Having found myself in the midst of a brief surge of progressive greatness in the last few days, there is always room in a style like this for that wow-factor that catches you off-guard. While I’ve found myself becoming one with the likes of Anciients, it’s now time to hop to the other end of the spectrum for what progressive music is capable of bringing forth with the rock-oriented aspect of the sound coming front and center tonight. Having made their talent clear for decades now, Kingcrow’s newest effort is the highlight this side of the spectrum is always in need of.

A real delight of progressive music is the simple fact that quite literally anything is possible with the real question of the matter being what form it takes with that always depending solely on the hands that craft the given work. As such, any proper work of progressiveness that uses both hands in the forming of such a creation leads to any work feeling unlike many others out there with the identity of the work almost assuredly its own. After the longest gap in new material since their first album twenty-three years ago, it’s with all that has been brought to the table for “Hopium” that we see a real sensation of the progressive rock world in action with all the glory to match. Exceedingly eclectic and with all the variety one could hope for out of such a storied act, it becomes clear by the end of just the second track that Kingcrow pulled no punches in the crafting of this immense work with the very souls of the band members being laid bare for all to become one with as the layered rhythms and immense themes all come together for one hell of a performance. Ever is it difficult to pin down a band like this for all that it can be with Kingcrow always making damn sure to be everything all at once. A magnificently layered experience that builds upon a foundation decades old, “Hopium” is the natural evolution of a band that’s been constantly bewildering us since the turn of the century.

Albums like this are destined to be regarded as a band’s highlight no matter how long their careers go on for. However long Kingcrow still has before all is said and done, “Hopium” is sure to stand tall amongst its predecessors even given the stiff competition that they come swinging with. A bold effort right from its first notes, Kingcrow does naught but deliver in every given instance.

“Hopium” releases on August 23rd via Season of Mist!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Hopium” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Kingcrow on Facebook here.