When I first saw Eric Gillette perform live, it should have come as no surprise, given the other members of the Neal Morse Band, that he wasn’t a one trick pony. That show saw him perform flawlessly on several instruments, as well as deliver backing vocals, showcasing I think a very under-recognized voice in prog. I was so impressed with his performance I named him my guitarist for the year in 2015, and of course quickly picked up his first solo CD, Afterthought. Now he’s brought in some guests and is showing off his songwriting chops on his sophomore release, The Great Unknown. He brought everything one might expect, and more, namely Conner Green, Diego Tejeda, and Thomas Lang. You can check him out and purchase his music here.

Next on the agenda is a tour for the ages. Especially if that age is younger prog fans. A bill that showcases a transatlantic pairing of the best of the UK and America is hitting the United States in August and September. Haken and Thank You Scientist together! A full list of dates can be seen below!

Next up on the docket are some items we’ve talked about a good bit. Ayreon‘s The Theater Equation is out in some areas, and you can grab that here, while Anderson/Stolt‘s Invention of Knowledge can be grabbed here.

Now let’s move onto some important kickstarters and pre-orders, starting with the bands and people who are more likely to be eating ramen without your help. First up is Iris Divine, who are funding their second album The Static and the Noise. This is a follow up to one of the great metal debut’s the US has seen recently, and has very little chance to disappoint. You can help them here.

Next up is The Dear Hunter, who are now accepting pre-orders for Act V: Hymns With the Devil in Confessional. You can hear the first single here and pre-order the album here.

Finally, we have Levin Minnemann Rudess, and their sophomore release, From the Law Office of Levin Minnemann Rudess. You can pledge towards that here.

Finally, in general news, we have a pair of big names making waves. First up, Steven Wilson returns to America to continue touring. You can check out his updated dates here.

And then there is the end of a 16 year studio hiatus for Kansas, as they’ve announced they will be releasing The Prelude Implicit on September 23rd. You can read the full release on that here.

2016-06-22

Peter Gabriel – Red Rain

Eric Gillette – The Aftermath

Thank You Scientist – Absentee

Haken – Portals

Anderson/Stolt – Invention

Ayreon – Pain~

Ayreon – Mystery~

Iris Divine – Fire of the Unknown

Levin Minnemann Rudess – Marcopolis

The Dear Hunter – Gloria

Eric Gillette – Escape

Anderson/Stolt – We Are Truth

Big Big Train – Telling the Bees

Kansas – Lightning’s Hand

Steven Wilson – My Book of Regrets

Eric Gillette – Damage is Done