NTTR - No Time to Review

Dream Theater's sixteenth studio album, Parasomnia , marks the return of original drummer Mike Portnoy after a 15-year absence. Released on February 7, 2025, the album delves into themes of sleep disorders and disturbances, presenting a darker and more focused sound compared to their recent works. Tracks like "Night Terror" and "A Broken Man" showcase the band's signature complex compositions, blending heavy riffs with intricate melodies. The 19-minute epic "The Shadow Man Incident" stands out as a testament to their storytelling prowess and musical virtuosity. Critics have praised the album for its cohesive narrative and the rejuvenated energy brought by Portnoy's return, solidifying Parasomnia as a significant addition to Dream Theater's discography. sputnikmusic.com metalsucks.net glidemagazine.com Genre : Progressive Metal Country : US Final Verdict: 73% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 2nd / 121 Highlight : Midnight Messiah Made me ...

Opeth's fourteenth studio album, The Last Will and Testament , released on November 22, 2024, marks a significant return to their progressive death metal roots. This concept album, set in the post-World War I era, explores themes of family secrets and inheritance, reminiscent of their earlier work on Still Life (1999). Notably, the album reintroduces death growls, absent since Watershed (2008), and features collaborations with Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull, who contributes flute and spoken word segments. Critics have lauded the album for its intricate compositions and seamless blend of heavy and melodic elements, solidifying Opeth's status as pioneers in the progressive metal genre. Kerrang! Louder Sound Distorted Sound Magazine Genre : Progressive Metal Country : Sweden Final Verdict: 67% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 154th / 867 Highlight : §4 Made me think of: Katatonia Pain of Salvation Mastodon #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #N...

Friend of a Phantom sees VOLA refining their signature blend of heavy riffs, electronic textures, and melodic depth. The album opens with “Cannibal,” featuring In Flames’ Anders Fridén, blending powerful vocals with dense instrumentation. Tracks like “We Will Not Disband” showcase VOLA’s skill in combining serene melodies with robust rhythmic intensity. The single "Paper Wolf" is a throwback to their heavier roots, while “Glass Mannequin” provides a softer, synth-driven interlude. Known for bridging prog-metal and alt-rock, VOLA's latest work solidifies their genre-defying artistry, creating an evocative, atmospheric journey​ Boolin Tunes   Devolution Magazine   GAMES, BRRRAAAINS & A HEAD-BANGING LIFE   Jace Media Music . Genre : Progressive Metal Country : Denmark/Sweden Final Verdict: 69% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 73th / 808 Highlight : Paper Wolf (added to my 2024 best of) Made me think of: Leprous TesseracT Haken #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmu...

PowerNerd finds Devin Townsend in a playful yet focused mode, delivering a high-energy mix of heavy rock riffs, synth-led hooks, and self-referential humor. The album was composed in a fast-paced, experimental environment, with Townsend allowing spontaneity to shape the sound. Tracks like the title opener “PowerNerd” set the tone with anthemic choruses and synth-pop energy, while “Knuckledragger” channels 80s metal through video game-like synths and quirky vocals. Townsend’s unique humor surfaces in tracks like “Ruby Quaker,” where he combines metal with unexpected country and honky-tonk elements​.  Townsend’s vocal versatility stands out as he shifts from heavy metal roars to emotive balladry across the album. Tracks like “Dreams of Light” offer introspective moments, contrasting with intense, groove-driven songs like “Gratitude.” Special guests, including Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed, add to the album’s dynamism. Overall,  PowerNerd  is an exuberant addition to Townsend's ...

The Obsession is Charlotte Wessels' bold return to heavier sounds, blending symphonic metal with modern progressive and gothic influences. The album features contributions from her former Delain bandmates and guest vocals from artists like Simone Simons and Alissa White-Gluz. Tracks like "The Exorcism" and "Dopamine" showcase aggressive djent-like riffs and darker atmospheres, while more tender songs like "Soulstice" offer emotional depth. The album stands out for its balance of heaviness and introspection, making it one of Wessels' most dynamic and personal works yet​ ( Distorted Sound Magazine ) ​ ( The Dark Melody ) ​ ( louder ) . Genre : Progressive Metal Country : Netherlands Final Verdict: 68% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 68th / 677 Highlight : The Crying Room Made me think of: Delain Epica Nightwish #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #ProgressiveMetal #CharlotteWessels #...

Where Gods Fear to Speak marks Oceans of Slumber's most ambitious work yet, blending progressive metal's complexity with doom's melancholy and gothic metal's dark atmospheres. Vocalist Cammie Beverly showcases her remarkable range, from angelic cleans to ferocious death growls, driving the album's emotional and sonic depth. The album's dynamic arrangements—balancing delicate piano, heavy guitars, and orchestral elements—build a cinematic soundscape, enhanced by guest vocalists like Mikael Stanne (Dark Tranquillity) and Fernando Ribeiro (Moonspell). Standout tracks like "Poem of Ecstasy" and "The Impermanence of Fate" further emphasize its grand, immersive feel​ ( This Day In Metal ) ​ ( Distorted Sound Magazine ) ​ ( Ever Metal ) . Genre : Progressive Metal Country : US Final Verdict: 67% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 94th / 661 Highlight : Wish Made me think of: Jinjer Lacuna Coil Draconian #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #a...

Melodies of Atonement by Leprous is a masterclass in progressive metal, blending atmospheric synths with powerful, emotionally charged vocals. The album moves away from the orchestral elements of their previous work, opting instead for a more stripped-back, yet still richly textured sound. Einar Solberg's vocal performance is a standout, delivering some of the most intense and nuanced singing of his career. The drumming is also exceptional, adding depth and complexity to the album's darker, slower compositions. Overall, this album solidifies Leprous' status as progressive metal royalty, offering a cinematic listening experience that reveals new layers with each play​ ( louder , The Prog Report , RockMetalMag ) . Genre : Progressive Metal Country : Norway Final Verdict: 73% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 16th / 628 Highlight : Atonement (added to my 2024 best of) Made me think of: Haken Soen Riverside #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowsp...

Sounds of the Forgotten is a dark, emotional journey that marks a high point in Witherfall's discography. With a seamless blend of progressive metal complexity and power metal intensity, the album features intricate guitar work, theatrical vocals, and haunting keyboard arrangements. While some tracks may feel overextended or lack the innovative punch of previous releases, the album's highlights—like the title track and "What Have You Done?"—showcase the band's unique ability to craft epic, narrative-driven songs. This record solidifies Witherfall's place as a formidable force in modern metal​ ( Metal Temple Magazine ) ​​ ( Markus' Heavy Music Blog ) ​​ ( Metal Insider | Get Inside the Industry ) ​. Genre : Progressive Metal Country : US Final Verdict : 62% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 322th / 591 Highlight : Ceremony of Fire Made me think of: Symphony X Savatage Iced Earth #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #No...

Genre : Progressive Metal Country : Norway Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 179th / 481 Highlight : Oslo Syndrome Made me think of: Soen Leprous Haken #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #ProgressiveMetal #RendezvousPoint #Norway #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Progressive Metal Country : Sweden Final Verdict: 72% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 17th / 433 Highlight : Falling From The Sun (added to my 2024 best of) Made me think of: Pain of Salvation Amorphis Symphony X #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #ProgressiveMetal #Evergrey #Sweden #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Progressive Metal Country : Belgium Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 134th / 432 Highlight : Stasis Made me think of: Architects Gojira Leprous #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #ProgressiveMetal #Hippotraktor #Belgium #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Progressive Metal Country : Australia Final Verdict: 67% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 54th / 390 Highlight : A Wonderful Fall from Grace Made me think of: Anubis Gate Vanden Plas Evergrey #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #ProgressiveMetal #Teramaze #Australia #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Progressive Metal Country : International Final Verdict: 69% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 30th / 382 Highlight : March Of The Machines Made me think of: Avantasia Therion Symphony X #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #ProgressiveMetal #Ayreon #International #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Progressive Metal Country : Finland Final Verdict: 61% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 225th / 358 Highlight : Disciple Made me think of: Haken TesseracT Caligula's Horse #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #ProgressiveMetal #Wheel #Finland #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Progressive Metal Country : China Final Verdict: 67% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 56th / 317 Highlight : 破魂 Spirit Broken Made me think of: TesseracT Meshuggah Bjork #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #ProgressiveMetal #Ou #China #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Progressive Metal Country : Germany Final Verdict: 70% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 16th / 293 Highlight : My Icarian Flight Made me think of: Ayreon Dream Theater Queensrÿche #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #ProgressiveMetal #VandenPlas #Germany #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Progressive Metal Country : US Final Verdict: 64% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 63th / 134 Highlight : Flowers in Decay Made me think of: Riverside Katatonia Peter Gabriel #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #ProgressiveMetal #NorthSeaEchoes #US #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Progressive Metal Country : Norway Final Verdict: 67% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 21th / 105 Highlight : Hubris and Blue Devils Made me think of: Emperor Opeth Enslaved  #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #ProgressiveMetal #Ihsahn #Norway #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Progressive Metal Country : Australia Final Verdict: 70% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 3rd / 51 Highlight : Mute Made me think of: Haken Leprous TesseracT #newalbum #newalbum2023 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #ProgressiveMetal #Caligula'sHorse #Australia #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Progressive Metal Country : UK Final Verdict : 66% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 11th / 49 Highlight : Dead Language Made me think of: Elder Mastodon Russian Circles #newalbum #newalbum2023 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #ProgressiveMetal #MountainCaller #UK #LP #Album #release