ProgRocks.gr: the best albums of 2017

20. Lunatic Soul – Fractured

“The experimentation on this album has to do mainly with its concept and secondly with the music itself. Fractured is a quite personal album where Duda pulled off to channel his mood and energy aiming to achieve a sense of catharsis. A man who had been through thick and thin lately, but he got stronger and more mature out of this and through this catharsis he became able to move on into the future.”
– Lefteris Statharas (8.5 / 10)

“…the album is, in essence, a hotchpotch of feelings – on the one hand grief, melancholy, rage and optimism on the other – pervasive and tangible in every song. They say that every artist pours a part of his soul into their work. My view is that in Fractured Mariusz unfolds his feelings trying to find himself and achieve catharsis by creating a totally personal and an undoubtedly remarkable album.”
– Eleni Panayiotou (8 / 10)

19. Tony Allen – The Source

“…Tony Allen applies his ever-present polyrhythmic sensitivities over ostinato bass lines and sexy themes on the wind instruments that will send you straight to the dance floor; the eleven brand-new and beautiful compositions, whose best part is written by Mr. Allen, will take care of that. If you want to know what it is all about, think of the psychedelic afro-funk bands of Fela Kuti accepting the invitation of Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie for a frenzied party in Lagos. And just to make sure that the live feeling will be captured, it was recorded live, mixed and mastered on analogue tape. It doesn’t get any better than this.”
– Vangelis Christodoulou

18. Heat Exchange – Reminiscence

“For several years we share a seamless revival of the past, with the positive and negative aspects. Bands like Heat Exchange underline the purpose of this revival which is not ephemeral and any trendy trivialization, but the need to update the past through the present. Reminiscence is a serious reminder of this revival. Rush fearlessly and listen.”
–Thomas Sarakintsis (8 / 10)

“…this album is a lost gem which if it were released in the  early 70s, it would definitely have at least the same glamour of other exceptional Canadian albums of that era, e.g. Amish, Ellison and A Foot In Coldwater. Focusing on aggressive guitar riffs, the absolutely precise rhythm section and the passionate vocals, Heat Exchange offer 10 tight and diverse tracks…”
– Paris Gravouniotis (8.5 / 10)

17. Grails – Chalice Hymnal

“Grails prove with Chalice Hymnal that originality is not necessarily the desired result in music. By adding some new elements in relation to the style of their previous album and by using their past as a compass, they managed to give us the most mature album of their career so far, based on composition and orchestration and present an album that will probably earn the title of Black Album in their discography.”
– Kostas Barbas (8.5 / 10)

“…Chalice Hymnal finds Grails in a continuous process of creativity which will resemble to an endoscopic search together with quite a few “explosions”… Grails reveal a latent pluralism which is admittedly difficult to fit the post-rock label. Fans of the genre, as well as followers of the group, will surely be satisfied while friends of the experimental rock scene will find several entries in this album to satisfy their taste.”
– Dimitris Kastritis (7.5 / 10)

16. Skog Under Jord – Skog Under Jord

“If the album had actually been released in that time from a known band it would be commemorated to this day, while if it had been released from an unrecognized one, the vinyl would be sold at exorbitant prices and would adorn every record collection of the followers of obscure prog sound. Imperative to listen, among the best releases of this year at least.”
– Petros Papadogiannis (9 / 10)

“The debut of Skog Under Jord is a hidden gem in the contemporary underground rock scene. The prog / psych of the Swedes is based on pure jamming character, with amazing flow and development and fiery changes. The typical dark melodiousness of the Nordic prog of the 70s reigns in both epics that make up this amazing album. I’m trying to remember the last time everything was so perfect in an album with two one-side songs. I honestly don’t remember.” 
– Dimitris Kaltsas (9 / 10)

15. Arabs in Aspic – Syndenes Magi

“Arabs in Aspic offered a vintage heavy prog gem and it should be arguably held as the most accomplished album of their career. In spite of the lengthy compositions, the tunes are mature with very specific goals and direction. We invest on their quality and we are grateful to them.”
– Thomas Sarakintsis (9 / 10)

“…they sound better than ever, offering us one of the best albums we are about to listen this year. The three lengthy compositions of the album do not wear the listener out in the least, since the adventurous prog development is spot-on and, mainly, the themes and the melodies in there are inspired.”
– Kostas Barbas (7.5 / 10)

14. Hollow Earth – Out of Atlantis

“Hollow Earth compose music as if they have many years of experience under their belt. Τhey seem to be fully aware that this kind of music has a meaning only if it is played with this old-fashioned, analogue and warm sound and also if you filter the horizons of your influences. A new-founded band that came literally from the leftfield and they don’t simply tickle our fancy but their album is one of the candidates for the gems of the year and compete with the rest summits of the progressive albums that came out in 2017.”
– Thomas Sarakintsis (8.5 / 10)

“King Crimson, Camel, Deep Purple and many more influences from the legendary 70s coexist in the magnificent compositions of the Swedes which emanate an intense vintage feeling but they possess a gorgeous character thanks to the impeccable playing and the chemistry. Especially when it is solo-time, you can tell that the band is tight as it gets, with solid ideas about jamming and well-rounded views on the vintage prog.”
– Alexandros Topintzis (8 / 10)

13. Elder – Reflections of a Floating World

“Elder focused more on the structure of the compositions and presented something more complete than their previous work. Though it may initially tire some due to the complex compositions, the first repetitions reverse this impression. I think the Bostoners crafted their most interesting album decorating a whole music scene. I doubt if this genre has something better to show us this year!”
– Thomas Sarakintsis (8 / 10)

“Reflections of a Floating World is probably their best moment with its epic sounds transfering the listener into the orbit of an exciting journey. References to the 70s are the permanent inspiration for the band, which is now enriched by the late 60s, post-rock and undoubtedly by Mastodon. The unpretentiously large compositions are the field where colossal riffs set up unthinkable roots to distant galaxies, raiding towards unexplored worlds.”
– Christos Minos (9.5 / 10)

12. Threshold –  Legends of the Shires

 “…Threshold still write something only if it is worthy and adds to the song and not just filling it (be it a theme, or a solo, or anything else), their lengthier compositions never make you feel that you do listen to something lengthy, they compose catchy choruses and melodies and they maintain this ability of theirs to communicate with people who are not musicians in spite of their tremendous technical skills.”
– Alexandros Mantas (7.5 / 10)

“Everything that the fans of the band are attached to is here: amazing lead and rhythm guitar parts by Karl Groom, superb keyboards by Richard West who is, as always, meaningful, tight rhythm section, catchy choruses and riffs that go straight into your head.” 
– Tasos Poimenidis (7.5 / 10)

11. Alfa Mist – Antiphon

“With the project Antiphon, British musician and producer Alfa Mist adds his own “voice”, that is view, to this recent freshening of jazz, performed by artists such as Kamasi Washington and Yussef Kamaal. The album combines mellow jazzy hip-hop of the Nujabes school with free bebop improvisation. With the opening ten-minute Keep On, a complete artistic universe of urban melancholy, warm melodies and mild experimentation is revealed. The simple structure of hip-hop is in the background, while the first and foremost role is played by the technical and imaginative playing of wind instruments, guitar, keyboards and percussion instruments. Naturally, there is introversive environment, but it does not rule out escalations, like in Errors.“
– Nikos Filippaios

10. Pain Of Salvation – In The Passing Light of Day

“This is what happens in In the Passing Light of Day: as loss covers the last Nick Cave album, as the upcoming death touches Bowie in his swan song, so In the Passing Light of Day is emotionally charged by its own condition and feelings. Pain, anger, creation but the difference with the aforementioned masterpieces is that at the end through a marathon of 71:46 minutes there is genuine hope. This alone is more than wonderful, isn’t it?”
– Petros Papadogiannis (8.5 / 10)

“In The Passing Light of Day is pretty much straight forward but also a bit proggier than the Road Salt albums and quite heavy. There is a lot of music to be digested which makes the album more of a grower. The vocals of Daniel Gildenlöw are as excellent as usual, as well as some of the guitar riffs which in the heavy tracks reach even a more djent like sound. While not one of the bands best albums, with a few drawbacks, this is very good return for Pain of Salvation which will surely please most fans.”
– Lefteris Statharas (8.5 / 10)

09. Yolk – Solar

“…Yolk continue where they had left off with last year’s You Decide. They managed to recap a cycle, regaining their mood and their passion. In any case, their talent is uncontested. We are dealing with a band that’s constantly in motion concerning live appearances, always anxious and ready to incorporate new forms of expression within progressive rock.”
– Giannis Zavradinos (8.5 / 10)

“Melodies and themes follow one another with an enviable flow that conveys the listener to an avant-prog feast with a RIO base, intense pompous zeuhl spirit and the peculiar psychedelic Yolk element that makes the whole result unique. Rhythm is the main driver and catalyst, but not so much with its usual rigor within the RIO genre, but with an irresistible groove that everyone deserves to experience.”
– Dimitris Kaltsas (8.5 / 10)

08. Soft Power – In A Brown Study

“The psychedelic days of San Francisco of the 1960s are displayed in perfect harmony with the exotic, almost otherworldly songwriting of Bo Hansson. The dreamy jazz-folk of Ragnarök of their first sublime debut back in 1976 is combined euphorically with the progressiveness of jazz mastery of Pekka Pohjola’s Wigwam and his mates. Thoughts, ideas and inspirations end up, most of the times, echoing through many and wondrous surprises that make their appearance naturally.”
– Panagiotis Stathopoulos (8.5 / 10)

“Anything beautiful that comes to mind originating from the North is here to be found. From Wigwam, Pärson Sound and a healthy dose of Can influence to the great Dungen. Basically, it is no-brainer to say that the basis is the combination of jazz with the late-1960s / early-1970s psychedelic scene. In A Brown Study turned out to be a genuinely pleasant surprise, a guaranteed enjoyment for the seasoned listeners and those who long for acid journeys.”
– Kostas Rokas (8.5 / 10)

07. Enslaved – E

“Enslaved honor their roots but at the same time you feel they are a bit detached from the blackness of their past and they do it with a lot of grace and style that some bands would envy. Perhaps they are the band that combines progressive with the extreme metal sound better than any other. No, there is no bad or average song on the record, there is no filler and for many it could and will be among the top albums of the year. One thing is certain: it’s their best album since Axioma with their interest, appetite and musicality still soaring.”
– Dina Dede (9 / 10)

“Enslaved sail with their restored drakkar in deep waters with the unparalleled boldness of their progeny to securely carry an album that can be described as the most progressive of the career and the climax of the style they have adopted in recent years. E moves masterfully between metal and progressive rock with folk melodies and jazz spots emerging as flowers of rare beauty on this monument.”
– Christos Minos (9 / 10)

06. Leprous – Malina

“Malina is a diverse, but also very cohesive album, as if every song is a chapter of a book. Granted, it is a release that composition-wise did not break new ground at all times, but sonically did go further while in some parts it portrayed a different, unexpected side of the band, preserving their features and personal style.”
– Tasos Poimenidis (8.5 / 10)

“Α great return album by the Norwegians, who, after “testing the waters” of change with Coal and The Congregation, seem to have solidified on their style and found the near-perfect balance. Muse, Radiohead και Mastodon mix in the sound, which retains its heaviness, resulting in a work with plenty of character. If this is Leprous’ light side, we surely want more.”
– Thanos Patsos (8 / 10)

05. Caligula’s Horse – In Contact

“Glaring weaknesses are absent in Ιn Contact, the scattered references to their existing back catalogue of the band are there in order to interconnect all these phases. As a whole, In Contact is a mature statement from the band that they should be held as one of the very few spearheads in the progressive metal firmament. Until the audience collectively catches up with the importance of this work, it will sit easily on the top of my list.”
– Meletis Doulgeroglou (9 / 10)

“Vintage prog metal, djent and alternative influences are blended seamlessly. Technical skills and songmanship balance wonderfully here, which is the desideratum for a prog metal band, but as we all know it is easier said than done. One of the best albums of the progressive metal in the last few years, self-luminous with an identity of its own.”
– Tasos Poimenidis (9 / 10)

04. Mastodon – Emperor of Sand

“Emperor of Sand continues the unbelievable streak of the good records that Mastodon deliver and establishes them as an application for generating good songs. It is unlikely to lure new fans, but long-term ones won’t be disappointed for sure and after some time, it will be involved among their best albums.”
– Kostas Barbas (9 / 10)

“…the songs emanate a more rock n’ roll attitude, a fact that renders – to my ears – the record as the most enjoyable of their career. In their seventh release, Mastodon deliver eleven songs in an even and amazing album which already declares candidacy for a position among the best albums of the year.”
– Giannis Voulgaris (8.5 / 10)

03. Nova Collective – The Further Side

“…an unprecedented musical imprint that lies precisely at the point where the functions of prog and fusion intersect, producing to our advantage six even compositions of definitely modern aesthetic and deprived of any shred of anachronism. It is a very promising outfit manned by young and talented musicians which is likely to mould a musical status of its own and earn a special place in the book of demanding listeners by releasing albums of equal quality and aesthetic as this one.”
– Ilias Goumagias (9 / 10)

“…an album of high compositional standards, where progressive metal meets jazz and improvisation. Nova Collective gave birth to a magnificent instrumental album, one of the top releases of the current year.”
– Giannis Voulgaris (9 / 10) 

02. Wobbler – From Silence to Somewhere

“Wobbler put together not just their best album so far, but rather a top-notch prog release in the current decade. It seems that the No.1 slot is strictly a Norwegian matter, and rightfully so.”
– Paris Gravouniotis (9.5 / 10)

“There is no dip in excitement throughout the 48 minutes of symphonic grandiose and relentless symphonic prog recitals. Wobbler seem to have struck a balance between melody and virtuosity as at no point the album deviates to unnecessary improvisations; a carefully planned journey between silence and somewhere and eventually to the top of 2017 prog albums; palingenesia after Yes, Genesis and Änglagård…”
– Thanos Patsos (8.5 / 10)

01. Motorpsycho – The Tower

“The Tower is the antithesis of a musical tower of Babel. In the tower of Motorpsycho all the tribes and species communicate perfectly with each other, creating a musical mosaic that every seasoned listener should pay attention to. In my opinion, it is the best thing they have done since The Death Defying Unicorn. While we absorb it, it may make it to the top of their discography. Twenty-six years after their debut, by the way…“
– Kostas Barbas (9.5 / 10)

“At times, the riffs are heavier than ever, while there is a constant interchange of rhythms and moods throughout the songs. In the adventurous world of The Tower, a flute or mellotron part may follow a heavy riff, creating sounds of extraordinary beauty. They are one of the best bands out there right now and this is an album that may end as a fulcrum in their long career. One of the best albums of the year.”
– Petros Papadogiannis (9 / 10)

Alexandros
Mantas

Goran
Petrić

Tasos
Poimenidis