NTTR - No Time to Review

AVKRVST’s Waving at the Sky is a hauntingly immersive concept album that fuses the melodic sophistication of prog‑rock with the weight and intensity of prog‑metal. The record weaves a prequel narrative to their debut The Approbation , inspired by a real and disturbing family tragedy, and unfolds across seven intricately arranged tracks that balance cinematic atmospheres with crisp, emotionally charged riffing. From the instrumental overture “Preceding” through the fierce energy of “The Trauma” (with its Opeth‑like growls) to the compelling guest vocals on “The Malevolent,” the album navigates bleak landscapes with purpose and precision. Extended pieces such as the title‑track deliver catharsis in sweeping, dynamic waves, blending serene melodies and spoken‑word samples with bursts of aggression. While its dark concept and length demand focused listening, the band’s songwriting, instrumental dexterity, and emotional depth make it a captivating and powerful experience Genre : Progressiv...

Phase Transition's debut album, In Search of Being , is a compelling fusion of progressive metal and symphonic elements, enriched by the unique inclusion of violin and female vocals. The album's five tracks showcase the band's technical prowess and emotive depth. "Dichotomy" sets the tone with its intricate arrangements, while "Becoming, (R)evolution" delivers a powerful blend of heavy riffs and melodic interludes. "Veil of Illusions" and "Shadows of Grief" highlight the band's ability to weave introspective themes with dynamic instrumentation. The closing track, "The Other Side," stands out with its seamless transitions between acoustic melodies and intense metal passages. Critics have praised the album for its ambitious composition and the band's potential in the progressive metal scene. The Prog Report: Phase Transition – In Search of Being (Album Review) The Prog Mind: Triple Feature: Phase Transition,...

Liveforms showcases Haken's exceptional musicianship and dynamic stage presence, delivering a near three-hour performance that traverses their discography. The first set's live rendition of Fauna is noted for its faithful execution and emotional depth, with tracks like "Sempiternal Beings" and "Elephants Never Forget" standing out. The second set offers fan favorites such as "Cockroach King" and "1985," highlighting the band's versatility and evolution over the years. Critics have praised the album's high-quality production, mixed by Jens Bogren, and the band's cohesive performance. While some fans expressed a desire for a more varied setlist, the album is widely regarded as a testament to Haken's prowess in the progressive metal scene.   The Prog Report: Haken – Liveforms: An Evening With Haken (Album Review) The Progressive Aspect: Haken – Liveforms: An Evening With Haken Sea of Tranquility: Review: "...

Teramaze's The Harmony Machine , released on April 18, 2025, showcases the band's mastery in blending heavy riffs with melodic hooks. The album delves into themes of human-technology fusion, presenting a dystopian narrative with tracks like “Like a Cyborg” and “Ending of All.” Critics praise the band's ability to craft catchy choruses without compromising their progressive roots, highlighting the intricate guitar work and dynamic compositions. The title track serves as a culmination of the album's themes, combining edgy riffs, soaring vocals, and captivating solos. Overall, The Harmony Machine stands as a testament to Teramaze's evolution and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of progressive metal. ​ Sources: Metal Temple Magazine Bandcamp The Prog Report Prog Archives Album of The Year Genre : Progressive Metal Country : Australia Final Verdict: 67% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 41th / 292 Highlight : BULLET TO A PHARAOH Made me think of: Caligu...

Coheed and Cambria's eleventh studio album, Vaxis – Act III: The Father of Make Believe , released on March 14, 2025, continues their ambitious Amory Wars saga. The album blends intricate progressive rock compositions with emotive storytelling, reflecting themes of loss and personal introspection. Tracks like "Goodbye, Sunshine" and "Blind Side Sonny" showcase the band's dynamic range, from anthemic choruses to complex instrumental passages. Critics have praised the album for its rich orchestration and the band's ability to evolve their sound while staying true to their narrative roots. Overall, The Father of Make Believe stands as a testament to Coheed and Cambria's enduring creativity and depth. ​ Genre : Progressive Metal Country : US Final Verdict: 68% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 33th / 274 Highlight : Meri of Mercy Made me think of: Dream Theater Karnivool Dredg #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning ...

Edge of Paradise's latest album, Prophecy , showcases a dynamic evolution in their sound, blending heavy, industrial riffs with cinematic elements. The incorporation of 8-string guitars adds depth and intensity, complementing Margarita Monet's powerful vocals. Tracks like "Death Note" and "Prophecy Unbound" highlight the band's ability to craft catchy melodies with a modern metal edge. The album's concept delves into themes of artificial intelligence and the human spirit's resilience, offering both standalone anthems and cohesive storytelling. While the music is compelling, some critics question its memorability in a crowded field of outstanding releases. Overall, Prophecy is a testament to Edge of Paradise's growth, delivering a rich and immersive listening experience. Sources: ever-metal.com obscuro.eu myglobalmind.com willtorock.com headbangerslifestyle.com Genre : Progressive Metal Country : US Final Verdict: 61% (Good Album) Year...

"The Triumph of Metal" has been lauded for its robust compositions and the band's musical growth since their debut. The opening title track sets a powerful tone with its heavy guitar work and dynamic vocals. Songs like "Polymorphia" and "The Scales of Rebis" highlight the band's ability to intertwine progressive elements with symphonic grandeur. The album's centerpiece, "A Song of Blood and Steel," stands out as an epic closer, incorporating Far Eastern motifs and theatrical arrangements. Critics have praised the album for its cohesive storytelling and the seamless blend of orchestration with metal elements, marking it as a significant step forward for Hartlight. ​ Sources: The PROG Mind Progressive Rock Central Rock Report Album of The Year Reddit Discussion Genre : Progressive Metal Country : France Final Verdict : 70% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 10th / 193 Highlight : As my Will to Power is Seen Made me think of: Angra ...

"In Thrall to Heresy" marks a significant evolution in Shepherds of Cassini's sound, delivering a cohesive blend of heavy riffs, intricate melodies, and experimental structures. The album's production is noted for its substantial and dynamic quality, effectively capturing the band's expansive sonic palette. Tracks like "Mirrors Have No Memory" and "Raijin" exemplify the band's ability to seamlessly integrate progressive metal with psychedelic and Middle Eastern musical influences. Critics have praised the album for its ambitious compositions and the band's technical proficiency, highlighting it as a standout release in the progressive metal genre. Shepherds of Cassini Official Website Genre : Progressive Metal Country : New Zealand Final Verdict: 62% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 100th / 169 Highlight : Red Veil Made me think of: Anathema Karnivool Tool #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPla...

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