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Lars Fredrik Frøislie
Fire Fortellinger

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New Headlines

This Month's Featured Article:
*NEW* The Staff's Top Picks of 2022 *NEW*

Newest Interviews:
  • Ralf Scheepers of Primal Fear
  • Derek Sherinian & Virgil Donati of Planet X
  • Arjen Anthony Lucassen
  • Ross Jennings of Haken

    Newest Concert Reviews:
  • Freihofers Saratoga Jazz Festival
  • Mark Lettieri Group
  • Riverside
  • Haken/BTBAM


  • We're Looking for Experienced HEAVY METAL & PROG Writers

    Currently, Sea of Tranquility is accepting resumes and sample work from experienced heavy metal & prog writers. If you have experience writing for either print magazines or internet webzines, specifically for any form of heavy metal (black metal, death metal, power metal, metalcore, progressive metal, etc), and progressive rock, we want to hear from you! Also, must be willing to accept digital download promos as the format for review.

    Click Here for More Information.

    News: Glass Hammer Shoots For The Stars With ARISE
    Progressive Rock

    Set against the backdrop of deep space exploration, ARISE follows the extraordinary journey of an android dispatched by overzealous scientists to uncover the galaxy’s hidden wonders. The album’s lyrics, liner notes, and artwork convey a tale of cosmic dread and wonder that doesn’t begin with a big bang, but, according to Glass Hammer mastermind Steve Babb, it definitely ends with one. "We're big on finales, but this is probably the heaviest thing we've ever done. It's a 17-minute instrumental in three parts meant to leave our fans' jaws on the floor!"

    Babb is joined by singer Hannah Pryor and guitarist Reese Boyd for Glass Hammer’s twenty-first studio album. “ARISE is my progressive-rock spin on space rock,” says Babb. “I’m still flirting with doom metal on a couple of songs, as we did on the last two albums, but there’s also psych-rock and even 80’s influence going on in the music. Even so, it’s very much a prog-rock album, just one that touches on other styles.” ARISE is set for release on October 27.
    Posted by Pete Pardo on Sat, Sep 16 2023 @ 11:15 CDT
    Open...


    News: MARIUSZ DUDA UNVEILS NEW ALBUM AFR AI D OUT NOVEMBER 17th VIA KSCOPE
    Progressive Rock LISTEN HERE

    WATCH HERE

    Riverside mastermind Mariusz Duda returns with fourth solo album ‘AFR AI D’ out November 17th via Kscope.

    Mariusz Duda has always been fascinated by the telling of a story, idea or concept. Whereas on previous album ‘Lockdown Trilogy’, Mariusz Duda wanted to capture a snapshot of life during the pandemic the renown progressive mastermind, this time explores the concept of AI as disruptor. His new solo record looks at the growing commodification of AI and specifically with artificial intelligence entering the mainstream.

    Using the notion of ChatGPT and Midjourney and the increasing use of deep fakes as a springboard, ‘AFR AI D’ explores these interesting and forward thinking theories musically just as much as it does conceptually.

    Unveiling ‘AFR AI D’ first single ‘Embracing The Unknown’ the track is the longest composition on the album and a fitting representative. The changing musical moods and rhythm are characteristic not only of the new album but of all Mariusz Duda music released under his own name.
    Posted by Steven Reid on Thu, Sep 07 2023 @ 18:55 CDT
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    News: Wayward Sons 2024 UK Tour
    General Wayward Sons Announce 2024 UK Tour

    The Sons are back! After the hiatus that followed their triumphant opening of the main stage at Download Festival '22, the band has announced a new UK tour for January 2024.

    Playing songs from their three acclaimed albums and some surprises too, Wayward Sons will undertake their first tour since Covid interrupted the ‘Even Up The Score’ run which sold out on many shows.

    Wayward Sons consist of Toby Jepson on Lead Vocals and Guitar, Lead Guitarist Sam Wood, Drummer Phil Martini and Bassist Nic Wastell.
    Posted by Steven Reid on Mon, Sep 04 2023 @ 19:33 CDT
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    THE HIVES RELEASE FRENZIED “TRAPDOOR SOLUTION” & ERUPTIVE "THE BOMB
    General THE HIVES RELEASE FRENZIED, RAZOR-SHARP “TRAPDOOR SOLUTION” & ERUPTIVE, RAUCOUS “THE BOMB” HERE

    TAKEN FORTHCOMING ALBUM, THEIR FIRST IN 10 YEARS THE DEATH OF RANDY FITZSIMMONS OUT AUGUST 11TH VIA FUGA.

    RECENTLY COMPLETED UK & EUROPEAN TOUR WITH ARCTIC MONKEYS UK IN-STORES & SIGNING ANNOUNCED FOR AUGUST

    “A collection of 12 high-energy punk-ish songs reminiscent of their best work” - Rolling Stone

    ‘The album unfurls via a series of taut yet infectious riffs, pummelling drums and impassioned high-octane vocals’ - Uncut (7/10)
    Posted by Steven Reid on Tue, Aug 01 2023 @ 17:09 CDT
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    News: Bruce Soord (The Pineapple Thief) announces solo album ‘Luminescence
    Progressive Rock OUT SEPTEMBER 22nd ON KSCOPE / RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘DEAR LIFE’

    Watch HERE

    PRE-ORDER HERE

    Multi-instrumentalist, producer and The Pineapple Thief mastermind Bruce Soord announces his new album ‘Luminescence’ out September 22nd. The album will be his third solo offering and is supported by a very rare European solo tour in Europe and UK in September.

    Inspired by the idea of finding inner peace, Soord’s latest solo release Luminescence explores the difficulty of living in the metropolis of the modern world. Born from days exploring various cities whilst on tour, tracks from the album feature recordings from Soord’s various wanderings captured on his field recorder.
    Posted by Steven Reid on Fri, Jul 28 2023 @ 19:01 CDT
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    News: PARADISE LOST ANNOUNCE 30TH ANNIVERSARY REISSUE OF ICON & EUROPEAN TOUR
    Heavy Metal In 1993 Paradise Lost released their gothic metal masterpiece ‘Icon', an album that defined the genre and made them one of the best metal bands the UK has ever produced.

    To celebrate the album's 30th anniversary, the gothic metal legends have announced details of their Embers of Europe Tour for December this year. The band have also revealed details of a very special vinyl reissue of ‘Icon’ to coincide with these dates.

    Released on 1st December, the album has been totally re-recorded by the band and will also feature brand new artwork. Once again working with long time collaborator and producer Jaime Gomez Arellano, the band re-recorded the vocals and drums for ‘Icon’ at his new studio Arda Recorders in Porto, Portugal. The rest of the album was completed at Greg Mackintosh’s Black Planet Studios.

    Nick Holmes explains: “Our specific record deal around the time we signed for the Icon album meant we would never actually own the rights to our music or artwork, so going forward, to reissue the album ourselves for the 30th anniversary, it was necessary to re-record and completely re-do the album cover.
    Posted by Steven Reid on Mon, Jul 10 2023 @ 17:51 CDT
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    News: The Broadsword and The Beast: 40th Anniversary Editions announced
    Progressive Rock PRE-ORDER NOW, OUT 1ST SEPTEMBER HERE - THE MONSTER EDITION (5CD+3DVD) AND THE VINYL EDITION (4LP) - RELEASED VIA WARNER MUSIC

    Known for their innovative fusion of progressive rock and folk influences, Jethro Tull announces 40th anniversary editions of their fourteenth album ‘Broadsword And The Beast’. Originally released in 1982, it was a groundbreaking album that captivated fans with its distinctive blend of rock, folk, and progressive influences. The album's masterful storytelling, accompanied by Ian Anderson's unmistakable flute melodies, garnered critical acclaim and has become a fan favourite over the years. The 40th Anniversary packages includes new mixes from Steven Wilson, demos, rough mixes, live recordings and sessions from 1981 with five CDs and three DVDs forming the ‘monster edition’ and 4LPs as the ‘vinyl edition’.
    Posted by Steven Reid on Wed, Jul 05 2023 @ 22:31 CDT
    Read More...


    Concerts: Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival June 24-25, 2023
    Fusion

    June 24th & 25th 2023 was a special weekend in Saratoga NY, as SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center) hosted the 46th annual Jazz Festival that has been a staple since 1978. It is the fifth longest consecutive running jazz festival in North America. Two full days of music on two stages, with the main amphitheater hosting the larger acts, and a small stage on the lawn hosts some fine artists as well. The festival has a storied history, having hosted the likes of Chick Corea, George Benson, Herbie Hancock, Jean-Luc Ponty, and Miles Davis to name just a few.

    Posted by Pete Pardo on Fri, Jun 30 2023 @ 00:06 CDT
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    News: THE HIVES ANNOUNCE 2024 UK & IRELAND TOUR
    General THE HIVES ANNOUNCE 2024 UK & IRELAND TOUR & PLAY LONDON’S EVENTIM APOLLO APRIL 13TH

    NEW ALBUM THE DEATH OF RANDY FITZSIMMONS OUT AUGUST 11TH
    Posted by Steven Reid on Sat, Jun 24 2023 @ 15:46 CDT
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    News: HEXVESSEL RETURN WITH THEIR SIXTH ALBUM POLAR VEIL
    Progressive Rock RELEASED 22ND SEPTEMBER (SVART RECORDS) / WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘OLDER THAN THE GODS’ HERE

    Finland’s Hexvessel return on 22nd September (Svart Records) with their sixth album, Polar Veil, a cold, metallic hymn to the Sub Arctic North. Haunted by primal forest spirits, Mat “Kvohst” McNerney summons the ghosts of his past in a jaw-dropping, unheard-of rebirth of style and sound. At once unmistakably Hexvessel, Polar Veil is also steeped in the nocturnal atmosphere of McNerney’s past, churned in the cauldron of Black Metal, Ritual Folk Psychedelia and Doom Rock, and echoing with shivering Gothic undertones.

    From their inception in 2009, Hexvessel, created by Mat McNerney as what he described to Decibel Magazine as “a free spiritual journey and a musical odyssey with no boundaries”, have captivated audiences and listeners with their evolution.
    Posted by Steven Reid on Tue, May 30 2023 @ 19:49 CDT
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    Concerts: Mark Lettieri Group at Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs NY 5/4/2023
    Fusion

    One has to scratch their head and wonder why it can take so to take a chance on an artist. I’ve been familiar with both Snarky Puppy and Mark Lettieri for some time, but other than watching a few YouTube clips; I owned nothing by the Mark Lettieri Group. Let’s just say this past Thursday night changed everything. Lettieri and his trio played close to a two hour set of funky, rocking, tight and intricate music that was nothing short of exhilarating. I was well aware of what a great guitarist Mark is, but the songs are so good. His trio consisted of bassist Wes Stephenson (The Funky Knuckles) and Jason “JT” Thomas (Snarky Puppy) on drums.

    Posted by Pete Pardo on Tue, May 16 2023 @ 00:55 CDT
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    Concerts: Riverside, Glasgow Garage, 20th April 2023
    Progressive Rock

    It’s been 4 long years since Riverside graced Scottish soil and a lot has changed during that time. One thing that has remained steadfast however is that this four-piece are the premier Polish progressive rock act out there and neither are they shy in proving that fact. With a new album in the shape of ID.Entity to show off, this outfit weren’t here to simply celebrate their long heritage and that was reflected in a set split evenly 50/50 with old songs and new. Sea of Tranquility’s Steven Reid had his ID checked at the door of the Glasgow Garage.

    Posted by Steven Reid on Fri, Apr 21 2023 @ 23:15 CDT
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    Concerts: Haken, Between The Buried And Me, Cryptodira: Glasgow Garage 25th March 2023
    Concert Reviews

    It’s heartening to know in these days where ticket agencies seem to have borrowed their business models from the touts we used to despise, that it’s still possible to fork out less than £30 and revel in a top class evening of progressive metal. Sea of Tranquility’s Steven Reid was treated to some of the best sounds the genre has to offer as Haken, Between The Buried And Me and Cryptodira enthralled a packed Glasgow Garage.

    Posted by Steven Reid on Mon, Mar 27 2023 @ 20:28 CDT
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    Concerts: John Lodge at Cohoes Music Hall in New York 2/21/2023
    Progressive Rock

    Legendary Moody Blues bassist John Lodge treated fans to two hour long sets Tuesday Night at Cohoes Music Hall. Set 1 consisted of Moody Blues classics such as “Isn’t Life Strange”, “Gemini Dream”, and “I’m Just A Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)” among others for the capacity crowd. This intimate venue is a great place to see a show, not a bad seat in the house. Lodge tackled the lead vocals through the first set, and although he’s not the singer that Justin Hayward is, he did an admirable job. At 77 years old, let’s give him credit for going out and performing for his fans. Lodge interacted with the crowd often, and his 10,000 Light Years Band were more than capable in recreating these classics.

    Posted by Pete Pardo on Sat, Mar 04 2023 @ 01:08 CST
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    Concerts: Steve Morse Band: The Egg, Albany NY 2/23/2022
    Fusion

    For the first time in almost 10 years the Steve Morse Band is back on the road with a short 5 date east coast tour. Now that Steve’s tenure with Deep Purple is over, we can all hope to see and hear more of Steve Morse in the coming years.

    Posted by Pete Pardo on Sat, Feb 25 2023 @ 21:24 CST
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    News: Queensryche's 'Digital Noise Alliance' Wins our 2022 Readers Poll
    General Digital Noise Alliance from Queensryche has won our readers poll for 2022 Album of the Year by a landslide! In a distant second place was Porcupine Tree Closure/Continuation and in third place came Kickstart the Sun from Cats in Space. Thanks to everyone that voted and congratulations to Queensryche for winning the Best Album of 2022 as voted by the Sea of Tranquility readers & viewers!
    Posted by Pete Pardo on Thu, Feb 02 2023 @ 03:44 CST
    Open...


    Concerts: Frost* - Edinburgh Queen’s Hall, Monday 28th Nov 2022
    Concert Reviews

    Their most recent album may well have been released a year ago but Frost* have clearly arrived at Edinburgh’s Queen’s Hall with one thing on their mind - namely to promote 2021’s excellent Day And Age. Well, I say that they only had one thought to the fore, but in truth there were another two itches the four-piece were desperate to scratch, those being to thoroughly entertain the near sell out crowd and to have a great time while doing so. Sea of Tranquility’s Steven Reid was only too pleased to get his prog thoroughly rocked.

    Posted by Steven Reid on Sun, Dec 04 2022 @ 00:52 CST
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    Concerts: Cats in Space at Bury Met, Greater Manchester, UK, Nov. 28, 2022
    Concert Reviews

    I was stopped a few times before and after this astoundingly excellent gig by the Cats and there was only one real question people wanted to discuss: Why aren't Cats in Space playing much bigger venues? It's a great question. Is it because of the name as some posited? Is it because the band are of the older persuasion? Is it because of the lack of mainstream media support? Is it because their target audience is reluctant to venture out these days? Whatever the reason is there's absolutely no doubt that Cats in Space are one of the very best bands on the circuit right now.

    Posted by Pete Pardo on Thu, Nov 03 2022 @ 14:27 CDT
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    Concerts: Live: Kick The Cat at Lark Hall, Albany NY 10/7/2022
    Fusion

    Chicago based fusion band Kick the Cat made a stop in Albany NY at the newly renovated Lark Hall for their second show of the tour on Friday night. It's not often these days that I discover a band that I love, but also get to see them live. The quartet came ready to play and tore into a number of tracks from their 2021 release "Gurgle".

    Posted by Pete Pardo on Tue, Oct 11 2022 @ 13:55 CDT
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    Concerts: Five Finger Death Punch and Megadeth at Jones Beach
    Heavy Metal

    The day was upon me, one I had looked forward to for weeks. In my busy single parenting life, one I’m sure a lot of you know, it’s hectic & crazy & hurried, I don’t get to hang out with my girlfriends quite like I used to. Amidst the anxiousness of awaiting a night out with them, I was waiting to see a good metal show, especially 5FDP, my gym buddies as I call them. I put them on and I can do more reps, go harder and go longer.

    Some of you may know I’m on the Monday night show on Sea of Tranquility’s Hudson Valley Squares, although because of my busy schedule I have slacked off on a bunch of episodes, hoping to change that soon.
    Posted by Pete Pardo on Fri, Sep 16 2022 @ 15:40 CDT
    Read More...


    Past Articles


    Tuesday, April 12

    · Steve Hackett: Genesis Revisited/Seconds Out & More (The Egg, Albany, NY (0)


    Sunday, April 10

    · Stick Men: The Linda,WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, Albany NY 4/8/2022 (0)


    Monday, April 04

    · RAEL: The Music of Genesis, 4/2/2022 (0)


    Tuesday, February 01

    · Dream Theater wins our Readers Poll for Best Album of 2021! (0)


    Tuesday, November 09

    · Review: Hawkwind 'Somnia' (0)
    · Review: Glass Hammer 'Skallagrim-Into the Breach' (0)
    · Review: Between the Buried and Me 'Colors II' (w/Luis Nasser) (0)
    · Udo Dirkschneider Discusses the new U.D.O. Album 'Game Over' (0)


    Thursday, June 10

    · A Chat with Bev Bevan (ELO/The Move/Black Sabbath) & Joy Strachan (0)


    Saturday, March 27

    · Molten Dials Up Some Hot Heavy Metal Sounds (0)


    Monday, March 01

    · Blue Oyster Cult's 'The Symbol Remains' Wins Album of 2020! (0)


    Thursday, January 14

    · A Tribute to Tim Bogert (0)
    · Review: Rain 'Singularity' (0)
    · The Top 40 Albums of 2020-Pete Pardo & Steven Reid's Picks! (0)
    · Ranking the Studio Albums: Il Balletto Di Bronzo (0)
    · Ranking the Studio Albums: Aviary (0)


    Friday, December 11

    · Rob Halford Discusses His New Autobiography 'Confess' and Judas Priest&# (0)


    Wednesday, December 09

    · Ranking the Studio Albums: Triumvirat (0)
    · Ranking the Studio Albums: Zero Hour (0)
    · Ranking the Studio Albums: Epica (0)
    · An Intimate Chat With Simon Phillips (0)
    · Roine Stolt Discusses The Flower Kings 'Islands' and Upcoming Transatlan (0)
    · Vanden Plas Drummer Andreas Lill Discusses 'The Ghost Xperiment-Illumina (0)
    · Ranking the Studio Albums: Steve Hackett (0)


    Wednesday, November 11

    · Sea of Tranquility Fall Fest 2020! (0)


    Sunday, November 08

    · Fires in the Distance Debuts with Echoes From Deep November (0)


    Tuesday, July 28

    · Catching Up With Mick Box & Davey Rimmer of Uriah Heep! (0)
    · An Interview with Kim Simmonds of Savoy Brown! (0)
    · A Weekend Chat with Annie Haslam of Renaissance! (0)
    · An Interview with Ronnie Platt of Kansas! (0)
    · Ranking the Studio Albums: The Moody Blues (0)


    Tuesday, July 14

    · An Interview Steve Babb & Fred Schendel of Glass Hammer (Part 2) (0)
    · An Interview Steve Babb & Fred Schendel of Glass Hammer (Part 1) (0)
    · Ranking the Studio Albums: Crimson Glory (0)
    · An Interview with Steve Hackett (0)
    · An Interview with Jasun Tipton of Zero Hour (0)
    · Ranking the Studio Albums: Primal Fear (0)
    · Ranking the Studio Albums: Starcastle (0)
    · Ranking the Studio Albums: Fish (0)
    · Ranking the Studio Albums: Marillion (0)
    · Review: Todd Rundgren's Utopia 'Benefit for Moogy Klingman 2011' CD/ (0)
    · Ranking the Studio Albums: Pain of Salvation (0)


    Monday, May 04

    · An Interview with Bill Kielty of O Zorn! (0)


    Friday, April 17

    · Ranking the Studio Albums: Be Bop Deluxe (0)
    · Ranking the Studio Albums: Van Der Graaf Generator (0)
    · New Song 'Bloom' from Solo Artist ITAYIL (0)


    Wednesday, April 01

    · Ranking the Studio Albums: Dream Theater (0)
    · Ranking the Studio Albums: Symphony X (0)
    · Ranking the Studio Albums: Camel (0)
    · Ranking the Studio Albums: UK (0)


    Older Articles



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