August 2026 "The Infinite" Playlist - Progressive Metal Constellations

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Wtb5QsNObO9w62f7ThQNF?si=1c056322106142bc

1. The Contortionist – Clairvoyant (2017)

2. Coroner – Trinity (2025)

3. Fallujah – Hollow (2019)

4. Gorod – Remains (2026)

5. Ihlo – Parhelion (2019)

6. In Vain – En forgangen tid (2018)

7. Kingcrow – Eidos (2015)

8. Mother of Millions – Soma (2019)

9. Mystic Force – Dimensions (1993)

10. Ne Obliviscaris – Suspyre (2023)

11. No Terror in the Bang – Moon (2026)

12. Nospun – The Death of Simpson (2023)

13. The Ocean – Belligerence Pt. 1 & 2 (2026)

14. Protest the Hero – Grandfather’s Axe (2026)

15. Threshold – Narcissus (2001)

16. Traverser – Burn In (2010)

17. Ubiquity – Tree of Pain (2024)

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

The Contortionist – Clairvoyant (2017)

4.5/5. The Contortionist has taken on a much more ethereal and lighter sound in this album, almost like Mastodon at that time. I like the melodic bridge at over the 4-minute mark that leads to mystical keys over a minute later. That's the kind of sound they first hinted in their previous album Language.

Coroner – Trinity (2025)

5/5. The best progressiveness comes in this highlight with its perfect mix of atmosphere and heaviness.

Fallujah – Hollow (2019)

4.5/5. Undying Light has been sh*t on by fans due to the different vocalist and the simpler less technical sound. To be honest though, I like the vocals. And sure the guitars don't have that heavy technicality, but at least they have more clarity.

Gorod – Remains (2026)

5/5. Progressive tech-death fans are happy to get new material from this band and Psycroptic. And I'm certainly happy to discover this gem from Gorod that has made up for more of this band. Apparently this has sampled one of the tracks from the Jean-Michel Jarre album Oxygene. F***ing awesome standout, man! The melody and technicality are both in great balance. The ending is especially spectacular. Thumbs up for that one!

Ihlo – Parhelion (2019)

4.5/5. This already appeared in last November's Infinite playlist, but I don't mind giving it another spin. Lots of insane synthy prog-metal talent! A nice stylistic homage to Periphery from start to finish.

In Vain – En forgangen tid (2018)

5/5. Not many people know this underrated band, but those who do may also know this d*mn beautiful highlight as the sequel to the previous album's "Times of Yore". Although I don't mind the Norwegian lyrics, I would love to hear some English lyrics. Still I won't ask for any changes in this song. RIP Sindre Nedland...

Ne Obliviscaris – Suspyre (2023)

4.5/5. This one doesn't have the diverse surprises I was expecting in a 10-minute track, or in a Ne Obliviscaris song, but it still rules.

The Ocean – Belligerence Pt. 1 & 2 (2026)

4/5. The Ocean will soon release their 10th album in over 25-year career, and the first with their new lineup, Solaris. Even when they're past their gelogical time period phase, they can still make a banger about a different topic.

Protest the Hero – Grandfather’s Axe (2026)

4.5/5. Another kick-A track, adding in some thrash/speed aspects. The vocals by Rody Walker still impress me.

Threshold – Narcissus (2001)

5/5. I'm glad to finally get the appeal of melodic progressive metal bands like Threshold. This one's an absolutely superb epic! I'm honestly surprised Threshold hasn't gotten the amount of fame Dream Theater has. Midway through is a two-minute melancholic piano bridge that leads into astonishing instrumentation and soloing. And before you know it, we get one more verse and one more of that legendary chorus before ending with the final bit of soloing, tuned half-step down. Although there are two more tracks after this in the playlist, I'll end my commenting here, to go off on a high note. RIP Andrew "Mac" McDermott....