Anton Roolaart - 2026 - The Ballad of General Jupiter

(41:37; Moonjune Records)

This is the third album from Dutch multi-instrumentalist Anton Roolart (vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, synths) who has been joined by Rave Tesar (Renaissance) on piano and keyboards, drummer Bob Kirby, Wouter Schueler (flute, saxophones), Rozh Surchi (backing vocals) and Mark Donato (backing vocals). This is the first time I have come across Anton, and I note it has been more than ten years since his last release, but given how much of this he undertakes himself, perhaps it is not too much of a surprise. This is a carefully constructed and thought through album, which has been heavily influenced by the progressive rock of the early Seventies,  and it is not altogether a surprise to realise that the closing number is a cover of “Yesterday and Today” from Yes’ 1969 debut.

This is an album which does take listening to, as there is a lot going on, and it is easy to let this pass by, but when one pays attention, it is possible to hear the many layers and styles at play. This is very much an English progressive rock album with hints of Yes, Pink Floyd, early Genesis, VDGG, Crimson and others, and when the mandolin comes in and we approach a more Gryphon-like direction in “The Cry of Seven Doves” all I can do each time is smile. The one thing which does let this down somewhat are the vocals, as while Anton has a reasonable singing style, it is not up to the standard of the music and arrangements, which makes this more of an enjoyable release as opposed to essential. It is carefully paced, with plenty of structure, allowing space to be used to assist in creating dynamics, and all instruments having a significant part to play. It feels like a proghead’s prog album, in that it is not as immediate as much of the modern scene but feels modern when placed next to its major influences from 50 years ago. It is one which I have enjoyed this the more I played it, as there is a depth within which only becomes truly apparent when one lives inside, and for fans of this style of music it is certainly worth investigation. 

Kev Rowland, February 2026

Links:
https://antonroolaart.com/
http://www.moonjune.com/