Xcarnation is the brainchild of Turkish guitarist, composer and producer Cenk Eroglu, and is a solid blend of alternative and progressive rock, while also mixing in touches of Eroglu’s Eastern musical influences. There’s talent galore on this album, which includes a studio lineup of bassist Kip Winger (who sings, wrote one track and co-wrote another), and also drummers Pat Mastelloto of King Crimson and Rog Morgenstein of the Dixie Dregs.

The songs on Grounded range from the Nine Inch Nails-like opener, “Personal Antichrist” to the catchy ballad “Without You,” and a staple of modern progressive numbers. But it’s the tinges of Eroglu’s Eastern roots on songs like “Everlasting” and “Reason to Believe” in addition to the outstanding musicianship that makes the album stand apart.

Favorite Track: Track 2, “Everlasting”