SENNI ESKELINEN AND STRINGPUREE BAND
Stringpuree Band plays 100% progressive "Kantele" music. This three piece Finnish band comes from the Northern Savo region with a very unique instrumental sound mixed with traditional and contemporary elements including psychedelic and progressive spices topped with jazz and folk. What brings out this unique sound is of course the band's lineup which consists of electric kantele, bass and drums. All original music reflects the roots of Finnish folk music and Scandinavian prog and psychedelic sound... more
Olivier TEJEDOR (NeBeLNeST)
Olivier TEJEDOR, keyboardist of the French prog band NeBeLNeST, is our interview guest this month. NeBeLNeST are one of the most adventurous and energetic young bands to emerge on the international post-rock / avant-progressive scene in recent years. This young French band is noted for its dark symphonic rock... more
Kate BUSH / Never For Ever
1980‘s “Never For Ever” is Kate’s 3rd album. The album was co-produced by Jon Kelly & Kate herself. One of the most interesting things about this album is that it is the first record by a British female artist to top the UK album charts. (Wikipedia). Kate’s progressive approach to music reaches its peak with Never For Ever. She tastefully blends different genres including folk, oriental, rock, classical and jazz. Unlike her first two albums which she wrote on piano, this one was written on synths... more
STEVE SMYTH This month's proGuest is a site favorite around here: Guitarist extraordinaire Steve Smyth. This axe legend has graced the lineups of bands like Nevermore, Dragonlord, Testament, Vicious Rumors, etc. He received his break in 1993 when Shrapnel Records president Mike Varney featured him in the “Hometown Heroes” column of Guitar World magazine. His latest and most ambitious project to date is The Esseness Project and one we had the distinct pleasure of reviewing here at The Prog Files. Check out that five-star review HERE. The Esseness Project were on the Artist Spotlight here as well, a few months ago. We had the chance to interview Steve back then. He talked about some future plans with the band. You can read it HERE. The article also contains some useful links for those who want to know more about him and the band. Steve was very generous with his time and took a short break from his writing to review three promising indie bands. |
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AETHERIUS The New Way of Thinking LISTEN |
Cool, moody intro, that goes into familiar territory from there for me. Maybe a little Symphony X and early DNB era Nevermore influence there, with that moody clean guitar… I like it. I hear Dream Theater influence for sure throughout the first few minutes of the track, great guitar tones as well! Myself, I am not fond of the rap style vocal in progressive music; I hated it when Dream Theater did it, it just doesn’t fit to me. Singer has a good delivery, I think I hear some The Nice symphonic style arrangements throughout though, each instrument has its space in the arrangements. Good musicians overall. Visit their myspace page at: www.myspace.com/aetherius |
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COSMIC NOMADS The Engulfed Forest LISTEN |
Nice thematic intro, kind of Yes meets Styx inspired?! I think, and it’s cool to hear use of a Pentatonic melody over several key centers like that. Dig the B3 tones, and overall the room sound of the recording. Very 70’s style sound overall. Visit their website at: www.cosmicnomads.com.au |
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SPECIAL OPS Anger Is Creeping LISTEN |
Kind of has that 70’s/80’s retro rock sound to it. Good vocal hook on the chorus, and dare I say I hear a little bit of John Oliva influence in the vocals there? More straight ahead rock, than really progressive, I think….. Visit their website at: www.opsmission.com You can find our previous proGuests in our ARCHIVES page. |
