A new editorial week at Progressive Rock Journal opens with a selection that moves across half a century of sound — a German trio premiering their first single, a Bavarian festival confirming its strongest lineup yet, two Progressive Metal records with serious compositional weight, interviews that dig into the craft, and two archival deep dives that remind you why the underground never really disappears. From the new releases of 2026 to the ghosts of 1969, the past week’s PRJ had something worth stopping for.
— EXCLUSIVE —
The Neurophonic Temple — “Nuance of Bizarre” (Official Music Video Premiere):
PRJ hosts the world premiere of the first single from the upcoming album “Transgressive Sonic Stimuli” (April 17, 2026). Psychedelic Noise Rock from Osnabrück — hypnotic, disorienting, and entirely intentional. Includes an exclusive Q&A with the band. [Read here]
— NEWS —
Blackdoor Outdoor Festival 2026 — Elder, Elephant Tree, Pigs (x7) and more confirmed in Bavaria:
June 25–27, 2026, Thyrnau (Bavaria). Elder headline. Pigs x7, Slomosa, Elephant Tree, Godsleep, Child and more complete the bill. The most credible outdoor lineup in the European heavy underground this year. [Read here]
Ghost On Mars — “Il Senso Giusto” (Francesco Di Giacomo cover):
Released on February 21, 2026 — twelve years to the day since the passing of Francesco Di Giacomo (Banco del Mutuo Soccorso). The Rome-based Progressive Metal band pay tribute with a cover of his composition, out via Willowtip Records. Their first track sung entirely in Italian. [Read here]
— REVIEWS —
In Virtue – Age of Legends:
A fourteen-track Progressive Metal concept album built around the myth of Sisyphus, led by Trey Xavier and featuring Charlotte Wessels, Dave Davidson (Revocation), and Chaney Crabb (Entheos). Mastered at Fascination Street Studios. Ambitious, uneven in places, and frequently compelling. [Read here]
MANUEL – Parasite EP:
Six tracks of Progressive Metal with Latin percussion textures, bilingual lyricism, and serious compositional intent. A debut statement from Los Angeles, out February 27 via Wormholedeath Records. [Read here]
— INTERVIEWS —
[Exclusive Interview] Al Collinsworth of PRE: The Other Half of the Story:
After Larry‘s interview, his brother Al — songwriter and co-architect of the 1973 cult album — shares his own memories: the harsh economics of the era, unfinished lyrics, and a new solo project called Apres Pre. Now on vinyl via PQR Disques. [Read here]
[Exclusive Interview] Electric Hydra — Discussing New Album From The Fallen The Swedish Heavy Rock band discuss their origins, influences, and the long road back after lineup changes and a pandemic hiatus. Candid, direct, and worth your time. [Read here]
— HIDDEN RARITIES —
[Hidden Rarities #42] Skryvania:
Paris, 1978. 300 hand-numbered copies. Symphonic Prog built on hypnotic keyboards and Hackett-influenced guitar, by a group of teenagers who wanted to dethrone Yes and Genesis. Original pressings now fetch over €3,000. [Read here]
[Hidden Rarities #45] Leviathan (UK):
Signed by Elektra Records in 1969, recorded at Trident Studios, promoted by the BBC — and then shelved by a single executive decision. The lost album that never came out. [Read here]
— COMPILATION —
PRJ Compilation Vol. IX – Shifting Horizons:
The ninth volume maps modern Progressive Rock in five voices — Symphonic, Stoner, Psychedelic, Space Rock, Experimental Metal. An exclusive editorial accompanies the release. [Read here]
Stream the full compilation via the YouTubeplayer below:
— PRJ YOUTUBE CHANNEL —
The Neurophonic Temple – “Nuance of Bizarre” (Official Music Video)
Interspace – Interspace (Denmark, 1992 – Full Demo)
Minus Mountain – “Gigantic Alien Mega Structures” (Official Lyric Video)
As always, Editor’s Pick is a curatorial compass — not a list, but a guided entry point into PRJ‘s week. Read what catches you, follow the links, and come back next Monday.