Back catalogue: Progressive Rock

Review: Dead Meadow's latest offering marks a major leap forward for the legendary American psychedelic trio, blending their signature sound with new emotional depth. While their past albums have dazzled with expansive, mind-melting riffs and heavy cosmic grooves, this release brings a raw, introspective energy that highlights their lasting presence in the psych-rock world. Tracks like 'The Space Between' and 'A Wave Away' show the band experimenting with softer, more reflective moments, balancing their traditionally heavy sound with delicate, expansive textures. Drummer Mark Laughlin delivers some of his best performances yet, especially on 'Dead Tree Shake,' while the influence of late bassist Steve Kille is strongly felt throughout. His final contributions are heard in the powerful closing track, 'Voyager to Voyager,' where his artistry resonates deeply. This album proves Dead Meadow are evolving i not just in their sound, but in the essence of what continues to make them a standout act in modern psychedelic rock.

Review: Jazz audio arborist Dr Tree is itself a multi-branched organism, having first emerged from the (urban) forests of New Zealand as the inosculated union of session musicians Frank Gibson Jr. and Murray Macnab. After catching the attention of EMI, the pair released the eponymous Dr Tree in 1976, which came as an all-instrumental prog excursion into territories already settled by the likes of Weather Report and Return To Forever, yet not fully developed until Dr Tree's prognosis. These roots hold a tight grip; star album cuts 'Transition', 'Affirmation' and 'The Drum' demonstrate a complete, master musicianship, and combine this with studio trickeries of the weirdest and most arcane ilk, making for an unforgettable prog magnolia of minimally treated sound, but still grandly impressive proportions.

Review: Images & Words remains one of Dream Theater's most defining moments, blending the technical precision of progressive metal with rich, lyrical depth. 'Pull Me Under' is, of course, the standout, its intricate guitar work matched by an anthemic energy that never loses its grip. But it's tracks like 'Another Day' and 'MetropolisiPart 1' that reveal the band's ability to juggle complex arrangements with emotional resonance. The remastered vinyl brings a fresh clarity to these multifaceted compositions, allowing each layer of sound to breathe without losing the album's raw intensity. For anyone looking to delve deeper into Dream Theater's world, this reissue offers a chance to experience it in all its dynamic glory.

Review: Yet another addition to Rhino Records’ Start Your Ear Off Right series hears a reissue of prog metal band Dream Theater’s fifth studio album and first ever concept album. A sequel to the thrillingly titled Metropolis-Part I: The Miracle and the Sleeper, this record builds an intensive recollective sonic theatre out of the mosaic themes of memory and depersonalisation. Themed around the subject of a young man undergoing past life regression therapy, the record is a compelling, initially psychotic howl into the night, and yet it proves an ultimately integrative, recursive experience, adding themes of murderousness and prophetic fate.

Review: The album stands as a bold testament to progressive metal, combining complex arrangements, heavy instrumentation and deeply introspective themes. The band's musicianship is in peak form, with the guitarist delivering stunning solos that blend intricate leads and rhythmic precision. The music oscillates between hard-hitting tracks and melodic ballads, with standout moments in songs like the aggressive 'Lie', the challenging 'The Mirror' and the emotional depth of 'Lifting Shadows off a Dream'. There are also reflective acoustic pieces and an instrumental, showcasing the band's versatility. Lyrically, the album explores existential themes with sharp, cynical undertones, while recurring musical motifs provide a sense of cohesion. The album is ambitious and complex, balancing heaviness with moments of subtlety, making it a rewarding experience for listeners who appreciate intricate compositions and raw emotional expression.

Review: Dream Theater's 1997 recording finds the band balancing their complex progressive roots with a newfound accessibility. The intricate instrumental passages and shifting time signatures remain intact, but the melodies lean towards a more streamlined approach, offering a sharper focus on hooks and emotive delivery. There's an underlying tension between technical virtuosity and a desire to connect on a broader level, creating a record that feels as exploratory as it is deliberate. The production captures the weight and precision of their sound while adding a polished edge, making for a deeply layered yet approachable listen.