Andromeda - Manifest Tyranny

Time for a bit of \m/etal on Live Prog, with the latest album by Swedish prog metal formation Andromeda. I have seen the band live and they kick ass! Manifest Tyranny is their sixth album and I think it is again a fantastic album.

The band may not be as well known as some prog metal bands, which is a shame, because they have so much to offer. I especially like the theme of this album. Despite the fact it was released in 2011, I still have a few good reasons to review it. Watch the review and see what these reasons are.

Tillison Diskdrive, Andy - Murk

The second video review, in which I present a musician that crossed the border of his regular genre and ventured into a related genre.

Andy Tillison has a very good reputation, especiall because of his work in The Tangent, one of the finest progressive rock bands of the past decade. A musician with the heart at the right place when it comes to music, but who is not afraid to experiment and try new and different things. Next to his well-know musical path, he has two solo albums out. Fog and the album in this review, Murk. The latter shows a different side of Andy Tillison, his love for electronic music but at the same time the experimental side.

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OMD - English Electric

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, or OMD, were formed in 1978 and part of the new wave, they were among the first bands to embrace the synthesizers as main instrument instead of guitars. In the 80s the band had many hits and was very succesful.

English Electric is the second album, after the reunion of Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphries. It followed History of Modern and shows a band that is fresh and inspired and still has much to offer to the fans. With this album, the band went back to their roots and bring a nice mixture op pop tunes and electronic experiments. In my opinion one of the best albums the band has ever made!

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Emmens Project, Gert - Memories

In two video reviews, I will present two musicians who crossed the borders of their regular genre and venture into a style they very much enjoy. The first musician is Gert Emmens:

Although he makes primarily electronic music in the best Berlin School style, Gert Emmens is a fan of progressive rock. Even before his days as EM musician, he played in rockbands. And it was his long time wish to record a prog album. With Memories that wish came true and the result is an album filled with atmospheric prog. And he has a few suprises to offer, along the way. Watch this video review and find out...

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Metroland

When I found out Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark were performing in the Netherlands, I noticed Metroland were supporting them. I was not familiar with this band, so I did some research and found I really enjoyed their music.

It was Electronic Music, but not as I heard it before, although there was one German band, whose name starts with a K, that had a deep influence on them. Not only did I see their show that night, but also met the band and had a nice chat with them. It was very nice and interesting to meet them and learn more about their music. Watch this review and meet Metroland.

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Scarlet Stories - Scarlet Stories

It is always a treat to discover new music. When you find musicians that capture you with the simplest of instruments, voice and guitar, you know you have found talent. That brings me to Scarlet Stories and their self-titled debut EP. They were brought to my attention by my friends of Progwereld and I got in touch with the band.

Well, actually a duo, who filled a very nice debut release with 7 captivating songs. Performed just with vocals and acoustic guitar. The band creates a beautiful, almost medieval atmosphere. Follow me in this review, as I will tell you more about these musicians, their music and what more they will be doing!

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Venja - Mode Zen

Festivals are a great place to discover new music, even when musicians are not performing. At the E-Day 2013 festival, many labels and bands presented themselves. One such musician was Johan Geens, the man behind Venja. He presented his new album at the B-Wave stand: Mode Zen.

It didn't take much time for me to make the click with the music. An almost spiritual journey through electronic music, with some interesting surprises in the album. Watch this vidoe review and discover more about this beautiful album.

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Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (Paul Humphreys)

One thing I never would have dreamt of, is doing an interview with OMD! I grew up with the music of OMD. As a young kid I loved songs like Maid of Orleans, Tesla Girls, Locomotion, Forever Live and Die and many more. When I revisited the band, thanks to a BBC show called Synth Brittania, I found they were back and already were about to release their second album, English Electric.

So when they announced a show in Tivoli (Utrecht, NL), all of a sudden an interview seemed possible. Thanks to some helpful and nice people, I got the news I could have a chat with Paul Humphreys, before the show. It turned out to be a very nice chat and I learned a few new things about OMD. Curious? Watch the interview and find out.

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Wilson, Steven - The Raven That Refused To Sing and other stories

What expectations do the name of an artist give you? Is that a reason to blindly buy an album? What about Steven Wilson? He has built up a considerable reputation in music. It is a fact, his name sells. I am a fan of Steven Wilson, but mainly of his work with Porcupine Tree. His solo work is something different and didn't grab me as much as PT did.

So when his third solo album was announced, I was a bit sceptical. Nevertheless, I have tremendous respect for him as composer. After having heard one of the tracks, I was hooked and took the plunge. Watch this video review and plunge with me in this musical piece called The Raven That Refused To Sing.

Read more: Wilson, Steven - The Raven That Refused To Sing and other stories