RUBIDIUM

As a prog fan from the early seventies, I sometimes have difficulty in appreciating some of the modern prog bands. However, Maschine's 'Rubidium' is one of the best I have heard for a long time. While it is classed as progressive metal, I would suggest that it would be more suited to the 'eclectic' sub-genre. The music is metal-based but has jazz and Canterbury influences, and has a wide range of moods and tempos, often within the same song.

There is excellent guitar work throughout, and an upbeat tone to it all. The tracks are long enough to allow experimentation, and yet still retain interest. Definitely my favourite album of 2013.