmanship, have been pretty predictable. He’s been writing 70s progressive rock; a genre influence that he… Continue reading 4 and ½ Stars: A Review of Steven Wilson’s 4 ½