Collaborators' Top Albums of 2014

At the end of each year, we the collaborators of ProgArchives, including Admins, Special Collaborators, Collaborators, Prog Reviewers, and VIP Members, gather to discuss and exchange the best music of the year. Each collaborator is allowed to vote for his or her top ten albums, and I again had the honor to collate these votes.

Each year, the collaborators of ProgArchives are presented with a simply daunting task – to take a hard look at all the music that was listened to over the past year and select the absolute best out of the bunch. The year 2014 proved to be an especially daunting task, as a significant number of 70s favorites, 90s prog revival favorites, and new impressive faces released absolutely wondrous albums. The progressive rock scene is clearly alive and well, as so many bands released simply stunning albums. Whether it was a bands 2^nd or 22^nd album, there was quality across the board. This year, 74 voters selected 253 different albums as their favorites from the year.

Each year, I am simply shocked by the amount of quality music our collaborators are able to listen to, and 2014 proved no different! Many voters brought albums that sadly they were the only voter for, but it shows just how far our collaborators look for high quality progressive rock. This list, I feel, is an excellent source for anyone who wants to jump into the more obscure field of progressive rock. While of course every album could not have been evaluated by every voter, this provides an excellent snapshot of our site’s taste.

Now, without further ado,

The ProgArchives Collaborators’ Top Albums of 2014

1.  Opeth – Pale Communion

Mikael Åkerfledt, the lead man in Opeth, is without a doubt a member of modern progressive rock royalty. Opeth has been running for just about 20 years now, and he and his crew continually pump out stellar progressive music. With the band’s 2011 album, Heritage, the band moved away from their roots as a progressive death metal band and more towards a vintage heavy progressive rock band, and with Pale Communion there is no doubt the band has perfected that form. The album is diverse, mature, and just a joy to listen to. There’s no surprise Opeth has scored the top spot this year.

“The use of death vocals seems to be a thing of the past for Opeth. I always appreciated the clean vocals from Mikael Akerfeldt; it gives a better view of how he can be a good singer… Again the band is showing the soft side of their music…While this release could be perceive as homage to the old progressive rock bands…it keeps the band’s own style. …I am more confident that it's the right direction to go.” –rdtprog, Special Collaborator

Statistics:

·         Genre: Tech/Extreme Prog Metal

·         Country: Sweden

·         504 ratings, 4.25 stars

·         Appears on 28% of all lists

·         Number of #1 listings: 2

·         Official Website

·         Soundcloud Sample (“Eternal Rains Will Come”)

·         Spotify Stream

2.  IQ – The Road of Bones

The first of our classic prog favorites returning with a simply stellar release, IQ made their fame in the 1980s neo-prog revival. Accentuated by the fact that the band lay mostly dormant through the 90s and then began to produce more albums in the 2000s, IQ is known for taking their time to write and produce albums. When they do release an album, however, it rarely is anything less than amazing. 2014 is no different, as The Road of Bones is the band’s first release since their blockbuster 2009 studio release Frequency. The crew of IQ still knows how to kill it, as this double-disc masterpiece clearly shows.

“IQ, that venerable outfit of 1980's vintage, release this, their 11th studio offering, and, I will say straight away, [they] are sounding as strong, if not stronger, than ever. This sumptuously produced… and gorgeously performed work just about takes us through the entire range of emotions, with passages which are achingly beautiful, and a rock experience which takes us from the hard and crashing opening … to the quite gorgeous acoustic interplay on guitar, piano, and vocals at the denouement of closer… It is simply a magnificent experience to listen to.” –lazland, Prog Reviewer

Statistics:

·         Genre: Neo-Prog

·         Country: United Kingdom

·         635 ratings, 4.35 stars

·         Appears on 31% of all lists

·         Number of #1 listings: 7

·         Official Website

·         YouTube Sample (“From The Outside In”)

·         Spotify Stream

3.  Seven Impale – City of the Sun

I admit, I had never heard of this small Norwegian prog band before I started collecting votes for this very list. Upon noticing the number of people voting for it, I had to check it out myself – and oh boy was I happy I did. This is the first full length album released by the band, and even from such a young band, the maturity of sound is absolutely stunning. The band has a sound unique to themselves, and they use it to its fullest capacity. This album is a ferocious showing of the power prog can have and it’s no surprise this young band stole the number 3 spot on this year’s poll.

“A breath of fresh air and total shock. There is still life on planet earth. And there is still great music made by mere mortals but which can awaken emotions. This is the case with this young sextet from Norway that confirms that the Scandinavian scene is constantly on the up and dominating the progressive music of the new century. What makes this album different from other very good ones is the combination of musical prowess and the apparent appetite to create something new, fresh, [and] dynamic…This is the best album of 2014.” – aapatsos, Special Collaborator

Statistics:

·         Genre: Eclectic Prog

·         Country: Norway

·         109 ratings, 4.08 stars

·         Appears on 28%  of all lists

·         Number of #1 listings: 4

·         Official Website

·         Soundcloud Sample (“Oh My Gravity”)

·         Spotify Stream

4.  Swans – To Be Kind

Swans may not be the band that everyone would expect to fit right in with bands like IQ or Pink Floyd, but they are without a doubt of the most exciting and impressive band to be release progressive rock music as of late. Following their absolutely stunning opus The Seer of 2012, Swans’ latest release proves that Michael Gira and co. are simply not content with producing the norm. The groundbreaking experimental album is a treat to those with a penchant for the genre and is highly deserving of being here on this list.

               

“Something spectacular has happened with Swans… Those 14 years of retirement seem to have unleashed an uncontrollable monster…  I can't think of another band who have continually bettered themselves in such a dramatic and important way after such a long periods of inactivity…Swans have had a career in reverse. All plaudits and recognition coming after 30 years of toil and hardship. The best has clearly been saved to last. Out of their entire discography this is the best Swans album I've heard.” –Dobermensch, Forum Newbie

·         Genre: Post/Math Rock

·         Country: United States

·         107 ratings, 3.81 stars

·         Appears on 18%  of all lists

·         Number of #1 listings: 7

·         Official Website

·         Soundcloud Sample (“Screen Shot”)

·         Spotify Stream

5.  Logos – L’enigma Della Vita

Logos, an RPI band formed in the mid-1990s, weren't exactly anyone’s favorite back when they released their two albums in 1999 and 2001. The albums, Logos and Ásrava, are respected enough, but they are both currently sitting at around 3.5 stars here on PA. When they came out with their newest album 13 years after the release of their last, the band clearly took their time to produce the absolute best album they possibly could. L’enigma Della Vita encapsulates what is special about RPI and presents it with a modern lens. This album is an excellent welcome back for the band, and they rightfully deserve their place in the top 10.

               

“Logos' 'L'Enigma della Vita' is one for the ages, a scintillating example of modern RPI, caramelized with grandiose symphonic elements, a touch of space/psychedelia, massive hues of shadow and light, as well as all the characteristics that make RPI such a devout prog institution. Nearly 14 years in the making, the patience, the dedication and the savoir-faire are all there in vivid sound and art, with a picture perfect cover, sublime photography and general artwork… This is a massive opus, a thrilling classic and destined to place itself on the RPI mantel, alongside the other great role models from the land of the Azzuri. Italy rules again, proggers!” –tszirmay, Special Collaborator

·         Genre: Rock Progressivo Italiano

·         Country: Italy

·         177 ratings, 4.20 stars

·         Appears on 16% of all lists

·         Number of #1 listings: 4

·         Official Website

·         Soundcloud Sample (“In Pricipio”)

·         Spotify Stream

6.  Motorpsycho – Behind the Sun

Motorpsycho are perhaps the most consistently active band present here on the list – they’ve been steadily releasing studio albums since 1991 – and it seems with their past few releases, the band has truly been maturing into their sound. Their last two albums – 2012’s The Death Defying Unicorn and 2013’s Still Life Eggplant – scored 5^th and 11^th on this list in their years, respectively, showing just how well-respected they’ve become around here. 2014 brought yet another incredibly mature album, and Behind the Sun, this list’s second sunny offering, shows that they have mastered their sound in the most delightful way.

               

“This album is not what I was expecting in the slightest… For me, this album transcends genre tendencies, which is huge. This album is stylistically variable, but has a strong seventies, jam band feel… every once in a while, something is really good and grabs my attention…this is a fantastic album, amazing musicianship, varied styles and despite that, a coherent feel throughout the album. This is probably my favorite discovery of the year” –Roland113, Collaborator

Statistics:

·         Genre: Eclectic Prog

·         Country: Norway

·         168 ratings, 3.98 stars

·         Appears on 19%  of all lists

·         Number of #1 listings: 3

·         Official Website

·         Soundcloud Sample (“Cloudwalker”)

·         Spotify Stream

7.  Pink Floyd – The Endless River

When news leaked a new Pink Floyd album was dropping in 2014, I could have sworn the prog rock community was going to implode based on all the hype. While this was only part of the band as Waters is not present, it is still very much Pink Floyd and is a fitting spiritual successor to The Division Bell, the last Floyd album released 20 years prior. The album is a tribute to the demos left behind by deceased legendary keyboardist Richard Wright. While the album may not be the next Dark Side of the Moon or Wish You Were Here, a Floyd album half the quality of those legends is still an absolutely gorgeous and remarkable release, as The Endless River certainly is.

               

“The missing album. What a breath-taking Pink Floyd album! In fact, I've been waiting for that album all the time. It's true example of the missing link in Pink Floyd's creativity. The mighty Englishmen's electronic and instrumental reputation is highly renowned, but intended or not, they have not produced this kind of album so far… the time for [a] final goodbye has come.” –poslednijat_colobar, Prog Reviewer

Statistics:

·         Genre: Psychedelic/Space Rock

·         Country: United Kingdom

·         324 ratings, 3.57 stars

·         Appears on 24%  of all lists

·         Number of #1 listings: 4

·         Official Website

·         Soundcloud Sample (“Louder than Words”)

·         Spotify Stream

8.  Kayo Dot – Coffins on Io

Toby Driver, the mind behind Kayo Dot, is a simply beloved figure in the avant prog scene. Anything his immensely creative hand touches, the prog community swarms around. He’s been active the past few years, with three albums in the past three years, and the past three have simply been fantastic. Coffins on Io is a new direction for Driver and co., as most of his albums prove to be, and as everyone expected, Driver seems to master whatever style he wishes to try his hand at. Coffins on Io is a venture into a new planetary system, and Driver as pilot makes for an excellent ride.

               

“Kayo Dot is one of those bands known for changing their tune with every album, but arguably never more so than with Coffins on Io. …”a good record to put on while you drive across the desert at night under a toxic, post-apocalyptic atmosphere" is absurdly accurate… Much has also been made of it being probably the most accessible Kayo Dot album, with the emphasis being placed squarely on Driver's greatly melodic and clean vocals… A fantastic and atmospheric…album.” –Kazza3, Forum Senior Member

Statistics:

·         Genre: RIO/Avant Prog

·         Country: United States

·         44 ratings, 3.68 stars

·         Appears on 16%  of all lists

·         Number of #1 listings: 2

·         Official Website

·         Soundcloud Sample (“Library Subterranean”)

·         Spotify Stream

9.  Dream the Electric Sleep – Heretics

One of the newer groups in this top 10, Dream the Electric Sleep’s debut album only came out 3 years prior in 2009. The band really hit the prog scene’s radar this year, however, with their simply stellar album Heretics. DTES encapsulates all the phenomenal qualities of alternative prog rock and synthesizes them into a powerful and dynamic album fit to sit amongst legends such as Pink Floyd. The power trio thunderously preforms the album, and it’s clear that performance made its way to the top of many of this year’s voters’ lists.

               

“As the pounding rhythm of Dream the Electric Sleep's new album 'Heretics' blasts its way into your ear canals, you can tell that you are in for some inspired, incredible music…. the band has crafted what will surely be seen as one of the best of 2014, for sure…. Again and again this album floored me…. Excellent songs join each other end to end, and the album pushes on breathlessly. We get emotionally heavy songs, delicate nostalgic ballads, complex structures, and experimental collaborations. I just love it. Dream the Electric Sleep's 'Heretics' is a must-hear for 2014. It's that simple.” –Second Life Syndrome, Collaborator

Statistics:

·         Genre: Crossover Prog

·         Country: United States

·         163 ratings, 3.83 stars

·         Appears on 16%  of all lists

·         Number of #1 listings: 3

·         Official Website

·         Soundcloud Sample (“Utopic”)

·         Spotify Stream

10.      Knifeworld – The Unravelling

Anyone who is familiar with the psychedelic and avant side of progressive rock band will most likely be familiar with the remarkably prolific Kavus Torabi, whose solo project goes by the name Knifeworld. Torabi is involved in hosts of projects and bands, ranging from The Cardiacs to Guapo to Chrome Hoof. Torabi’s influences are about as far reaching as they come, and this eclectic influence base is obvious in his second full-length album. Motes of classic symphonic prog, avant prog, jazz fusion, math rock, minimalism, and more can be found in this album. It seems that there’s something for everyone on this album, which comes as no surprise seeing as it scored so high this year.

“It's only halfway through the year so far but [The Unravelling] may well end up as my album of the year for 2014. …This is the sort of clever complex psychedelic pop that XTC and Mike Kenneally have specialized in. … You can turn this all the way up and everything is really clear. While Kavus' guitar is very prominent in everything, it's really the bassoon and vocals that give this album a depth of sound that is pretty unique. There's song craft, complexity, riffs, and hooks a plenty…. This is a masterpiece.” –Nogbad_the_bad, Collaborator

Statistics:

·         Genre: Crossover Prog

·         Country: United Kingdom

·         41 ratings, 3.68 stars

·         Appears on 18%  of all lists

·         Number of #1 listings: 2

·         Official Website

·         Soundcloud Sample (“Destroy the World We Love”)

·         Spotify Stream

Let the awards ceremony begin! 

A full list will be posted momentarily.

Edited by Andy Webb - July 17 2015 at 12:57

Thanks Andy for the hard work

Thanks and congratulations for the hard work Andy 

Thank you, Andy!

Nice work Andy 

Nice work Andy, and for once there's a lot of music in the list that I'd actually enjoy!

Heyyyy a couple of my picks made it in.

Great job!! Didn't know there was a new Pavlov's Dog record - let me at it!  Good to see bands like Swans, Silver Mt Zion and Transatlantic high up, but I wish iamthemorning was in the top 10... Even though the music's inferior to their debut, they've still got a very warming, kind of tangible sound (for me anyway).

Very nice work Andyman
I would never have guessed that Opeth would end up as number one. At one point I thought it would either have been Kayo Dot or Seven Impale. They made it to the top 10 though.

Great work as always, Andy!

Edited by The Dark Elf - February 01 2015 at 08:53