This list of best progressive rock albums of 2021 is undeniably very subjective. The list presents my favorite albums. Unfortunately, I may have missed out on some gems out there. The progressive rock scene is very disperse, with few professional publicists so it is hard to identify all the new releases out there. Additionally, I don’t rank. Enjoy!
Jordsjø – Pastoralia
Jordsjø – Pastoralia (Karisma Records, 2021). Norwegian band Jordsjø gets better and better and has matured into one of the finest progressive rock acts in the international scene.
Rachel Flowers – Bigger on the Inside
Rachel Flowers – Bigger on the Inside (Rachel Flower Music, 2021). A brilliant multi-instrumentalist and equally good vocalist.
frostlake – The Weight of Clouds
frostlake – The Weight of Clouds (Discus Music, 2021). A spellbinding album on the folk side of progressive rock.
Ciccada – Harvest
Ciccada – Harvest (Bad Elephant Music, 2021). This excellent album totally flew under my radar until a dear colleague recently sent me a copy of the album for Christmas. Ciccada is a superb band from Athens, Greece. Their music is a masterful combination of classic progressive symphonic rock with Medieval and Renaissance influences as well as jazz elements.
Magenta – Angels And Damned
Magenta – Angels And Damned (Tigermoth Records, 2021). Fantastic double album from one of the finest acts in the British scene.
Benjamin Croft – Far And Distant Things
Benjamin Croft – Far And Distant Things (Ubuntu Music, 2021). Masterful mix of various progressive rock sub-genres, ranging from symphonic to fusion and neo-Canterbury.
Stefano Lupo Galifi – Dei Ricordi, un Museo
Stefano Lupo Galifi – Dei Ricordi, un Museo (Ams Records, 2021). One of the most talented vocalists in the Italian scene, former Museo Rosenbach singer Stefano Lupo Galifi, returned with a fantastic album deeply rooted in classic rock progresivo italiano (Italian progressive rock).
Needlepoint – Walking Up That Valley
Needlepoint – Walking Up That Valley (Bjk Music, 2021). Needlepoint (Norway) makes lovely, charming, and feelgood albums with absorbing vocals and bits of Canterbury, folk and symphonic rock elements.
Dewa Budjana – Naurora
Dewa Budjana – Naurora (Moonjune Records, 2021). The guitar wizard from Indonesia makes some of the finest progressive fusion in the current scene, intensely flavored with captivating Indonesian influences.
Scott Kinsey & Mer Sal – Adjustments
Scott Kinsey & Mer Sal – Adjustments (Blue Canoe Records, 2021). This recording leans heavily towards the fusion jazz side. A magical encounter between a keyboard master and a fabulous, rising vocalist/bassist.
Cast – Vigesimus
Cast – Vigesimus (Progressive Promotion Records, 2021). Long-lasting Mexican proggers, still vibrant and satisfying.
Best Reissue
Popol Vuh – Vol. 2 – Acoustic & Ambient Spheres (BMG). Boxed set featuring four essential albums from legendary German band Popol Vuh.
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For a different perspective, read Professor Mark’s Top Progressive Rock Albums of 2021