New Album Roundup - Early 2025

New Album Roundup - Early 2025 Edition

Here we are through the first quarter of the year already, and there has been an abundance of notable album releases over these first 3 months and I've been doing my best to keep up with them. I've listened to more than 30 new albums so far this year, including many new albums from long-time musical artists and legends, as well as some new artists. So, once again it's time to take a look at some of the noteworthy albums released so far this year, based solely on what I have listened to and how much I have enjoyed them. Here is my New Album Roundup - Early 2025 Edition

Pattern-Seeking Animals - Friend of All Creatures

Originally began as on offshoot of Spock's Beard (featuring current and former members Ted Leonard, Jimmy Keegan, Dave Meros, John Boegehold) in 2019, this band has forged their own way, creating their own sound and style, to become one of the premier modern melodic progressive rock bands. This is their 5th album (over just 6 years), and continues their reign of producing high quality 'music that's progressive and intricate while keeping things immediate and melodic' (in the band's own words). Another batch of wonderful songs that are a joy throughout, beautiful and well-played, with great vocals and musicianship, and the full range of emotions, dynamics, and instrumentation. Although not quite my favorite of theirs (that would be 2022's Only Passing Through), this is a great album nonetheless, and maintains the high bar established by each of the previous albums. Masterful melodic prog. Best Tracks: Down the Darkest Road, Words of Love Evermore, Days We'll Remember, Another Holy Grail. Rating: 4ó 

Jacob Roberge - The Passing

A new voice in progressive rock, Canadian composer-vocalist-multi-instrumentalist Jacob Roberge has emerged with his 1st album, a grand excursion in the melodic symphonic prog tradition. The first half of the album features shorter songs and a more acoustic approach with prominent piano, acoustic guitar, winds, and strings, with soaring melodies and classical themes, but also some lulls and dull passages. The album picks up as it goes along, with Empty Traces, part 2 a highlight, but the album really soars with the epic-length (32 min.) title track, consisting of multiple sections, styles, and dynamics, encompassing the best of symphonic prog, embracing  the styles of the classic bands (Yes, Genesis) as well as more modern influences (Big Big Train and especially Neal Morse) to produce a wonderful majestic track that satisfies on every level. It moves seamlessly from one section to the next, with beautiful melodies and rousing instrumental passages, and culminating with a grand majestic finale. This track is superb and more than makes up for some inconsistencies in the early tracks, producing a very good and satisfying album experience. It will be interesting to see what this rising artist does next. Best Tracks: The Passing, Empty Traces Part 2. Rating: 3.5ó

Echolyn - Time Silent Radio ii, Time Silent Radio vii

Legendary U.S. Symphonic Prog band Echolyn has emerged after a ten-year absence with not one, but two new albums, their 10th and 11th (released not as a double album, but 2 separate albums), returning with their unique rockin' prog sound, mixing classic melodic rock and power pop with sumptuous symphonic prog for a wonderful set of albums. TSRii consists of 2 epic-length tracks (16 and 29 min.), whereas TSRvii has 7 shorter tracks (that's where the titles come from). The two lengthy tracks ebb and flow and take their time to develop through multiple musical sections and themes, but never lose focus, remaining consistently enjoyable and entertaining throughout their musical journeys. But the other disc, TSRvii, is even better, as the songs are brighter, punchier, with more emphasis on melody and catchy rock tunes, but still with plenty of proggy goodness throughout. All the tracks are great (but my faves are listed below). Echolyn's music may have many varied influences throughout, but yet they have created their own unique style, as they don't sound quite like anyone else. I'm not all that familiar with the band's earlier catalog, but I love this album, especially TSRvii, and I will be returning to it often throughout the year. Best Tracks: ii:Water in Our Hands. vii:Tiny Star, On We Blur, Boulder on Hills, Radio Waves, Cul-de-Sacs and Tunnels. Ratings: ii:4ó , vii: 4.5ó

Coheed and Cambria - Father of Make Believe

Coheed and Cambria is a U.S. rock band that has been around since 2002, but is hard to categorize due to the wide variety of styles they play. All of their albums are concept albums, or more accurately, part of an interrelated series of concept albums that tell a larger story. This is their 11th album overall and 3rd in the Vaxis Series. I can't begin to say just what the story entails (haven't heard the previous albums), but musically, it is all over the place, with a little bit of everything, and I really liked this one. It opens with a beautiful folk ditty (Yesterday Lost), then follows with a driving power pop rocker (Goodbye Sunshine), then a melodic hard rock gem (Searching For Tomorrow). Full-on heavy prog of the title track is next, followed by a sweet ballad which swells to an anthemic power ballad (Meri of Mercy). Then comes the fierce onslaught of metal and punk metal in Blind Side Sonny and Play the Poet. One Last Miracle is a fine hard rocker and Corner My Confidence tones things down with a lovely, folky, acoustic charmer, before a catchy 80's style pop-rock single (Someone Who Can). Then comes the powerful concluding suite, Continuum, which is broken into 4 parts, each with its own style and vibe, wrapping up with So It Goes, a wonderfully bouncy and catchy pop song. And surprisingly, it all works. The vocals from Claudio are wonderful throughout, whether dripping with honey on the pop-oriented songs or screaaming and growling on the heavier tracks, he is great. And the arrangements are also spot-on, covering many different styles, showing the versatility of the band. What is most impressive to me, though, is the melodic sense that runs through all the songs, with engaging, catchy melodies, whether gentle pop or hard rock, and even the heavy metal, that melodic sensibility shines through, creating a very satisfying collection of songs. The only musical comparison I can think of would be something like a much heavier The Dear Hunter, showing that kind of variety, versatility, outrageousness, and melodic sense. However, because of the range of types of songs, it may be that those who prefer the heavier aspects of the band may not appreciate the more pop-oriented tracks, and vice versa for those enjoy the more poppy tunes, so I don't know how this fits in with their other albums, but I am very impressed. Best Tracks: So It Goes, Father of Make Believe,  Goodbye Sunshine, Corner My Confidence, Searching For Tomorrow. Rating: 4ó

Steven Wilson - The Overview

As one of the biggest names in modern Prog, it's always interesting to hear what Steven Wilson is up to, and this album had additional expectations as it was hyped as Steven's 'return to prog' after multiple albums experimenting with different musical forms, with mixed results. On this album, Steven tackles the concept of The Overview, which has to do with a state of awe and transcendence reported by astronauts while viewing Earth from Space. And if Steven was attempting a musical depiction of that experience, I don't think he succeeded. But for me, Steven Wilson has always been hit and miss, as he has produced some brilliant music, but also a lot of just OK stuff over the years. On this album Steven serves up a mixture of sounds and themes that span through his history, from the more atmospheric, spacey early work of Porcupine Tree through to the more experimental pop of recent years. As usual, the production and sound is impeccable, but for me at least, the results are similar to past work in that it is extremely up and down, equal parts good and disappointing. There are only 2 album side-long tracks here, but yet they don't really hold together as cohesive pieces, more as a collection of shorter pieces just placed together, some of which work and some that don't. It seems to be put together from various pieces and ideas he had lying around. The best parts are really good, with some great melodies, proggy elements, and pop-rock arrangements, whereas the weaker parts are somewhat dull or not very interesting. Overall, maybe about half of each full track was enjoyable for me, about 15-20 minutes out of the 41 min length. I know many consider Mr. Wilson to be a musical genius, and I'm glad that Steven is able to do whatever kind of music he wants to do, but once again, these musings strike me as being just pretty good, and a bit underwhelming. Rating: 3ó

Motorpsycho - Motorpsycho

You never quite know what you're going to get from this prolific (28 albums overall, and 16th album in the last 17 years) eclectic Norwegian prog band, with their ever-shifting styles that incorporate heavy doses of psychedelic, indie, and prog rock, along with forays into ambient, atmospheric, acoustic, pop, jazz, punk, metal, krautrock, space-rock, and so on. Although their last couple albums have had a lighter pop-oriented touch, this album gets back to heavier aspects and their psych, prog, and hard rock roots, but also contains bits of everything from their past and still maintains their melodic sensibilities and that Motorpsycho sound, in this expansive self-titled double album (11 tracks, >81 min.). This one has it all, and they pull out all the stops, in various moods and styles, from the dark psychedelia of the opener Lucifer, Bringer of Life, to the throwback pop feel of Stanley (Tonight's the Night) to the heavy guitar riffs (and Jimi Hendrix vibe) of The Comeback and the psych-prog journey of Balthazar. Then there is the epic-length (21 min) Neotzar, with its mix of jazz, prog, and psychedelia in a mesmerizing and a bit creepy blend. But there's still more with the lighter, brighter Core Memory Corrupt, and the driving groove of Three Frightened Monkeys, before the melancholy pop of Dead of Winter closes the album out. Another wonderful, eclectic album from Motorpsycho. Best Tracks: Balthazar, The Comeback, Stanley, Core Memory Corrupt, Dead of Winter, Neotzar. Rating: 4ó   

Karmakanic - Transmutation

What began as a side project for The Flower King's bassist, Jonas Reingold, in 2002, has developed over the years into one of the premier modern symphonic prog bands, and they are back again, after a 9-year absence with this, their 6th album, and Jonas and band have brought along many wonderful prog guest artists to help out, including Steve Hackett (and members of his touring band), Andy Tillison (The Tangent), John Mitchell (Frost, It Bites, Lonely Robot), Randy McStine, Nick D'Virgilio, and Simon Phillips, to produce one of the best albums of the year so far. It opens with a burst of energy in the brief, but powerful rockin' instrumental Bracing For Impact, and then continues to get better and better with each subsequent track, End of the World is a beautiful song (although goes on a bit too long), then Cosmic Love gives a somewhat throwback 80's single sound, like something from Yes' 90125 period, but they are just getting started, as each of the rest are great, culminating with the sensational Prog epic title track (23 min), which is stunningly brilliant from beginning to end, with everything you could want in a prog epic, from tender acoustic sections to glorious majestic themes to incredible soloing and exciting instrumental passages, including a dazzling middle section that manages to channel Genesis as a jazz fusion band, then reprising earlier themes for an emotional and majestic finale. Just brilliant, and one of the best epic-length prog tracks ever, that can stand among the all-time greats. What I really love about this band and album is that they are extremely creative and inventive in their arrangements, production, and instrumentation, able to turn even fairly simple themes and melodies into wonderful, exciting pieces with their intricate, detailed handling. Just love this album, my absolute favorite of the year so far and sure to be in the running in the end for best album of the year. Best Tracks: Transmutation, Gotta Lose This Ball and Chain, All That Glitters is Not Gold, We Got The World in Our Hands. Rating: 4.5ó

IQ - Dominion

Another veteran prog band returning after an extended absence (6 years since last album) with this, their 13th album. It contains all the parts and pieces you expect from these professionals and all the components of a great Neo-Prog album: excellent musicianship and instrumental prowess, great range of dynamics and moods, emotive vocals and majestic themes, and wonderful sound and production. Unfortunately, it is still somewhat disappointing, as the songs themselves are just nothing special, and fail to create engaging melodies or compelling themes. They seem to be going through the motions of what has worked in the past, but the songs just fall somewhat flat. The opening 22-min epic is OK but doesn't really go anywhere, and despite fine individual efforts from all involved, it just seems quite ordinary. Best track is Far From Here, which almost reaches another level, but can't quite sustain it. There's nothing bad here, it is all fine, pleasant, and well-done, good, it just doesn't inspire or excite, and is thus underwhelming. Rating: 3ó 

AlisoKrauss and Union Station - Arcadia

Alison reunites with Union Station for their first album together in 14 years, and the results are quite beautiful, but also just a bit disappointing. The album features tracks alternating between Alison's sweet, pretty ballads and the band's Appalachian folk songs sung by new vocalist Russel Moore, and they are all quite good. The band provides great back-up with impeccable runs and fills from Jerry Douglas, Ron Block, and departing member Dan Tyminski, but considering this is one of the best bluegrass bands around, the band isn't given much chance to really stretch out. There are no instrumentals and no real rip-roaring bluegrass tracks (or much fiddle from Alison), and only just a few songs that could even be considered bluegrass. Those few uptempo tracks are the highlight of the album. Still very good, but was hoping for more actual bluegrass from this reunion. Rating: 3.5ó
 

Quick Hits

Dim Gray - Shards

This Norwegian Prog band follows up their wonderful 2022 album, Firmament, with this, their 3rd album, which continues exploring their blend of atmospheric, emotional soundscapes with lush symphonic backing and soaring melodies. The album culminates with its best (and longest) track, Attakula. Although a very fine album, for me it doesn't quite reach the same heights as Firmament, as the songs are not as dynamic, interesting, or eclectic as on that album, with a bit more sameness throughout. But a very enjoyable listen nonetheless. Rating 3.5ó

 

Dream Theater - Parasomnia

OK, I'm not a big fan of Dream Theater or Prog-Metal in general, so maybe it's not surprising that I was not very impressed with this new album, their first since drummer extraordinaire Mike Portnoy re-joined the band. There is no denying the excellent musicianship on display here and the sound is great, but there is just too much metal and not enough prog influences present here to work well for me. Rating 3ó

 

 

Jethro Tull - Curious Ruminant

Ian Anderson and his current assemblage as Jethro Tull are back with their 3rd album in the last 4 years, and this is the best of those three, as it has more elements reminiscent of the old Tull (more folk and rock elements, return of the acoustic guitar, etc.). It's a good listen, quite enjoyable. The instrumental sections, in particular, are quite good, with stellar flute work and a stronger guitar presence than other recent albums. However, it is still a far cry from classic Tull. Anderson's vocals have greatly deteriorated and are somewhat distracting (should do more instrumentals) and overall, the songs are just not as memorable. Thus, it's good, but not great, and not really something you will probably want to go back to again and again. Rating: 3ó

Ringo Starr - Look Up

The beloved Beatle, at 84 years old, is back with his 21st? solo album. This time he has gone full country, with surprisingly good results. Ringo made a smart choice in bringing in Americana and Roots music guru T-Bone Burnett to produce and oversee the project, as T-Bone has set-up a crack team of musicians and guest artists, as well as  impeccable production and arrangements that provide a stellar backdrop to augment Ringo's somewhat limited vocal abilities. It sounds great, with lovely backing and support, and Ringo's voice works fine on these country songs. Thus, it is probably Ringo's best album in many years, but still, just not something that holds much interest for  me (not being a country fan). Rating: 3ó

Mostly Autumn - Seawater

This veteran U.S. Prog Folk band, releasing their 15th album, an expansive 76 min affair, and it is quite an enjoyable listen, if you are OK with its limitations. I would describe this as dramatic, atmospheric folk-rock with prog elements, and it is filled with simple but effective songs and engaging melodies that are given lush treatment. Great emotional vocal performances, and the contrasting styles, and interaction of the main female and male vocalists are the main highlights of the album. Unfortunately, several of the songs are stretched-out much longer than they should be through repetition rather than musical inventiveness. Even the mostly effective epic-length (19 min) Pink Floyd-inspired title track is much longer than needed. Good, but could have been much better. Rating: 3ó
   
Brian D'Addario - Till the Morning

Brian D'Addario of the Lemon Twigs steps out with his first solo album, but continues pretty much along the same lines as the band as there is not much that distinguishes this from an actual Lemon Twigs album, which is both good and bad. Great if you love the throwback 60's-inspired sunshine pop of the duo, with sparkling arrangements and uniquely odd melodies, complete with assistance from brother Michael who produced and provides harmony vocals, but disappointing if you were looking for something a bit different, and the songs are not quite up to the level of the previous recent LT albums. Sounds great, but again, I am somewhat put-off by the pretty but oddly unpleasant and decidedly uncatchy melodies preferred by the D'Addario brothers. Rating: 3ó

Ghost of the Machine - Empires Must Fall

Second album from this UK Neo-Prog band. Guitar-heavy melodic progressive rock, with a definite leaning towards the sound and style of Rush (particularly the 80's version of Rush, with more keyboards, less proggy structure). Fine playing and musicianship, but a single vocalist with no background or harmony vocals at all. If that vibe and style is appealing, you will probably really like this, but it is not really for me. Not bad, just not that great. Rating 2.5ó

 

Sometime on February - Where Mountains Hide

Debut album from this instrumental prog metal trio that tries to impress with lightning fast runs and fierce virtuosity, but impressive instrumental skills alone don't translate into a satisfying album, and these musicians seem more intent on speed and flash than songwriting or creating music. These instrumental pieces just seem rushed, harsh, and overfilled with complexity and arbitrary notes, but not much musical sense. Rating: 2.5ó

 

Sam Fender - People Watching

Fine collection of catchy, insightful storyteller songs from this British singer-songwriter with an American-style Heartland rock sound, marred somewhat by the overly slick and finely polished pop production that takes away from the grit and authenticity of some noteworthy and heartfelt songwriting. Very enjoyable songs, but the intrusive wall of sound production gets in the way more than it helps. Rating: 3ó

 

 

Untold Stories - Wind & Memories

Solid debut album from this relatively new band from Bulgaria that features what I would call melodic rock with prog elements. Lead by Daniel Eliseev, features a mixture of art rock, hard rock, prog melodic rock. opens with a couple tracks that are mostly melodic rock, but then comes the extended title track, which is full-on Neo Prog, and the highlight of the album. Continues with variations on these rock mixtures for a quite good, but not great listening experience, as some cliches and sameness intrudes, but overall a fine debut. Rating: 3ó

 

BB’s Rating scale:

1ó – Terrible, torturous to have to listen to

1.5ó - Poor, not worth your time

2 ó – Fair, maybe a couple half-way decent songs, but sub-par overall

2.5ó – Average, OK, meh, not bad but not that good either

3ó – Good, solid album, several good songs, but not spectacular. Certainly worthy, but may not be something you come back to very often

3.5ó – Very good album. Some stellar tracks, very enjoyable overall

4ó – Great album, filled with great songs, one that you will want to come back to over and over again

4.5ó – Excellent album, beyond great, superb in every way, just short of a masterpiece 

5ó – A Masterpiece, among the greatest albums of its type, and has stood the test of time

OK, that should do it for these 1st three months. Some really good stuff here. There were several others I listened to, but these were the highlights. Bands that I was really impressed with and need to check out the rest of their catalog include Karmakanic, Echolyn and Coheed and Cambria
Interestingly, there seems to be a flurry of epic-length tracks (14 min or longer) this year, after several years of declining numbers (probably due to streaming issues). But they are certainly back this year, as just with these albums I reviewed here, there were 14 epic tracks here, and most of them very good, some real classics.

So, what did you think about any of these albums? What are your favorite albums so far this year?