The Critics’ List
What have the Prog writers voted as their album of the year?
We started with a list as long as the headiest prog rock epic, and finally we’ve narrowed it down to a manageable, bona fide classic. Once again
Prog’s writers have had the unenviable task of whittling down 12 months’ worth of fine proggy releases into their own Top 20s, from which we present the Prog master list…
1 HAKEN
Vector (INSIDEOUT) We said: “Dizzying instrumental and rhythmic complexity, alongside an intriguing lyrical tale.” – Johnny Sharp, Prog 91
2 TESSERACT SONDER (KSCOPE)
We said: “There’s no doubt that TesseracT are one of the UK’s most prized heavy music exports.” – Chris Cope, Prog 86
3 ANNA VON HAUSSWOLFF DEAD MAGIC (CITY SLANG)
We said: “A remarkable journey through one woman’s subconscious.” – Natasha Scharf, Prog 85
4 VOIVOD The Wake (CENTURY MEDIA)
We said: “Roll over Bartók: Voivod are back at their uncompromising, progressive best.” – Chris McGarel, Prog 91
“We’re so grateful that Prog magazine have supported us from the start of our career. To be awarded the No.1 spot is absolutely incredible, especially with so many other great albums released this year. Thank you all!”
5 THE PINEAPPLE THIEF DISSOLUTION (KSCOPE)
We said: “Each note is polished and each melody beautifully rounded, even more so than on previous releases.”
– Natasha Scharf, Prog 90
6 IHSAHN ÁMR (CANDLELIGHT)
We said: “Another glorious mesh of bible black notes, devilish invention and deep, all-encompassing melodies.”
– Philip wilding, Prog 86
7 RIVERSIDE WASTELAND (INSIDEOUT)
We said: “It’s an emotional sucker punch that lays you out flat, but provides a flash of hope at the same time.”
– Dave Everley, Prog 91
8 THE FIERCE & THE DEAD THE EUPHORIC (BAD ELEPHANT)
We said: “A diverse, dynamic and destabilising document. Post-rock truth for a posttruth era.” – Matt Parker, Prog 87
9 THUMPER MONKEY MAKE ME YOUNG, ETC (ROCKO SMOS)
We said: “wise words from a truly unique and increasingly powerful band.”
– Dom Lawson, Prog 91
10 A PERFECT CIRCLE EAT THE ELEPHANT (BMG)
We said: “Just when you think you’ve got a handle on it it goes and confounds you.”
– Dave Everley, Prog 86
11 TONY BANKS FIVE (BMG)
We said: “Glittering cascades often manifest into melodies that could elevate an imaginary Genesis classic.”
– Kris Needs, Prog 84
12 ORPHANED LAND UNSUNG PROPHETS & DEAD MESSIAHS (CENTURY MEDIA)
We said: “An unwavering combination of broad brushstrokes and subtle details.”
– Dom Lawson, Prog 84
13 COHEED AND CAMBRIA VAXIS – ACT 1: THE UNHEAVENLY CREATURES (ROADRUNNER)
We said: “They really are a tremendous prog rock band.”
– Dom Lawson, Prog 91
14 SPIRITUALIZED AND NOTHING HURT (BELLA UNION)
We said: “Mixing rocks both garage and kraut with righteous blues and soul.”
– Fraser Lewry, Prog 90
15 VENNART TO CURE A BLIZZARD UPON A PLASTIC SEA (MEDIUM FORMAT)
We said: “Vennart acknowledges that it’s time ‘to unleash his inner Trout Mask Replica…’” – Matt Parker, Prog 90
16 SOFT MACHINE HIDDEN DETAILS (MOONJUNE/DYAN)
We said: “An incarnation of Soft Machine truly relevant to the 20th century. A remarkable achievement.” – Ian Fortnam, Prog 90
17 OCEANS OF SLUMBER THE BANISHED HEART (CENTURY MEDIA)
We said: “Blending the dynamics of old-school death metal with modern progressive rock.” – Alex Lynham, Prog 85
18 IVAR BJØRNSON & EINAR SELVIK HUGSJÁ (BY NORSE)
We said: “Even those with no knowledge of Norwegian culture can enjoy its panoramic sweep.”
– Mike Barnes, Prog 86
19 MIDAS FALL EVAPORATE (MONOTREME)
We said: “Forlorn yet full of hope, it encapsulates a yearning like no other record of recent times.”
– Philip wilding, Prog 86
20 KINO RADIO VOLTAIRE (INSIDEOUT)
We said: “The devil is in the details, and it’s the messy bits that provide the richest flavours.”
– Johnny Sharp, Prog 85