Prog Radio | Album Review | ''Rogue'' by Glass Hammer

Album Review

Have a new album you'd like us to review? Let us know.

4.5

Stars

Rogue

Glass Hammer

491

USA

With Rogue, Glass Hammer embarks on a more melodic and introspective journey, dialing back the heavy, darker tones of their recent releases in favor of something warmer and more reflective. The album unfolds as a narrative of redemption and personal reckoning, following a man who confronts his regrets in search of peace. It’s a return to the band’s symphonic roots in many ways, while also offering something fresh and immediate.

The lineup on Rogue blends familiar names with fresh faces. Co-founder Steve Babb continues to anchor the band’s vision as bassist and producer, joined by longtime collaborators Fred Schendel, Reese Boyd, and former GH guitarist David Wallimann (who last appeared with the band in the mid-2000s). But much of the spotlight is on the new blood: vocalists Thomas Jakob (Netherlands) and Olivia Tharpe (USA) both make their Glass Hammer debuts here. Tharpe’s performances—particularly on “Pretty Ghost” and “Sunshine”—deserve praise for their emotional clarity and warmth. While female singers have been a recurring part of Glass Hammer's history, Olivia brings a distinctive presence and marks her first foray—as far as I'm aware—into the prog scene with this release.

Rogue trades some of the band’s recent heaviness for melody and warmth, a shift that might surprise or even disappoint fans looking for their darker, metal-edged sound. But for Prog Radio, where the sweet spot is melodic and accessible prog, Rogue couldn’t be a better fit.

They’re joined by a diverse international cast, including guitarist Oliver Day (UK), keyboardist Ariel Perchuk (Argentina), and drummer Evgeni Obruchkov (Poland), giving Rogue a collaborative, global feel.

Musically, Rogue blends soaring synths, classic prog guitar flourishes, and tight songwriting. “What If?” opens the album on an optimistic note, while tracks like “The Road South” and “Tomorrow” explore the protagonist’s internal struggle. The instrumental “One Last Sunrise” and the expansive “Terminal Lucidity” show off the band’s dynamic range, before the album closes with the hopeful and redemptive “All Good Things.”

In all, Rogue stands as a strong entry in the Glass Hammer catalog—both a thematic journey and a musical reset. It trades some of the band’s recent heaviness for melody and warmth, a shift that might surprise or even disappoint fans looking for their darker, metal-edged sound. But for Prog Radio, where the sweet spot is melodic and accessible prog, Rogue couldn’t be a better fit. It’s rich in emotion, beautifully arranged, and a welcome reminder of how powerful Glass Hammer can be when leaning into melody.

Tune in to Prog Radio to hear tracks from Rogue in our new music rotation, and featured on Monday’s episode of "What’s New Proggy Cats?" Plus, don’t miss Scot Lade and Kevin Carmony’s interview with Steve Babb, co-founder of Glass Hammer, during this Sunday’s Prog Corner Live Sunday Stream.

4.5 Stars