April 2026 "The Infinite" Playlist - Progressive Metal Constellations

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Wtb5QsNObO9w62f7ThQNF?si=9ed8c2d21c7d4310

1. An Abstract Illusion – Vakuum (2016)

2. Aghora – Existence (2000)

3. Ayreon – Everybody Dies (2017)

4. Between the Buried and Me – Lunar Wilderness (2011)

5. Changeling – Abyss (2025)

6. Circus Maximus – Abyss (2007)

7. Green Carnation – Sanguis (Blood Ties) (2026)

8. Ihlo – Mute (2025)

9. In Vain – Watch for me on the Mountain (2024)

10. Lattermath – Ember (2026)

11. Leprous – Acquired Taste (2011)

12. Lithium Dawn – Destroyer – 10th Anniversary Version (2022)

13. Omnerod – Spore (2023)

14. Scardust – Searing Echoes (2025)

15. Stream of Passion – Passion (2005)

16. Textures – At the Edge of Winter (2026)

17. Vulkan – Redemption Simulations (2020)

18. Witch Ripper – The Clock Queen (2026)

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

An Abstract Illusion – Vakuum (2016)

5/5. Apparently, this Swedish-sung epic was written quite early on in their career, and it's probably the best one of the entire album, possibly by the band. The intro is so beautiful, as is the rest of the song.

Aghora – Existence (2000)

5/5. So this is the band that had the talented rhythm section duo Sean Malone and Sean Reinert during their break from Cynic. RIP the two Seans... That f***ing heavy drum outro absolutely rules! I also like the piano work occurring in different sections midway through. This actually hints at the more progressive less doomy direction Madder Mortem would take after this album.

Ayreon – Everybody Dies (2017)

4.5/5. Ayreon continues to impress us with different vocalists singing dark apocalyptic lyrics in an upbeat tune.

Between the Buried and Me – Lunar Wilderness (2011)

4/5. You want more of Tommy Rogers' fascinating vocals? Here you go! The world also needs more of the beautiful soloing by Paul Waggoner. The best part is the middle where BTBAM makes their own attempt on djentcore. Then Tommy growls "WHERE IS THIS DOOR?!?" as the instrumentation gets more looney. Then right at the 5-minute is some of the f***ing heaviest sh*t they've done at the time. They're total winners at this progressive game. "Dig deep, commence sleep..."

Green Carnation – Sanguis (Blood Ties) (2026)

4.5/5. Green Carnation already have the second part of the Dark Poem saga up just 7 months after Part 1. Music comes from the heart and mind, and they clearly have some melancholy going on, along with groovy keys. So amazing, and I look forward to the third part to conclude the journey!

Ihlo – Mute (2025)

4/5. A little soft but quite addictive! Everything flows smoothly throughout these 8 and a half minutes. The vocals are quite remarkable too. I kinda wish they would go as djenty as Tesseract though. There are many different layers of spacey ambience. And if you're wondering when the heaviness would hit, it's at the 7-minute mark, starting the climactic outro, leading up to some final spoken lines like "You'll never shine as bright". Quite wonderful, though again it could've been a little heavier.

In Vain – Watch for me on the Mountain (2024)

4.5/5. This is the 3rd time this song has appeared in an Infinite playlist, but I won't judge. A strong clean swansong for the blissful harmonies of Sindre Nedland. RIP

Lattermath – Ember (2026)

4/5. Another lovely banger! I especially loved the screamed section right before the outro.

Leprous – Acquired Taste (2011)

4.5/5. Even music can have an acquired taste. That's how I felt when losing my touch for Leprous. Still I love how emotional this track is. This band can really master the melody and lyrics! I'm blowing away by how amazing this is. This is true beautiful talent that can surpass whatever's put out by pop artists like Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande.

Stream of Passion – Passion (2005)

5/5. And even more so by this stunning band! The riffing scales are enough to make even Andrew Lloyd Webber jealous. The lyrics are quite lovely, sung by Marcela Bovio who can shine even more than those popstars out there. Nightwish are still on top when it comes to female-sung metal though.

Textures – At the Edge of Winter (2026)

5/5. This highlight to close off my journey through this playlist is where the band's heaviness comes back to life and punches right through. Vocalist Daniel de Jongh is still in great shape after all those years away, but what impresses me the most here is the guest vocals by Charlotte Wessels of Delain. The instrumentation and vocals sound epic, and it's clear the band is back for real.