Prog P34

The multi-national, Finland-based recording project did it again, a marvelous, superbly produced album of first class retro-natured symphonic prog composed and co- performed by excellent prog musicians from various countries including e.g. Argentine, Netherlands, Italy and Japan. 'Another Time' (written by Ronaldo Rodrigues and Steve Unruh who also sings) evolves dynamically from mellowness to energetic instrumental section and features Marek Arnold on saxophone. Oliviero Lacagnina composed a pompous symph prog instrumental 'Dear Amadeus' inspired by Mozart. One may think of 70's RPI bands such as Latte e Miele…

Multinational ensemble THE SAMURAI OF PROG was formed as a project lead by Finland-based Italian composer and bassist Marco Bernard. He's been active in the Finnish Association for Progressive Music since 1995, and have been involved in their Colossus Magazine since 1996 - and instrumental in the Colossus series of theme albums they have created in cooperation with French label Musea Records. It was for a contribution to one of those projects that The Samurai of Prog was born, and joining Bernard as permanent members we find US artist Steve UNRUH and Finnish drummer Kimmo Pörsti. Besides this core trio, the philosophy of this band appears to be to involve additional musicians as needed and wanted, and their debut effort Undercover from 2011 bears testimony to that line of thinking, with a list of guest appearances impressive in length, scope as well as quality.

The Samurai Of Prog, featuring Italian composer Marco Grieco, announces their new concept album, “The Time Machine.” This progressive rock release blends symphonic arrangements with Moog synthesizers, electric guitars, and orchestral instruments like flutes and violins. The bumper guests include Roine Stolt, Clive Nolan and Tina Booth.
The album offers an immersive journey through time, starting from the dawn of humanity and spanning to the present day. Each track explores significant historical moments and reflects on humanity’s choices. Highlights include encounters with historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Albert Einstein, and a tribute to Nelson Mandela through a poignant piano solo. The album concludes with a hopeful reflection on the future.

The prog rock supergroup spearheaded by much heralded producer/musician Billy Sherwood returns with a timely and magnificent new studio album! Features a star-studded cast with Todd Rundgren, former Queensrÿche vocalist Geoff Tate, Focus’s Jan Akkerman, Ayreon mastermind Arjen Anthony Lucassen, The Flower Kings’ Roine Stolt as well as Derek Sherinian, Steve Hillage, Joe Lynn Turner and so much more! This is the first release under the Prog Collective moniker since 2013’s epic Epilogue! The album is split between new compositions and spectacular versions of familiar classics such as Peter Gabriel’s “Solsbury Hill,” Alan Parson’s Project’s “Eye In The Sky” and more! Includes 3 previously released bonus tracks of Billy Sherwood produced cover versions!

The Samurai of Prog are having a prolific run. A few short months after 2020‘s "Beyond the Wardrobe" album, the core trio of Marco Bernard, Kimmo Pörsti, and Steve Unruh are joined - as is their way - by a cast of contributing artists and writers, this time crafting an album inspired by The Brothers Grimm fairy tales. ("The Lady and the Lion" is the first of two Grimm-themed albums set to be released in 2021.) The Samurai have become known in progressive rock circles for their symphonic prog creations, which feature lush and varied keyboard sounds, powerful picked bass guitar, dynamic drums, virtuosic violin and flute, and always mixed and mastered for audiophiles. "The Lady and the Lion" features a terrific array of talent, including Ton Scherpenzeel and Bart Schwertmann (Kayak), Octavio Stampalía (Jinetes Negros), Cam Blokland (Southern Empire), Valerie Gracious (Phideaux)…