Hello and welcome to the first edition of Progscars!

Fifteen imaginary awards to give out to the most interesting progressive rock and metal music to come out in 2017. I decided to do this for fun but also to build awareness of bands and artists.

Today we explore the best debut albums I have come across from bands exploring the genre. The list consists of both complete new acts and new supergroups (Actually there’s just one here). Remember EPs or Live Albums not considered for any of these lists.

Disclaimer:

Everyone has different definitions about which band, album and song is progressive and which isn’t. For simplicity, I have stuck to bands classified as progressive rock or metal either on rateyourmusic.com or sputnikmusic.com and occasionally based on what I think. When it is says Song in the title, it specifically means a song belonging to an album by a band classified as progressive based on point 1. I’m also sure there are a few songs on this list (and the ones to come) that are 4/4 and hardly classify as a ‘Prog Song’ but I’ve included them nevertheless. Albums in December 2017 haven’t been considered! So no Diablo Swing Orchestra. Mainly because I was too busy exploring earlier albums that I might have missed out. I’ll include them in the next edition. If you spot errors anywhere (mostly in the technical side of things), let me know. I’m always open to criticism – constructive or destructive.

Criteria for Judgement:

For this award, I’ve simply given a slightly higher priority to fresh, innovative music.

Now that that’s over with let’s get down to business! There are four nominations and, of course, one winner. The number of noms would change depending on category.

#5

Witherfall – Nocturnes and Requiems

Witherfall’s album feels familiar yet new at the same time. An immediate point of familiarity would be the vocals – They sound very similar to Labrie’s from the 90s, and this could either be a bad thing or a good thing, depending on what you think of the Dream Theater front-man; or Russel Allen’s, which could only be a good thing. My favourite sections of the albums are the latin-influenced guitar ones that accompany the longer tracks. I do feel there’s room for improvement in the songwriting though, as certain sections and riffs sound like standard DT-clone material, which may be great during the first few listens but tire on you after.

Vocals: Clean

Favourite Track: “End of Time”

#4

Naeramarth – The Innumerable Stars

Naeramarth is a one-man progressive project by Gage Love and all throughout this album you find tracks that are influenced by modern progressive metal acts. There’s a clear “Visions” – feel to the tracks “Through the Cosmos” and the electronic elements, together with harsh vocals, remind me of Ihsahn and Ulver. The acoustic portions and clean vocals have a distinct Opeth edge to them as well. Fans of these bands (that includes me) will find a lot to enjoy here. Now that the band has got its influences bang on target, I do expect more original and ambitious songwriting for the next effort. Until then, this album will do nicely!

Vocals: Mixed

Favourite Track: “Through the Cosmos II: The Arrival”

#3

Black Sites – In Monochrome

Here’s a band that advertises itself as old school metal and delivers exactly that. This old school style is especially evident in the vocal delivery but the album’s best characteristic is its numerous catchy riffs. Take, for example, “Dead Languages”, which has an opening riff that would leave you head-banging before you realize it. Or the next track, “Monochrome”, which switches between memorable riffs every minute or so as a booming bass supports them. The list goes on …

Vocals: Clean

Favourite Track: “Monochrome”

#2

Book I: Dr. Breacher – Others by No One

The moment you start listening to the first track of the album, you’d find a similarity with Native Construct (There’s even a guest appearance in the album by a member) and yes, the band is supposed to be a huge influence. However, the next two tracks grow beyond influences and develop into something way more ambitious; However, the band perhaps more importantly, never takes itself too seriously. I mean the story is nerdy science fiction so naturally things are interesting, but there are plenty of lighthearted and surprising moments to ensure the album never tires on you. Also the vocals on “Death of a Clone” are a thing of beauty.

Vocals: Mixed (Close to Clean)

Favourite Track: “Death of a Clone”

WINNER!

Lör – In Forgotten Sleep

This wonderful debut album by Lör, in my eyes, wins the Progscar quite comfortably. Implementing a folk-inspired approach to the songwriting, especially in the guitar, the album is filled with wonderful and fresh moments. Songs such as “Dusk”, “Visions of Awakening” and the title track transport you to a foregone era and remind me a lot of early Symphony X, especially in the power metal-like vocals. I have an irresistible urge to watch Lord of the Rings or play Skyrim every time I listen to this album. Someone inform Bethesda about Lör, quick!

Vocals: Mixed (Close to Clean)

(The entire albums isn’t on YouTube, you can check out some of the individual tracks here)

Favourite Track: “Visions of Awakening”

Most of these bands are new and could definitely use your support both financially and otherwise. If you find a band whose music appeals to you, spread the word!

So what are your favourite debut albums from 2017?

Would love to hear from you! Let me know either in the comments here, on Facebook (Preferably) or on Instagram. You can follow me on Spotify (You might get a sneak peak of the awards a day in advance!)

Here’s the Spotify playlist of all the above albums:

The first award is already out!

Check out the Best Bass Performance in a Song here.