What truly is progressive music? Each month BraveWords will aim to dissect that answer with a thorough overview of the current musical climate that is the prog world. Old and new, borrowed and blue. A musical community without borders. So watch for a steady and spaced-out array of features, current news and a buyer’s guide checklist to enhance the forward-thinking musical mind. So, welcome to BraveWords' monthly column appropriately titled, Between A Rock In A Prog Place. 

In this month’s column, former Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman discusses his Even Grumpier Old Rock Star Tour (remaining North American dates can be viewed here), his keen fashion sense, and his infamous Arthur on Ice concerts.

What can fans expect from the Even Grumpier Old Rock Star Tour this year?

“I have a happy format that I use when doing solo performances that is very adaptable music and story-wise, and so as the old saying goes, ‘If it ain’t broke, then don’t fix it.’ It’s a mixture of anecdotal stories, music I have been involved with for the last 50 years, and all using a beautiful grand piano.”

Was it a difficult decision for you to postpone the dates that were originally scheduled for last year?

“I listen to good advice and the advice to postpone the dates for the safety of all concerned was the correct one in my view.”

Are you still on good terms with Yes?

“Depends who you mean by ‘Yes.’ I suppose…obviously, I am on good terms with Trevor Rabin and Jon Anderson. I haven’t seen Steve [Howe] or Alan [White] since the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but have the highest respect for both of them.”

Would you ever consider playing with them again?

“They already have a line-up.”

Do you have a standout memory you can share about working with Black Sabbath?

“Loads. They are wonderful guys, all of them. The standout memory is certainly that of having the chance to work with them. Working on Ozzy’s Ozzmosis album was a real joy.”

How did you begin wearing a cape, and did the cape ever get in the way during a performance?

“I started wearing a cape in 1971 and I just don’t feel right playing a rock concert without wearing one.”

Do you consider the performance of Arthur on Ice in 1975 to be an artistic triumph or a misstep?

“I was told it couldn’t be done, which annoyed me and spurred me on to do it even more. We did three sell-out shows at Wembley, but if I had a dollar for every person who said they were there, I’d be a multi-millionaire. Considering you remember it, and like many other journalists still ask questions about it after nearly 50 years, means it was definitely far from a misstep. And would I like to do it again? Of course. Given half the chance, I’d jump at it!”

Between A Rock And A Prog Place News Blast

To coincide with the recent release of Voivod’s new album, Synchro Anarchy, the Canadian sci-fi/prog metal band recently issued a new single and video for the title track. And another veteran prog metal act, Dream Theater, has issued a new music video, as well – for the track “Transcending Time,” off their 2021 release A View From The Top Of The World (which can be viewed below). And by the time you read this, Dream Theater will be mid-way through a US tour – check out the remaining dates here.

A new single from Swedish tech metallists, Meshuggah, was recently unveiled – entitled ‘The Abysmal Eye’ – which is taken from their upcoming ninth studio offering, Immutable, set for release worldwide via Atomic Fire on April 1. Opeth will be touring North America this spring on a bill also featuring Mastodon…get your tickets here.

Described as “rising retro prog-rockers,” Sweden’s Hällas will be issuing a new album, Isle Of Wisdom, on April 8 via Napalm Records – the album’s pre-order is already underway, and you can view a visualizer for the first single, ‘Earl’s Theme,’ below. Although billed as a ‘Swedish post-rock duo,’ Oh Hiroshima definitely also possess some decidedly prog-y elements…case in point, the song/video ‘All Things Pass’ from their brand new album, Myriad.

Finland’s Sonata Arctica recently issued Acoustic Adventures: Volume One (a second volume is on the horizon), and can be conveniently ordered online. Andorran prog metallers Persefone recently released a new single, “Architecture Of The I” (off their new album, Metanoia), and a lyric video has surfaced.

Instrumental prog metallists Animals as Leaders recently dropped a new single, ‘Gordian Naught’ (listen below) from their new album which arrives later this month, entitled Parrhesia – which can be pre-ordered here. Another prog metal act (although they do have vocals), Monuments, will be releasing their latest album, In Stasis, on April 15 – but you can already enjoy the video for the track “Lavos” here.

Norwegian experimental extreme proggers, Yawn, issued their debut album last month, titled Materialism. Feel free to check out the album’s single/video, ‘Lachrymator II : Lignite’. Epica continue to celebrate their 20th anniversary – by announcing reissues of The Holographic Principle and The Quantum Enigma, a huge show at Tilburg's 013, and also the launch of the Epica Universe. Info on all can be obtained by visiting their official site.

Described as “an intriguing blend of ambient, prog and post-rock,” Washington DC’s Day of Departure will be issuing their self-titled debut album on March 25, and the lead-off single, ‘And We Prepare for Our End,’ can already be viewed/heard. In the mood for some hi-tech prog death metal? Then you’re sure to love Arkaik, who issue the album Labyrinth Of Hungry Ghosts this month. Enjoy the soothing sounds of their tune “Wayward Opulence” here.

Sister duo Dianthus have described their new album, Realms, as “Our love of classical piano, modern rock, and progressive metal blend together and serve as the soundtrack to the record’s concept.” You can be the judge by checking out the video for the title track. Israeli prog/folk metallists, Subterranean Masquerade, recently issued a new video – a live rendition of the title track of their 2021 LP, Mountain Fever – which can be seen. Empire Springs returns on April 29 with a new LP, The Luminescence, and it’s recommended you check out the ‘studio playthrough video’ below of the tune "Broken Glass."

March New Albums

March 4, 2022
Flower Kings- By Royal Decree
Marillion- An Hour Before It’s Dark
Oh Hiroshima- All Things Pass
Ty Tabor- Shades

March 11, 2022
Arkaik- Labyrinth of Hungry Ghosts

March 18, 2022
Frank Zappa- The Mothers 1971 (8-CD box); Live at the Rainbow Theatre (3-LP vinyl set)

March 25, 2022
Animals as Leaders- Parrhesia
Day Of Departure- self-titled
Hawkwind- Dreamworkers of Time: The BBC Recordings [1985-1995] (3-CD clamshell box)
Various Artists- The Studio Wizardry of Todd Rundgren

Classic Clip

Queen has taken on numerous styles of music over their career – arena rock (“We Will Rock You/We are the Champions”), rockabilly (“Crazy Little Thing Called Love”), proto-thrash (“Ogre Battle”), punk (“Sheer Heart Attack”), opera (“Bohemian Rhapsody”), disco (“Another One Bites The Dust”), gospel (“Somebody To Love”), etc. But some tend to forget that early on, Queen did venture off into progressive territory – perhaps the most apparent example being the oft-overlooked epic that opened up side two of A Night at the Opera, “The Prophet’s Song,” which is discussed at length by its creators in this video.

(Top photo – Lee Wilkinson)