WITCHCRAFT - The Outcast (edit) (4:57)
Album: Nucleus (2016)
Label/Distribution: Nuclear Blast/Warner www.nuclearblast.de
The times when you could imprint Witchcraft stamps like Doom or Stoner are over from "Nucleus". The Swedes have created an album that is as stylistically diverse as it is in love with detail. This is retro and modern at the same time. Last month's album is a record to fall in love with!
PRISTINE - The Middlemen (6:27)
Album: Reboot (2016)
Label/Distribution: Pristine Music/Cargo
www.pristinemusicproduction.com
There is still room between the Blues Pills, WolveSpirit and Wucan! The Norwegian band with frontwoman Heidi Solheim has a very similar score. The Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin are very close. Blues rock high speed attacks, female blues tubes and progressive approaches make for a plump album.
AVANTASIA - Mystery Of A Blood Red Rose (3:49)
Album: Ghostlights (2016)
Label/Distribution: Nuclear Blast/Warner www.avantasia.net
Avantasia's seventh album "Ghostlights" is again a symphonic-bombastic metal opera in a class of its own with an unprecedented number of guests. On the opener "Mystery Of A Blood Red Rose", the chorus of which could also loosely come from a Meatloaf classic, mastermind Tobias Sammet sings himself!
DANNY BRYANT - Blood Money (4:59)
Album: Blood Money (2016)
Label/Distribution: Jazzhaus/In-Akustik www.dannybryant.com
The former British guitarist prodigy has not only long since become an established musician, he has also delivered a great album with "Temperature Rising" 2014, which silenced all naggers. "Blood Money" can easily keep up with this and offers blues rock with its usual variety.
STEVE WAITT - Jump The Gun (3:42)
Album: Stranger In A Strange Land (2016) (Release: 05.02.)
Label/Distribution: Make My Day/Indigo www.stevewaitt.com
A songwriter from New York City who manages to combine elegant alternative country with the big city sound of a Billy Joel to a harmonious whole. While Waitt's warm voice underlines the emotionality of his songs, his piano playing proves his artistry.
THE TEMPERANCE MOVEMENT - Three Bulleits (3:00)
Album: White Bear (2016)
Label/Distribution: Earache/Warner www.thetemperancemovement.com
In 2013 they made Bluesrock more than listen up with their debut album and Southern Rock influenced Bluesrock. And now the English around the charismatic singer Phil Campbell are going one better. On "White Bear" they have given their sound even more facets. They seem more mature now, but not more clarified.
PERFECT BEINGS - Rivermaker (4:59)
Album: II (2015)
Label/Distribution: My Sonic Temple/Just For Kicks
www.perfectbeingsband.com
As a prog fan you should keep an eye on this band from LA. Already their second longplayer leaves all last studio works of Yes far behind. Guitaristic fine chasing, Rickenbacker bass, Moog solos mate with unbridled stylistic creativity. Perfect Beings ignite a firestorm in the universe!
INVIVO - The Space (3:45)
Album: Arise (2016)
Label/Distribution: Be True/SPV
www.betrue-music.com/invivo
Perseverance can pay off. Already recorded in 2013, the Italian band's second album "Arise" is finally officially released. Modern Alternative Prog, which is refreshing, reminiscent of Muse (singing in "Sulfur") or A Perfect Circle. You maintain the tension until the end.
SIMO - Becky's Last Occupation (4:20)
Album: Let Love Show The Way (2016)
Distribution/Label: Mascot Label Group/Rough Trade
www.simo.fm
As support for the Walter Trout Band, the power hippie trio recently stormed the German stages. Now there is the studio lookup and the furious blues rock of the band around the singer and guitarist JD Simo is very contagious. Their second album "Let Love Show The Way" is a unified whole.
THE BLACK WAVES - Full-Time Dreamers (4:31)
Album: Thousands Of Visions (2015)
Label/Distribution: Sunhair
www.sunhair-music.de
That's how fast sluggish melancholy can settle in the ear canals: The French have dedicated themselves to a straightforward indie and psychedelic sound that flirts with noise elements and dark 80s vibes. In addition to ecstatic guitar parts, there is plenty of hit potential and not least compositional freshness.
