To quote from the Karisma press release “The Swedish band Ritual entered the prog scene like a typhoon with their 1995 debut album. The Scandinavian scene was already strong with bands like Änglagård, Anekdoten, White Willow and Landberk, but Ritual came with a different approach. They are both highly accessible and melodic, and also very technical and symphonic. Tove Jansson’s Moomin universe inspired several songs on the album, but the music leans more toward folk, symphoni

Most recently alto saxophonist Angelika Niescer released an acclaimed album with cellist Tomeka Reid called “Beyond Dragons”. ‘Rejoice, Disrupt, Resist’ is a pretty good title for the full on 8-minute opener. ‘Poranek’ is essentially a short duet with flautist Nicole Mitchell and the pace nor raucousness of the drums (Mike Reed) doesn’t let up. There’s also a second saxophonist (alto and tenor – Dave Rempis) in ensuring the energy levels don’t flag. ‘SAMO bsqt; has an enigmat

The prolific Santtu Laakso AKA Astral Magic along with Jonathan Sigel on guitar and violin and Shane Beck’s spoken word/ poetry is back once again asking the question – are we being watched by alien beings? A big question and a legitimate one. The musical groove starts on ‘Wormhole’ with some nice guitar fills. ‘Vector Equilibrium’ is a swirl of synthesiser as Shane continues the narrative. ‘It’s all Just a Simulation’ is like a mirror image of ‘Wormhole’, and similarly intox