Latest Reviews & Interviews
“Traveling through space and time, Dutch art-rocker dives into societal consciousness and other human conditions.“
“…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. “
“Now here is a super cool progressive album released via MoonJune Records in collaboration with Wandering Willow Records, “The Ballad of General Jupiter” is a complete story by Anton Roolaart who continues his steady ascent through the modern progressive landscape — not by chasing trends, but by refining craft.“
“Ultimately, Roolaart isn’t trying to dazzle. The Ballad Of General Jupiter accumulates meaning gradually, leaving a residue rather than a hook. It’s a record that asks for patience and repays it with depth, unfolding less like a statement and more like a shared recollection—quietly assembled, carefully told, and lingering long after the final notes have faded.“
“The progressive Dutch multi-instrumentalist Anton Roolaart , who lived in America for many years, says that the moment that influenced and significantly shaped his musical career, which began at age 13 with classical guitar, was the discovery of the creative world of the 70s and 80s – especially bands like Pink Floyd, Yes (particularly Steve Howe’s guitar playing), Genesis, King Crimson, David Bowie, the Beatles, Cat Stevens, and Neil Young. He even refers to these musicians as his ‘mentors’. Incredible, such diversity, isn’t it? Anyone who listens to the magnificent ” The Ballad of General Jupiter ” will rediscover precisely these influences during the 42 eventful minutes of music and the lyrics, which clearly and directly address even uncomfortable topics.” (translated)
“Words can be an obstacle to enlightenment. For Anton Roolaart, however, as for the great Zen masters, the right lyrics bridge the divide between literal meaning and the truth hidden behind it. The doors don’t have to be cleansed – just say the word and enter the infinite.“
“If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the sonic aesthetics of David Bowie, Pink Floyd, early Genesis, Peter Hammill, and Caravan, Anton Roolaart offers such a progressive-rock musical landscape with his latest album, ” The Ballad of General Jupiter .” The Dutch guitarist paints vivid musical portraits shaped by his creative and artistic imagination, exploring not only personal themes but also broader reflections on a world grappling with chaos, greed, and injustice. ” The Ballad of General Jupiter” was composed and produced entirely by Anton Roolaart. The closing track, ” Yesterday and Today ,” is an exception – written by Jon Anderson of the iconic band Yes.” (translated)
“All in all, The Ballad of General Jupiter is a great way to kick 2026 off with a big bang and hopefully we’ll get to see more from Anton’s next adventure that will be waiting for us in the years to come in the late 2020’s. And what an album it is.“
“With The Ballad of General Jupiter, Anton delivers a work that straddles the line between epic narrative and intimate confession. Drawing on influences ranging from David Bowie , Pink Floyd , and Genesis to Caravan , Anton paints musical portraits exploring personal themes as well as broader reflections on a world grappling with chaos, greed, and injustice.“
“Entirely composed and produced by Anton — except for the closing track Yesterday and Today (written by Jon Anderson of Yes), this album marks another bold step in Anton’s artistic evolution. Blending rich musical textures with evocative and lyrical storytelling, The Ballad of General Jupiter is a collection of sonic tales — snapshots of imagination, emotion, and resilience. With echoes of David Bowie, Pink Floyd, early Genesis and Caravan, Roolaart paints vivid musical portraits shaped by imagination, introspection, and social consciousness as he explores not only personal themes, but also broader reflections on a world grappling with chaos, greed, and injustice.”