A.C.T Eclectic Prog • Sweden

A.C.T biography (http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=424)

A.C.T is a very popular and well-known modern progressive rock band from Sweden, having released music since 1999. They have evolved into a respectable band that has had more than a decent impact; more impressive, however, it how their songwriting and style gets better with every album. The band's musical style is eclectic, but also keen to a lot of influences, some (like QUEEN, SAGA, SUPERTRAMP, MUSE, RUSH, DREAM THEATER or ELO) being largely accepted, others (like IT BITES, ZAPPA or STYX) being more particular, and some (like GENESIS, KANSAS, JETHRO TULL, TOTO or the BEATLES) being much superficial.

The band, initially under Ola ANDERSSON on guitars, Tomas ERLANDSSON on drums, Jens APPELGREN on vocals and Jerry SAHLIN on both keyboards and drums, was created out of friendly discussions and leisure musical sessions and was named FAIRYLAND. During the entire rehearsals and the eventful years of playing and discovering their outfit, the line-up saw some changes, APPELGREN departing and three new musicians joining in: Simon NIKLASSON on bass and dynamic writing, later Peter ASP as guitarist/bassist, and Herman SAMING as vocalist, often leading the charm and lucky good impression of A.C.T's clear crystal voice. In 1995, at the suggestion of Jerry SAHLIN, FAIRYLAND finally changed into A.C.T, both in name and in perspective. Taking on a new musical direction, A.C.T went all the way to a finale at a local competition, "Musik Direkt" - which gave them the opportunity to make some demos. The next year, they were favorites all the way to the grand finale in Stockholm, where losing the competition was a small setback compared to the fame and good spirit they've witnessed since. 

A.C.T are as good and exciting on stage as they are profound in the studio. They opened for a lot of good artists, like Yngwie MALMSTEEN, FISH or SAGA. Their modern or progressive relation is stable both in a popular and well-supported way. 

As for their music, A.C.T themselves call it a mix of melodic, progressive rock, pomp or pop elements, but the evolution is straightforward maturity with every album. Being highly proud of their sound and their songs, the mutual feeling is making music of a noteworthy production and an intense popular complexity. Silence (released 2006) is, most specially, a very brave and complete album of the band's expression and work, comprising melodic or upbeat progressive rock, metal bits or classic rock interpretations, songwriting deluxe shape or complex rhythm arrangements. As already mentioned, the classic, popular or notoriously more easy progressive influences are a large idea, but A.C.T also discovers its own skill mystery and individuality experience, most notably on Silence.

After the release of their fourth album, the band went into a semi-hiatus while working on their fifth album. On December 24th, 2013, A.C.T announced that their fifth album, titled Circus Pandemonium, will be released in early 2014.

From Swedish Modern Prog to Progressive New Music, A.C.T are stable, artistic and recommended.

(some notes adapted after the band's website biography or other bio sources, such as www.progrock.ro)

:::Ricochet (Victor "Philip" Parau):::

Last Epic (2003)

Thanks Magal

CLIFFHANGER Neo-Prog • Netherlands

Cliffhanger biography (http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=63)

CLIFFHANGER's music combines busy and intricate playing with subtle melodic moments. The band interplay is very well worked out and tasteful. The sound is not typical symphonic prog but their influences are from that direction. 

In 1996 the band released "Not to Be Or Not To Be" which I considered one of the best CDs of that year and one that should be come a real present-day masterpiece of Classic Progressive Rock. An excellent surprise happened in 2001: CLIFFHANGER got together again. Just enough time to record an excellent rating to "Circle".

Mirror Site (1998)

Thanks Magal

Hammond Funk

Hammond Funk #1

Track Listing

 1. Louis Chachere – The Hen Pt1 (Paula 45)

 2. Georgie Fame – Beware of Dog (Epic 45)

 3. Billy Larkin – Russell & Williams Sts (World Pacific LP)

 4. Willard Burton & The Funky 4 – Funky In Here (Capitol 45)

 5. Melvin Sparks (feat Leon Spencer) – Thank You (Prestige 45)

 6. Brown Brothers of Soul – Cholo (Specialty 45)

 7. Clarence Wheeler & The Enforcers – Doin’ What We Wanna (Atlantic 45)

 8. Ohio Players – Walt’s First Trip (Westbound 45)

 9. Willie Mitchell – My Babe (Hi 45)

 10. Joe Chopper & the Swinging 7 Soul band – Soul Pusher (Lanor 45)

 11. Mickey & The Soul Generation – Iron Leg (Maxwell 45)

 12. Kossie Gardner – Fire (Dot LP)

 13. Village Callers – Hector (Rampart 45)

 14. Bill Doggett – Honky Tonk (King 45)

 15. O’Jah’s – Roadside 75 (Sound Stage 7 45)

 16. Toussaint McCall – Sweet Tea (Dore 45)

 17. Dave Baby Cortez – I Turned You On (T-Neck 45)

 18. Art Butler – Soul Brother (Epic 45)

 19. Jimmy McGriff – Fat Cakes (Capitol 45)

 20. Lou Garno Trio – Chicken in the Basket (Giovanni 45)

Hammond Funk #2

Track Listing

 1. Sonny Phillips – Make It Plain (Prestige)

 2. Lonnie Smith – See Saw (Blue Note)

 3. Leon Spencer – Message From the Meters (Prestige)

 4. Charles Earland – Here Comes Charlie (Prestige)

 5. Houston Person feat. Sonny Phillips – Cissy Strut (Prestige)

 6. Shirley Scott – You (Atlantic)

 7. Brother Jack McDuff – The Natural Thing (Cadet)*

 8. Jimmy McGriff – A Thing to Come By Pts 1&2 (Solid State)

 9. Clarence Wheeler & the Enforcers feat. Sonny Burke – The Mighty Burner (Atlantic)

Ad Hominem - French Industrial Black Metal

Ad Hominem is a French industrial black metal band, originally from Lyon. The group advocates the cult of Self and the rejection of all religious dogma. Its leader and founder, Kaiser Wodhanaz, refuses any political affiliation in spite of polemics (Ad Hominem is sometimes considered as NSBM), and affirms that he attacks primarily monotheistic religions and any doctrine harmful to the development and freedom of The individual. The band lists a total of five studio albums, two EPs, five splits, a demo, and various compilations.

Ad Hominem is a one-man-band created and run by Kaiser. The project was born in France and is now evolving in Italy. After years of polemics, Kaiser keeps on claiming that A.H. never ever dealt with politics, but used and uses to support any extreme ideologies/acts aiming at eradicating what corrupts the identity of Man. Therefore, A.H. should not be considered as NSBM since national-socialism is only a detail behind Kaiser's speech. Although Kaiser used NS-related content on Planet ZOG, he claims he never dealt with topics regarding the white aryan race, but rather with elitist/individualistic matters. Contrary to some mistaken rumours, Sad, Dhilorz and Milite K. didn't take part to the project. So far, no release can prove the contrary. Also, A.H. rose in the south of France, not in Lyon.

 Planet Zog (2002)

 For A New World (2003)

LINKS

ADA LE FOL - France Prog Rock

Ada le Fol is another example of the French underground of bands that played in that unique French theatrical progressive rock style made so popular by Ange and Mona Lisa. This is more under produced and amateurish, just as Trefle and Grime are, but that's where the appeal lies. It's creativity at its most raw. Vocalist does a fine job at the Decamps style, whilst the keys and guitar keep the progressive quotient alive. There's one throwaway good times rock and roller on Side 1 to endure, but otherwise this is a strong example of the style.

Les Années D'Errance (1980)

20 Watt Tombstone & Left Lane Cruiser - Death Blues Vs The Dirty Spliff

Led by Freddy J IV (aka Joe Evans) on vocals and slide guitar, with Pete Dio on drums & assorted other junk, and birthed in either Fort Wayne, IN or Hades depending on who you ask, Left Lane Cruiser whips up a frenzied mess of trashed-out punk/blues. The Duo has seen 10 years, 8 albums, and so many tours both in the U.S. and overseas, if you ask them; they likely can't remember. They also are one of Alive Records flagship artists, Home to such artists as Radio Moscow, Buffalo Killer, The Black Diamond Heavies and formerly The Black Keys.

20 Watt Tombstone is not out to dazzle anyone, their mission is simple. Play music they and their fans like, and do it loud!

Formed in 2012 in Wausau,WI, The band quickly formed a friendship with kindred spirits "Left Lane Cruiser", who heavily influenced the band's sound. This album is four years in the making, and was recorded live at 7711 Studios in Milwaukee (Where 20 Watt recorded their first album "Wisco Disco"). Once again, no patch ins, no pitch correction were used. Just four dudes in a room playing loud and recording whatever came out.

 Death Blues Vs The Dirty Spliff

Mário Raposo - Progressive Music - Portugal

Mário Raposo is a self-taught musician with musical influences covering jazz, classical, new-age, electronic and soundtracks. In the last two decades, Mário has created music for documentaries, films, commercials for TV and radio and CDs. Of note is the participation in arrangements in the recordings of the Azorean musicians Luís Bettencourt and Aníbal Raposo. At this moment has on the market several CDs edited to solo that cover the New Age and the Electronic, happening through the Neoclássico.

MÁRIO RAPOSO 

Músico | São Miguel (Portugal)

Mário Raposo é um músico autodidacta com influências musicais abrangendo o jazz, clássica, new-age, electrónica e bandas sonoras. Nas últimas duas décadas, Mário tem criado música para documentários, filmes, anúncios publicitários para TV e rádio e CDs. De salientar a participação em arranjos nos trabalhos discográficos dos músicos açorianos Luís Bettencourt e Aníbal Raposo. Neste momento tem no mercado vários CDs editados a solo que abrangem a New Age e a Electrónica, passando pelo Neoclássico.

 Synquest

The Synth Dreamer

A great indication from Magal