Metal/Hard Rock

"Still masters of conveying dark, atmospheric introspect through their music, Swedish metal legends Evergrey are set to return with their eleventh studio album, ‘The Atlantic’ in early 2019. Spread thick with melody and following on thematically from its predecessors, ‘The Storm Within’ and “Hymns For The Broken”, closing out an oceanic concept trilogy, vocalist Tom S Englund and the band have indeed weathered some heavy storms to see this record come to light. And their efforts were not for nothing.Unbeknownst to some, upon its initial completion, work on ‘The Atlantic’ was stolen from the bands studio during a break in robbery. Reflected on by Englund as “the worst fucking timing ever”, the singer also confesses that had it not happened, it is likely that the current incarnation of the album would not be what it is now, which is a heightened sense of aggression and vulnerability in light of its initial misfortune. A sentiment reflected in the bands leading single, “A Silent Arc”. A multi-layered composition which takes the listener through both chaos and tranquility,  “A Silent Arc” makes for a strong handshake to new efforts from Evergrey.While it may have been an obvious single choice, it certainly wasn’t the bands only potential front-runner. ‘The Atlantic’ is riddled with worthy contenders, perhaps none more so than “Weightless”. Englund and guitarist Henrik Danhage produce what is arguably the strongest grooves on the record in the form of the tracks infectious man riff, further capitalized on by Rikard Zander’s haunting keyboard melodies and bassist Johan Niemann‘s undeniable grit and grumble. Drummer Jonas Ekdahl has a commanding presence throughout the record also, a notable example of which can be found in his complex, yet beautiful percussive tom work on “A Secret AtlantisA constant in which fans can depend on throughout each and every Evergrey record is the dynamic and emotive vocal delivery from Englund, and here we find no exception. Englund’s ability to capture the heart of a song and translate it through his voice is one of the primary reasons that he was, and very much remains, integral to Evergrey. “All I Have” graces ‘The Atlantic’ with its presence on it. Its lengthy run time and technical proficiency are a treat in themselves for those more affiliated with that side of the band, but they are simply eclipsed by its chorus. From the moment it hits you can feel it bring Englund to his knees in honesty, mortality, and offering whatever left of himself that he has to give in a performance that encapsulates his talent as a sincere and moving vocalist. A heartwarming moment made heartbreakingly good by the level of investment Danhage gives to his solos on this piece.There is no such thing as a standard Evergrey record. Despite being part of a trilogy, even their more recent works have been as rich and as layered as those that came before them, never going stale. This collection of songs closes out that trilogy, which has been a deep and emotional journey for the band, and it does so with class. ‘The Atlantic’ displays intoxicating juxtapositions in true Evergrey fashion. Fierce yet soothing, with an underlying torment that feels almost melancholic, Evergrey have, once again, gone and outdone themselves." - Metal Wani

Finally, the new studio album by RIVERSIDE, Poland’s pioneering and leading Progressive Rock band! Succeeding 2018’s widely acclaimed ‘Wasteland’ album, which entered the charts in Germany at # 13, The Netherlands at # 28, Switzerland at # 23, Austria at # 39, UK at # 83, Finland at # 30, France at # 97, Czech Republic at # 59 and Poland at # 1, their new album ‘ID.Entity’ extends and expands RIVERSIDE’s characteristic sound, but all in a revamped and more dynamic formula. Recorded and mixed in two studios (The Boogie Town Studio in Otwock with Paweł Marciniak and in Serakos studio in Warsaw with Magda and Robert Srzedniccy), the album was mastered by Robert Szydło and produced by RIVERSIDE’s Mariusz Duda himself. ‘ID.Entity’ kicks off the third decade in RIVERSIDE’s career in a remarkable way.

WE ARE NOW TAKING PREORDERS FOR THE RE-PRESS OF THE CAMEL "AIRBORN" 27 CD/5 BLU RAY BOX SET.  STREET DATE IS MAY 3, 2024.  PLEASE DO NOT COMBINE YOUR PREORDER WITH YOUR REGULAR STOCK ORDER.  WE DO NOT SPLIT SHIPMENTS OR RESERVE STOCK ITEMS.  AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT - PLACE YOUR PREORDER SEPARATELY.In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the release of their self-titled debut album, this 32-disc super deluxe boxed set is the definitive tribute to the legendary band Camel. The boxed features newly remastered versions of every Camel album and single issued between 1973 and 1984,  but also includes new stereo and 5.1 Surround Sound versions of the albums “Camel”, “Mirage”, “Music Inspired by The Snow Goose”, “Moonmadness” and “Nude”, as well as new mixes of three concerts; The Marquee Club, London 1974, Hammersmith Odeon 1976 and Hammersmith Odeon 1977 The set also features previously unreleased out-takes from album recording sessions and BBC Radio “In Concert” appearances from 1974, 1975, 1977 and 1981. Additionally included is a Blu ray video disc of promotional videos and BBC TV appearances on “The Old Grey Whistle Test” and “Sight and Sound In Concert” and a Blu ray video disc of the 1984 concert film “Pressure Points”The boxed set includes a lavishly illustrated book with essay and a poster.CD ONE “Camel” – Remastered (Released as MCA Records MUPS 473 in 1973)Slow Yourself DownMystic QueenSix AteSeperationNever Let GoCuriosityArubalubaSarah (previously unreleased) - Bonus trackNever Let Go (single version) - Bonus trackHomage to the God of Light (live) (from "Greasy Truckers - Live at Dingwalls Dance Hall") - Bonus trackCD TWO “Mirage” – Remastered (Released as Deram SML 1107 in 1974)FreefallSupertwisterNimrodel / The Procession / The White RiderEarthriseLady FantasyEarthrise (Bonus tracks: Demo session - Decca Studios 15th July 1973 (Previously unreleased))The Traveller (Bonus tracks: Demo session - Decca Studios 15th July 1973 (Previously unreleased))Supertwister (Bonus tracks: Demo session - Decca Studios 15th July 1973 (Previously unreleased))The White Rider (Bonus tracks: Demo session - Decca Studios 15th July 1973 (Previously unreleased))Lady Fantasy (Bonus tracks: Demo session - Decca Studios 15th July 1973 (Previously unreleased))CD THREE “Mirage” sessionsLady Fantasy (Basing Street studios original mix)Autumn (previously unreleased)Nimrodel / The Procession / The White Rider (BBC Radio One "In Concert" - 6th June 1974) - Bonus trackLigging at Louis' (BBC Radio One "In Concert" - 6th June 1974) - Bonus trackLady Fantasy (BBC Radio One "In Concert" - 6th June 1974) - Bonus trackArubaluba (BBC Radio One "In Concert" - 6th June 1974) - Bonus trackCD FOUR Live at The Marquee Club - 30th June 1974 (Newly mixed in full by Stephen W. Tayler)IntroductionEarthriseNimrodelSix AteSupertwisterMystic QueenArubalubaCD FIVE Live at The Marquee Club - 30th June 1974 (Newly mixed in full by Stephen W. Tayler)Rhayader Goes to TownThe Snow Goose / FreefallLady FantasyHomage to the God of LightCD SIX “Music Inspired by The Snow Goose” – Remastered (Released as Decca SKL-R 5207 in May 1975)The Great MarshRhayderRhayder Goes to TownSanctuaryFrithaThe Snow GooseFriendshipMigrationRhayder AloneFlight of the Snow GoosePreparationDunkirkEpitaphFritha AloneLa Princesse PerdueThe Great MarshFlight of the Snow Goose (single version) - Bonus trackRhayder (single version) - Bonus trackCD SEVEN “Snow Goose” sessions - Recorded and mixed at Decca Studios, Broadhurst Gardens 7th June 1974RivermanRhayder Goes to Town (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)Sanctuary (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)The Snow Goose (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)Migration (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)Rhayder Alone (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)Flight of the Snow Goose (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)Preparation (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)Dunkirk (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)Epitaph (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)La Princesse Perdue (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)The Great Marsh (BBC Radio One “In Concert” – 22nd April 1975)Selections from "The Snow Goose" (BBC TV Old Grey Whistle Test – 21st June 1975) a. The Snow Goose / b. Friendship / c. Rhayader Goes to TownCD EIGHT “Live at The Royal Albert Hall - 17th October 1975” – Remastered & mixed with the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by David BedfordIntroduction by Peter BardensThe Great MarshRhayderRhayder Goes to TownSanctuaryFrithaThe Snow GooseFriendshipMigrationRhayder AloneFlight of the Snow GoosePreparationDunkirkEpitaphFritha AloneLa Princesse PerdueThe Great MarshEncore: Lady Fantasy (previously unreleased)CD NINE “Moonmadness” – Remastered (Released as Decca TXS-R 115 in 1976)AristillusSong Within a SongChord ChangeSpirit of the WaterAnother NightAir BornLunar SeaSprit of the Water (demo) - Bonus trackChord Change (demo) (previously unreleased) - Bonus trackLunar Sea (demo) (previously unreleased) - Bonus trackAnother Night (single version) - Bonus trackCD TEN Live at Hammersmith Odeon - 14th April 1976 – (Newly mixed in full by Stephen W. Tayler)AristillusSong Within a SongThe Great MarshRhayaderRhayader Goes to TownAir BornChord ChangeThe White RiderCD ELEVEN Live at Hammersmith Odeon - 14th April 1976 (Newly mixed in full by Stephen W. Tayler)Lunar SeaPreparationDunkirkAnother NightLady FantasyCD TWELVE “Rain Dances” (Released as Decca TXS-R 124 in 1977)First LightMetrognomeTell MeHighways of the SunUnevensongOne of These Days I'll Get An Early NightElkeSkylinesRain DancesHighways of the Sun (single version) - Bonus trackFirst Light (live at the Colston Hall, Bristol 2nd October 1977) - Bonus trackMetrognome (live at the Colston Hall, Bristol 2nd October 1977) - Bonus trackUnevensong (live at the Colston Hall, Bristol 2nd October 1977) - Bonus trackSkylines (live at Leeds University 3rd October 1977) - Bonus trackLunar Sea (live at the Colston Hall, Bristol 2nd October 1977) - Bonus trackRaindances (live at the Colston Hall, Bristol 2nd October 1977) - Bonus trackCD THIRTEEN: “Raindances live”Never Let Go (live at the Colston Hall, Bristol 2nd October 1977)First Light (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)Metrognome (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)Unevensong (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)Rhayader / Rhayader Goes to Town (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)Skylines (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)Highways of the Sun (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)Lunar Sea (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)Rain Dances (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)Never Let Go (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)One of These Days I'll Get an Early Night (BBC In Concert - Golders Green Hippodrome - 29th September 1977)CD FOURTEEN: Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 30th September / 1st October 1977 (Newly mixed in full by Stephen W. Tayler)First LightMetrognomeUnevensongRhayaderRhayader Goes to TownPreparationDunkirkSanctuaryThe Snow GooseCD FIFTEEN: Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 30th September / 1st October 1977 (Newly mixed in full by Stephen W. TaylerTell MeSong Within a SongSkylinesHighway to the SunLunar SeaRain DancesOne of These Days I'll Get an Early NightCD SIXTEEN: “Breathless” (Released as Decca TXS-R 132 in 1978)BreathlessEchoesWing and a PrayerDown on the FarmStarlight RideSummer LightningYou Make Me SmileThe SleeperRainbow's EndRainbow's End (single version) - Bonus trackCD SEVENTEEN “I Can See Your House from Here” (Released as Decca TXS-R 137 in 1979)WaitYour Love is Stranger Than MineEye of the StormWho We AreSurvivalHymn to HerNeon MagicRemote RomanceIceRemote Romance (single version) - Bonus trackCD EIGHTEEN “Nude” – Released as Decca SKL 5323 in 1981City LifeNudeDraftedDocksBeachedLandscapesChanging PlacesPomp and CircumstancePlease Come HomeReflectionsCapturedThe HomecomingLiesThe Birthday Cake (The Last Farewell)Nude's Return (The Last Farewell)Captured (first version) (previously unreleased) - Bonus trackCD NINETEEN BBC Radio One In Concert - Hammersmith Odeon 27th February 1981 First broadcast 2nd May 1981Never Let GoSong Within a SongLunar SeaSummer LightningIceCity LifeDraftedDocksBeachedLandscapesChanging PlacesReflectionsCapturedThe Birthday Cake (The Last Farewell)Nude's Return (The Last Farewell)CD TWENTY “The Single Factor” – (Released as Decca SKL 5328 in 1982)No Easy AnswerYou Are the OneHeroesSelvaLullabyeSasquatchManicCamelogueToday's GoodbyeA Heart's DesireEnd PieceYou Are the One (promotional 12-inch single version) - Bonus trackCD TWENTY-ONE “Stationary Traveller” – (Released as Decca SKL 5334 in 1984)Pressure PointsRefugeeVoposCloak and Dagger ManStationary TravellerWest BerlinFingertipsMissingAfter WordsLong GoodbyesIn the Arms of Waltzing Fraulines - Bonus trackPressure Points (12-inch single extended version) - Bonus trackCD TWENTY-TWO “Pressure Points” Live at Hammersmith Odeon 11 May 1984Pressure PointsDraftedCapturedLiesRefugeeVoposStationary TravellerWest BerlinFingertipsCD TWENTY-THREE “Pressure Points” Live at Hammersmith Odeon 11 May 1984SasquatchWaitCloak and Dagger ManLong GoodbyesRhayaderRhayader Goes to TownLady FantasyCD TWENTY-FOUR “Camel” and "Mirage" New Stereo Mix by Stephen W TaylerSlow Yourself DownMystic QueenSix AteSeperationNever Let GoCuriosityArubalubaFreefallSupertwisterNimrodel / The Procession / The White RiderEarthriseLady FantasyCD TWENTY-FIVE “Music inspired by The Snow Goose” New Stereo Mix by Stephen W TaylerThe Great MarshRhayderRhayder Goes to TownSanctuaryFrithaThe Snow GooseFriendshipMigrationRhayder AloneFlight of the Snow GoosePreparationDunkirkEpitaphFritha AloneLa Princesse PerdueThe Great MarshCD TWENTY-SIX “Moonmadness” New Stereo Mix by Stephen W TaylerAristillusSong Within a SongChord ChangeSpirit of the WaterAnother NightAir BornLunar SeaCD TWENTY-SEVEN “Nude” New Stereo Mix by Stephen W TaylerCity LifeNudeDraftedDocksBeachedLandscapesChanging PlacesPomp and CircumstancePlease Come HomeReflectionsCapturedThe HomecomingLiesThe Birthday Cake (The Last Farewell)Nude's Return (The Last Farewell)DISC TWENTY-EIGHT (Blu-ray) “Camel” & "Mirage" High Resolution 5.1 Surround Sound & Stereo Mixes by Stephen W Tayler / High resolution original stereo mixSlow Yourself DownMystic QueenSix AteSeperationNever Let GoCuriosityArubalubaFreefallSupertwisterNimrodel / The Procession / The White RiderEarthriseLady FantasyAutumn - Bonus trackDISC TWENTY-NINE (Blu-ray): “Music inspired by The Snow Goose” & “Moonmadness” High Resolution 5.1 Surround Sound & Stereo Mixes by Stephen W Tayler / High resolution original stereo mixThe Great MarshRhayderRhayder Goes to TownSanctuaryFrithaThe Snow GooseFriendshipMigrationRhayder AloneFlight of the Snow GoosePreparationDunkirkEpitaphFritha AloneLa Princesse PerdueThe Great MarshRiverman - Bonus trackAristillusSong Within a SongChord ChangeSpirit of the WaterAnother NightAir BornLunar SeaDISC THIRTY (Blu-ray): “Nude” High Resolution 5.1 Surround Sound & Stereo Mixes by Stephen W Tayler / High resolution original stereo mixCity LifeNudeDraftedDocksBeachedLandscapesChanging PlacesPomp and CircumstancePlease Come HomeReflectionsCapturedThe HomecomingLiesThe Birthday Cake (The Last Farewell)Nude's Return (The Last Farewell)DISC THIRTY-ONE (Blu-ray): “The Video Vaults”Never Let GoArubalubaSelections from "The Snow Goose" a. The Snow Goose / b. Friendship / c. Rhayader Goes to Town (Guildford Civic Hall 1973 – MCA Promo film shown on “The Old Grey Whistle Test”)The White Rider (BBC TV – The Old Grey Whistle Test – 21st June 1975)Lunar Sea (BBC TV – The Old Grey Whistle Test – 21st June 1975)Preparation (BBC TV – The Old Grey Whistle Test – 21st June 1975)Dunkirk (BBC TV – The Old Grey Whistle Test – 21st June 1975)Another Night (BBC TV – The Old Grey Whistle Test – 21st June 1975)Lady Fantasy (BBC TV – The Old Grey Whistle Test – 21st June 1975)First Light (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)Metrognome (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)Unevensong (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)Rhayader / Rhayader Goes to Town (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)Skylines (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)Highways of the Sun (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)Lunar Sea (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)Rain Dances (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)Never Let Go (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)One of These Days I'll Get an Early Night (Live at Hammersmith Odeon – 14th April 1976)City Life (BBC TV – “Sight & Sound in Concert – 29th September 1977”)Lies (BBC TV – “Sight & Sound in Concert – 29th September 1977”)DISC THIRTY-TWO “Pressure Points”In the Arms of Waltzing FraulinesPressure PointsRefugeeVoposStationary TravellerWest BerlinFingertipsSasquatchWaitCloak and Dagger ManLong GoodbyesRhayaderRhayader Goes to TownLady FantasyIn the Arms of Waltzing Fraulines

"Men Who Climb Mountains 2019 is an updated version of the 2014 release. This version is the same as the one included in the First 40 Years box set and only now becomes available as a separate release double CD. All the drums have been re recorded by new drummer Jan Vincent Velazco, and the whole album has been remixed by Karl Groom and Nick Barrett."Disc 1Belle AmeBeautiful SoulCome Home JackIn BardoFaces Of LightFaces Of DarknessFor When The Zombies ComeExplorers Of The InfiniteNetherworld Disc 2 Live At TwigsThe VoyagerA Man Of  Nomadic TraitsThis Green And Pleasant LandNostradamusPaintboxKing Of The CastleIndigo FreakshowMasters Of IllusionSpace CadetEdge Of The WorldIt’s only MeOur original write up:Its been three years since the last Pendragon album.  To be honest I hadn't checked in on them in quite some time so it was interesting to listen to their latest - it was very different from what I expected.  Guitarist Nick Barrett has gone all Roger Waters on us - he wrote all the music and lyrics - so this really has evolved very much into a personal vehicle for him.  The usual bandmates of Peter Gee and Clive Nolan are on board and now joined by new drummer Craig Blundell.  Men Who Climb Mountains is a concept album but Barrett isn't spelling it out - you're going to have to work at this one.  The musical mission of the band has clearly changed over the years.  Don't have any hesitation - its full on prog but much more contemporary sounding.  The symphonic flourishes from the old days aren't quite so obvious - which isn't to say you won't notice Clive Nolan's presence.  Its simply that this is a bit more of a guitar driven vehicle than decades ago and Barrett's mournful solos have that nice Hackett-esque feel that always draws my attention.  I have to say I'm impressed.  Highly recommended.

Hyperdrive marks a new era for Knight Area.  The long running Dutch progressive rock band had previously released four studio albums and toured Europe and USA extensively, performing at all major prog rock festivals.  1n 2012 the band welcomed guitarist Mark Bogert as well as legendary bassist Peter Vink (Q65, Finch, Ayreon) into the fold. With these newcomers onboard, Knight Area introduced a heavier element and fuller sound to their repertoire.  All the classic symphonic rock traits of their previous albums are still clearly evident but the songs on Hyperdrive are more immediate and concise.The band invited noted prog guitarist Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon, Star One) to participate as a special guest on one track.  Joost van den Broek, who is known for his production work with Epica, Mayan, and After Forever, mixed the album.   Rounding out the package is startling artwork by Gustavo Sazes.

I can't remember a buzz on a band's debut since Circus Maximus.  Perhaps due to the album being released in Japan a year ago and its unavailability elsewhere, maybe because they are lined up to play ProgPowerUSA.  Whatever the reason the album finally gets a wide debut and it was worth the wait.  Damnation Angels is a British symphonic metal band fronted by a Norwegian singer.  He goes by the name PelleK and was a contestant on Norway's version of X Factor.  The band's stock in trade is epic sounding metal that pays a huge debt to Kamelot.  The instrumental passages take on the grandeur and scope of Nightwish.  PelleK does a sold job out front - he's obviously listened to a Khan quite a bit.  Highly recommended.