NTTR - No Time to Review

Phonya's debut album, Heli1025 , released on December 13, 2024, showcases the Belgian trio's dedication to instrumental progressive rock, characterized by extensive keyboard arrangements and intricate compositions. The album comprises six tracks, including "Evolution" and "The Infinite Game (part 1 & 2)," which highlight the band's ability to blend classical influences with modern progressive elements. Critics commend the album's cohesive mood and the musicians' technical proficiency, noting that the tracks offer a sonic journey reminiscent of space exploration. While the album's complexity may appeal primarily to genre enthusiasts, Heli1025 is recognized as a promising introduction to Phonya's artistic vision, reflecting their potential within the progressive rock scene. Sources: Here Comes The Flood Prog Radio Bandcamp Genre : Progressive Rock Country : Belgium Final Verdict: 68% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 130th / 1029 Highli...

Darkspace's album Dark Space -II , released on February 16, 2024, continues the Swiss trio's exploration of cosmic themes through a dense blend of atmospheric black metal and dark ambient soundscapes. The album comprises a single, continuous 47-minute track, "Dark-2.-2," divided into four excerpts, immersing listeners in a vast, cold, and desolate sonic journey. Critics praise the band's ability to evoke the emptiness and isolation of space, with layers of distorted guitars, ambient synths, and relentless drumming creating an otherworldly atmosphere. While some note that the album's length and repetitive structures may challenge casual listeners, Dark Space -II is lauded for its immersive experience, appealing to fans of the genre seeking a profound auditory voyage into the void. Sources: Distorted Sound Magazine Angry Metal Guy New Noise Magazine Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : Switzerland Final Verdict : 73% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 34...

  King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's 26th studio album, Flight b741 , released on August 9, 2024, marks a return to their blues rock and boogie roots. The album features a collaborative approach, with each band member contributing to vocals and songwriting, resulting in a cohesive yet diverse sound. Tracks like "Mirage City" and "Antarctica" showcase the band's ability to blend country rock influences with their signature psychedelic flair. Critics praise the album's straightforward rock compositions, noting its accessibility and the band's seamless genre-blending. Overall, Flight b741 is considered a lively and enjoyable addition to the band's expansive discography, reflecting their versatility and commitment to musical exploration. Sources: Louder Than War Far Out Magazine The Fire Note Genre : Blues Rock Country : Australia Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 293th / 1027 Highlight : Le Risque Made me think of: The Allman B...

Hail Spirit Noir's fifth studio album, Fossil Gardens , released on June 28, 2024, showcases the Greek band's innovative fusion of psychedelic black metal and progressive elements. The album comprises seven tracks, including "Starfront Promenade" and "The Temple of Curved Space," each blending vintage synths with black metal instrumentation to create a dynamic and atmospheric soundscape. Critics praise the album's ambitious songwriting and immaculate production, noting that while the compositions are intricate and layered, they may at times feel overly mercurial, potentially hindering a deeper emotional connection. Nonetheless, Fossil Gardens is recognized as a bold and imaginative addition to Hail Spirit Noir's discography, reflecting their commitment to pushing genre boundaries. Sources: Angry Metal Guy The Progressive Subway Metal Storm Genre : Psychedelic Black Metal Country : Greece Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 330th / 10...

Moin's third album, You Never End , released on October 25, 2024, marks a significant evolution in the band's sound, blending experimental rock with post-hardcore elements. The London-based trio, comprising Tom Halstead, Joe Andrews (both of Raime), and percussionist Valentina Magaletti, incorporates guest vocalists such as Olan Monk, James K, Coby Sey, and Sophia Al-Maria, adding a humanizing layer to their intricate compositions. Critics praise the album's dynamic range and innovative approach, noting that tracks like "It's Messy Coping" seamlessly merge techno rhythms with post-hardcore intensity, while "C'mon Dive" features chopped vocal samples reminiscent of jungle music, propelled by Magaletti's colossal drumming. The inclusion of guest vocals is highlighted as a pivotal development, with Sophia Al-Maria's performance on "Lift You" standing out for its evocative delivery, adding depth to the band's sonic exploration. ...

Dar Disku's self-titled debut album, released on September 27, 2024, is a vibrant fusion of Middle Eastern and North African musical traditions with contemporary electronic and disco influences. The Bahraini duo, comprising Mazen AlMaskati and Vish Mhatre, recorded the album across various locations, including the UK, Algeria, Turkey, and Tunisia, utilizing vintage analog equipment to authentically capture the essence of genres such as Algerian Raï, Sudanese funk, Turkish psychedelia, and Bollywood soundtracks. Critics have lauded the album for its meticulous attention to detail and its ability to transport listeners to different eras and regions through music. Tracks like "Dbayli," featuring Algerian singer Yacine Elkhaldi, stand out for their seamless blend of traditional and modern sounds, creating a nostalgic yet innovative listening experience. Overall, Dar Disku is celebrated as an intricate and ethereal homage to cross-cultural musical fusion, channeling the essen...

Real Friends' fourth studio album, Blue Hour , released on October 11, 2024, marks a significant evolution for the band, being their first independent release and the debut full-length with new vocalist Cody Muraro. The 13-track album delves into themes of heartbreak, loss, and self-discovery, showcasing the band's growth while staying true to their pop-punk roots. Critics praise Muraro's vocal performance and the band's renewed creative freedom, noting that tracks like "Cold Blooded," "Never Has Become Always," and "10th Floor" stand out for their emotional depth and catchy melodies. Overall, Blue Hour is considered a compelling addition to Real Friends' discography, reflecting their resilience and adaptability in the evolving pop-punk landscape. Sources: New Noise Magazine Purple Haze Magazine Melodic Magazine Genre : Pop Punk Country : US Final Verdict: 61% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 699th / 1023 Highlight : When you were here...

This Is The Glasshouse's album 867 , released on November 10, 2024, is a testament to the project's intricate artistry and emotional depth. Primarily the work of a single artist, the album features complex, layered melodies and passionate, intimate lyrics that reflect a deep connection to the artist's Canadian roots. Tracks like "Streetlight by Streetlight" and "Before Machinery" showcase the project's ability to blend art rock with indie and post-rock elements, creating a sound that is both fresh and cohesive. Critics have noted the album's impressive instrumentation, including the use of saxophone, which adds a dynamic layer to the compositions. The production is praised for its clarity and meticulous attention to detail, allowing the emotional weight of the music to resonate fully with listeners. Sources: Album of The Year Bandcamp Sputnikmusic Genre : Art Rock Country : Canada Final Verdict: 64% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 425th / 1022 Hi...