Collaborators Top 5 Albums of 2005

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Prog Archives Collaborators’ Top 5 Albums Of 2005:
The inaugural Collaborators annual top 5 certainly has a controversial edge to it. Some commentators might be of the view that 3 of the 5 albums aren’t even Prog Rock, but there can be no denying the freshness and vitality that Porcupine Tree, Opeth and TMV bring to the scene. Traditional Prog Rock is represented by “Present” from the re-emergent VDGG and Wobbler’s paean to the 70’s “classic era”. There was very little between the top 3 albums and in all over 80 albums were nominated.

1. 
Porcupine Tree – Deadwing.
This album follows the pattern (plan?) of PT’s albums getting progressively heavier musically, but still managing to be Prog Rock. A real grower it features emergent Porcupine Tree classics such as Halo, Deadwing, Open Car, Lazarus and the fans-favourite Arriving Somewhere But Not Here. To quote reviewer Bryan Adair:” Deadwing has the best flow of any release they've made since Signify…recommended for all music fans, but hardcore progheads may frown upon it.”

2. 
VDGG  - Present.
Twenty –Seven years VDGG fans have waited for a new studio release and they weren’t to be disappointed. Two CDs “Songs” and “Improvs” prove that musically they still have what it takes and in Hammill they have a vocalist who transcends time. Choice tracks include Nutter Alert, Every Bloody Emperor and the sax-driven instrumental Boleas Panic. 
“I was hooked! Right from the first moment Hammill's vocals filled my speakers and ears, shivers ran down my spine , goose bumps stated appearing all over my starved body” enthused Prog Archives own Hugues Chantraine

3. 
Opeth - Ghost Reveries
Seen as a more honest representation of Opeth’s Prog Rock credentials than the well-received but restrained Damnation, this album is almost the perfect synthesis of Death Metal and Prog. Open-minded prog-fans will be able to see beyond the growls and enjoy the joyous power-prog of such tracks as Ghost of Perdition and The Baying Of The Hounds as well the exotic Atonement and quirky The Grand Conjuration.
“Highly recommended album, intelligent music for progressive metal lovers of all ages, only those suffering from chronic allergic reactions to progressive death metal should stay far away from Ghost Reveries.” Reported PA Prog-Metal Specialist Vanwarp.

4. 
The Mars Volta - Frances The Mute
Seen by many as the future of Prog Rock this TMV magnum opus has certainly helped re-awaken mainstream press interest in our favourite genre. The 30 minute epic Cassandra Gemmini will tell you everything you need to know about TMV and more besides.
As PA Collaborator Kurt Zander put it:” stop reading this review and go buy this, whooaaaaah!!” Quite.

5. 
Wobbler – Hinterland
Brimming with Mellotron and unabashed 70’s prog references this is an album that most Prog Rock fans should enjoy immensely. The title track Hinterland is the best of a very good bunch and clocks in at a very pleasant 27 minutes.
“This album harkens back to the glory days of symphonic prog and is a must have for your prog collection” stated PA’s The Progtologist back in July.

Edited by Tony R - January 14 2007 at 18:47