Featured new releases from Periphery, Bruce Soord, Geoff Tate, and Poly-Math spotlighted by The Prog Report.
In the realm of new music releases, a spotlight shines on Periphery, Bruce Soord, Geoff Tate, and Poly-Math, each offering unique and captivating albums for listeners to explore.
Periphery makes a triumphant return with their eighth studio album, “A Pale White Dot,” a successor to their previous work, “Periphery V: Djent Is Not a Genre.” Under the expert production and mixing of Adam “Nolly” Getgood, the band maintains their heavy sound while showcasing a more concise approach to songwriting, with tracks all clocking in under five minutes. From the intense “Mr. God” to the electronica-infused “Blackwall” and the melodically appealing “Carry On,” the album presents a range of styles while balancing extreme metal intensity with soaring melodies. Spencer Sotelo’s vocal versatility shines throughout, catering to both longtime fans and newcomers looking for an accessible entry point into Periphery’s catalogue.
Bruce Soord’s “Ghosts in the Park” unveils a deeply personal and introspective side of the artist, best known for his work with The Pineapple Thief. This album delves into themes of loss and reflection, offering a sense of hope amidst emotional depth. Soord’s talent for crafting subtle and compelling melodies shines through tracks like “Pillars,” exemplifying his ability to create songs that resonate with listeners on multiple levels.
Geoff Tate steps back into the world of Operation: Mindcrime with the release of “Operation: Mindcrime III,” expanding on the iconic concept series with a prequel focused on the origins of Dr. X. Tate’s vocals remain powerful and engaging, carrying the album’s melodic hard rock and progressive metal fusion. While not aiming to replicate the original’s success, tracks like “Vulnerable” and “Power” stand out as strong moments, contributing to a cohesive and entertaining listening experience.
Poly-Math takes a bold step forward with “Something Deeply Hidden,” their fifth studio album that delves into experimental territory. Drawing on diverse influences ranging from Ethio-jazz to post-rock, the band delivers a richly layered and dynamic instrumental experience. Tracks like “One/Two/Three/Four Body Problem” and “No Such Thing as Now” showcase the band’s complex arrangements and innovative approach to composition. Inspired by physicist Sean M. Carroll’s work, the album embraces a sense of complexity and unpredictability, offering a fresh and adventurous sonic journey.
Overall, these new releases from Periphery, Bruce Soord, Geoff Tate, and Poly-Math provide a diverse and engaging listening experience for fans of progressive and experimental music, showcasing the unique talents and creativity of each artist in their respective genres.