Here are some quick thoughts on recent stuff that I heard:
Echolyn - When the Sweet Turns Sour
   
  Found it used, worth it, but nothing special.
Redgy Emond - Shere
  Found it used, worth it.  Strong compositions of the heavy symphonic
  type.  Keyboard player that plays all parts.  Despite a effective
  programming job, it would have been nice with live instruments.
  Look for a review in nex Expose.
Ars Nova - Transi
  Very well done in the ELP power trio style.  Was not impressed with
  what little I heard from the first one but this sounds fine.
The Flower Kings - Retropolis
  If you like the first two...
Hoyry-Kone - Hyonteisia voi rakasta
  Without any doubt, one of the best recent releases I have heard. Song
  by song they can be compared with just about anything but as a whole,
  this release is one of a kind.  Simply superb !
Atlas - Bla vardag
  Fine instrumental music that must have inspired Anglagard.  Nothing
  outstanding but very solid.
Tempest - Turn of the Wheel
  Rock delivery of folk inspired songs.  Comparisons with Jethro Tull
  are obvious but the influence is well assimilated.  Nice touch by
  the mandolin, vocals, flutes and violin.
Isildurs Bane - The Voyage
  Takes a bit of getting used to.  Mostly quiet with strong presence
  from the piano, violin and cello.  Heavyer parts are easy to get into.
Deus Ex Machina - Diacronie Metronomiche
  Those who were fortunate enough to see them must have a sore butt...
  ...that's not from sitting still I imagine.
Il Berlione - both
  Not as good as I thought, based on strong expectations.  Don't care
  much for the sax playing but very original and full of energy.  Has
  that urban-schizo quality that you find in Happy Family but shows a
  bit more melodic work.
Also heard some other stuff but either didn't care for it or didn't
heard enough.  Ex: Trey Gunn, Tipographica, Catweazle, Zello, etc...
By now,
Paul C.
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