Dominic Sanderson – Blazing Revelations (self-release, 2025)
Few young artists in progressive rock make the leap from promising debut to commanding presence as quickly as Dominic Sanderson. With Blazing Revelations, the 25-year-old guitarist, vocalist, and composer delivers an ambitious, unapologetically sprawling statement that confirms his place as one of the genre’s brightest new voices.
Notably, Blazing Revelations was recorded over ten months in an abandoned radio station. The album stretches across just four tracks, but packs in enough stylistic turns to rival the classic epics of the 1970s.
Stylistically, Sanderson and his band treat the listener to a wondrous world of various progressive rock influences, from dramatic vocals, majestic Mellotron swells, and sharp guitar lines to beatific pastoral acoustic passages. The record wears its influences openly, Van der Graaf Generator, King Crimson, early Genesis, and the more modern sound of Steven Wilson, although it never lapses into imitation. Instead, it thrives on restless invention.
The opener, “From the Weeping Cradle” (12:00) begins with a rollercoaster of changes, initially with clavinet-fueled time signature changes that lead you to exquisite ‘Topographic’ Mellotron, chaotic saxophone (my least favorite part of the album), and fine organ and guitar solos. Soft vocals appear midway through the track and get more and more intense, louder and dramatic, deeply influenced by Peter Hamill (Van der Graaf Generator) joined by a fabulous Floydian guitar solo. A thrilling opener.
“Faithless Folly” (10:27) presents mesmerizing guitar and whispered, layered vocals that give way to a heavy beat with Crimsonesque odd-meters, and Anglagard-style Mellotron and flutes. Additionally, Sanderson introduces Canterbury-style jazzy passages and guitars plus Peter Hammill-style vocals and Van der Graaf–like organ vigor which drive it to a dramatic close.
“A Rite of Wrongs” (6:19) is a superb respite from the storm. Gentle acoustic guitar, glorious Mellotron, hand percussion and epic guitar offer the album’s most cohesive and sublime moment.
Lullaby for a Broken Dream (16:17): The centerpiece. Its Mellotron-rich opening and folky interlude give way to stormy, clavinet-driven passages. Sanderson’s warm, inventive vocals, spellbinding passages, and the band’s interplay culminate in a powerful, majestic finale.
The greatest strength of Blazing Revelations lies in its daring scope and band chemistry. Tristan Apperley’s violin and bass work and Embiye Adalı’s array of vintage keyboards enrich the sound far beyond what most would expect from a sophomore record. The production feels warm and organic, avoiding the sterile polish and metal intrusions that hamper modern prog.
Blazing Revelations is one of 2025’s finest progressive rock releases. In fact it represents the most exciting development in UK prog-rock scene in recent years.
Musicians: Dominic Sanderson on electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals, Mellotron; Tristan Apperley on bass, violin; Jacob Hackett on drums, percussion: Embiye Adalı on Mellotron, Hammond organ, clavinet, Fender Rhodes, piano; and Andy Frizell on tenor, alto and baritone saxophone, flute.
Guests: Joshua Joyner on percussion; Massimo Pieretti on piano.
Lyrics for tracks 1-3 by Dominic Sanderson. Lyrics for track 4 by Matthew Sanderson and Dominic Sanderson.
Artwork by Matthew Sanderson
Engineered and mixed by Joshua Joyner. Mastered by Jon Astley at Close To The Edge Studios.
Buy Blazing Revelations.