Progressive Rock 2025: A Year of Reverent Tributes, Bold New Ventures, and Global Tours..
Progressive rock continues to defy stagnation in 2025, evolving with contemporary flair while paying homage to its rich musical roots. The year is shaping up to be a landmark for both iconic acts and rising artists in the genre, with new album releases, reissues, and global tours all contributing to a dynamic and multifaceted celebration of prog.
ECM Records Releases Chick Corea’s “The Visitors.
One of the most highly anticipated releases this year is *The Visitors*, a posthumous Chick Corea composition brought to life by vibraphonist Gary Burton and pianist Kirill Gerstein. Scheduled for release by ECM Records, the album is a spiritual successor to Corea’s earlier explorations with Burton and maintains the high standards of improvisation and cerebral fusion that defined Corea’s legacy. The pairing of Burton’s shimmering mallet work and Gerstein’s virtuosic piano reinterpret Corea’s vision with emotional clarity and intellectual depth. This album not only honors Corea’s immense influence in jazz and progressive circles but reasserts the genre’s ongoing symbiosis with classical and jazz.
Ritual’s *The Hemulic Voluntary Band* Gets Vinyl Treatment.
Ritual, the Swedish progressive rock outfit known for their whimsical yet intricate arrangements, sees their beloved 2007 album *The Hemulic Voluntary Band* reissued on vinyl. Long considered an underground classic, the album’s concept—rooted in the tales of Tove Jansson’s Moomin universe—blends fantastical storytelling with complex song structures and folk instrumentation. The new vinyl release includes remastered audio and extended liner notes that delve into the literary and musical inspirations behind the work. It’s a must-have for collectors and a rare opportunity for newer fans to experience the album in a format that enhances its nostalgic and thematic richness.
Volker Lankow Launches “Slow and Looped”
Experimental percussionist and sound designer Volker Lankow adds to 2025’s lineup with *Slow and Looped*, an atmospheric journey that blends minimalistic rhythms, ambient textures, and avant-garde soundscapes. Lankow, long admired for his genre-blurring approaches, embraces the meditative and hypnotic side of progressive music with this album. Drawing comparisons to Brian Eno and Terry Riley, *Slow and Looped* focuses on patience and sonic layering, rewarding deep listening. It’s a bold, immersive addition that challenges the traditional definitions of progressive rock and underlines the genre’s broadening horizons.
Bob Schlesinger’s Debut: “Falling From Earth”
New voices are also emerging in the progressive sphere, most notably Bob Schlesinger, whose debut album *Falling From Earth* promises to stir interest among fans of keyboard-driven prog. Fusing influences from Genesis, Steven Wilson, and even cinematic composers like Hans Zimmer, Schlesinger crafts a lush, emotionally resonant journey through conceptually rich material. The album tells a science-fiction-inflected story of exile, longing, and homecoming, grounded in layered synths, time signature shifts, and expansive production. With guest appearances by seasoned session musicians, *Falling From Earth* is already being touted as one of 2025’s breakout progressive debuts.
The Flower Kings Return with “Love” and European Tour**
Veteran prog revivalists The Flower Kings are making waves with their new album *Love*, an expansive double album that continues their tradition of rich melodies, spiritual themes, and layered instrumentation. Roine Stolt and company remain in fine form, weaving complex compositions with vibrant symphonic touches. The band is embarking on a European tour through May and June, performing selections from *Love* alongside fan favorites. Concertgoers can expect epic performances with extended jams and visual flourishes that embrace the genre’s theatricality.
Yes and Dream Theater Bring Classic and Modern Prog to the US**
The touring scene in the US will be electrified this fall as two of the most iconic prog bands, Yes and Dream Theater, embark on major tours.
Yes will celebrate their classic 1971 album *Fragile* by performing it in full during their fall 2025 US tour. Featuring timeless tracks like “Roundabout” and “Heart of the Sunrise,” this tour pays homage to one of the most revered albums in progressive rock history. With Steve Howe and Geoff Downes leading the lineup, fans can expect faithful renditions enhanced by modern production.
Meanwhile, Dream Theater—progressive metal’s standard-bearers—are also returning to American stages this fall, bringing a new setlist that mixes highlights from their vast catalog with selections from their latest studio album. The tour promises complex time signatures, virtuosic solos, and the kind of intensity only Dream Theater can deliver, reaffirming their status as modern masters of the genre.
ProgStock 2025: The Premier US Progressive Rock Festival**
Capping off a year of remarkable activity is *ProgStock 2025*, scheduled for October 9–12 in Rahway, New Jersey. This annual festival has grown into the premier US event for progressive rock fans, showcasing an eclectic mix of legacy acts, cult favorites, and emerging talents. While the full lineup is yet to be unveiled, early announcements suggest appearances by acts such as Discipline, IZZ, and Dave Kerzner. With workshops, artist panels, and immersive performances, ProgStock remains a vital platform for the genre’s ongoing vitality and innovation.
A Genre in Constant Motion**
2025 is proving that progressive rock is far from a relic of the past. With contributions from genre legends and bold new voices alike, the scene remains vibrant and adventurous. Whether through reissued classics, daring debuts, or immersive tours, prog continues to inspire a global audience that values complexity, emotion, and musical imagination. As fans gather in concert halls and festivals this year, they do so not merely to remember the past—but to witness the future of progressive rock unfold in real time.
