The New Release Spotlight is a roundup of new and recently released albums.
Bumblefoot…Returns! (January 24th, 2025)
Bumblefoot’s new album, Bumblefoot…Returns!, is a wild mix of shredding, melody, and creative guitar work, packed with big guest appearances. After recent albums with Sons of Apollo and Whom Gods Destroy, this marks a return to his solo work, showcasing his full range as a guitarist and composer. Featuring legends like Brian May, Steve Vai, Guthrie Govan, and Derek Sherinian, the album covers a lot of ground, from hard-hitting riffs to cinematic, spacey moments. Standout tracks include “Simon in Space,” a trippy, effects-heavy ride; “Planetary Lockdown,” where Bumblefoot’s signature tone cuts through with precision; and “Monstruoso,” which highlights his incredible fretless guitar skills. It’s an adventurous, fun, and unpredictable record that reminds everyone why Bumblefoot is one of the most unique players out there.
Order here: https://bumblefoot.bandcamp.com/album/returns
Tracklisting
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)
Everon – Shells (February 28th, 2025)
German progressive rock band Everon’s latest album, Shells, marks a triumphant return after a 16-year hiatus. Led by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Oliver Philipps, the band delivers a powerful mix of melody, complexity, and emotion. The album features notable guest vocalists Helena Iren Michaelsen and Leah, adding depth to the band’s sound. Standout tracks include “No Embrace,” an energetic opener; “Broken Angels,” with its intricate arrangements; “Pinocchio’s Nose,” showcasing the band’s quirky side; and “Monster,” delivering heartfelt tones. The epic 14-minute closer, “Flesh,” exemplifies Everon’s progressive prowess, while “Guilty as Charged” stands out with its compelling composition and features Stratospheerius drummer Jason Gianni, adding extra power to the track’s dynamic rhythm section. Shells encapsulates Everon’s sound while offering a fresh yet familiar experience for both longtime fans and new listeners.
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)
Jacob Roberge – The Passing (January 31st, 2025)
Canadian musician Jacob Roberge introduces his debut album, The Passing, which has been making waves in the progressive rock scene. The album blends classical influences with modern prog elements, featuring a standout 32-minute title track that weaves intricate guitar solos, lush orchestration, and dynamic shifts into a captivating journey. Other notable tracks include “The Long Way Home,” and “Garden of Souls,” which expertly showcase a mix of warm melodies and progressive instrumentation. The music was produced by Roberge himself on vocals, keyboards, drums, percussion, bouzouki, and fretless bass, alongside William Gaboury, who provided guitars, bass, programming, and keyboards. The Passing has been receiving praise from many prog outlets for its bold compositions and atmospheric depth, firmly establishing Roberge as a promising new talent in the genre. Definitely one to check out.
Order here: https://jacobroberge.bandcamp.com/album/the-passing-2
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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