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Anton Roolaart

The Ballad of General Jupiter

Review by Gary Hill
I’ve known Anton Roolaart for years, so that probably factors into this review a little. That said, I try to be as bias-free as possible in my reviews, so hopefully that holds true here. The range of progressive rock on the album is pretty wide, but it all fits into the AOR zone of that genre heading. There is some amazing music here. The disc does a good job of weaving classic prog references into a fresh and unique collage.


This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2026  Volume 1. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2026.

Track by Track Review
Amsterdam

Atmospheric elements are heard as a voice makes an announcement on a train. Mellow vibes hold the track after that. Eventually a more full prog ballad approach takes control. This has a classic prog vibe with some hints of Beatles-like vibes at play.

The Ballad of General Jupiter

Some bluesy guitar starts this. We get a news announcer over the top as it builds. Then it all drops down to a mellower arrangement for some vocals way back in the arrangement. The track builds out from there into something that is along the liens of AOR prog. With some synthetic vocals in the mix amongst real ones, this has elements that make me think of artists ranging from Alan Parsons to ELO and Styx. It has a good balance between hard rocking and mellower modes. There are number of changes and a cool, unusually timed jam really brings almost a fusion vibe.

The Cry of Seven Doves

Trippy mellow vibes get this underway. It builds slowly for a time. Then some cool guitar driven stuff that merges world music, fusion and an almost King Crimson vibe takes control. There is a side quest to a short playful movement. Then it works to more mainstream prog for the entrance of the vocals. I love the heavier, almost metallic part that comes in later. There are some trippy, dreamy psychedelic things at play at times, too. A killer melodic prog vibe emerges after a time. This is a varied and potent progressive rock piece.         

Touch Your Desire

Piano is heard as we get a conversation between two people as a soundbite. Acoustic guitar joins, as the number builds. Then other instruments join, and we’re taken into some killer melodic prog jamming. The track has some unique hard rocking sounds. It shifts and twists and turns as it continues.

Star Child

More melodic prog is on the menu here. I really dig the keyboard presence on the tune. It’s a classy number that works really well. There is a steady intensification as it works its way forward.

Rain

Coming in atmospheric, this builds slowly until an acoustic guitar arrangement and flute line join. That concept with a little evolution, serves as the backdrop for the first vocals. It continues growing organically, but there is a burst of metallic guitar in the mix. There are some world music vocals that show up in the background at times. This is a fresh take on classic prog sounds. This works through quite a few shifts and changes. 

And the Sky Turned Yellow

The flute over hard-rocking arrangement begs comparisons to Jethro Tull. This is another solid rocking prog number.

Yesterday and Today

This is a cover of a song from the very first Yes album. Roolart’s rendition does a good job of bringing the jazzy vibes of the original right out front to really shine. It makes for a nice proggy ballad.

 
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