Vanden Plas – AcCult II (June 12th, 2026)
Thirty years since the release of AcCult, Vanden Plas’ first acoustic EP, the band returns with part 2 and a new collection of acoustic songs which includes some new versions of their own songs, as well as two acoustic covers – a lively take on Styx’s “Boat on the River” as well as Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” performed hauntingly on piano. Otherwise, songs like “Far Off Grace” and “Holes in the Sky” come off feeling fresh, as do many of the others in the surprisingly captivating collection. Supertramp’s John Helliwell also provides some tasteful sax playing on the closing track “You Fly.” All in all, this is a worthy addition to the outstanding Vanden Plas catalog.
Order here: https://ffm.bio/accultii
Tracklisting
1. Far off Grace
2. Holes in the Sky
3. The Ghost Experiment
4. Boat on the River
5. Healing Tree
6. Postcard to God
7. Nothing Else Matters
8. You Fly
Line-up / Musicians
Andy Kuntz / vocals
Stephan Lill / guitars
Andreas Lill / drums
Thorsten Reichert / bass
Alessandro Del Vecchio / keyboards
With:
– John Helliwell / sax (8)
Phideaux – AutoMoto Animus (July 6th, 2026)
AutoMoto Animus is prog cult hero Phideaux Xavier’s first album of new material since 2018’s Infernal. While some of his most celebrated works, including Infernal and Doomsday Afternoon, are sprawling progressive epics, this outing favors a more concise approach, with shorter songs making up most of the album before closing with a 14-minute epic. Along the way, Phideaux draws inspiration from artists such as Queen, Electric Light Orchestra, David Bowie, and 10cc, filtering those influences through his own cinematic songwriting style. The opening tracks evoke the feel of an ’80s film soundtrack, while the standout single “Hey Humanity” is a gorgeous piano ballad elevated by lush orchestration. Elsewhere, “Driving to Destruction” channels the quirky sophistication of classic 10cc. Although more streamlined than some of Phideaux’s landmark releases, AutoMoto Animus remains an engaging and rewarding listen, packed with memorable melodies and inventive arrangements.
Order here: https://bloodfish.com/listen-to-phideaux
Tracklisting:
1.Do What U Will 04:46
2.Hey Humanity 04:13
3.Driving To Destruction 04:41
4.Stay With Me 03:13
5.Charlie Knew 04:04
6.Siren In The Storm 03:59
7.Enigmatic Terminus 03:58
8.Legend Of Mary Jo 14:13
Lunatic Soul – Transition II (June 26th, 2026)
Former Riverside frontman Mariusz Duda’s other project, Lunatic Soul, returned last year with the outstanding double album The World Under Unsun, marking the project’s debut for InsideOutMusic. Before fully closing the chapter on its longtime home at Kscope, however, Duda has released one final title for the label, Transition II. The four-track collection includes the new composition “Realm of the Weeping Willows,” newly remixed versions of “Hylophobia” and “Vyraj”—both originally recorded during the Through Shaded Woods sessions—and a meticulously reimagined 23-minute version of the title track, reshaped to fit a single side of vinyl while retaining the immersive atmosphere and epic scope that made it a fan favorite. “Realm of the Weeping Willows” is driven by a compelling rhythmic pulse, complemented by Duda’s trademark ambient textures and inventive instrumentation. The result is a cohesive and deeply atmospheric release that highlights Lunatic Soul’s instrumental strengths while serving as a fitting bridge to the project’s next chapter.
Order here: https://lunaticsoul.bandcamp.com/album/transition-ii
1.Realm Of The Weeping Willows 11:41
2.Hylophobia 03:21
3.Vyraj 05:32
4.Transition II 23:00
Voivod – Symphonique (June 5th, 2026)
Canadian progressive thrash legends Voivod deliver a powerful live performance unlike anything else in their catalog, joined by the Quebec Symphony Orchestra for a unique orchestral reimagining of twelve songs spanning their career. With a setlist that heavily favors fan-favorite albums Dimension Hatröss and Nothingface, the orchestra enhances rather than overwhelms the band’s signature sound, adding new depth to the music while the band remains as fierce and dynamic as ever. From revitalized classics like “Nuclear War” to a stunning finale with their celebrated cover of Pink Floyd’s “Astronomy Domine,” this ambitious collaboration succeeds in making the symphonic metal concept feel fresh and distinctly Voivod.
Order here: https://centurymedia.store/pages/voivod-symphonique
1. Experiment (07:43)
2. Holographic Thinking (06:23)
3. The Unknown Knows (05:09)
4. The End of Dormancy (08:33)
5. Into My Hypercube (05:16)
6. Forgotten In Space (06:27)
7. Cosmic Drama (05:05)
8. Pre-Ignition (05:24)
9. Nuclear War (05:04)
10. Fall (06:39)
11. Tribal Convictions (05:07)
12. Astronomy Domine (05:54)
Denis “Snake” Belanger / Vocals
Daniel “Chewy” Mongrain / Guitar
Dominic “Rocky” Laroche / Bass
Michel “Away” Langevin / Drums
The post New Release Spotlight: Vanden Plas / Phideaux / Lunatic Soul / Voivod appeared first on The Prog Report.
