Progressive Rock – Wonderbox Metal

Todomal – Graveyards of Joy (Review)

This is the third album from Spanish doom metal band Todomal.

Graveyards of Joy brings us 43 minutes of compelling material. Todomal’s style can be described as doom metal mixed with progressive rock stylings and atmospheric depth. Atmospheric doom, in essence. The promo blurb names Pink Floyd, Katatonia, Candlemass, and Anathema, which sets the scene nicely, (you could also throw in Devin Townsend, Green Carnation, and Wolverine as touchpoints too). Continue reading “Todomal – Graveyards of Joy (Review)”

Din of Celestial Birds – Takeoffs & Landings (Review)

This is the second album from UK post-rock band Din of Celestial Birds.

The three-guitar, (and synths), post-rock approach of Din of Celestial Birds is back, with the 41-minute Takeoffs & Landings. 2023’s The Night Is for Dreamers made a decent splash in post-rock waters, so Takeoffs & Landings comes with a certain amount of expectation. Continue reading “Din of Celestial Birds – Takeoffs & Landings (Review)”

Wormwood – Å (Review)

Wormwood are a Swedish black metal band and this is their latest release.

This short, two-track EP follows on from 2024’s The Star, bringing us a another dose of Wormwood’s intelligently crafted progressive black metal. With a duration of 16 minutes, Å showcases Wormwood’s notable talents in an easy-to-digest format that nonetheless has plenty to explore at length. Continue reading “Wormwood – Å (Review)”

Hagoroth – Hagoroth (Review)

Hagoroth are a black metal band from an unknown location, and this is their second album.

No information is available as to whether Hagoroth is a full band or a solo venture. Either way, Hagoroth play black metal with progressive and avant-garde tendencies, and it’s really rather special. Across 38 expressive minutes, Hagoroth reveals itself to be a carefully curated blend of aggression, atmosphere, emotion, and exploration. Continue reading “Hagoroth – Hagoroth (Review)”

If These Trees Could Talk – The Hidden Hand (Review)

This is the fourth album from US post-rock band If These Trees Could Talk.

The Hidden Hand contains 42 minutes of post-rock soundscapes for the listener to explore. If These Trees Could Talk are able guides, highlighting areas of interest and places to be wary of as these nine expressive tracks unfold. Continue reading “If These Trees Could Talk – The Hidden Hand (Review)”

Million Moons – You Be Good, I Love You (Review)

This is the third album from UK post-rock band Million Moons.

You Be Good, I Love You contains 56 minutes of atmospheric instrumental post-rock. Million Moons invite the listener to feel something on this record, and it’s an invitation you shouldn’t say no to. Continue reading “Million Moons – You Be Good, I Love You (Review)”

Elder – Through Zero (Review)

This is the seventh album from US progressive rock band Elder.

Following on from 2022’s Innate Passage now comes the 54-minute Through Zero. Elder have put together a sprawling new record that twists and turns with a life of its own. This is a record that’s worth abandoning extremity for, bathing instead in its heart of gloriously warm heavy rock. Continue reading “Elder – Through Zero (Review)”

Loneshore – Nothing Left to Deconstruct (Review)

This is the second album from Brazilian progressive doom/post-metal band Loneshore.

Nothing Left to Deconstruct contains 52 minutes of immersive soundscapes for the listener to explore. Loneshore’s music is a mix of styles, which can be loosely termed as a combination of progressive doom and post-metal. Whatever you call it though, it’s pretty damn good. Continue reading “Loneshore – Nothing Left to Deconstruct (Review)”

Black Orchid Empire – LORE (Review)

This is the fifth album from UK progressive rock band Black Orchid Empire.

Black Orchid Empire revealed themselves to be one of the best contemporary heavy/progressive rock bands around on 2023’s Tempus Veritas, and also showed their chops in the live environment at last year’s Mangata Festival. All of which is to say that the new 48-minute LORE promises great things. Does it deliver? Continue reading “Black Orchid Empire – LORE (Review)”

Ordh – Blind in Abyssal Realms (Review)

Ordh are a death metal band from the US and this is their debut album.

Blind in Abyssal Realms brings us 43 minutes of progressive death metal from current/ex-members of Barishi and Come to Grief. Ordh impress with their ability to being multiple elements together into a very satisfying whole. Continue reading “Ordh – Blind in Abyssal Realms (Review)”