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News: Glass Hammer Shoots For The Stars With ARISE
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
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
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
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
News: PARADISE LOST ANNOUNCE 30TH ANNIVERSARY REISSUE OF ICON & EUROPEAN TOUR
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
News: The Broadsword and The Beast: 40th Anniversary Editions announced
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
Concerts: Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival June 24-25, 2023
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
News: HEXVESSEL RETURN WITH THEIR SIXTH ALBUM POLAR VEIL
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
Concerts: Mark Lettieri Group at Universal Preservation Hall, Saratoga Springs NY 5/4/2023
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
Concerts: Riverside, Glasgow Garage, 20th April 2023
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
Concerts: Haken, Between The Buried And Me, Cryptodira: Glasgow Garage 25th March 2023
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
Concerts: John Lodge at Cohoes Music Hall in New York 2/21/2023
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
Concerts: Steve Morse Band: The Egg, Albany NY 2/23/2022
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
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
Concerts: Frost* - Edinburgh Queen’s Hall, Monday 28th Nov 2022
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
Concerts: Cats in Space at Bury Met, Greater Manchester, UK, Nov. 28, 2022
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
Concerts: Live: Kick The Cat at Lark Hall, Albany NY 10/7/2022
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
Concerts: Five Finger Death Punch and Megadeth at Jones Beach
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
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