by Markmon40 | Jul 21, 2024 | News
new.progrock.com/'s Essentials is delighted to release Whiteout, the latest masterpiece from the acclaimed symphonic progressive band, Sonus Umbra, released on June 22nd, 2024. Whiteout is their seventh studio album; a milestone in the band’s critically acclaimed career making the best, thought-provoking, dark, symphonic progressive hard rock.
Whiteout is a sonic departure from the band’s previous work, being their first all-instrumental album. At the same time, it is a conceptual piece that puts the listener in the middle of a battle for the zeitgeist of the American public during the end of the Trump era, shortly after the Jan 6th 2021 MAGA attack on the Capitol building. Describing Whiteout, Luis Nasser, the creative mastermind behind the music of Sonus Umbra’s 35-year career writes: “The dictionary paints a clear picture: A whiteout is a heavy snowstorm; a blizzard that makes it impossible tosee, causing the horizon and all features of the terrain to become invisible.
In my mind, the storm felt like getting shredded by a swarm of lies: corrupted electronics controlled by propagandists. My whiteout was a mental cancer you catch with your eyes and ears; an act of dominance meant to silence forever anyone not a fascist theocrat. In THIS whiteout, the lie is always one leap ahead of the truth. That was my life in America, 2020…The album takes the listener through those turbulent times, and manages to tie them in with two pieces of old Sonus Umbra mythology that die-hard fans will be delighted by. Whiteout itself is a benchmark in sound design, weaving a cinematographic journey of complex soundscapes, blistering music and the voices of past visionaries who had seen the present we now inhabit and warned us about the folly of our choices. Whiteout is a window through which the listener can see the present as a result of past indifference. It is a plea for unity; to abandon tribalism, the cult of personality and embrace instead a future we can all thrive in.”
In keeping with the desire to tie in the past with the present with both eyes wide open looking into the future, Sonus Umbra have recast themselves as a trio on this album: comprised by Luis Nasser, Andy Tillotson and Tim McCaskey, they are joined by former members and musical friends on this sonic journey.
On this album, the band are joined by Aaron Geller (Might Could), Brian Harris, Alan Hearton (Abel Ganz), Steve Katsikas (Little Atlas, Grackle), brothers Pete Laramee (Kurgan’s Bane) and Jeff Laramee (Sonus Umbra, Kurgan’s Bane), Ramsés Luna (Luz de Riada) and Mattias Olsson (Änglagård, Molesome, White Willow). The conspicuous absence of Steve Royce on flute, Rich Poston on electric guitar and Dave Keller on cello should not be misconstrued or used as gossip fodder. This album was conceived in a bubble, during a worldwide pandemic and the stars didn’t align for their participation. However, Sonus Umbra plans to resume active live performance in 2025; those three absentee musos will be there.
Fans and new listeners alike can delve into the Whiteout experience by purchasing the album via Bandcamp and through the Sonus Umbra section on
essentials.progrock.com, where the band’s long history of evolving artistry continues to be celebrated.
by Markmon40 | Feb 10, 2024 | News
new.progrock.com/’s Essentials is thrilled to unveil Rizoma, the latest sonic masterpiece from the acclaimed Mexican prog/fusion powerhouse, Luz de Riada, released on February 1st, 2024. Rizoma marks another milestone in the band's storied journey through the realms of innovative progressive and fusion music.
Rizoma is an auditory journey that captivates listeners with its complex soundscapes, infused with the vibrant cultural essence of Mexico and the expansive influences of modern progressive rock. Fusing jazz, world music, and folk, the album crafts an innovative listening experience that is equally forward thinking as it is deeply imbued with world musical tradition. Describing Rizoma, bassist Luis Nasser remarks, "This album is a cinematographic sound adventure, inviting the audience to explore emotional, previously unimagined terrains; the intensely visual music evokes powerful imagery and is an invitation for self-discovery through resonance with other cultures. In this world, we focus too much on the differences. Rizoma is a window to focus instead on the similarities, and in so doing, question what we think we know about ourselves. When we talk about roots, are we sure we know what they are and what they mean? Who are we, really?"
In celebration of their recently released work, Luz de Riada have just returned from an extremely successful tour that saw them spend the month of January touring in Chile. It was also the first time in 10 years the band returned to Argentina, where they performed
as cultural envoys and guests of the Mexican embassy before a capacity crowd that included other diplomats such as the ambassadors of the USA, Spain, Ecuador and Morocco and was a milestone in their career. An extensive tour of Mexico will follow. Audiences can expect an electrifying live performance that captures the intricate and spirited nature of the new album. Fans and new listeners alike can delve into the Rizoma experience by purchasing the album via Bandcamp and through the Luz de Riada section on new.progrock.com/ Essentials, where the band's evolving artistry continues to be celebrated.
About Luz de Riada:
Emerging in 2010 by visionary saxophonist Ramsés Luna, Luz de Riada stands at the forefront of Mexico's progressive and fusion music scene. The ensemble's rich history is marked by their dedication to creating a unique sound that challenges genre boundaries and captivates audiences worldwide. The current lineup boasts a diverse group of exceptionally skilled musicians, including founder Ramsés Luna on saxophone, synth, and vocals who brings an innovative approach to melody and atmosphere. Luis Nasser's electric bass pulsates with power and rhythmic sophistication. Edgar Arrellín's sound design expands the textural palette of the band's music and Sergio Aldama’s drumming and percussion offer a dynamic foundation. Together, they form a high caliber, synergistic ensemble that delivers their compelling compositions with a vibrant stage presence.
This group of artists has not only crafted a distinctive musical identity but has also built a dedicated following through their engaging live performances and community engagement. Each member contributes their unique voice to Luz de Riada's collective narrative, creating an immersive and unforgettable musical journey for their fans.
For additional information on the album release, tour dates, and to learn more about the band's rich history and its members, keep an eye out for updates from new.progrock.com/’s Essentials and Luz de Riada. Join Luz de Riada as they embark on a new chapter in 2024 with the complex rhythms and elaborate melodies that define their music.
Rizoma is now available as a 16-bit or 24-bit digital download or CD at: new.progrock.com/’s Essentials: https://essentials.progrock.com/product-category/bands-artists/luz-de-riada/ Bandcamp: https://luzderiada.bandcamp.com/album/rizoma-16-bit You can also check out the latest single, “ENTROPÍA” on Spotify,
Be sure to follow Luz de Riada online, too, for additional information!
https://www.facebook.com/luzderiada
Luz de Riada – YouTube
Luz De Riada – Spotify
www.luzderiada.com
