Prog Rock Round Up 1- October 2026
Recent releases that fit the ‘Prog’ label – make way for some musings on new albums by Pure Reason Revolution, Kavus Torabi, The Pineapple Thief and Lesoir.
Mike Ainscoe
Mike has been photographing and writing about bands going back many years. A former writer and Reviews Editor on Louder Than War as well as several online music blogs, he also contributes to Fireworks and to Powerplay Rock & Metal magazines.
Alex Henry Foster – The Fragile Beauty (Of New Morning Hopes): Album Review
Fragile Beauty – the latest stage in the evolution of Alex Henry Foster.
The Flower Kings – Hope: Album Review
37 years on, The Flower Kings are still Progging intently with the best of them in a grand, glowing adventure.
Steve Hackett – The Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool: Live Review
With just the Royal Albert Hall lying in wait, Steve Hackett and his band nudge the bar ever higher in Liverpool.
Dan Whitehouse – Only Love: Album Review
Dan Whitehouse on a subtle and touching exploration of absence and presence. A beatific exemplar of less is more.
An Evening with Big Big Train – RNCM Theatre, Manchester: Live Review
Big Big Train bring Woodcut and Other Stories to Manchester. We step on board with fellow Passengers.
The Hu – O2 Apollo, Manchester: Live Review
The Hu and Skáld pack Manchester’s O2 Apollo for a heady and heavy combo of French/Nordic/Mongolian Metal
Genesis – From Genesis To Revelation: Album Review
The fledgling Genesis, all safely gathered in, remixed and remastered.
Devin Townsend – RNCM Theatre, Manchester: Live Review
An evening of enlightenment, positivity and love as Devin Townsend brings his Metamorphosis to Manchester.
These Wicked Rivers – Fire And Folklore: Album Review
Soul cleansing Southern Rock stuff from Derby. These Wicked Rivers send some joy (plus fire and folklore) out into the world.
Matt Fryers – Inside My Head: New Single
Final single from Matt Fryers ahead of the album release – Inside My Head goes into full confessional mode.
Jimmy Regal & The Royals – Snap Back: Album Review
Jimmy Regal & The Royals (not those ones) continue their crafty exploration of the past and future roots of blues.
Marillion – Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool: Live Review
The Marillion 2026 UK tour hits new heights at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. We’re on hand to gather the evidence.
Xandria, Seven Spires, Tulip – Academy 3, Manchester: Live Review
A stunning set from Xandria heads a three-pronged Symphonic Metal onslaught in Manchester. Seven Spires and Tulip are in support.
Edenthorn – When I’m In My Grave: New Single News
Third single from the upcoming Edenthorn album. Park any expectations…get down and dirty.