Author: progsphere
As part of our Progotronics 51 compilation, we’re excited to feature an interview with Samuli Manu, guitarist of Finnish rock/jazz fusion band Elektric Rokband. With their latest single, Aurora, set for release on April 4, the band brings a delicate blend of cinematic soundscapes, progressive rock, jazz, and Finnish folk influences. In this interview, Samuli discusses the inspiration behind Aurora, the band’s evolving sound, and what the future holds for their upcoming album. Your new single Aurora is set to release on April 4 and is featured on Prog Sphere’s Progotronics 51 compilation. How do you feel about the track being included in this series? I’m genuinely thrilled and…
From the soulful tones of the Hammond B3 to the complex melodies of jazz fusion, composer and multi-instrumentalist Justin Gusmano has embarked on a musical journey that is as heartfelt as it is dynamic. With the release of his debut album, Forever Alive, Gusmano blends his deep-rooted love for progressive rock, blues, and jazz with a passion for evocative storytelling through music. His path has been shaped by legendary influences, world-class collaborations, and a dedication to giving back to his community. In this interview, we delve into the inspirations behind Forever Alive, the impact of working with renowned producer James Lugo, and…
One of Asheville, North Carolina’s hottest rising psych-rock bands, The Snozzberries, return today with a live-from-studio single, “Durt Nap”—a follow-up to their excellent self-titled album released in November last year. Prog Sphere is thrilled to premiere “Durt Nap” exclusively; watch the video below. Written by guitarist Ethan Heller, with co-writing by bassist Josh Clark, “Durt Nap” is a high-energy psych-rock anthem featuring a crunchy, memorable guitar hook, soaring three-part vocal harmonies, and a time-bending bridge section. Lyrically, the track explores gluttony and hedonism, as the listener is invited to “gobble down the pig fat” in this breakneck, thrash-metal-infused journey. The band shared: “‘Durt Nap’ is the first in a series of live-studio singles we’ll be releasing this year. The song’s…
Germany’s Magic and Medicine is a young band navigating the world of progressive rock with a mix of diverse influences. Formed in 2021, the group blends elements of classical music, musicals, singer-songwriter traditions, and even death metal. Their self-titled debut EP (review here), released in January, is a glimpse into their evolving sound. The band came together naturally, sparked by a mutual love for progressive music. Founding members Bernhard (keys) and Björn (guitar) had long been involved in music, and the pandemic gave them the push to form a band. “Hey, I have a friend who is an awesome singer who is…
There’s something deeply satisfying about discovering up-and-coming artists—those whose music carries the raw energy of something still in the process of being fully realized, yet already powerful enough to shake you to the core. It’s that moment when you hear a song for the first time and everything clicks. You instantly know you’ve stumbled upon something special. That pursuit of fresh sounds, that constant search for new, exciting music, is what drives me. It’s what makes this journey so thrilling—because every once in a while, you find an artist who reminds you why you fell in love with music in…
French-born, Australia-based multi-instrumentalist and composer Sebastien Laloue returns with Old School Garage, the third album from his progressive/alternative rock project, Brainsqueezed. Independently released on February 7, 2025, the album is a sonic kaleidoscope, combining the echoes of classic rock giants like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin with the grunge energy of Soundgarden and the atmospheric textures of trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack. The result is a compelling and deeply personal exploration of nostalgia, modern struggles, and artistic evolution. From the opening track “Fix the Play,” Old School Garage immediately transports the listener into Laloue’s world—a place where vintage rock aesthetics meet contemporary introspection. This…
In the early 2000s, a handful of visionary bands sculpted a form of heavy metal that blended its crushing intensity with the sprawling vastness of post-rock. This hybrid style provides musicians with an unbounded canvas, one where every stroke is painted in deep, muted tones. The traditional rules of structure, melody, and texture dissolve, as long as the music drifts into shadowy, introspective realms. Any sense of triumph feels hard-won, emerging not from the music itself but in defiance of its inherent weight. EVERYTHING/EVERYWHERE by Jettisunn Over the years, post-metal has become a well-defined genre, and Jettisunn, a rising force…
Exploring the discography of Boston-based instrumental progressive rock/metal virtuoso Peter Karapatsas and his project, Sound the Sirens, one can discern a consistent ability to make intricate musicianship feel exhilarating and dynamic. With his latest release, Imaginary Gravity (set to drop on May 23, 2025), this tradition remains unbroken. Karapatsas skillfully maintains a firm grasp on melody and rhythm while simultaneously upholding the high technical benchmarks he has previously established. Imaginary Gravity by Sound The Sirens For an album of this nature, collaborations often play a significant role, yet Karapatsas has shouldered the majority of the workload himself. The only exceptions are the…
French-born, Australia-based multi-instrumentalist and composer Sebastien Laloue returns with Old School Garage, the third album from his progressive/alternative rock project Brainsqueezed. Independently released on February 7, 2025, the album is a kaleidoscope of influences spanning four decades—from the classic rock sounds of Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin to the grunge energy of Soundgarden and the atmospheric textures of trip-hop pioneers like Massive Attack. Old School Garage blends nostalgia with reflections on modern struggles, showcasing Laloue’s evolution as a musician and storyteller. In this interview, he shares the inspiration behind the album, the creative process of fusing different genres, and his thoughts on…
Melbourne-based progressive rock and metal composer Leonard Kopilas has long been an envelope-pushing force in genre-defying music. With six solo albums to his name and experience performing with esteemed acts like Vanishing Point and Gamma Ray, his career reflects both relentless creativity and continuous evolution. His latest release, Sigma, unveiled this February, serves as yet another bold statement—combining complex songwriting and enchanting production into a sound quest that challenges and lures in equal measure. Sigma by Leonard Kopilas Refreshingly concise and engagingly written, Sigma offers more thoughtful instrumentation and exhilarating moments than its predecessors. Limitations breed creativity, and the leads…