July 2026 "The Infinite" Playlist - Progressive Metal Constellations

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Wtb5QsNObO9w62f7ThQNF?si=26d0a408c64046ee

1. Benthos – Debris//Essence (2021)

2. Beyond Creation – Earthborn Evolution (2014)

3. Black Orchid Empire – Tristar (2026)

4. Claemus – Nemesis (2026)

5. Conjurer/Pijn – High Spirits (2019)

6. Dissentient – Mala’kak (2026)

7. Dog Fashion Disco – Leper Friend (2018)

8. Gorod – Transcendence (2011)

9. Haken – Bleeding Sky (2026)

10. Ihlo – Signals (2025)

11. Leprous – The Flood (2015)

12. Orphaned Land – Like Orpheus (2018)

13. Panzerballet – Friede, Freude, Fussball (2008)

14. Primulace – Running out of Yesterday (2026)

15. Scoparia – Fallen (2018)

16. Thornhill – Lily & the Moon (2019)

17. Tyr – Land (2008)

Here are my thoughts on some tracks:

Dog Fashion Disco – Leper Friend (2018)

4.5/5. Dog Fashion Disco was one of those go-to bands for humor in metal, like Mr. Bungle but f***ing heavier. This album seemed to disappear from Spotify for some time, and now it's back there! I should revisit the original version sometime.

Gorod – Transcendence (2011)

5/5. Oh my Gorod, this is one of the best progressive/tech-death epics I've heard! With that, I'll be expanding my good taste with more of this band sometime soon.

Haken – Bleeding Sky (2026)

4.5/5. Haken is back with what sounds like a heavier take on Leprous' "The Sky is Red", in both the music and lyrics.

Ihlo – Signals (2025)

4/5. The climax of this Ihlo album is in beautiful flow. The band lets the beauty drift by, only saving the heaviness for when it's the right time. In the end, the track and its original album closes the way it should.

Leprous – The Flood (2015)

4.5/5. Leprous made a beautiful impact to 21st century melodic prog-metal/rock. The vocalizing in the bridge midway through sounds so heavenly.

Orphaned Land – Like Orpheus (2018)

5/5. Part of an epic journey through the distant Orphaned Land, with Blind Guardian vocalist Hansi Kursch guiding you through one of the verses.

Tyr – Land (2008)

5/5. When the vocals start at around the 2 and a half minute mark, you know a legendary tale is to be told. I'm glad to be back onboard the epic progressive folk metal ship after having resisted it for nearly a decade. The vocals range from clean singing to a battlecry. I also can't resist the ending sounding so classical in the Grieg-esque strings. I just love these kinds of epics that have appeared in their earlier albums. So come sail away over the Atlantic seas for honor and glory!