Prog Sphere | Prog Sphere Promotions

The Dry Mouths

May 15, 2012 Prog Sphere No comments

The Dry Mouths is a quartet of Alternative Rock coming from Almeria, Spain. Their music is a mixture balanced between the rock of the 90′, stoner and the experimentation, leaving itself to notice in the first listening influences of groups like Nirvana, Tool, Mogwai, Explosions In The Sky, Black Sabbath or Pink Floyd. They take from 2006 as The Dry Mouths and until the moment have recorded two discs of study: “Lost Bow Case Eckard” 2010 and “Moons True Delay Lenght Wah Foo Era” 2012, which can be listened and be unloaded gratuitously in Facebook and Myspace. Their first disc has received very positive critics on the part of specialized press in Spain. Since 2010, The Dry Mouths have been touring for all Spanish territory presenting their music. With their new work, The Dry Mouths adds to a degree of maturity and evolution to their forceful and melodic sound, that every time is more personnel and identification of the band. Throughout 2012 they will present its new LP in rooms and festivals… will leave more than a Dry Mouth!

Discography:

Lost Bow Case Eckard (2010)
Moons True Delay Lenght Wah Foo Era (2012)

Links:

http://www.myspace.com/thedrymouths

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dry-Mouths/270366262978214

http://thedrymouths.bandcamp.com

SOT

May 15, 2012 Prog Sphere No comments

The band SOT first started back in 1992 when all three of us went to music high-school together. We where friends and enjoyed the same internal humor and decided to start this band. We never thought much about how this constellation of instruments are odd, it just happened to be the instruments we played. As we started to write for SOT we realized this was something original and unique. We released a demo and had lots of fun with the music.

When high-school was over we all was busy developing ourselves in different directions musically and geographically but we had the occasionally SOT gig every now and then at obscure clubs and birthdays. Autumn 2009 I had some time off and Lars Andreas, the tuba player was on a solo tour with lots of spare time. We then began to write sketches of new SOT tunes and collaborated trough the internet. The result was so amazing for us that we knew we had to do something with this. Leading to the creation of the “Kind of Saltz” album.

The groundwork on the album was done in three intensive days. Hard work from early morning to long past midnight, then some beers and the same procedure again. Lars Andreas and me then did some recording at home before we returned to the studio for three days of mixing. We are extremely pleased by the end result. I love how every song has its own mood, and the whole colorful, imaginative experience there is listening to the whole album through.

2012 is going to be an exiting year for SOT! We have a distribution deal for our album to all stores in Norway an abroad, we´ll go on a two week tout in Sør-Trøndelag, Norway, we are playing in Krakow, Poland on the Krakow Percussion festival, and we are going to start the recording of our next album in January. All the tunes are ready so I´m very exited to see/Listen? how this turns out!

Discography:

Kind of Saltz (2011)

Links:

http://www.saltoftusj.com
https://www.facebook.com/saltoftusj

WE COULD BUILD AN EMPIRE Self-Titled Debut Album Streaming on Stereokiller

May 14, 2012 Prog Sphere No comments

Sweden’s We Could Build an Empire released their eponymous debut album in late 2011 and reading reiviews it is obvious that this band has its own expression, hard to compare to any other artist. Two of Sweden’s biggest music magazines had their say early on, Gaffa.se gave it 4 out of 5 stars and Close-Up Magazine wrote:

“Ice. gives a pleasant feeling of both external and internal peace.”Easy” and “Finest Work” also (contains) insanely delicious moments. dynamic and driving. a colorful seance on a mountaintop.”

The album was written, recorded and produced by the band itself and mixing took place in Studio Underground in Vasteras, Sweden (No Fun at All, Wolf, Sherlock Brothers etc).

We Could Build an Empire are:

Marcus Pehrsson; vocals, bass
Pontus Wallin; guitars, backing vocals
Michael Ohlsson; drums

Influences vary from such bands as Alice In Chains, King’s X and King Crimson to artists like Peter Gabriel, Captain Beefheart and PJ Harvey.

Two promo videos have been shot and one of them, “Dogs“, is directed by Per Hillblom who has also worked with Pain of Salvation. A third video, this time for the track “Ice“, have been shot and will be published later this spring.

Last year the band opened for Danish rockers D-A-D and they have been featured several times on Sweden’s biggest showcase concept held at festivals and venues around the country; NEMIS – New Music In Sweden, most recently in Gotheburg in february with Siena Root among others on the bill.

The band will continue playing live frequently this spring/summer and have already written most of the material for the next album. Recordings will begin later this year.

We Could Build an Empire is available for streaming on Stereokiller website on THIS LOCATION.

darXtar

May 14, 2012 Prog Sphere No comments

Originally formed in 1989 as a one-man project by Swedish guitarist and vocalist K.Soren Bengtsson. He was joined by bassist and vocalist Juha Nurmenniemi in the late stages of the first eponymous album Darxtar (1991), first released on cassette, later same year on CD.

They recorded another CD as a duo, Darker (1993), before bringing in Patric Danielsson on drums and Fredrik Sundkvist on violin to record the track UFO for the compilation CD Let your Freak Flag Fly (1993). Soon after Soren Martensson joined on hammond and synths, and it was as a five piece band they recorded the die-hard space rock album Daybreak (1994).

All recordings up to now was more or less done at Bengtssons home studio, and Daybreak was even released on Bengtssons own label SBm. Tensions in the band led to the sacking of Nurmenniemi and he was swiftly replaced by Marcus Pehrsson on bass and vocals. On the next album Sju (1996) they musically took a left turn to avoid being stuck in the spacerock idiom forever, momentarily without Sundkvist’s violin. Before it was released they joined Hawkwind’s Nik Turner for a concert in Sweden and by now Bjorn Jacobson had joined on guitar and vocals. However, even before Sju was done, they were working on a mammoth task with the Tombola (2001) album that took 4 years to complete, as well as 2 more years to find a label for.

Bjorn Jacobson later left and Soren Martensson was asked to leave after the album was released. During a few gigs they were joined by Per Hillblom on assorted space sounds and he became a permant member at the end of the recordings for We came too late (2005).

Still alive after 20 years they continue to work on new material and occasionally do a rare live concert, for example in 2010 in Wales where they once again teamed up with Nik Turner for a couple of songs. The latest addition to the vast catalog is the 2012 album Aged to Perfection with 8 new tracks.

Apart from the albums mentioned above, they have appeared on numerous tribute albums and compilations. See discography on www.darxtar.com for further details. Furthermore a few other musicians have joined darXtar on and off through the years, but the ones mentioned above should be regarded as permanent members at some point. Rest assured that all members are doubling on other assorted instruments as well, only their main instruments are listed above and below.

Discography:

darXtar (1991)
Darker (1993)
Let your Freak Flag Fly (1993)
Daybreak (1994)
Sju (1996)
Tombola (2001)
We Came Too Late (2005)
Aged to Perfection (2012)

Links:

http://darxtar.com/

https://www.facebook.com/darxtarmusic

Instant Drone Factory

May 14, 2012 Prog Sphere No comments

The Instant Drone Factory was founded in 2005 on the occasion of that year’s Schiphorst Avantgarde Festival, curated by Faust founding member Jean-Hervé Péron. He had asked the German guitarist Frank Gingeleit whether he might like to play at his festival, but at that time Gingeleit had no band.

Since then, when Gingeleit decided to go on stage with whatever good musicians were available, there’s been an ever changing row of “incarnations” of the band that makes it rather a “project” than a permanent enterprise. In the meantime, Gingeleit and the Italian guitarist and singer Andrea Tabacco have turned out to become the stable core of the project. In 2006 their debut “Critical Mass” was released on the small German label Fuenfundvierzig (“forty five”), that was followed in 2007 by “Live“, also on Fuenfundvierzig.

“Ho Avuto Paura Del Mare” was recorded at the Electric Avenue Studios in Hamburg, Germany, by Tobias Levin, assisted by Lars H. Mueller. Members of the performing unit, besides Gingeleit and Tabacco, were Rie Miyazaki on bass, Morihide Sawada on drums and Thomas Hinkel on keyboards and flute. They were supported by Norbert Schwefel on occasional grand piano and by Verona Davis‘ most beautiful voice on some tunes, her first studio work since years. Since Rie’s and Morihide’s time was very limited, as they had to catch their aircraft back to Japan, there was only the time for a rough mix in Hamburg. Now, the final mixing and mastering of the work is done, and the album will again be released on “Fuenfundvierzig”.

What you have here in our MySpace player is the full length album of 47:30, converted to MP3 from the original 24 bit / 96 kHz masters. The title means “I was frightened by the sea”, hence the cover picture painted by Raphaela Langenberg. All music, by the way, was literally “extemporized” in the studio, nothing was pre-composed or rehearsed. Unlike traditional improvisation as in Jazz and Rock, we were following the Instant Composing priciple, invented by the Can singer Damo Suzuki. Probably strange for some to hear stuff like this these days, we’re nevertheless sure that at least some adventurous listeners will like it…

Discography:

Critical Mass (2006)
Live (2007)
Ho Avuto Paura Del Mare (2011)

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Instant-Drone-Factory/231772510167866
http://soundcloud.com/instant-drone-factory
http://www.myspace.com/instantdronefactory

Burning Eve

May 14, 2012 Prog Sphere No comments

The Story of Burning Eve, With a heavy cerebral sound and its “no rules” manifesto, Burning Eve emerged as one of the most electrifying metal acts out of Chicago, Illinois. Fueled by sultry vocals, hypnotic drumbeats, and lush orchestral guitar arrangements, memorable tracks such as “Bleeding” and “Embrace” quickly became fan favorites. The catchy powerhouse grooves even reaped critical media attention. The fresh sounds of “Burning Eve” are some of the best I’ve heard in a long time, and their album is hotly anticipated around here. I mean, the fans are absolutely rabid for it. -Brian Marshall, KFMW Rock 108. “Burning Eve has an electrifying sound, and the singer brings sin into the music. A must listen.” -Anjhella, Brutal Hardcore Beauties “The Castle says that Burning Eve will shake your foundation and rock you to the core!” -Steve, Metal Castle “Burning Eve” is my new favorite band. This band has a capital “it”. With powerful vocals and power driven songs that will kick your ass.” -Undergrownd Mindblow Magazine Formed in 2010 the band rapidly rose to the top of the local metal scene, opening for acts such as “Mushroomhead”, “Soil”, “Powerman 5000″, “Smile Empty Soul”, “The Exies”, “Autovein”, “Psychlon 9″, “As Summer Dies”, “The Autumn Offering”, “Bobaflex”, Redlight King, Motograter, Blameshift, and many others. The band continued to perform with fiery vocalist Ania (Toyah) Tarnowska, and Bassist, Mellotron, Jeremy Steawrt, Kenny (Tank) Lawson (Guitar), and Mike Domino (Guitar), rounded out the heart-pounding rhythmic sound.

(San Diego, CA) – April 12, 2010. After starting its new record label 9 months ago, Dirtbag Music, Inc. is finding success where others have failed. In January, Dirtbag officially partnered with Warner Music Group’s Independent Label Group (ILG), East West Records, to become Dirtbag/ILG/Warner further establishing the new label’s competitive resources. “The decision to partner with ILG and the Warner Music Group family was based on the forward thinking structure of ILG and its understanding of our changing industry,” states Dirtbag Music CEO, Douglas Whitsitt. “This relationship allows Dirtbag Records to continue to develop new talent while maintaining the resources and expertise to market that talent when it is ready.”

Dirtbag Records works with a wide variety of musical talent. Recently signed development artist Burning Eve from Chicago, Illinois represents Dirtbag’s commitment to finding, signing and developing new talent. “If you ask a Major label if it develops new rock acts the answer will be NO,” states COO Mark Evans, “the days wherein the Majors bring up and train new talent is over.” Dirtbag Records sees this change within the music industry as an excellent opportunity to scout and sign new talent. “Burning Eve is a prime example of a group of hard working musicians who are in the woodshed process in terms of songwriting and career development,” states Evans, “it’s only a matter of time before we are ready to market and release this band.”

“Burning Eve is my new favorite band. This band has a capital “it”. With powerful vocals and power driven songs that will kick your ass.” -Undergrownd Mindblow Magazine

“The Castle says that Burning Eve will shake your foundation and rock you to the core!” -Steve, Metal Castle

“* “Burning Eve” has an electrifying sound, and the singer brings sin into the music. A must listen.” -Anjhella, “Brutal Hardcore Beauties

Links:

http://myspace.com/burningeve
http://twitter.com/burningeve
http://www.burningeve.com
http://www.facebook.com/burningeve
http://www.reverbnation.com/burningeve

Stoner Train

May 14, 2012 Prog Sphere No comments

Stoner Train was formed in Moscow, Russia in August 2011 by two members: Serj Gdanian and George Palchikov. Soon drummer Vladimir Teterin joined the band.

“… We’ve always liked the traditional music of the South, as well as more modern heavy styles like stoner / groove / southern rock, and we decided to bring to classics more drive and terror. The result is our music, and our project Stoner Train!”

”Stoner Train music is a combination of bear vocals that makes children cry, harsh harmonica, sounding like grinding of metal in a bloody battle, shamanic drums, which enslave your legs and ass with their rhythm and authentic guitars, forcing to drink a couple of beer bottles and rush into eternal satanic dance.”

Discography:

Rusty Gears EP (2011)
Sluts for the Rebels EP (2011)

Links:

http://stonertrain.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stoner-Train/143697135719904

The SKYS

May 10, 2012 Prog Sphere No comments

Lithuanian rock band The Skys was established on 10th of November, 1995. And since then it is the leading band in Lithuanian prog scene. After frequent changes in line up The Skys are:

Jonas Čiurlionis – vocals and lead guitar
Aleksandr Liutvinskij – rhythm guitar
Justinas Tamaševičius – bass
Božena Buinicka – keyboards and vocals
Ilja Molodcov - drums

There are backing vocals as well as various guest musicians with the band.

The band had many solo gigs and participated in various festivals in Lithuania as well as abroad: Estonia, Latvia, Russia, Germany, USA, Poland, Austria etc.. Some of the bigger events were:

“Eurocon” – International Congress of Science Fiction in Vilnius 1996
Festival “Pazvelk kitaip“, White House, Vilnius 1996
Eesti Noortebandide Festival in Tartu (Estonia) 1996
Charity concert “Mes irgi galime myleti“, Vilnius Sport Hall 1997
UNESCO World Youth Festival “Dialogue Among Civilizations” 2001
Posinger Open Air 2002, Germany
The Skys are winners of New York International Music Festival 2004, USA
Easter Europe Music Convention, St. Petersburg, Russia, 2005
Baltic Prog Fest 2007
Bauslande Fest 2007, Latvia
Pustye Holmy 2008, Russia (45 000 people)
Prog Farm 2008, The Netherlands
Crescendo Festival 2010, France
2nd prize award at Rockowe Andrzejki 2011, Poland etc.

During its years of existence the band released four albums: “Civilized” (1997), “Dreams” (1999), “Postmodern Game” (2004) and “Colours of the Desert” (2011). Many of The Skys songs were played on radio and TV. In 1996 song “One Saturday of The Spring” reached radio station “Laisvoji banga” charts where it kept its highest positions for almost two months (No. 1 in April Charts). In 1999 song “Virtual Reality” was filmed on National TV for music telecast “Muzikinis viesbutis”. As guests The Skys performed at “Buk Artistas” TV Show. In 2004 The Skys performed at Lithuanian Top 10 on National TV. “The Ancient Indian song” video was also shown on National TV. The Skys music received radio airplay on 100 radio stations across Europe, USA and Canada with interviews in Netherlands, UK and “album of the week” in Austria, A-listed in Norway.

Many high quality press articles were published about the band in all major Lithuanian newspapers. The Skys album reviews showed up in USA, Canada and Europe receiving very high evaluation.

In 2001 The Skys made a musical theatre performance “Civilized” which was presented in one of the biggest theatres in Vilnius – Jaunimo Teatras.

In 2004 The Skys were signed to Sutaras Record label for album “Postmodern Game“. And digital distribution deal with Cinderella Records (USA) in 2010.

In 2004 The Skys were awarded (out of 300 bands) as “Best International Band” at prestigious New York International Music Festival .

In 2006 The Skys won Makato Artis of the Year Award (2nd place)

In 2011 The Skys got 2nd prize award (out of 100 bands) at Rockowe Andrzejki, Poland.

New album “Colors of The Desert” features:

Dave Kilminster (Roger Waters band) – guitar;
John Young (ex-Scorpions, Bonnie Tyler) – keyboards, bac vocs, producer;
Snake Davis (Eurythmics, P.McCartney, Ray Charles, James Brown, etc.) – sax;
Martin Beedle (Cutting Crew, Sarah Brightman, etc) – drums;
Tony Spada (Holding Pattern) – guitar;
Anne Marie Helder (Mostly Autumn, Panic Room) – bac voc.

The Album recorded in Mamas Studio (Vilnius, Lithuania) and Liscombe Park Studios (London, UK) famous for Uriah Heep and Asia recordings. Mixed by Steve Rispin (Tina Turner, Elton John, Asia, Tankard, etc).

Discography:

Civilized (1997)
Dreams (1999)
Postmodern Game (2004)
Colours of the Desert (2011)

Links:

http://www.theskys.com

https://www.facebook.com/wwwtheskyscom

Mårran

May 07, 2012 Prog Sphere No comments

MÅRRAN (pronounced aprox. Moron) is a new Swedish rock band with it’s roots in the 70’s.

Singer Göran Edman is well known world wide as the former singer with Yngwie Malmsteen, Vinnie Vincent, John Norum, Karmakanic as well as numerous other metal/hard rock/ progressive bands.

Drummer Binge (Björn Inge) used to play in the legendary seminal Swedish hard rock band November (1969-1972), the ”Swedish Cream”.

Hammond organist Max Lorentz is a well known musician and producer in Scandinavia.

These three distinguished gentlemen has teamed up with the two 22-year olds Morgan Korsmoe (bass) and Ludwig Larsson (guitar) to form a multiple generation band.

Among Mårran’s influences are bands like Free, Led Zeppelin, Grand Funk Railroad as well as Binge’s old band November.

All the songs are written in their native tounge Swedish and the debut-CD/LP was released in the spring of 2012.

Enclosed on the album is MÅRRAN’s debut single ”Gärdesbrud”, which roughly translates as ”Woodstock Girl”, telling the tale of a slight romance in the grass of the 1970 swedish Woodstock-style festival ”Gärdesfesten”.

Discography:

Mårran (2012)

Links:

http://www.marran.se

Pulsonica

May 05, 2012 Prog Sphere No comments

Pulsonica is a project which combines traditional Afro Latin rhythms with different Progressive Rock styles, always starting from a protagonist percussive work based on the use of polyrhythms, irregular metrics, unisons and percussion solos.
At the beginning it was a trio, but later became a quartet.

Pulsonica was created by Jorge González, Argentine drummer & percussionist, in 2006, and has been performing at important progressive and percussion festivals until today.

Line-up:

Jorge González: Drumset, timbales, xylophone & glockenspiel.
Carolina Cohen: Congas set & accessories.
Marcelo Tubio: Guitars & programming.
Julián Cusmano: Electric bass.

Discography:

Movimiento Perpetuo (2008)
Tribaloide (2011)

Links:

http://www.pulsonica.com.ar
https://www.facebook.com/pages/PULSONICA/271754738874

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WE COULD BUILD AN EMPIRE Self-Titled Debut Album Streaming on Stereokiller

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WE COULD BUILD AN EMPIRE Self-Titled Debut Album Streaming on Stereokiller

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