Three years ago, British neo-prog rockers Ghost Of The Machine released their debut album called Scissorgames (2022, see review) and I was blown away by that perpendicular addictive debut, and I called it one of the best debut prog rock albums I had ever heard!! Empires Must Fall is the new Ghost Of The Machine album and without further ado I can say that after a couple of spins I am again addicted, as this sophomore release is again one of the finest exponents of neo prog for sure. This amazing band still consists of : Charlie Bramald (vocals), Graham Garbett (guitars), Mark Hagan (keys and piano), Stuart McAuley (bass guitar), Andy Milner (drums) and Scott Owens (guitar) and again their music is heavily influenced by Marillion, IQ, Genesis, Pallas and Twelfth Night; so a neo-prog treat for sure!! Empires Must Fall tells a proceeding of the story - written by Charlie Bramald - that started with the Scissors tracks on the previous album and this new album contains, sad but true, only six tracks. This wonderful album opens with Keepers Of The Light, an almost immaculate prog rock song, filled with masterful and emotional guitar playing and of course Bramald's volatile high-pitched ranged beautiful vocals. Powerful keyboard passages and melodies and electrifying guitars elevate this powerful opening song to an exceedingly high musical level. Later on, after the five minutes mark, the sound of this track brings back memories of Rush - as you know my all-time favourite band - and even Yes and Pallas; what a way to start an album! So, after almost nine fan - bloody - tastic minutes of music I was already thinking/wondering, can it get even better than this? And, yes, it is possible, as Panopticon, a mini neo prog epic, clocking in over almost twelve minutes is another milestone of Ghost of The Machine's repertoire. Check out the absolutely staggering guitar solo in the intro of this track, followed by classic, old school Hammond organ - hello Genesis - and addictive, heartfelt vocals, making this song a powerful neo prog mini epic of the highest musical level indeed. I know that I am probably not 100% objective anymore considering Ghost Of The Machine, but I really cannot get enough of their brilliant music: sorry... Next up is Fall Through Time, which opens with almost laid-back electric guitars, followed by a remarkably deep piano solo and long, extensive soaring guitar solos and thrilling keyboard walls and melodies, reminding me of good old Marillion, Pallas and Arena. The One, the explosive lead single of this album and also the shortest song is a kind of love song, kicking off with a powerful guitar melody, evolving into another Ghost Of The Machine earworm. But, cliché, Ghost Of The Machine saves the best for last, as the longest song After The War, is the magnificent neo prog highlight of Empires Must Fall. I cannot help myself, but I truly have to compare this dazzling song with some of the best prog rock music of the eighties and especially bands like Pallas, IQ, Marillion and Arena come to my mind. Stunningly melodic with goosebumps melodies, lots of musical diversity and alluring vocals are the main ingredients of this masterpiece; a classic neo-prog track indeed and one of the best songs I have heard in a long time. Conclusion: Ghost Of The Machine did it again, two perfect albums in a row, as Empires Must Fall is the best prog album of 2025; full stop. So, prog lovers out there, buy or die indeed, and play it at maximum volume and again needless to say that I cannot get enough of Empires Must Fall. Listening tip, and then you will be hooked, Panopticon!! ***** Martien Koolen (edited by Tracy van Os van den Abeelen) Where to buy? |
