Riffstone – Mythical Creatures | Progressive Rock Central.com

Riffstone, is a UK progressive rock band, created from the collaboration of two multi-instrumentalists, Dave Allen, of Spirergy and Colin Powell, from A Multitude of One, and Nova Cascade. Their collaboration grew out of a belief in the kind of progressive rock music many of us, who grew up in the 1960s and 70s, were listening to as kids. The band will release their third album, “Mythical Creatures,” on the 1st of May, of this year.

Riffstone’s are Dave Allen, who helps compose the music, sings vocals, plays guitars, keyboards, bass, and does programming. And Colin Powell, from A Multitude of One, and Nova Cascade, who also composes, sings vocals, plays keyboards, guitars, bass, and does programming, production, mixing, and mastering for the band.

Riffstone’s previous releases include: “Richard III,” (their debut); and “Sanctuary Sky Overview.”

The band, as their press release reports, was “Born from a shared passion for narrative-driven prog, Riffstone craft immersive, melodic soundscapes blending atmosphere, history, and mythology with deeply human themes, earning them widespread praise and international radio play.”

“Mythical Creatures,” continues the band’s trajectory of concept-driven progressive rock. “Mythical Creatures,” turns fully toward archetype and symbolism — using legendary beasts as mirrors of the human psyche. Across ten tracks, mythological creatures become psychological forces. The album moves from balance into ambition, through collapse and fragmentation, descending into the abyss before emerging into earned integration.”

“The Griffin,” opens this myth-filled progressive rock composition. It starts with synths and orchestration before bass and drums take over. The vocalist enters to describe the eagle-like creature with four lion-like paws that come in handy during battles with other beats and capturing prey for food. This creature is a very regal creature which lives in the Scythian Mountain in present day central Kazakhstan. They search the sands for veins of gold and other delights.

The next song deals with the ambition and the fire of “The Dragon.” The song opens with some compelling progressive rock bass, drums and wonderful keyboards. Then, the vocalist describes how we all take on aspects of the dragon when we want certain possessions. Some of the keyboard sections bring back memories of early IQ albums.

Destruction and rebirth, are the subject of “The Phoenix.” This powerful eagle-like creature will descend into the fire and return to soar high again. The wonderful keyboards that open this song are some of the best on the album. The electric lead guitar soloing and riffing are also some of the album’s best moments. Later, the bass playing really brings back the memory of Chris Squire and his ability to control the soundscape. They even add in a little quiet electric lead guitar, taking me back to early King Crimson.

Recurring internal conflict, is the subject of “The Hydra.” This song jumps right into great drum sounds, wonderful floating synths and keyboards along with soft electric guitar. The vocals have a computerized sound making the story sound even more formidable. There are some excellent keyboards later which take me back to ELP.

Paralyzing awareness, is the subject behind, “The Basilisk.” This one has a very eerie and weird beginning to it. Keyboards and percussion surrounded with synths. This one sounds like a vocal duet. A fearful story, full of Tony Banks-like keyboards, which sound wonderful. A very dangerous serpent that sneaks up easily on its victims. They call it the king of the serpents.

Distorted power, is the subject behind, “The Manticore.” The song opens with beautiful soft acoustic guitar, before bass and a flute like keyboards join in. The soundscape expands with drums, bass, and electric guitar, as the rhythm and melody pick up.

Dual identity and longing, are two of the themes of “The Selkies.” This song opens with great cymbals and soft piano like notes. Then, the bass and electric lead guitar join in to build the soundscape. This song has a little early Styx sound to it. However, the slower section, which follows, takes you back to Yes, and maybe early Dream Theater. The synthesizers that follow are awesome. The electric guitar solo that closes the song is also excellent!

Fragmentation is the central theme of the song, “The Chimera.” This song opens with regal keyboards and drums. It is a slower, delivered song, with great electric guitar, bass and keyboards.

The subconscious vastness is the theme behind the all – powerful, “Leviathan.” This song is slower and develops a strong soundscape built on flute keys, synthesizers, unique electric and acoustic guitar, and bass.

Restored wholeness, is the subject and theme of “The Unicorn.” This one is the happiest song on the album. Wonderful light keyboards open this one along with the two band members singing, “Do, do, do, do,” in a very happy melody.

I really enjoyed Riffstones’ “Mythical Creatures,” journey through some of the most dangerous mythical beast the world has imagined. Their original work and composition bring back warm memories of the music I used to listen to in the past. I can hear reminders of early Pallas, IQ, Yes, Genesis, Styx, and other bands I know and loved. If you need to hear something that will take you back to a better time, free from tariffs and global decline, “Mythical Creatures,” is just the antidote that you have been searching for to relieve the pain.

Album Track List: