Nektar please fans: the reissue of “Mission to Mars”

The progressive rock universe has had pioneers and Nektarborn in Hamburg in 1969 but profoundly British at heart, were among the most daring. Recently, the band revived their legend with a new one limited reissue for 2026 of the album “Mission to Mars” which has rekindled the enthusiasm of lovers of the genre – but also of collectors.

The Nektar Journey to Mars

Originally published in 2024, “Mission to Mars” represents the first chapter of a trilogy conceived by the band and marks a new beginning for Nektar, introducing Jay Dittamo on drums alongside longtime members Ryche Chlanda (guitars and vocals), Kendall Scott (keyboards), Maryann Castello (vocals) and founder Derek “Mo” Moore on bass and vocals.

The album consists of four spanning songs typical sounds of the progintegrated with psychedelic influences and spatial atmospheres:

1. Mission to Mars

2. Long Lost Sunday

3. One Day Hi One Day Lo

4. I’ll Let You In

There title track And a captivating rock opening, a metaphor for inner research and personal growth. “Long Lost Sunday” is a more introspective psychedelic journey, which recalls the atmosphere of “A Tab in the Ocean”, while the 10 minutes of “One Day Hi One Day Lo” constitute the prog pinnacle of the album: complex structures, orchestral synths and excellent rhythmic dynamism.
In the end, “I’ll Let You In” is the exciting and melodic closing, born during the lockdown, which speaks of spiritual opening.

Made alone 32 minutes, the album is a concentration of ideas, dynamics and adventurous melodies that show Nektar still capable of exploring modern sound territories without betraying their classic prog matrix. Nektar have been pioneers of prog music since the late ’60s and “Mission to Mars” continues that tradition of concept album with an epic and visionary imprint, albeit in a more concise form compared to the long suites typical of the past.

The sound is a perfect bridge between krautrock from the origins and the symphonic prog more mature. Despite the absence of the historic Roye Albrighton (who passed away in 2016), Ryche Chlanda’s guitar manages to capture the original spirit while bringing a contemporary freshness.

The reprint

The high weight “aqua blue” vinyl has an extremely limited run: only 300 copies intended for independent shops e 100 hand-numbered and autographed copies by the band, available exclusively through the group’s direct channels. The mastering is careful to preserve the analog warmth typical of the 70s, balancing the dynamics of modern keyboards with the deep groove of the bass of “Mo” Moore, who in fact is the heart of this project, the one who took over the reins of the group after the passing of drummer Ron Howden:

We wanted the vinyl to have a warm sound, with a deep groove to let the bass and drums breathe. This is how Nektar should be listened to.

The use of modern technologies, such as 3D video released for the title trackreveals a band that isn’t afraid to change and evolve, while remaining true to its own historical visual aesthetics (once edited by Mick Brockett).

“Mission to Mars” proves that Nektar still has a vision. The concept of “mission” is not just about spacebut it is a journey towards one’s “higher self”, a theme dear to prog philosophy which today resonates more relevant than ever.