Reviews

Skyharbor – ‘Sunshine Dust’ (Album Review)

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Since absolutely smashing it with the incredible Guiding Lights back in 2014, Skyharbor have been through more than their fair share of upheaval. Drummer Anup Sastry and vocalist Daniel Tompkins left within six days of each other back in June 2015, while Sunshine Dust itself was taken back into the studio and re-recorded late last year. Inevitably, a creative direction change has been coming – but especially considering the great music that’s come before, this album is largely Read more…

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Posted on 11 August 2018

Interviews

Boss Keloid (Interview)

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This interview contains one of my favourite answers of all time. Boss Keloid open the Yohkai Stage at ArcTanGent in about a week’s time – so check out the video below to see why they should not be missed, and read on to see if you can guess which response was the clear winner… Read more…

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Posted on 08 August 2018

Features

18 Bands To See At ArcTanGent 2018

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When a festival’s lineup includes an insane number of inevitably epic sets, it’s hard to know where to start – and ArcTanGent 2018 is packed with intriguing prospects. Hopefully, this list will help prog-math-post-whatever fans overcome option paralysis, and start you off on the path to the perfect ATG experience… Read more…

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Posted on 03 August 2018

Features

Underground Greats: Toska

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Although we’re only about two thirds of the way through 2018, 2019 looks to be Toska’s year. Made up of three quarters of chart-topping alt-rock-prog-metal internet sensations Dorje, Toska have already proven themselves as virtuosos – not to mention awesome music teachers. Guitarist Rabea Massaad and bassist Dave Hollingworth can be found teaching six-string skills and Jedi-level production through online music school Musicisum, founded and owned by bandmate and drumming octopus Ben Minal.

These guys know their shit, and to argue otherwise would be akin to Read more…

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Posted on 01 August 2018

Reviews

Michael Romeo – ‘War Of The Worlds Part 1’ (Album Review)

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Given that I live a few miles from Woking (the original British setting of H.G. Wells’ The War Of The Worlds), anything related to that title naturally grabs my attention. Of course, the fact that this album happens to have been made by Michael Romeo – one of the most proficient guitarists in progressive metal, and the founder of Symphony X, a band I’ve been into since the days of V and The Odyssey – also marks it out as Read more…

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Posted on 22 July 2018

Reviews

Plini – ‘Sunhead’ (EP Review)

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Plini is one of the most highly respected instrumental guitarists in the world right now. Steve Vai heavily praised Plini’s first (and so far only) long-player Handmade Cities, while the Australian virtuoso’s DIY work ethic landed him on Download Festival’s Dogtooth Stage for the legendary event’s first ever instrumental guitar set. Although Plini first Read more…

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Posted on 18 July 2018

Interviews

Arcane Roots (Interview)

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Arcane Roots know how to throw a musical curveball. Evolving swiftly from Left Fire’s Biffy-meets-Muse approach to Blood & Chemistry’s dynamic diversity and Melancholia Hymns’ cinematic expansiveness, these guys never fail to shock and awe. With sets at 2000 Trees and ArcTanGent approaching fast, I talked to bassist Adam Burton about Arcane Roots’ plans for both festivals, the importance of spare socks, and Read more…

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Posted on 08 July 2018

Interviews

Conjurer (Interview)

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As I prepared to interview Conjurer drummist Jan Krause, I didn’t expect to end up covering Gary Numan, The Mills Brothers, or Peter Gabriel’s proclivity for onstage bike rides. But then, Conjurer are not exactly predictable – and with multiple festival appearances coming up this summer, expect the kind of Read more…

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Posted on 01 July 2018

Features

Underground Greats: Conjurer

Conjurer Mire Review UK Band Tour Dates Live Retch Choke Holy Roar Interview arctangent 2018

If, for some masochistic reason, you decide to try giving yourself nightmares, leave the cheese in the fridge and keep that copy of The Human Centipede in digital limbo on Netflix. Instead, give Conjurer a shot just before bedtime.

Either it’ll do the trick, or Read more…

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Posted on 20 June 2018