The New Release Spotlight presents a collection of fresh and recently launched albums.
Bumblefoot…Returns! (January 24th, 2025)
Bumblefoot’s latest release, Bumblefoot…Returns!, is an exhilarating blend of intricate guitar riffs, melodic elements, and imaginative musicianship, featuring an array of impressive collaborations. Following his recent projects with Sons of Apollo and Whom Gods Destroy, this album signifies a return to his solo endeavors, highlighting his versatility as both a guitarist and composer. With contributions from iconic figures like Brian May, Steve Vai, Guthrie Govan, and Derek Sherinian, the album traverses diverse terrain from powerful riffs to ethereal, expansive soundscapes. Key tracks include “Simon in Space,” a psychedelic journey loaded with effects; “Planetary Lockdown,” showcasing Bumblefoot’s unmistakable sound; and “Monstruoso,” which emphasizes his remarkable fretless guitar techniques. It’s a daring, enjoyable, and erratic album that emphasizes why Bumblefoot stands out as one of the most distinctive talents in music.
Place your order here: https://bumblefoot.bandcamp.com/album/returns
Tracklist
1.Simon in Space 08:16
2.Planetary Lockdown 05:16
3.Moonshine Hootenanny 04:27
4.Chopin Waltz Op64 No2 03:29
5.Monstruoso (ft. Steve Vai) 04:05
6.Monstruoso II – Departure 01:41
7.Cintaku 04:47
8.Once in Forever (ft. Brian May) 05:24
9.Andalusia 00:49
10.Anveshana (ft. Guthrie Govan) 04:31
11.Funeral March (ft. Ben Karas) 03:46
12.Griggstown Crossing 05:53
13.The Thread 05:00
14.Liftoff 02:13
Line-up / Musicians
Bumblefoot / all instruments
Except:
Kyle Hughes / drums, marching snares (11)
Steve Vai / guitar solo (5)
Jerry Gaskill / drums (8)
Derek Sherinian / keys (8)
Brian May / guitar solo (8)
Guthrie Govan / guitar solos (10)
Ben Karas / violin (11)
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Everon – Shells (February 28th, 2025)
The German progressive rock ensemble Everon makes a significant comeback with their album, Shells, after a 16-year break. Under the leadership of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Oliver Philipps, they deliver a compelling blend of melody, depth, and complexity. This album includes impressive guest vocalists Helena Iren Michaelsen and Leah, enriching the band’s sonic landscape. Noteworthy tracks consist of “No Embrace,” an electrifying introduction; “Broken Angels,” characterized by its elaborate arrangements; “Pinocchio’s Nose,” which reveals the band’s whimsical nature; and “Monster,” which conveys poignant emotions. The 14-minute grand finale, “Flesh,” showcases Everon’s progressive capabilities, whereas “Guilty as Charged” captivates with its striking arrangement, featuring the dynamic drumming of Stratospheerius’s Jason Gianni, thus intensifying the track’s rhythmic foundation. Shells encapsulates the essence of Everon while providing a refreshing yet familiar experience for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Order here: https://everonprog.bandcamp.com/album/shells
1.No Embrace 05:08
2.Broken Angels 06:41
3.Travels 04:36
4.Pinocchio’s Nose 05:27
5.Monster 05:29
6.Shells 06:54
7.Grace 05:21
8.Guilty As Charged 06:32
9.Children Of The Earth 02:42
10.OCD 02:59
11.Until We Meet Again 04:18
12.Flesh 14:24
Line-up / Musicians
Oliver Philipps / vocals, piano, keyboards, guitars, orchestrations, producer
Ulli Hoever / guitars
Schymy / bass
Christian Moos / drums, percussion
With:
Jason Gianni / drums
Helena Iren Michaelsen / vocals (2,6-9)
Leah / vocals (4)
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Jacob Roberge – The Passing (January 31st, 2025)
Canadian artist Jacob Roberge debuts his album, The Passing, which is making a significant impact in the progressive rock landscape. This album fuses classical inspirations with contemporary progressive elements, featuring a remarkable 32-minute title track that intertwines detailed guitar solos, opulent orchestration, and varying tempos into an entrancing experience. Additional standout tracks include “The Long Way Home,” and “Garden of Souls,” both of which expertly mix warm melodies with progressive arrangements. Roberge undertook the production, providing vocals, keyboards, drums, percussion, bouzouki, and fretless bass, while William Gaboury contributed guitars, bass, programming, and keyboards. The Passing has garnered acclaim from numerous prog media for its daring compositions and atmospheric intricacy, firmly establishing Roberge as an exciting new figure in the genre. It’s definitely worth a listen.
Order here: https://mmzofficial.bandcamp.com/album/coming-of-age
1.The Long Way Home 05:07
2.Empty Traces, Pt.1 05:17
3.Garden of Souls 06:27
4.Petrichor 10:26
5.Empty Traces, Pt.2 05:33
6.The Passing 32:03
Jacob Roberge : Vocals, keyboards, drums, percussion, bouzouki, fretless bass on ”Garden of Souls”
William Gaboury : Guitars, bass, programming, keyboards
Marjorie Bourque : Violin
Julien Siino : Cello
Gabriel Cyr : Guitar solo on ”Anger”
Rémi Cormier : Trumpet solo on ”Petrichor”
Annie Payeur : Additional vocals on ”Garden of Souls”
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- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
