Interview With Beardfish

Swedish progressive outfit Beardfish are highly influenced by seventies prog rock in the vein of King Crimson, Yes, Gentle Giant and Camel. They combine this with intelligent songwriting and thought-provoking lyrics. The band is about to release Mammoth, their latest effort. Some time ago I had a pleasant conversation with Rikard Sjöblom, the main songwriter and vocalist in Beardfish. Subjects of this interview are the collective love for seventies music, the fun they had while recording the new album and the noble art of songwriting..

Beardfish – Mammoth

My first introduction to Beardfish was Destined Solitaire, a very solid and almost frivolous effort drenched in seventies progressive rock. King Crimson, Yes, Genesis and Camel were major influences on that album. At first, I was very much in love with it, but after a while the sheer retro character of Beardfish started to annoy me somewhat. The band’s latest effort, entitled Mammoth, marks a slight change of pace.

Beardfish – Destined Solitaire

Sweden is one of the premier suppliers when it comes to quality guitar music. This is also the case with progressive rock and metal. Bands like Evergrey, Pain Of Salvation, Opeth and The Flower Kings have almost become household names. The Swedes from Beardfish may not have that kind of fame, they’re every bit as good as the aforementioned acts. The one thing that sets Rikard Sjökblom and Co apart is their collective admiration for vintage progressive rock from the seventies.

Interview With Jolly

Up until recently I’ve never heard about Jolly, an American progressive rock band. Their latest album, entitled The Audio Guide To Happiness (Part One) is one of the best records I’ve heard so far this year. It’s certainly worth your attention when you’re into high quality progressive music. Drummer and producer Louis Abramson happily provided some insights on the album’s remarkable concept, the creative process within Jolly and his current taste in music..

Jolly – The Audio Guide To Happiness (Part One)

Jolly are an American progressive rock band from New York. Since their Forty-Six Minutes, Twelve Seconds Of Music album (2009) they use binaural tones in order to stimulate certain parts of the human brain in the search of the ultimate form of happiness. This sounds rather far fetched to me, but this is the cornerstone of Jolly’s latest album, entitled The Audio Guide To Happiness (Part One). Let’s take a closer look at this rather peculiar band.

The Shadow Theory – Behind The Black Veil

Devon Graves, the illustrious vocalist of Deadsoul Tribe and Psychotic Waltz, has embarked on a new musical journey. With his newly formed band The Shadow Theory he has produced an album that is certain to leave an impression.

Star One – Victims Of The Modern Age

A new Arjen Lucassen release is always something to look out for. The Dutch composer and multi-musician always delivers good quality, oftentimes even great. The man who singlehandedly put the modern rock opera back on the map with his Ayreon project is back with a follow-up to one of his other enterprises, Star One. Did its first release, Space Metal (2002),

James LaBrie – Static Impulse

When you say James LaBrie, you say Dream Theater. As the singer of this illustrious band, he is a true prog icon. Well, think of everything you expect from James LaBrie on a solo album and throw it out of the window; this is Static Impulse.

Riverside – Anno Domini High Definition

Although I’m very much into prog rock/metal I find the excessive guitar and keyboard duels of many bands pretty boring after a while. I prefer bands who manage to find the right combination between solid song writing, a fair amount of originality and musicianship. Porcupine Tree, Threshold, Oceansize and Pain Of Salvation are great examples of the latter. Riverside from Poland fits the bill as well. Last year they released their fourth album, entitled Anno Domini High Definition. Let’s take a closer look.

Spiritual Beggars – Return To Zero

After a very gruesome touring schedule with his main band Arch Enemy and the infamous Carcass reunion, Michael Amott finally had some time to work on new material for Spiritual Beggars. This is his fun band where he can spread his love for seventies rock bands such as Rainbow, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. To cut a long story short, the band are back with their seventh full length, entitled Return To Zero.