
David West
After starting his writing career covering the unforgiving world of MMA, David moved into music journalism at Rhythm magazine, interviewing legends of the drum kit including Ginger Baker and Neil Peart. A regular contributor to Prog, he’s written for Metal Hammer, The Blues, Country Music Magazine and more. The author of Chasing Dragons: An Introduction To The Martial Arts Film, David shares his thoughts on kung fu movies in essays and videos for 88 Films, Arrow Films, and Eureka Entertainment. He firmly believes Steely Dan’s Reelin’ In The Years is the tuniest tune ever tuned.
Latest articles by David West

Cynic - Ascension Codes: "a fitting testament to fallen friends and colleagues"
By David West published
Not yet ratedProg metal visionaries rise above loss and grief to deliver an emotional yet dazzling comeback album.

Leprous - Aphelion: "Entering uncharted territory, proving utterly fearless..."
By David West published
Not yet ratedNorwegian art rock acrobats unveil their boldest, most heartfelt creation to date.

Inside Wobbler's universe: monsters, blizzards and analogue keys
By David West published
As Wobbler emerge from the murky depths of the human psyche with Dwellers Of The Deep, the Norwegian band talk to Prog about not searching for perfection, why we’re all both gods and monsters, and mastering the art of knowing when to stop

We tracked down Jucifer, the band that inspired Sound Of Metal
By David West published
Jucifer’s Gazelle Amber Valentine on inspiring Darius Marder’s Sound Of Metal, the realities of living on the road, and why they haven’t watched the film

Hedvig Mollestad on taming the mother of monsters on Ekhidna
By David West published
Smashing the boundaries between rock and jazz, Hedvig Mollestad tells Prog about being inspired by mythological monsters, trusting her listeners to keep up, and why she’s not closing the coffin lid with Ekhidna

Simon Phillips: a drummer's tale
By David West published
Drummer Simon Phillips reflects on a career with Mike Oldfield, The Who, Toto, Jeff Beck, his prog fusion outfit Protocol and more...

12 of the best books about prog for you to read
By Grant Moon, Sid Smith, David West, Mike Barnes, Natasha Scharf, Rachel Mann, Joe Banks, Chris Roberts last updated
Want to catch up on some reading? Here are 12 of the best books about progressive music

Soen - Imperial review
By David West published
Not yet ratedDrama and riffage to bring down an empire.

TesseracT's Portals: A Cinematic Live Experience caught live
By David West published
The UK prog metallers unveiled their new cinematic live stream yesterday

Motorpsycho - The All Is One review
By David West last updated
Not yet ratedA double dose of Norwegian psychedelia

Nick Mason interview: the Pink Floyd man on his Saucerful Of Secrets
By David West published
Nick Mason and band on the joys of improvising, and why they definitely won’t be doing Comfortably Numb

The 10 Best Genesis Songs – voted for by Prog readers
By Chris Roberts, David West, Johnny Sharp published
In Prog Magazine's biggest ever reader vote, you chose your favourite ever Genesis songs...

Arena - Double Vision album review
By David West published
Not yet ratedBombast and big ideas from neo-proggers on top form

Orphaned Land: "Only the good die young. That's the meaning of this album"
By David West published
As frontman for Israeli proggers Orphaned Land, Kobi Farhi passionately wants people to question the world around them. He talks about life, Plato and turning down money from Steve Hackett

Lovebites: "We're not here to be cute, we're here to be heavy"
By David West published
The Japanese metal scene is being turned inside out by a generation of women playing faster, harder and heavier. We talk to the movement’s leaders, Lovebites, about a rising phenomenon

O.R.K at The Underworld, London - live review
By David West published
Not yet ratedA strong performance from prog supergroup featuring members of King Crimson and Porcupine Tree

Jerry Ewing – Wonderous Stories book review
By David West published
Not yet ratedEverything you ever wanted to know about prog but were afraid to ask.

Steve Hackett – Wuthering Nights: Live In Birmingham DVD review
By David West published
Not yet ratedOne foot in the past, one in the future.

Therion – Beloved Antichrist album review
By David West published
Not yet ratedA Night At The Rock Opera.

We Could Build An Empire – In This Place album review
By David West published
Not yet ratedGloom and grunge from Swedes expanding their kingdom.

Simon Phillips Protocol at Ronnie Scott's, London – live review
By David West published
Not yet ratedDrumming ace Simon Phillips at Ronnie Scott’s, London.
Select the newsletters you’d like to receive. Then, add your email to sign up.