If you are attending the 2009 Rites of Spring Festival in Glenside Pa., please make sure to stop by the Progression Magazine table and say hi. Publisher John Collinge will be on hand to chat and answer your questions about the magazine. Those who renew their subscription or sign up for a new subscription at the festival will receive a FREE copy of the 2008 CD/DVD release “Bricolage” by OHO while supplies last. Back issues of Progression also will be available for sale, some at reduced prices.

PROGRESSIVE NATION 2009 - NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
Dream Theater, Zappa Plays Zappa, Pain Of Salvation & Beardfish

Date Location Venue
Fri Jul 24, 2009 Miami, FL Fillmore @ Jackie Gleason Theater
Sat Jul 25, 2009 Orlando, FL Rock Hard Live
Tue Jul 28, 2009 Atlanta, GA The Tabernacle
Wed Jul 29, 2009 Ashville, NC Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
Sat Aug 01, 2009 Washington DC * Merriweather Post
Sun Aug 02, 2009 Boston, MA Bank Of America Pavillion
Tue Aug 04, 2009 Albany, NY The Palace Theater
Tue Aug 11, 2009 Quebec City, QUE The Agora
Wed Aug 12, 2009 Montreal, QUE Bell Center
Fri Aug 14, 2009 Toronto, ONT Molson Amphitheater
Sun Aug 16, 2009 Winnipeg, MAN The Burton Cummings Theater
Tue Aug 18, 2009 Calgary, AB MacEwan Hall
Wed Aug 19, 2009 Edmonton, AB Shaw Conference Center
Fri Aug 21, 2009 Minneapolis, MN The Orpheum Theater
Sat Aug 22, 2009 Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theater
Sun Aug 23, 2009 Chicago, IL Chicago Theater
Tue Aug 25, 2009 Denver, CO Temple Hoyne Buell Theater
Sat Aug 29, 2009 Los Angeles, CA The Greek Theater

* - Additional Special Guests on the 8/1 Washington DC show will be Queensryche
(a special one-off 5 band Progressive Nation bill for 1 night only!)

This is only the first batch of confirmed dates…..
There are many more on their way, so stay tuned for more!

Tinyfish revealed first details of the contents of their forthcoming DVD - “One Night On Fire”. Recorded in Katowice, Poland on the 16th of February 2009, this DVD captures the band in their element and features material from their trilogy albums (“Tinyfish”, “Curious Things” and “The Big Red Spark”).

The tracklist is as follows:

1. Honey Nut Loops*
2. Motorville
3. The Big Red Spark
4. Build Your Own Enemy
5. Your Scientist*
6. Wide Awake At Midnight
7. Eat The Ashes
8. The Sarcasm Never Stops
9. Ride
10. Driving All Night
11. Too High For Low Company
12. Cinnamon
13. Fly Like A Bird
14. Nine Months On Fire
15. All Hands Lost (Pt1)
16. Tinyfish*
17. All Hands Lost (Pt2)

*Spoken word

The DVD will also include additional video material including interviews and a 25 minute documentary, which follows the band from it’s birth as a studio project, through the release of the first two albums, to touring and the recording of the new album “The Big Red Spark”. Full details on the DVD extras to be announced soon.

The band recently appeared at The Peel in London, UK as a support act of The Reasoning. The gig proved that the band is in top form. Those who missed this great show still have a chance to see Tinyfish live. Their next show is scheduled for this Saturday, 2nd May, also at The Peel in London. Blind Ego will headline the night. For full details go here: www.peelmuzik.com.

Regarding the further plans of Tinyfish, Simon Godfrey said: “As for The Big Red Spark. We are still quite a while away from releasing the album as all of our energies are directed towards the completion of the DVD. It is our hope that the album will be completed and released by October/November this year. After that, we plan to put together a short UK/European tour to support the album and then I am going to take a well deserved rest so I can recharge my batteries, look at the clouds and think about writing some more music .”

Metal Mind Productions will release “One Night On Fire” in late June/early July (final release date to be confirmed in mid May). DVD will be available in 3 formats: DVD, limited DVD+CD edition, including bonus audio CD with songs recorded during the gig at the theater, and a limited CD digipak.

Frontiers Records announces the return of the Italian Prog Metal hopes MIND KEY with the release of the band’s second studio album entitled “Pulse for a Graveheart” on July 3rd in Europe, August 11th in the USA with a Japanese release to follow on King Records.

Mind Key debuted in 2004 with Journey Of A Rough Diamond, an album that showed the excellent potential of the Neapolitan combo. With a colourful sound, akin to Prog Metal giants such as Dream Theater, Symphony X, Evergrey and Pain of Salvation Mind Key’s music also leaned towards a more mature and song oriented approach inspired by 80/90’s Hard Rock. Right before the release of the album the original singer Mark Basile left the group and in preparation of the tour dates, the guys met for the first time Aurelio Fierro Jr. a singer with a vast experience especially in theatres. He was able to give some splendid performances especially in the gigs that the band landed as support of Dream Theater for the Italian “Train Of Thought Tour 2004”. Mike Portnoy said: “These guys sound really excellent!”

Mind Key played then more live dates in support of Vision Divine and Pendragon and also appeared at the Progpower Europe Festival with shows in Poland, Switzerland, Holland, Germany and France. During the Polish dates, a Live DVD was recorded “Habemus Poland”, with Giorgio Adamo as frontman. However he soon left to make space for the return of Aurelio Fierro. Founding member and keyboardist Dario De Cicco explains: “We decided to go for Aurelio at the end of the songwriting sessions. Note after note, chord after chord we realized that the songs begged for Aurelio’s voice and it seemed almost a necessary decision to make. I think we did the right choice as only with his astonishing performances we were able to reach what we really wanted from the new material”.

The band began the recording of the second album “Pulse for a Graveheart”, simplifying their songwriting and giving the chance to Fierro to showcase his immense vocal potential which can be described as a powerful mix of Ronnie James Dio, David Coverdale and Jorn Lande. The album was later mixed and mastered by none other than Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, Angra, Krokus, Place Vendome etc.) to ensure the best sounding quality. According to guitarist Emanuele Colella “We knew from the beginning that Dennis was the right choice! Since the first communication together a perfect synergy was built. He could understand our need and desire to combine a modern melodic metal sound with our progressive roots and an heavier edge. He could totally deliver what we and the music needed, he’s just great”.

“Pulse for a Graveheart” also features some amazing guest musicians appearing such as Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Alice Cooper), who plays a keyboard solo on “Citizen of Greed”, Reb Beach (Whitesnake, Winger) on “Now Until Forever” and Tom Englund from Evergrey, dueting with Elio Fierro on “Graveheart”. Mind Key’s line-up now includes: Aurelio Fierro on vocals, Emanuele Colella on guitars, Dario De Cicco on keyboards and Andrea Stipa on drums.

“Pulse for a Graveheart” introduces to the fans a completely re-designed band, with a mature attitude and astonishing songwriting. “I hope the new record will give Mind Key the chance to get rid of the label of «prog metal band in the style of….» and bring us to a different status. We aim to be a Metal band - still staying true to our diverse influences ranging from progressive to hard and melodic rock – but with a personal and trademark sound” concludes Andrea Stipa. Get ready for one the Prog Metal revelations of 2009!

Final tracklisting includes: Sunset Highway; The Seventh Seal; Citizen of Greed; Crusted Memories; Dead Fame Hunter; Ventotene (The Island); Graveheart; Eye Of A Stranger; Now Until Forever; A New Generation.

As previously announced the first DVD of the British prog-rock band Final Conflict will be released by Metal Mind Productions on 4th May.

Final Conflict are an internationally acclaimed Progressive Rock band based in Stoke-On-Trent. Formed in 1985 by founder members Andy Lawton and Brian Donkin, Final Conflict have established their own distinctive style of music and have been recognized for this worldwide. The band’s line up of experienced musicians features the dual guitar and vocals of Andy Lawton and Brian Donkin, the magical keyboard skills of Steve Lipiec, and the two newest recruits to the band – Barry Elwood on his six string bass guitar and the very talented Henry Rogers on drums & percussion. Final Conflict’s success was acknowledged in 2007, when they were nominated in 5 categories at The Classic Rock Society’s Best Of The Year awards. They were voted second best band and Henry Rogers was second best drummer. In 2008, at the same awards, they were presented with the MD’s award by Steve Hackett of Genesis. The band are currently back in Gaolhouse studios writing their next album entitled “Return of The Artizan” and hope to release this in Autumn 2009.

“Another Moment In Time” DVD includes footage documenting a great concert at the Wyspiański Theater (October 2008), featuring a selection of some of the best songs from the band’s musical career. The material also features 2 interviews (one with Andy Lawton and Brian Donkin and one with Henry Rogers and Barry Elwood), photos, biography, discography, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and more!

You can see a preview track – “Rebellion” – on MMP’s profile on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=MetalMindPoland

Final Conflict - photo by Marta Tłuszcz

Additional photos taken at the show can be seen in this location: http://www.metalmind.com.pl/index.php?dzial=artysci&id=593.

“Another Moment In Time” DVD will be available in 3 formats: DVD, limited DVD+CD edition, including bonus audio CD with songs recorded during the gig at the theater, and a limited CD digipak.

Rock Legends Nektar Celebrate 40th Anniversary With Release of New Live CD

4/27/2009 - London, UK - The progressive music community is buzzing with the release of a new live double CD by prog-rock legends Nektar called ‘Fortyfied’. Celebrating their 40th Anniversary, Nektar’s contribution over the past 40 years has quite rightly earned them their place in any ‘Progressive Rock Hall of Fame’. But the band is much more than a ‘Prog Legend’, the Nektar brand of innovative composition, performance and visuals is simply unique. Recorded on their 2008 tour of Europe, ‘Fortyfied’ is released on the band’s own label Treaclemusic and features many beloved Nektar classics such as “Tab In The Ocean”, “Recycled pt.1″, “Man In The Moon” and part two of the group’s classic “Remember The Future”.

The Nektar story is a remarkable one. A British rock band that found stardom and major success in Germany and the USA, yet failed to make the significant breakthrough in their own country. With three gold albums under their belt (”Remember The Future”, “Down To Earth” and “Recycled”), Nektar produced some of the most original work of the seventies and eighties. In virtuoso guitarist Roye Albrighton Nektar had a charismatic front man who had shared a stage with Jimi Hendrix, in Allan “Taff” Freeman a unique keyboard player, in Derek “Mo” Moore a bass playing powerhouse and in Ron Howden a fluidity rarely found in a drummer. Fifth member Mick Brockett was not a musician, but was responsible for one of the most stunning light and visual shows ever to grace the rock stage. Nektar’s history appeared to have been written when they finally split in the eighties. Despite attempts to re-kindle the flame, the Nektar light, it seemed was out…until that is, the year 2000. The new millenium saw the long awaited reunion tour of the classic line-up, to rave reviews and fantastic receptions. The light we thought was out, had in fact been kept aglow - by loyal fans across the globe! “It’s pretty timeless music,” says Roye Albrighton, “and what I’m hearing from most of the new, younger fans that are now coming to our shows, is that it’s like going back in time. They are starting to really discover music again, which, of course, is a great relief to us and some of the older bands from our time.”

An American tour in September 2004 saw Taff Freeman depart the band for personal reasons and his successor, Hammond virtuoso Tom Hughes, instantly earning a place in the hearts of the Nektar faithful. With continued concert dates, along with the remastering of the remainder of the Nektar back catalogue on CD, this legendary band has become once more a proud force to be reckoned with in the world of progressive music. In 2007 Nektar truly took over their own management, procured their official website as their own, entirely under their control and went on a 22-date tour of Germany. Joining Roye and Ron was Peter Pichl on 5-string bass and Klaus Henatsch on keyboards, these two new members from the rock ‘n roll city of Hanover, Germany, seemed to gel from the outset and now, along with the release of the critically acclaimed CD ‘Book of Days’ in 2008 and the new live DBL CD ‘Fortyfied’, Nektar looks set to make its mark once again.

Much to the elation of US Nektar fans, the band is scheduled to play three special engagements in America:
May 1, 2009 (Friday) - Philadelphia, PA - Keswick Theater
May 2, 2009 (Saturday) - Springfield, VA - Jaxx
May 3, 2009 (Sunday) - Rosfest (end of Rosfest special acoustic/electric show)
May 4, 2009 (Monday) - New York, NY - Concert Hall NYC

As far as future plans for Nektar: “To make more music, and to experiment more in different ways…an orchestrated version of ‘Journey’ is not unlikely, but we’ll see,” says Roye. “I am also working on a new solo album, but this will take some time to finish, Nektar is taking up a lot of my time at the moment.” An acoustic Nektar tour is also in the works.

For information on how to purchase ‘Fortyfied’ visit Nektar’s official website: www.nektarsmusic.com

New York progressive darkwave band Braindance is currently in production for their upcoming release, entitled ‘Master of Disguise. Promising to deliver the goods well beyond what ‘Redemption’ offered, the long-awaited CD will contain heightened production, tighter songwriting, explosive performances, and packaging like you’ve never seen before…stay tuned!!!

Abingdon, Maryland based Orphan Project have announced details on their upcoming full length album titled, “Spooning Out The Sea”.

“Spooning Out The Sea”, is the bands first full length album since the release of their critically aclaimed 2003, self title debut album. The album is scheduled for a world-wide release on June 30th via NePlusUltra Music.

The track listing is as follows
(along with commentary by vocalist Shane Lankford):

1. Reach
This driving song is a fervent crying out from the unsaved and addicted who realize his need for something more. It is a challenge to Christians to share their faith to those in need.

2. Angels Desire
Heavy up tempo rocker with a very anthemic chorus that speaks of our relationship with our Creator. We have a relationship that even the angels do not have. Christ didn’t die for them…He died for those He loves!

3. Fallen
Another heavy up-tempo rocker that showcases our love for singable choruses. The lyrics tell of the great love of Our Father Who always keeps us in His grip through all of life’s ups and downs.

4. To Me
A hard-grooving tune that we can’t wait to play live. This song is all about how real a true relationship is with God compared to the shallow psycho-babble that is taught as the truth in many circles. The Gospel is the only real thing that is true to me.

5. One Dark Moment (Providence)
Slow but moving piece that illustrates God’s providence throughout all our hardships and toils. These lyrics share what Shane was thinking as he laid on concrete 20′ below where he fell on 9/10/08. The Lord’s providence was greatly shown to him and his family through His church and their giving.

6. My Goodness
Song with just a great up-tempo groove that seems to never stop (until the song ends)…Written to speak of our works being nothing without Christ moving us to do them. All our works are filthy rags, as our goodness is found in Christ.

7. Head On Your Platter
Definitely the heaviest thing Orphan Project has ever written, but still has a very melodic chorus that has a very opposite feel to the verses. This song was written to depict the brutal killing of the “Old Man” in those of us who are believers, but also speaks of the promise to us that we have the “Feast of the ages” to look forward to as we commune with all the saints when all is said and done, who have gone before.

8. Empty Me
Keyboard and guitar solo heavy worship tune that is just a cry of praise to God, the Giver of all Good things, as well as a plea for Him to continue to sanctify us.

9. The Battle Rages On
Was originally going to be the last tune on the CD. A heavy rocker, with again, another anthem chorus and also a children’s choir. This song is all about our inner struggles with sin and how this battle will never end until we are with our Heavenly Father in eternity.

10. Spooning Out the Sea
Spooning Out the Sea builds from a mellow introduction to a forceful ending, signifying the life-long struggle we have in being content that all the answers we need are found in God’s Word, the Bible. His mysteries are great, but He has revealed the ones that He wants us to know in the Scriptures.

Orphan Project was started in 2001 when vocalist Shane Lankford (a veteran of progressive bands VISUAL CLIFF and FALL OF ECHOES), collaborating with composer John Wenger, conceived the groundwork for a concept album based on spiritual and physical adoption, incorporating progressive, hard rock, and contemporary influences.

Orphan Project is:

Shane Lankford - Vocals
Tim Kehring - Drums, Vocals
Bill Yost - Bass, Vocals
Scott Spivey - Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Vocals

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/orphanproject

The Dutch progressive/symphonic rock band Illumion has just signed with the Swedish label Progress Records. The release date of their debut album ‘Hunting for significance’ is planned for the 27th of May this year.

More info on: www.illumion.net.

From Ancient Vision leader Tom May:

After about a million years or so (15 actually) the band that I am leader of – Ancient Vision – finally has a new release. It’s titled “Lost at Sea” and is of a conceptual nature. Pretty much all of the same culprits play on this recording as our last (Focus or Blinders) with the exception that I now play all of the guitar parts, along with some keyboards, and some exotic stringed instruments. Joe Allen played a ton of keyboards, recorded and produced the CD. Barry Spry came in from San Francisco to play the bass parts, Rob Leytham played drums, and Tom Hook came in from New Orleans to do the majority of the singing.

This time around, we added a lot of female vocals (including a duet with her and myself as the main singers on one song.) Susan Harp did us the honor of contributing these beautiful vocals and musical ideas. Along with Susan, we were extremely fortunate enough to have the very busy (keyboard/sax player in the Celtic rock group – The Elders) Joe Miquelon add tenor and alto sax parts, and played perhaps the finest solo on the album, which is on the title track. We are very thankful for these two talented musicians sharing their magic.

The cover is the artwork of Mario Baert, who also painted our previous release. Mario lives in the Netherlands, and has been a long time fan and friend. We worked with Mario around a couple ideas, and he came up with a masterpiece.

Finally, Ted Yoder skillfully assembled the artwork, lyrics and full storyline that I wrote to accompany the lyrics, into quite a nice looking CD.

As always, money was the issue at getting this project pressed into a professional CD package. So I thought, maybe someone else believes in us enough to do the honors. And by way of past professional relationships, a popular progressive rock label out of France – Musea Records, proudly accepted us. They have beautifully pressed the CD’s; with the 16-page booklet including all lyrics and the full storyline that accompanies the project.

After that long winded “bringing you up to date” I come to the heart of the matter. A lot of you have wanted to buy the new Ancient Vision CD from us, but I never have any. Since the music is now owned by the label, I have to purchase these myself from France to offer them to you – which is the downside of someone else controlling distribution.

I believe most of you are aware of my financial situation right now; so purchasing in advance any real quantity of CD’s is impossible at the moment. So, is what I would like to offer/ask from you is; if you want a CD or two, could you please pay me up front? That way I can get a good quantity of them ordered (delivery from France has been incredibly fast – 10 days at the most after payment.) If you want to send me a check or pay with PayPal, I will get the CD’s on order with the hope that the entire turn around time would be a couple of weeks. I would then send them/deliver them/ to you at my expense.

The selling price of the new Ancient Vision CD – “Lost at Sea” will be $20.00. We also offer our previous release “Focus or Blinders” for $15.00, and are offering CDR’s with artwork of our first album “Vision” that we recorded in England all those many years ago, for $10.00.

If you would like to hear a song or two of “Lost at Sea” – or either of the two previous releases, our good friend (and owner of the recording studio that we did the backing tracks at) Paul Helmig has put together a myspace.com site for us.To get there, just copy/paste: http://www.myspace.com/focusorblinders and there will be a couple songs from the new album, and a couple from each of the others. We used the shorter, more direct songs for the examples. Needless to say, there’s a lot of extended composition/creation on all the albums.