One of the bonuses of being a reviewer is that it forces you out of your comfort zone, and as one who listens to an unhealthy amount of death metal, this is a good thing.  Looking for a change I grabbed the debut album from In the Silence.  This album was actually released last summer, […]

One of my musical interests outside of metal has always been the jazz and swing of the Big Band era. That’s why the Diablo Swing Orchestra’s name immediately caught my attention. Then there’s opening track, “A Tap Dancer’s Dilemma,” which is one of the most interesting songs that I’ve heard in a long time. It […]

With only a demo in 2004 and a self-released album in 2006, Norway’s Leprous have chimed in on Sensory Records with an impressive debut album. Completely confident with their playing abilities and experimental nature, this band is going to be something to look out for in the near future. Tall Poppy Syndrome maybe the bands […]

To tell you the truth, I’ve been just about “progged” out in recent years. I’ve reviewed stacks and stacks of predictable prog, but just when I get to the point where I groan when I pull a new one out, I find a record that renews my hope in the search. The latest from Spheric […]

Like a treacherously silent volcano, Equilibrio, the last symphonic opus from Netherland’s Power Metal outfit Xystus, has quite unexpectedly erupted somewhere on my third attempt to look into its dark yet flaming musical depths. The point is that I didn’t quite get its multiple dignities during my initial familiarization tours, yet I felt there was […]

The terms “symphonic”, “progressive”, and “power” are the Blessed Trinity of Metal that accompanies a lot of present-day bands trying their fortune in becoming a new Savatage, Symphony X or Angra. With their three albums, New Jersey-based quintet Suspyre have shown that they are versed in any of the three. While the debut The Silvery […]

Sensory Records is extremely proud to announce the upcoming release of Dutch progressive metal band Xystus’ third album, Equilibrio; This rock opera was recorded with a 60 piece orchestra and a 30 member choir, and includes guest performances from Simone Simmons of Epica and George Osthoek of Orphanage. With an influx of gothic, progressive and […]

Canvas Solaris hail from Georgia and play an instrumental brand of prog-metal that combines the spacey atmosphere of classic 70s progressive acts with the kind of jazz-inflected technicality found in Atheist, Cynic and late-era Death. Opener “The Binaural Beat” leans more towards the mellow space-rock half of the equation, with a soft, bouncy acoustic riff […]

Slap a sticker on the front that says this record will appeal to fans of Savatage, Queensryche and Evergrey, and you’ve got my attention. Of course, then you’ve got a promise to deliver on, and unfortunately Nation Beyond doesn’t. A concept album set following nuclear apocalypse (how original), The Aftermath Odyssey admittedly has its moments, but  […]

Here’s a tip. It’s probably not a good idea to name your band after a book that everyone is forced to read in school and hates. It doesn’t really inspire people to pick up your record. Tip No. 2: Never, ever – fucking ever – send out a press release that proclaims your singer “the […]

Wastefall may be the strangest combination of musical styles that I’ve heard this year. There’s Dream Theater-style prog, there’s Meshuggah-like angular riffing, there’s Korn-like nu metal influence and there’s some straight up 1980s hard rock. It’s an interesting mix to say the least, and when it works, as on the rocking second track “Willow Man,” […]