Dennis Atlas "Principle" ALBUM REVIEW [80s Prog-inspired Hard Rock/ Arena Rock]

by Dean Wolfe, Prog Dog Media            (released May 2026).

This album would earn a perfect score from me if every track matched the closing song, “We Can Be the Future.” It overflows with optimism and a kind of hyperactive, almost nuclear-squirrel energy that captures what Dennis Atlas seems to be all about.

That track makes me want to grow my frickin’ hair long, crank the CD in the car stereo, and blast it while cruising down the nearest main drag with the roof down—ideally with a couple of my bros perched in the back.

This is what I’d call kick-ass, ’80s prog-inspired, big-hair rock. I’d place it in the same general spirit as Journey and Styx: energetic, melodic American rock with a progressive edge.

And it’s simply fun. This is the kind of music I’d put on at a party where plenty of beer—or root beer—was being served.

Given Dennis Atlas’s relative youth (still in his 20s), he stands out as someone who can convincingly channel the prog and rock traditions of a bygone era—one marked by unapologetic optimism and fist-pumping energy. He can wail vocally just as effortlessly as he can fly across the keyboard, making him a truly impressive and versatile musician.

Of course, Dennis Atlas didn’t create this album entirely on his own. He had some remarkable support on Principle. As the newest keyboardist and member of Toto, he has earned the respect of some legendary musicians, several of whom contributed to the album, including Steve Lukather and Bumblefoot (known for his work with Asia and Guns N' Roses).

“Violent Power” was the first track I heard before reviewing the album, and it immediately convinced me that this was an artist worth paying attention to. It’s an adrenaline-charged opener that gets me completely fired up—before long, my fists are pumping in the air.

I wish there were a bit more jazz-inspired passages like the ones in “Save It for Tomorrow.” If Dennis Atlas leaned further into that side of his musical personality, I’d be very happy. The song is packed with shifting time signatures and unexpected twists and turns, along with a tasteful saxophone solo that adds another layer of sophistication. And throughout it all, you can hear some wonderful inspiration from the adventurous spirit of 1970s progressive rock.

Then there’s Dennis Atlas’s cheeky sense of musical playfulness, which comes through strongly on the instrumental “Candy on Mars.” The track is driven by some seriously funky bass lines and the kind of whimsical keyboard flourishes that could become one of his trademarks. It’s impossible for me to hear those lighthearted touches without smiling.

I love the positivity Atlas displays. I believe this is the quality that is going to serve him well into the future. Those moments on the album that he just lets go and rips are great. Always nice to have an uplifting party album to reach for in the collection. 

If you’re a party-pooper, this album may not be for you. Dennis Atlas is filling a much-needed niche, delivering unapologetically fun, high-energy progressive rock with genuine heart.

I’m giving "Principle" 4 out of 5 Dog Bones.

What a strong year 2026 is proving to be for progressive rock.

My initial favourite tracks are “We Can Be the Future,” “Candy on Mars,” and “Violent Power.”

The only track that feels a little musically awkward to me at times is “When the Monster Attacks,” though the bass and drum work are excellent, and the lyrics are particularly interesting.