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Prog, Metal & Classic Rock. Reviews and Features from a wide range of artists, new and old.

02/09/2024

If you call yourself a black metal fan, then Horna would need no introduction, the band now celebrating its thirtieth year of existence. Although guitarist Shatraug is the only original member left, Horna’s sound has remained unmistakable in extreme metal, strictly old school, true to the second wave of black metal from the early nineties.

If you call yourself a black metal fan, then Horna would need no introduction, the band now celebrating its thirtieth year of existence. Although guitarist Shat

02/09/2024

Robert Jon & The Wreck are back with their most electrifying single yet, Rager, now available on all digital platforms. Renowned for their unique fusion of Southern rock, Americana, and blues, the band turns up the heat with this high-octane track.
&TheWreck

Robert Jon & The Wreck are back with their most electrifying single yet, Rager, now available on all digital platforms. Renowned for their unique fusion of

01/09/2024

The only thing that remains constant in the world of Leprous is change. Formed in 2001 in Notodden, Norway, this most agile of modern bands were dedicated to finding their own path from the very start. Fizzing with inspiration from all points of the musical spectrum, their sound coalesced around a box-fresh strain of progressive metal that brimmed with virtuosity and revelled in meticulous

The only thing that remains constant in the world of Leprous is change. Formed in 2001 in Notodden, Norway, this most agile of modern bands were dedicated to fi

30/08/2024

London label Transmission have announced a new edition of Porcupine Tree’s Grammy-nominated 2007 album Fear Of A Blank Planet. With a 112-page hardback book, five CDs, and a Blu-ray disc, the new edition includes remasters of Fear Of A Blank Planet and the Nil Recurring mini album, approximately 55 minutes of previously unreleased demos, an early live performance of a still work-in-progress

London label Transmission have announced a new edition of Porcupine Tree’s Grammy-nominated 2007 album Fear Of A Blank Planet. With a 112-page hardback book,

29/08/2024

British progressive rock band Ihlo have announced a new 2024 reissue and first-time vinyl release of their widely celebrated debut album Union. Set for release on 11th October via the Kscope label, Union is characterised by a seamless fusion of progressive metal, electronic elements & subtle pop hooks, and quickly established Ihlo as a rising force within the progressive music scene upon its

British progressive rock band Ihlo have announced a new 2024 reissue and first-time vinyl release of their widely celebrated debut album Union. Set for rel

29/08/2024

In August and September 2023, multi-national progressive rockers Big Big Train undertook their longest ever tour to date, performing 17 shows over 21 days across nine countries in the UK and Europe, and concluding with two triumphant concerts at London's prestigious Cadogan Hall. Those two concerts are now immortalised as 'A Flare On The Lens', released on 13th September 2024 via InsideOutMusic.

In August and September 2023, multi-national progressive rockers Big Big Train undertook their longest ever tour to date, performing 17 shows over 21 days acros

29/08/2024

TAKEN FROM THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM POWDER DRY (13thSeptember)

"his voice is a tender marvel...a career peak"

8/10 – CLASSIC ROCK

"a raw-edged revelation, a declaration of new and neoteric directions. Dynamite"

4.5/5 – PROG MAGAZINE

"an exceptionally unified and hugely accessible body of work...a new beginning for the talented multi-instrumentalist."

RECORD

TAKEN FROM THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM POWDER DRY (13thSeptember) "his voice is a tender marvel...a career peak" 8/10 – CLASSIC ROCK "

29/08/2024

His debut album From The Start is released on 15 November via Gypsy Soul Records / Proper UK

PRE-SAVE ALBUM | PRE-ORDER CD & VINYL

“A precocious guitarist whose vocals possess a wise-beyond-his-years weariness.” -

His debut album From The Start is released on 15 November via Gypsy Soul Records / Proper UK PRE-SAVE ALBUM | PRE-ORDER CD & VINYL “A pre

28/08/2024

The road to being hailed as the new torchbearers of Southern rock hasn't been as glamorous as you might imagine for The Georgia Thunderbolts. It wasn't many years ago that the guys busked at gas stations, fumbled through covers, and drove four hours to Alabama to play to a bartender and a three-legged dog sitting on a barstool.

The road to being hailed as the new torchbearers of Southern rock hasn't been as glamorous as you might imagine for The Georgia Thunderbolts. It wasn't many yea

28/08/2024

Red Giant will release their debut single “Monsters” on Friday 9 August 2024.

The single is available on all streaming platforms HERE, watch the music video for “Monsters” below!“Monsters” is the first single taken from the band’s eponymous debut album Red Giant released on Friday 18 October 2024.The album is available to pre-order from www.redgiantofficial.com/the-rg-shop.

Red Giant will release their debut single “Monsters” on Friday 9 August 2024. The single is available on all streaming platforms HERE, watch the music v

28/08/2024

Progressive alternative rockers Pure Reason Revolution return with their sixth studio album Coming Up To Consciousness, released on the 6th September 2024 via InsideOutMusic. Betrayal, deception, fear, grief, mortality, and questions of sanity: heady and primordial themes animate the latest conceptual LP from Pure Reason Revolution.

Progressive alternative rockers Pure Reason Revolution return with their sixth studio album Coming Up To Consciousness, released on the 6th September 2024 vi

28/08/2024

NEWLY REMIXED INTO DOLBY ATMOS BY STEVEN WILSON

A DEEP-DIVE INTO THE AVANT-GARDE FROM TWO OF PROGRESSIVE ROCK'S MOST INNOVATIVE MINDS

As two of the leading figures in contemporary progressive music, Steven Wilson and Mikael Åkerfeldt have treated their fans to all sorts of thrillingly unconventional and atmospheric sounds over the years.

NEWLY REMIXED INTO DOLBY ATMOS BY STEVEN WILSON A DEEP-DIVE INTO THE AVANT-GARDE FROM TWO OF PROGRESSIVE ROCK'S MOST INNOVATIVE MINDS As two o

28/08/2024

The big question was, how is this going to stack up with the magnificent live performances the band produced back in their Golden Age - after all, albums like On Your Feet Or On Your Knees and Some Enchanted Evening set a high bar to say the least. The answer, happily, is 'pretty well'...

The big question was, how is this going to stack up with the magnificent live performances the band produced back in their Golden Age - after all, albums like O

27/08/2024

The amazing revival of NWOBHM veterans Satan continues and here they are with their fifth album after reforming in 2011 (and seventh overall). Songs In Crimson comes just two years after Earth Infernal and is another celebration of everything we love about this band.

The amazing revival of NWOBHM veterans Satan continues and here they are with their fifth album after reforming in 2011 (and seventh overall). Songs In Crimson

26/08/2024

THE BULLETPROOF TOUR CONTINUES WITH DATES IN US, UK & EUROPE'EXPERIENCE HENDRIX' DATES IN SEPTEMBER

Samantha Fish is gearing up to release new live performance recordings on Rounder Records, starting with a powerful rendition of Better Be Lonely on August 23rd.

THE BULLETPROOF TOUR CONTINUES WITH DATES IN US, UK & EUROPE'EXPERIENCE HENDRIX' DATES IN SEPTEMBER Samantha Fish is gearing up to release new live perfo

25/08/2024

It is quite possible that the thrash and speed metal diehards among you know of this band, because it features Mike Alvord, who was a part of the guitar duo in the legendary Holy Terror. He is joined by Roby Vitari (who was the drummer of the cult Italian thrashers Headcrasher in the early 90s) and Rick Zaccaro on bass, all of them based in California now.

It is quite possible that the thrash and speed metal diehards among you know of this band, because it features Mike Alvord, who was a part of the guitar duo in

24/08/2024

Mojo Thunder is an American rock band from Kentucky featuring Bryson Willoughby (lead guitar) Sean Sullivan (vocals, guitar), Andrew Brockman (bass), and Zac Shoopman (drums). Unusually for a Kentuckyband, these guys don't deal in blue-grass and country blues but have instead created their own brand of edgy, hard rock influenced by the likes of Kings of Leon, the Black Crowes; and also Lynyrd

Mojo Thunder is an American rock band from Kentucky featuring Bryson Willoughby (lead guitar) Sean Sullivan (vocals, guitar), Andrew Brockman (bass), and Zac Sh

24/08/2024

...Sacrifice remains a tremendously strong proto-heavy-prog album, and this anthology represents a fascinating insight into Black Widow’s brief career and the times they lived in.

When deciding what to put on the cover of this box set, Grapefruit didn’t shy away from highlighting the one thing Black Widow are best remembered for: their notorious stage show.

...Sacrifice remains a tremendously strong proto-heavy-prog album, and this anthology represents a fascinating insight into Black Widow’s brief career and the

23/08/2024

Matt Finucane is a British musician known for his distinctive style that blends elements of post-punk, grunge, and art-rock. He has announced the release of his new EP, Bang Bang Exorcism, through Eyeless Records on September 27th, 2024, and it is set for a physical and digital release, including on cassette.

Matt Finucane is a British musician known for his distinctive style that blends elements of post-punk, grunge, and art-rock. He has announced the release of his

21/08/2024

“Anyone who’s ever worn out a copy of the Stones’ It’s Only Rock & Roll or The Black Crowes’ Shake Your Moneymaker is going to find

LOTS to love here!” – Jambase

Canadian rockers Lions in the Street released their new single “Moving Along” on Friday 16 August 2024.

The single is available on all streaming platforms, watch the video below!“Moving

“Anyone who’s ever worn out a copy of the Stones’ It’s Only Rock & Roll or The Black Crowes’ Shake Your Moneymaker is going to find LOTS to lov

21/08/2024

This year is quite special for Phoenix, Arizona’s thrash pride Flotsam and Jetsam, because it marks four decades since the band was formed and to top this off, their fifteenth studio album I Am The Weapon will hit the shelves mid September. In fact, Flotsam is a band we had almost always relied upon to deliver high quality metal, with very, very few missteps (see

This year is quite special for Phoenix, Arizona’s thrash pride Flotsam and Jetsam, because it marks four decades since the band was formed and to top this off

21/08/2024

Yang is a French quartet which according to their label’s press release ‘has a history of creating complex yet accessible progressive rock’. To describe them as ‘accessible’ might raise an eyebrow to those familiar with their music. This, Yang’s fifth (and admittedly most accessible release) is still a tough listen at times.

Yang is a French quartet which according to their label’s press release ‘has a history of creating complex yet accessible progressive rock’. To describe t

21/08/2024

A first class debut album, showcasing not so much promise as confirmation of the talents of all concerned, which really do seem to be a natural fit for each other.

Sometimes it's tricky staying on top of the excellent material being released in the world of prog rock at this moment, with such a lot of quality that sometimes things can be unfairly dismissed, or overlooked.

A first class debut album, showcasing not so much promise as confirmation of the talents of all concerned, which really do seem to be a natural fit for each oth

20/08/2024

International Prog / Rock Band ZIO is the brainchild of former Karnataka Drummer Jimmy Pallagrosi.

The band made their live debut at Crescendo Festival in France in 2018, unveiling a line-up that included Olivier Castan (Keys), Marc Fascia (Guitar) and Liz Hayes (Bass) alongside guest vocalists Hayley Griffiths (Karnataka, The Hayley Griffiths Band) and former Enid vocalist Joe Payne.

International Prog / Rock Band ZIO is the brainchild of former Karnataka Drummer Jimmy Pallagrosi. The band made their live debut at Crescendo Festival in Fr

18/08/2024

The Dutch black-death horde around band leader Henri Sattler prepares to unleash its twelfth album four and a half years after the excellent Illuminati. The band lineup is once again revamped, with guitarist Dave Meester and bassist Jeroen Pomper remaining from the previous album and Frank Schilperoort joining on drums.

The Dutch black-death horde around band leader Henri Sattler prepares to unleash its twelfth album four and a half years after the excellent Illuminati. The ban

18/08/2024

Darkened Euro riff slayers, HAMULEC, have arrived with their brutal new single and video, Stos, which is out now. Check out the video below and the band's Spotify profile.

The hotly tipped heavyweights have also just wooed audiences at the Jarocin Festival, sharing the stage with Vader, as well as at PolandRock, where they captured electrifying coverage of the performance.

Darkened Euro riff slayers, HAMULEC, have arrived with their brutal new single and video, Stos, which is out now. Check out the video below and the band's Spoti

18/08/2024

Transmaniacon in 2014 were the band formed from the split of XM3a (One (huge) single and a Black Moth Split release on NHS Records). The heavy riffing and over-driven organ and synth Prog/Sci-Fi/Space Rocking was given an altogether new vibe with the arrival of vocalist and song-smith Simon Holliday.

Transmaniacon in 2014 were the band formed from the split of XM3a (One (huge) single and a Black Moth Split release on NHS Records). The heavy riffing and over-

18/08/2024

Killtown Bookings is pleased to announce the final routing for the upcoming tour "Europe Undone" with iconic US death metal band MORTA SKULD and demented bruisers DECREPID from the UK.

Aside from select festival appearances in recent years at Kill-Town Death Fest, and UK and Netherlands Death Fests, appearances on European shores are extremely rare for MORTA SKULD, with this being their first

Killtown Bookings is pleased to announce the final routing for the upcoming tour "Europe Undone" with iconic US death metal band MORTA SKULD and demen

17/08/2024

UK progressive rockers Frost* are pleased to announce the release of their brand new double concept album Life In The Wires, due out 18th October 2024 via InsideOutMusic. “Every prog band worth their salt really should do a double album, shouldn't they?” asks Frost* frontman Jem Godfrey. “We've always kind of had this idea of wanting to do one.
*

UK progressive rockers Frost* are pleased to announce the release of their brand new double concept album Life In The Wires, due out 18th October 2024 via Insid

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Happy New Year from everyone at Velvet Thunder! Thanks to everyone, writers, contributors, photographers, PR and bands.... All the best for 2024!

Happy New Year from all at Velvet Thunder. Thanks to all contributors, visitors, bands and PR. All the best for 2023!

We all know what 2020 has been like - but no sector has seen more turmoil and disruption than the arts - and particularly music. Gigs abruptly, and shockingly to those of us regular concert-goers, ceased to exist almost overnight in the Spring, causing a knock-on effect with albums being delayed owing to lack of promotional touring opportunities. It would be a truly unfortunate music magazine website which found itself only eight months or so old when this hit, everyone would I think agree. Well, Velvet Thunder raises its hand and says hello! Happily, despite live reviews disappearing as an entity, we have continued to grow in visitor numbers and profile throughout this time, and after spending almost exactly half of our existence under this musical lockdown, we are in the best position we have found ourselves yet. For this, we of course must thank all of the writers and photographers who have contributed to the site - Graeme Stroud, Paul Whimpenny, Stoyan Tsonev, Lorne Murphy, Trish Heywood, Terry Craven, Richard Proctor, Laurence Todd, Steve Smith, Chris Walkden, Ian Jenkinson, Stephen Lambe, Manir Donaghue. We are truly grateful for the time and effort these splendid people have put in, and the professional quality which has been in evidence throughout. We would also like to sincerely thank all of those people who have visited the site over the last year in such encouraging numbers, be it as daily visitors or occasional ones. We truly hope we have entertained and informed (and perhaps cost you a little well-spent money along the way!) It is a massive pleasure and privilege to be able to do this, and we look forward to marching into the new year and embracing the eventual return of gigs with open arms, as those musicians come blinking into the spotlight once again. Here's to the next year. Roll VT!