In care se vorbeste (canta) despre o anumita parte a rock-ului

First topic message reminder :

Incep astazi sa trec in revista niste baieti care ma incanta de ceva vreme (ok, s-au strecurat si ceva fete ) prin zgomotele care le produc. Dati-le o sansa, chiar daca initial nu va spun mare lucru.

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Mentionez ca ma voi inspira aproape exclusiv de pe site-ul de capatai al progului (desi bineinteles ca puritanii spun ca deja a virat-o spre fateta mai comerciala a abordarii), http://www.progarchives.com/
Aici veti gasi detalii despre trupele prezentate de mine, discografii, componente, exemple de piese sau videoclipuri etc. Feel free to explore !

INDEX

A

AFTER CRYING
AGALLOCH
AKKERMAN, JAN
ALCEST
AMON DÜÜL
AMOS, TORI
ANATHEMA
ANDROMEDA
ANEKDOTEN
ANYONE'S DAUGHTER
APHRODITE'S CHILD
AREA
ARSENAL
ASIA
ATHEIST
AVALON
AYREON

B

BACAMARTE
BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST
BARRETT, SYD
BEATLES, THE
BECK, JEFF
BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME
BELIEVER
BJÖRK
BLACK SABBATH
BLACKMORE'S NIGHT
BLOTTED SCIENCE
BLUE OYSTER CULT
BLUT AUS NORD
BOWIE, DAVID
BUCIUM
BYRON

C

CAMEL
CAN
CANVAS SOLARIS
CARAVAN
CELELALTE CUVINTE
CHICAGO
CHROMA KEY
CICCADA
COLOSSEUM
CRIMSON GLORY
CULT OF LUNA
CURVED AIR
CYNIC

D

DARKWATER
DAVIS, MILES
DEAD CAN DANCE
DEATH
DEATHSPELL OMEGA
DEEP PURPLE
DEUS
MCLAUGHLIN AND DE LUCIA DI MEOLA
DI MEOLA, AL
DIABLO SWING ORCHESTRA
DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, THE
DREAM THEATER

E

ECHO
ELECTRIC LIGHT ORCHESTRA
ELOY
EMERSON LAKE & PALMER
EMERSON, KEITH
ENO, BRIAN

PROCOL HARUM


Crossover Prog • United Kingdom

Procol Harum biography
PROCOL HARUM came out of the ashes from a band called the PARAMOUNTS
that had its roots back in 59 (!!) and had split in early 66. Gary
Brooker meet lyricist Keith Reid and began writing songs and by 1967, it
became clear that they would need the help from their old colleagues
from PARAMOUNTS days to form their new band to be called PROCOL HARUM.
They developed a really new sound with two KB (piano for Brooker and
Hammond organ for Fisher) and a guitarist extraordinaire called Robin
Trower who was greatly influenced by JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE. They
quickly became one of the precursor of progressive rock (along the MOODY
BLUES and The NICE) and mixed in some classical influences (BACH in
"Whiter Shade of Pale") and sold millions of singles but also albums.

They
became the first band to build a multi-movement suite that lasted a
whole side and this was in early 68 in their second album called "Shine
on Brightly" and became a real influence for all progressive groups to
come. By their fourth album "Home", the sound had evolved to an almost
hard-rock but by the following one, the guitarist Robin Trower left for a
long and successful solo career, leaving Brooker alone at the driving
wheel. From their "Grand Hotel" album, the sound will be tamer but still
explosive but all of the succeeding album would follow suit, the band
still enjoyed many hit singles. Until they folded in 77, victim of the
punk wave. They sporadically reform around the Brooker-Reid duo and
Fisher to record a new album and small tour, the most recent being in
2003.

PROCOL HARUM is highly recommended for all the progheads
who are interested in the birth of prog and its roots as well as its
inventive use of an symphonic orchestra often used a real instrument in
their music.

PSYCHO SYMPHONY


Progressive Metal • Romania

http://www.psychosymphony.ro/
PSYCHO SYMPHONY was created the city of Carei, in Romania in 1992 by
founding members Attila Mogyorós, Róbert Gindele and Gábor Gindele. The
trio's style was "instrumental technical progressive thrash". Later on,
in 1993, Emil Gherasim, formerly from the band CHAOS, joined forces,
thus completing the band's current line-up.

The band recorded their first demo in 1994. Their second was released two years later, in 1996.

Their
first full-length studio album, "Silent Fall" was recorded and released
in 1997, to great reviews from the local and international press. This
opened the doors for the group to play in the Pepsi Sziget Festival in
Hungary, which gave them the opportunity to perform in a "grandiose
festival".

The band released a promo-demo "Schizoid" in 2002. The recording got great reviews all over Europe.

PSYCHOTIC WALTZ


Progressive Metal • United States

Psychotic Waltz biography
Debut "A Social Grace" is a good mix of WATCHTOWER and more melodic/
harmonic riffs, quite heavy, quite complex and a bit murky. Actually
melodies prevail, but dischords seep through here and there. The best
picks are the sharp opener "And the Devil Cried", more controlled "Halo
of Thorns" and "Another Prophet Song", elegiac "I Remember" and a few
darker tracks like a "Spiral Tower".

Their second, Into the
"Everflow" is for my opinion their best. Sound of debut is mixed with
70's sympho, 60's psych, funk, alternative, etc. The "plateau" opens
with anthemic "Ashes", which sounds really exalted, then continues with
quite heady "Out of Mind"."Tiny Streams" is paying an homage to BLACK
sABBATH in some way, while "Freakshow" is an appraisal of JANE'S
ADDICTION leader Perry Farrell (Lackey was seemingly great fan of Janes
at that time), but is extraordinary track, where Lackey show his talents
in vocal acrobatics (he gets my vote for the best singer in metal.) PW
are also in longer song format contest. "Into the Everflow"and
"Butterfly" are both 9+' minute long. Both shift through different
atmospheres. "Little People" is interesting song whose lyrics (probably)
deal with tv-soapies like Santa Barbara and the like (with which
American readers are probably more acknowledged than I am -- I mean that
tv-programs boasts of this more than on the ol' continent). It's hard
to believe that such crap can inspire such good music.

"Mosquito"
sees the band navigate into more alternative/grungy waters (close to
sound of Soundgarden circa Superunknown), but the ending result is very
good, also more "spacy". Outstanding pieces: simply fantastic
"Mosquito", pretty laid-back "Lovestone Blind" and maybe the best PINK
FLOYD influenced number of all times, "The Mindsong", to name only few.

With
The Bleeding, the band shifted "back to the roots" with more modern
production. Album sounds powerful but did not convince me for some
reason. Still some good tracks like "Morbid", "Locust" and "Faded".

Days
of Birth and Legend offers some unreleased tracks and outtakes of never
finished tracks plus a recorded concert from times just before A Social
Grace was released. The sound is quite rough, but the effect is
excellent. Tracks from A Social Grace sound darker but much much cooler.
I'm not sure if the compilation contains the first Aslan demo. In the
time when Days was released, Lackey went out and was replaced soon
after.

QUEEN


Prog Related • United Kingdom

http://www.queenonline.com/
nimic de spus

o piesa imensa, dupa mine, dar nu stiu de ce neglijata.

QUEENSRYCHE


Progressive Metal • United States

Queensrÿche biography
Quite simply, Queensryche was one of the essential
bands in the development of progressive metal. Merging the metal of Iron
Maiden with the atmospheres of Pink Floyd, the band created what may
still be the quintessential metal concept album, OPERATION: MINDCRIME.
The band's sound has centered on the operatic vocals of Geoff Tate
singing over numerous versions of heavy rock over a 30 year career.

Starting
in the early 1980's in Seattle, Washington, guitarists Chris Degarmo
and Michael Wilton, along with bassist Eddie Jackson and drummer Scott
Rockenfield, were in a cover band, the Mob, cutting their teeth on the
work of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. Singer Geoff Tate of local
progressive bands Babylon and the Myth was brought in sporadically for
gigs and then an EP. The EP, fueled by the anthemic "Queen of the Reich"
gained the band national exposure. The band acquired Tate permanently,
changed their name in honor of their then signature song, and were
signed to EMI.

Initially tagged as an Iron Maiden descendent,
Queensryche folded in more and more progressive influences under Tate
and DeGarmo's direction on the LPs THE WARNING and RAGE FOR ORDER. The
latter is one of several albums that may be considered the first true
progressive metal album, as it melded keyboards, conceptual themes, and
more complex song structures. However, Queensryche's defining moment was
the full concept album from 1988, OPERATION: MINDCRIME. Its ambitious
story covered government, religion, sex, drugs, and mental illness. The
interconnected songs included an over ten minute epic, several MTV hit
singles, and fueled the band's rise supporting several of the top metal
tours of the time.

The following album, EMPIRE, took an
intentionally more commercial tone and catapulted the band to major
arenas where they performed MINDCRIME in its entirety as a headliner.
The Pink Floyd influenced single "Silent Lucidity" was one of the major
hits of the year. This would be the band's peak with eclectic PROMISED
LAND being the last of the band's classic era. Musical tastes had
changed, and the band attempted unsuccessfully to accommodate to
alternative / grunge with HEAR IN THE NOW FRONTIER. DeGarmo left the
band soon after, and Queensryche has had an up and down career. TRIBE
and OPERATION: MINDCRIME II were much better received than their
predecessors, and the band's continuing tours have included
co-headlining with fellow prog-metal pioneers Dream Theater.

QUELLA VECCHIA LOCANDA


Rock Progressivo Italiano • Italy

Quella Vecchia Locanda biography
QUELLA VECCHIA LOCANDA is a great Italian prog band of the historic
scene, formed in Rome in the early seventies. QVL plays a complex music
with a lot of instrumental combinations, beautiful melodies and a very
high sophistication. Close to KING CRIMSON.

QVL released two
albums which are both considered essential releases from that particular
scene. The first album is still regarded as a classic in its field,
with an original fusion of classical influences and the use of flute and
electric violin in evidence. QVL was fairly typical of the style,
especially on their second album, "Il Tempo Della Goia", which ranks as
one of the finest examples of classical, pastoral Italian symphonic
along the lines of PFM, CELESTE, ALUSA FALLAX or LOCANDA DELLE FATE. The
group sadly disbanded soon after the second album, leaving us with two
more italian progressive gems, both with beautiful covers. Two of the
most looked records of Italy!!!

RADIOHEAD


Crossover Prog • United Kingdom

dupa mine, trupa anilor 2000.
http://www.radiohead.com/

RAINBOW


Prog Related • Multi-National

Rainbow biography
Masterminded by Ritchie Blackmore, the guitarist of
Deep Purple, Rainbow recorded nine studio albums between 1975 and 1995.
The period between 1975 and 1978 (also known as the Dio Era) would be
remembered as the most important incarnation of the band. Blending hard
rock with classical music, Rainbow paved the way for many Progressive
and Progressive Metal bands with their musical virtuosity and the
"sword, magic and wizardry" imagery in their lyrics. Blackmore´s
strength in improvisation led to many live albums, which are still being
remastered and released until this day.

Deep Purple and Elf

In
1974, after Deep Purple had released "Stormbringer", Ritchie Blackmore
had become disillusioned with the funk/soul elements that were being
introduced by David Coverdale and Glenn Hughes, and also wanted to
express his ideas that were being suppressed in Deep Purple. He went
into the studio with an American band, Elf, which were to act only as a
session band. Rainbow's debut was actually recorded whilst Ritchie was
still a member of Deep Purple! This took place just before Deep Purple's
European tour to support "Stormbringer". The line up at this stage was
Ritchie Blackmore (guitar), Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Gary Driscoll
(drums), Craig Gruber (bass) and Mickey Lee Soule (piano, Mellotron,
clavinet and organ). Blackmore instantly struck up a strong working
relationship with the lead vocalist of Elf, Ronnie James Dio. Their
shared interests in both medieval and hard rock music would build the
foundations for "Ritchie Blackmore´s Rainbow", in which Blackmore and
Dio shared all the songwriting credits. Extremely pleased with the
results of the recording session with Elf, Blackmore decided to quit
Deep Purple and form Ritchie Blackmore´s Rainbow.

The Dio Years

"Ritchie
Blackmore´s Rainbow" was released in August 1975, but even before its
release, the first of a long line of musicians had already been fired.
Bassist Craig Gruber was given his marching orders and this marked the
beginning of Blackmore´s policy of firing and hiring musicians at the
drop of a hat. After the debut album was released, all the members of
Elf (except for Dio) were replaced. Blackmore recruited two unknowns,
bassist Jimmy Bain and keyboardist Tony Carey. Former Jeff Beck drummer
Cozy Powell was brought in to complete the line -up.

ROXY MUSIC


Crossover Prog • United Kingdom

Roxy Music biography
A band Oscar Wilde would certainly have approved of:
retro-chic extravaganza, a cross between sophistication and street-wise
20th century dandyism. Their music was scarcely anything more than
well-dressed 70's pop, oozing with hollowed-out sensuality and presented
via original artwork, stage shows and wild costumes that crystallized
the hippest style of the day. Scratch beneath the glamour, however, and
you find some very talented artists, some of whom went on to pursue
highly successful (if not necessarily prog) solo careers. They were led
by composer, singer and visual artist Bryan Ferry. Brian Eno (synths),
Phil Manzanera (lead guitar), Andrew Mackay (sax and oboe), Graham
Simpson (bass) and Paul Thompson (drums) completed the original line-up.
Between 1972-82, they released 8 studio albums, 3 live cds and numerous
compilation disks as well as a couple of box sets.

Of particular
interest to prog fans are the eponymous "Roxy Music" and "For Your
Pleasure", a sort of rock music potpourri with Ferry's 50's tinged
vocals over distinctive 60's rhythms and 70's electronics. With the
departure of Brian Eno, "Stranded" and "Country Life" became less
experimental but still remained fairly adventurous. With "Siren",
however, the band started abandoning their intoxicating blend of art
rock and glam pop to concentrate on Ferry's suave, crooner persona.
"Manifesto" and "Flesh and Blood", hardly deemed art-rock albums
anymore, are mostly a series of concise pop songs with layers of stylish
disco rhythms. With its romantic washes of synthesizers and Ferry's
elegant, seductive croon, the band's last album, "Avalon", is a richly
textured cd and a most graceful way to end the band's career. Among the
live albums, consider "Viva Roxy Roxy Music" (76), a powerful document
of the band at their peak featuring a cross-section of their best work,
and "Heart Still Beating" (90) which features some of the best guitar
solos from Phil Manzanera as a ROXY member.

For a colourful segment of the 70's glam rock phenomenon, the first four albums are a must for any art rock fan.

RUSH


Heavy Prog • Canada

Rush biography
RUSH is a pioneering line-up of the Seventies
Progressive rock, who influenced most hard-rock and even heavy-metal
power trios. This brilliant band is composed of bassist-singer Geddy LEE, guitarist Alex LIFESON
and famous drummer Neil PEART. In 1974 John RUTSEY was replaced by Neil
PEART who also assumed the role of the band's primary songwriter. Their
instrumental virtuosity is mind-blowing, their lyrics are some of the
best I've ever read, and every album they've released contains a
shattering classic. Through their 20+ year career, they've proved to be
the masters of their respective instrument while creating incredible
music.

Now, a brief summary of the band's career ...
Through
the history of RUSH, they have passed through many distinct phases.
Every one of these phases represents a triumph in music, allowing the
band to move on. As at the end of all of RUSH's phases, a live LP was
released. This tradition began with "All The World's A Stage", recorded
live at Massey Hall in Toronto, Canada. Since then, the group has
released three additional live albums: the best selling "Exit... Stage
Left" (1981), "A Show of Hands" (1989), and the three-disc set
"Different Stages" (1998), which encompasses three decades of the
group's music.

FIRST PHASE (1974-1976):
In the beginning, they
started off as hard rock blues outfit with John-boy before he left and
Neil came in, bringing his sci-fi mind into the works. The music seems
to be a transition between straight-ahead rock tunes and more complex
progressive tracks. "Caress of Steel" is a landmark album in the history
of RUSH. Lyrically and musically, "2112" was a masterpiece. This
multi-platinum release remains one of RUSH's best-selling albums.

SECOND PHASE (1977-1981):
They
moved headlong into progressive rock in the later part of the decade,
starting with the album previous and right on to their massive
breakthrough, 1981's "Moving Pictures". Synthesizers were now employed
by the band, played in the studio and on stage by Geddy. This was the
end of transition from long epic pieces to shorter, more concise, and
intricate songs. "Permanent Waves" is widely considered to be second
only to "Moving Pictures" as RUSH's finest achievement.

THIRD PHASE (1982-1989):

SAGA


Crossover Prog • Canada

Saga biography
SAGA... one of the most famous Canadian Hard Progresssive with excellent
albums including all elements which made the band's reputation: a taste
for symphonism and melodies and real talent for efficient riffs.

From
1978 to 1980, SAGA produced a number of quintessentially "progressive"
rock albums. These first albums emerged neo-progressive style bands like
IQ, PENDRAGON and PALLAS. In the early's 80's they further perfected
their style and seemed a bit as viable as their Canadian compatriots
RUSH. Until 1989, suddenly SAGA re-emerged with arguably their strongest
album to date: "The Beginner's Guide To Throwing Shapes". They went
totally haywire in 1995, releasing "Generation 13" to be a real concept
album.

Throughout the years, they created their own particular
and unique brand of music. Well, they're still around and they are still
making great music but unfortunately radio stations no longer play
intelligent, riveting, songs anymore. So, if you're into groups like
KANSAS, ASIA, RUSH, STYX, or YES, a new dimension of music awaits you...
SAGA!

SANTANA


Jazz Rock/Fusion • Multi-National

Santana biography
Best known the world over for the group that bears
his name, Carlos Santana has been reinventing and reshaping the
landscape of the known universe's musical culture for close to four
decades. A visionary artist with no regards for genre boundaries,
Carlos' fluid sound long ago laid claim to the concept of "world music"
before the term ever surfaced on pop culture radar. Having evolved and
expanded for over four decades, the "Carlos" sound could well be on its
way to becoming interplanetary music.
http://www.santana.com/

SAVATAGE


Progressive Metal • United States

Savatage biography
Great band from New York formed by brothers
Jon/Chris Oliva that started in 1981 under the name of AVATAR, and late
in 1983 change the name to SAVATAGE, date when they released his first
work "Sirens". At the beginning of their career the musical style was
oriented to classic 80´s Heavy Metal, but in 1989 they change a bit his
music introducing more keyboards and giving a symphonic/metal sound to
his works. "Sirens", "Dungeons Are Calling" and "Hall Of The Mountain
King" are the most notable albums of the early period. In 1989, with the
change of sound they released "Gutter Ballet" an album with very god
reviews that was follow with a long tour, after this, the release two
albums more, "Streets" in 1991 and "Edge of Thorns" in 1993, this year
was also a tragic date, because this year a drunk driver killed Chris
Oliva, one of the founded members, but after this the band returns with a
new album "Handful Of Rain", maybe a bit harder than the previous, but
with the same symphonic/metal sound follow with the release of a live
album in Japan and a Chris Oliva tribute album with songs recorded live
from they early period.

1995 was the real change of sound and the
beginning of a great concept albums, with the release of "Dead Winter
Dead", a concept album about Sarajevo War, with the collaboration of a
orchestra on the album, this album was follow with two compilations and
in 1997 "The Wake Of Magellan" saw the light, a great concept album
about "Fernando De Magallanes" and one of the best or the best
symphonic/orchestra/metal albums ever made, this album was also the last
album with the Zak Stevens (lead singer since "Edge Of Thorns"), but
the band returns in 2001 with another concept album called "Poets And
Madmen" with a similar sound to the 1989´s "Gutter Ballet", and the
return to vocals of Jon Oliva, original member and lead singer from
"Sirens" to "Streets".

Besides SAVATAGE, most of his members
play on a side-project called TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, a
orchestra-metal band with three albums, first two oriented to Christmas
sound and the last one is a concept album about Beethoven music (this
one especially recomended). Also exist another side-project by Jon Oliva
and guitarrist Chris Cafery called DOCTOR BUTCHER with a more heavy
metal sound, with a self-titled album. A great band with a long career,
most of his albums are not really prog music, but albums like "Dead
Winter Dead" or "The Wake of Magellan" are 5 stars albums in his style!!

KLAUS SCHULZE


Progressive Electronic • Germany

Klaus Schulze biography
KLAUS SCHULZE, one of the most illustrious exponents
of the kraut-electronic musical current, was born on the 4th of August
1947, right in Berlin, the heart of the entire action. Before getting to
know him as a master of electronic music, Schulze proved to be a
skillful and talented young musician (with studies in modern composition
at the Berlin University), hard to recognize (nowadays, perhaps) in the
underground scene of the 60s. He first of all learned to play the
guitar, starring afterwards in several bands as a bassist or a
percussionist. His evolution in these ensembles can't be considered
essential, still shows the consistency of moving up ahead: from the
Düsseldorfian dance group Les Barones and cover-bands frenzied about
Rolling Stones to the rock group Psy Free and, finally, to the moment
when, from being invited by Edgar Froese to perform as a guest in his
band, covering for the absence of the original drummer(I don't know if
we're talking yet of Tangerine Dream, perhaps it actually concerns The
Ones), he became a full, "registered" member of the group. TANGERINE
DREAM's debut, though mainly a first solid album launched three years
after the band (or the concept of it) started to form, is Electronic Meditation,
the only one including Klaus Schulze. In a nebulous, experimental work,
noisy and stoned, such as this one, the best thing we can notice is how
Schulze adds flavor and intensity, through hallucinating percussion
cliques, to a music that's anyway minimalistic, chaotic and instinctual.

SCULPTURED


Tech/Extreme Prog Metal • United States

Sculptured biography
SCULPTURED is an avant-garde Progressive Death Metal
project and the most personal work to date of the guitarist, vocalist
and songwriter Don Anderson, better known for his other group AGALLOCH.
The idea was born in the mind of the musician in the fall of 1996. The
first demo titled "Fulfillment in Tragedy" was limited to 100 copies and
introduced an innovative form of melodic and original Death Metal, that
gained the attention of many labels towards the group's style.
Subsequently, the collective signed to Mad Lion Records and later to one
of the most important labels of our time The End Records. The group's
debut album recorded with the drummer John Schlegel and singer Brian
Yager "The Spear of the Lily is Aureoled" was released by both labels
in 1998 and was a challenging, progressive effort. The group's artistic,
romantic and classical-influenced approach to playing Death Metal with
unusual instrumentation, including acoustic guitars, piano and
keyboards, saxophone, flute and cello, was extremely extraordinary for
an American artist at the time of its release. SCULPTURED were one of
the few non-European collectives producing such forward-thinking music
around the same time as the legends MAUDLIN OF THE WELL. Following the
release of the debut, the group made a decision to abandon their label
Mad Lion Records due to their poor job at distributing and promoting the
effort, sticking to the much more faithful and reliable The End since
then.

SHAKTI WITH JOHN MCLAUGHLIN


Indo-Prog/Raga Rock • Multi-National

Shakti With John McLaughlin biography
Shakti was formed in 1975 by the legendary British jazz guitarist John
Mc Laughlin. The approach of the project was exclusively orientated to
East meets West musical arguments. For this original musical adventure,
Mc Laughlin is accompanied by classical Indian instrumentists whose
Zakir Hussain on tabla, L. Shankar on violin and "Vikku" Vinayakram on
"ghatam" percussions. Mc Laughlin's new exploration in India, raga
"world" music is very far from his electric, dynamic jazz rock project
"The Mahavishnu Orchestra" and really more into a kind of progressive
jazz music including a great variety of instruments from Indian
classical music. The result features long improvisational, collective
playings with many intuitive leanings, interactions between sacred
melodies and typical "raga" rhythms. The three main efforts released by
the project are the self titled album, "Handful" of Beauty" and "Natural
Elements". All recordings melt rather short tracks with sometimes long
epic tunes, mixing powerful, technical & emotional acoustic guitar
ingredients, to peaceful violin lines and rhythmical like "trance"
percussion patterns. A very relevant illustration of a successful
"alchemy" between traditional Indian music and modern European jazz.

SIEGES EVEN


Progressive Metal • Germany

Sieges Even biography
The story begins in the 80's when guitar player
Markus Steffen and bass player Oliver Holzwarth founded their first band
in Munich, Germany. With the addition of Oliver's brother, Alex (drums)
and singer Franz Herde, SIEGES EVEN were born in 1985.

The
following year the group cut its first demo, "Symphonies of Steel" and
three more demos followed up to 1988: "Apocalyptic Disposition",
"Violent Alterations" and "Repression and Resistance". This latter
4-track-demo called the attention of producer Kalle Trapp and German
record label SPV to which SIEGES EVEN finally got signed. At Kalle
Trapp's 'Karo-Studio', Munster, the group started recording its debut
"Life Cycle" in the spring of 1988. The outcome was a very rough and
energetic sound, a unique hybrid of technical thrash metal, progressive
rock and complex jazz fusion. The comparison with Watchtower was
unavoidable and this contributed to the band's rising popularity. After
the release of their debut and the positive feedback, SIEGES EVEN
instantly began writing new music for a second album.

In
March/April 1990, the band started recording "Steps" at
'Lakeside-Studios' in Utting nearby Munich, with a different producer
this time, Charlie Bauerfeind. The album featured intricate guitar
riffs, rapid-fire sledgehammer rhythms and abrupt mid-tempo breaks, but
in a more sophisticated way than the debut, showing the band was
evolving. Again, the response from the press was more than positive, but
the band was worried with the live situation, as opportunities during
those years were rare. However, a highlight in the bands history was the
show in the German city Verl in 1991, where SIEGES EVEN were the
support act for the US band PSYCHOTIC WALTZ. In 1991, the band enters
the studio to record "A Sense of Change" with the same producer. This
was the perfect title for their most 'mature' album to date. It was
indeed a big change in the band's sound and song writing, featuring
influences from 80's Rush, while the guitar work was cleaner and based
more on melodic chords and solos. Unexpectedly, Franz Herde left the
band during the recording sessions. After 3 months of searching and
recording material with a US female vocalist, SIEGES EVEN picked the
unknown Jogi Kaiser, who recorded all of the songs in 3 days! His jazzy
and clear voice was a perfect match to the novel sound of the new album.

SIGUR ROS


Post Rock/Math rock • Iceland

Sigur Ros biography
SIGUR RÓS was formed back in 1994 by three Icelandic young men: Jónsi
Birgisson (guitar, vocals), Georg Holm (bass) and Ágúst (drums). Later
joined by Kjartan Sveinsson on keyboards they began their recording
career in 1997 with the album "Von" which was not released outside of
Iceland until the late 2004. "Von" was followed by a remix album "Von
Brigði" in 1998 and their first masterpiece "Ágætis Byrjun" in 1999.
After the recording of "Ágætis Byrjun", which was received with praising
reviews all around the world, the drummer Ágúst left the band and was
replaced by Orri Páll Dýrason. The fourth album, untitled and often
referred to as "( )", was released in 2002 and was received with love
and acclaim both by critics and fans. The production of the much
anticipated fifth album is under way and waiting to be released some
time in 2005.

With "Ágætis Byrjun" and "( )" SIGUR RÓS have
really perfected their unique sound full of space and atmosphere. Jónsi
Birgisson's falsetto and the use of a cello bow to to play his guitar
are the most distinct factors in creating that sound incomparable to
anything any band has ever come up with. The groups closest to SIGUR RÓS
in terms of feeling and atmosphere are probably GODSPEED YOU! BLACK
EMPEROR and MAGYAR POSSE. "Ágætis Byrjun" is a collection of very
orchestated songs with Birgisson's voice and cello-bow-played guitar
flying high and far across the horizon creating a place of beauty and
tranquillity. "( )" is divided into two halves, the light and the dark,
the summer and the winter, or however you like to describe it. The songs
are much rawer and more straight forwardly arranged than on "Ágætis
Byrjun" creating a more solid but a little narrower, yet equally as
exciting experience.

The biography on the official site says it
well: "It's impossible to justify it with words, you have to listen to
it to understand." Go to the official site linked to on the left and
download the full songs offered there. You will love it.

SPARKS


Crossover Prog • United States

Sparks biography
L.A brothers Ron ( keyboards) and Russell ( Vocals) Mael formed their
first band Halfnelson in 1970 along with the other brothers, Earle
Mankey ( Guitar) and Jim Mankey ( bass). Harley Feinstein completed the
quintet on drums. It was at this time Todd Rundgren honed in on them and
convinced them to change their name to the Sparks and in 1971, under a
new label, their self titled debut was released.

Their brand of
sound quickley developed a cult following especially in the UK, which
prompted the Mael brothers crossing the Atlantic and setting up base
there. The Mankey brothers went on to do other things, not least one of
them joining Concrete Blonde. So with new band members to compliment the
Mael brothers the Sparks released their warmly received Kimono My House
and later that same year another studio release called Propoganda. The
Mael brothers never ones to rest on their laurels returned to the USA
after the not so successful 1975 release, Indiscreet.Their glamorous art
rock, crossover, new wave cocktail mix of sound even ventured into
disco territory in the late 70's/early 80's. They remained prolific up
to 1988's Interior Designs before disappearing off the radar for a while
until 1994 when more studio releases followed.

Their most recent
release is 2009's The Seduction Of Ingmar Bergman ,an eccentric and
bizaar album, not disimilar to a symphonic rock opera. The Sparks always
remained uncompromising and original to their sound, the proof of which
is that their cult following still remains to this day. Visit their
website also for a great insight to their history.

SPIROGYRA


Prog Folk • United Kingdom


Spirogyra biography
Although this group is hailing from Canterbury, they are not to be
classified as such. Those musicians developed one of the better examples
of prog-folk or folk-prog. The original line-up consisted of main
writer Martin Cockerham as singer and guitarist, the beautiful and well
known to progheads Barbara Gaskin on vocals, Steve Borrill on bass and
Julian Cusack on violin. Although Dave Mattacks (of FAIRPORT CONVENTION
fame) played drums on all three SPIROGYRA albums, he was never a member
but a guest on the albums.

Their first album, "St-Radiguns" was
quite successful and very adventurous and can compared to COMUS's First
Utterances. Very moody, politically conscious songs full of great
interplay (much like THE TREES) and with a great duo of voices in the
COMUS or JEFFERSON AIRPLANE manner are the main assets of the highly
recommended album. The follow-up "Old Boot Wine" however did not manage
to succeed quite as well and Cusack appear only as a guest but they had a
keyboardist instead. By the time of the third album "Bells, Boots and
Shambles", the band was down to just Cockerham and Gaskin with both
ex-member Cusack and Borrill appearing as guest. This album was quite a
return to form and there are some real epics full of cello for great
melancholy moments. Sadly, this proved to be their last album. Barbara
will go on with local bands as HATFIELD AND THE NORTH as one of the
Northettes, than work with NATIONAL HEALTH and in the 80's work with
Bill Bruford and Dave Stewart.

Highly recommended and much more so than some other folk band (FOREST, HORSLIPS) especially regarding the prog contents.

SPOCK'S BEARD


Symphonic Prog • United States

pock's Beard biography
SPOCK'S BEARD was formed by Neal Morse, who writes all the band's
material and contributes lead vocals, piano, synth and guitars. This is a
superb Progressive rock in the Seventies' spirit, full of contrated
climates, breaks and complex compositions based on tortuous, audacious
and elaborated instrumental developments. They combine strong melodies
with intricate arrangements and superb musicianship. SPOCK'S BEARD
should appeal to fans of the FLOWER KINGS and UK.

This
adventurous band has built a solid and loyal following with their first
two releases. "The Light" received rave reviews across the globe and
"Beware of Darkness" was by far the best progressive rock album of the
decade. The next releases ("The Kindness...", "Day For Night" & "V")
were issued to insatiable fans world wide. "Snow" is SPOCK's BEARD best
work, a classic CD-set that will be a treasured magnum opus for years
to come. This release is a double CD concept album in the vein of
GENESIS' The Lamb. This is a musical masterpiece that will appeal to
many people also beyond the Progressive community. FANS of YES, ELP,
GENESIS, MARILLION, PINK FLOYD and newer "Neo-Prog" groups like DREAM
THEATER or PORCUPINE TREE will savor this lavish concept album.

With
Neal MORSE's departure, "Feel Euphoria" marks a fresh new beginning for
the band. This is a solid album full of fresh musical ideas and prove
that the BEARD is here stay with great lyrics and great inspiration. One
thing's for sure, The BEARD is out there and you WILL believe!
RECOMMENDED...!

SUBTERRANEAN MASQUERADE


Tech/Extreme Prog Metal • United States

Subterranean Masquerade biography
Originally formed by Tomer Pink in 1997 SUBTERRANEAN
MASQUERADE's dysfunctional music revolution was first introduced to the
world with the release of "Temporary Psychotic State" in April of 2004;
a two track EP and the first chapter of the "X" trilogy, a conceptual
story revolving around the life of an everyman protagonist. The EP
released on The End Record quickly received high praises from media and
fans alike, the blend of multi genes elements ranging from soft
psychedelic Rock N Roll to progressive neo-metal into a feast of colors
and sounds gained the band a genre defining status.

That same
month the band recorded the track "Summoning Of The Muse" for "The Lotus
Eaters," a Dead Can Dance tribute on Black Lotus Records. SUBTERRANEAN
MASQUERADE's homage to the originators of the Dark Wave sound was done
with a lot of ambition and creativity, as the band dissected the song
and reconstructed the foundation with passages taken from several other
Dead Can Dance tracks.

Devoted to his vision for the band, Pink
entered Utah's Counterpoint Studios in July of 2004 in order to plant
the seeds to the long awaited full-length album, "Suspended Animation
Dreams", armed with a top notch cast of players including vocalist Paul
Kuhr (Novembers Doom), guitarist/bassist Jake Depolitte, drummer Steve
Lyman, keyboardist Ben Warren, violist Brownwean Beecher, singer Susan
Naud and guitarist virtuoso Willis Clow as well as Choir, strings and
Horns orchestra SUBTERRANEAN MASQUERADE crafted an 8 tracks journey that
really does questioning the limits of music, linking together many
genres and styles, from Urban Jazz to Folk, Classical to World Music and
Progressive onto extreme Metal and creating a one of a kind mix.

Lyrically,
"Suspended Animation Dreams" deals with the purest most personal inner
dynamics, telling a love story painted with anger, angst and obsession,
while dealing with everyday conflicts and showcasing a grim vision
toward today's ethics.

"Suspended Animation Dreams" was mixed by
Grammy award winner Neil Kernon, giving the album a superb crystal clear
sound, beautiful & morbid artwork provided by Travis Smith and
without doubt the perfect companion to the music itself.

SUPERTRAMP


Crossover Prog • United Kingdom

Supertramp biography
A variant of progressive rock that some have called sophisto-rock.
SUPERTRAMP is a sophisticated pop band that was able to continuously
turn out very good songs. Their music has been described as whimsy,
lighthearted, fluff and a million other variations on this theme. This
music is the kind of thing that you will put on while you and your wife
lounging around after dinner. Mellow and very good. One other thing is
that they also have the ability to inject some humor into their music
now and then. Althogh most of the songs on the album are rock radio
staples. This is something that is hard to find.

For some of
their best work you will have to look elsewhere. They had a remarkable
change in fortune as "Crime of the Century" became one of the
top-selling albums of 1974. The band had refined their
keyboard-dominated sound and produced an album that was well-reviewed.
The album "Even In The Quietest Moments..." is by far their best work.
With over 18 million copies to date, "Breakfast In America" is one of
the greatest melodic pop/rock albums of the seventies. After that album,
SUPERTRAMP continued to develop a more R&B-flavored style; the
change in direction was successful on 1982's "Famous Last Words", but
they soon ran out of hits. SUPERTRAMP continued with occasional tours
and infrequent albums. Their recent releases, however, have only found
minor success.

TALITHA QUMI


Prog Folk • Romania

Talitha Qumi biography
Talitha Qumi (1992-1995) are a Prog Folk band which formed in 1992 in
Cluj, Romania. The name means Maiden Arise in Aramaic. Like the
Romanian Prog Folk band Phoenix before them, they take inspiration from
folklore and use a number of traditional instruments and vocal
techniques to create their own blend of experimental atmospheric folk
music. The vocals consist of incantations and recitals in Romanian and
Latin. Various symphonic and psychedelic influences may also be
detected in their music.

Their only album to be released, Despre
Cuvinte was recorded and released in 1996 by Soft Records and
re-released in 2005. The band has ceased to be active since the
recording of this album. Guitarist and vocalist Eugen Nutescu later
went on to join the Progressive / Alternative rock band Kumm.

Musicians:
Eugen Nutescu - electric and acoustic guitar, mandolin, vocals
Şerban Ursachi - piano, organ, flute, vocals
Stefan Paskucz - bass guitar, vocals
Dragoş Andriana - drums, percussion, vocals

doar audio
http://www.myspace.com/talithaqumi/music/songs/dc-01-de-facatura-66985502