Once upon a musical journey, nestled in the enchanting landscapes of Scotland, emerged Gregor Docherty, a virtuoso guitarist and songwriter on a quest to redefine the boundaries of progressive metal. With 25 years of wielding the guitar as his weapon of choice, Docherty has become a maestro known for his outrageous technical prowess and a penchant for incorporating elements of Scottish folk music into the intricate tapestry of his compositions.
“I am an instrumental artist based in Scotland. My signature sound is known for outrageous and over-the-top technical guitar work, always seeking to push the boundaries of what can be done on the instrument,” Docherty begins, setting the stage for a conversation that unveils the layers of his musical odyssey.
The Genesis
Docherty’s musical journey began at the tender age of 12, influenced by luminaries like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and the iconic Megadeth and Metallica. As he delved into the realms of progressive metal, artists such as Nevermore, Ayreon, and Dream Theater became guiding lights, shaping his unique musical identity.
“I got into progressive metal at an early age, with artists including Nevermore, Ayreon, Outworld, Dream Theater, Blind Guardian, Vanden Plas, Symphony X, Shawn Lane, and Allan Holdsworth as key influences,” Docherty shares, reflecting on the roots that anchor his creative expression.
The Featured Track
Diving into the heart of the interview, Docherty unfolds the narrative behind his featured track on the “Progstravaganza: Harmony in Complexity” compilation, titled “The Dark Vision (As the Price of Your Present Glory).”
“The track is largely about doing everything right but still failing and being left with difficult consequences and choices,” Docherty explains. He draws inspiration from Herodotus’s account of the story of Croesus, weaving a tale of wealth and power that fails to secure ultimate happiness. The echoes of Alastair Reynold‘s ‘Absolution Gap’ reverberate through the song, adding layers of complexity to its thematic depth.
The Creative Alchemy
With a meticulous approach to composition, Docherty unravels his creative process, a journey that spans four years for his recent album, “Met by Empyreus Fire.” Concepts precede the notes, and the writing process involves the organic emergence of ideas, avoiding any forced imposition.
“There has to be a concept in place before the writing can begin. The writing process can be extremely long, in this case, it was 4 years,” Docherty elucidates, offering a glimpse into the intricate web of musical creation.
The Influential Currents
As the conversation flows, Docherty pays homage to his influences, acknowledging the giants on whose shoulders he stands. From the pioneers like Vai and Satriani to the intricate landscapes painted by Nevermore and Symphony X, each artist has left an indelible mark on Docherty’s musical soul.
The Industry Odyssey
The path of a progressive metal artist is not without its challenges. Docherty reflects on the evolving music industry and the struggle to find a niche audience amidst the vast sea of musical offerings.
“The world of music has changed dramatically since I released my debut album in 2011. Finding an audience in a very niche area of music has remained a challenge throughout my music journey,” Docherty acknowledges, recognizing the shifting tides of the industry.
The Vision for Tomorrow
As Docherty envisions the future, he expresses his hope for the enduring format of albums, resisting the trend of short-form content. His ambition is to continue crafting long, complex pieces that contribute to the progressive metal genre’s legacy.
“My hope is that the format of albums remains, especially as many of the projects I work on are to a degree concept albums,” Docherty shares, a guardian of the album format in an era of fleeting attention spans.
The Chronicles of Triumph
In the tapestry of his musical journey, Docherty points to the completion of his 4th and 5th studio albums as pivotal moments. The Herculean effort invested in the recording and production processes becomes a testament to his unwavering dedication.
“I remember booking time off from work so that I could record acoustic guitar parts. It was a long and brutal journey but I am glad with how things turned out,” Docherty reminisces, a warrior emerging victorious from the battlefield of musical creation.
Personal Reflections
Amongst his vast catalog, Docherty identifies standout tracks, particularly drawn to the epic narratives of “Place Of Execution (This Is Unendurable, If Only Peace Would Come)” and “Met By Empyreus Fire (The Navigator, In Terminal Decline).”
“The scale, narrative, and complexity around them are probably the biggest I have ever written,” Docherty shares, a proud architect of musical sagas.
The Uncharted Path Ahead
As the interview nears its crescendo, Docherty offers a glimpse into the future, hinting at a constant flow of new music and a venture into more acoustic realms. His eyes set on collaborations and the prospect of returning to live performances, the maestro remains an eternal seeker of musical horizons.
The Compilation Experience
Being a part of the “Progstravaganza: Harmony in Complexity” compilation is an honor Docherty cherishes. He commends the seamless and enjoyable experience of being part of a platform that introduces his music to a wider audience.
“I am extremely honored to be involved in this compilation. The experience has been very easy and enjoyable,” Docherty expresses his gratitude to Prog Sphere for the opportunity.
The Message to the Audience
In a heartfelt message to his newfound audience, Docherty extends his gratitude to those who embark on the sonic journey he crafts. “If you have listened to my music and have enjoyed it, then that’s something that I will always be grateful for, and I thank you for it,” he humbly acknowledges.
The Quickfire Round:
In a quickfire round, Docherty reveals his dreams of collaborating with the late Shawn Lane and laments missing the chance to witness Nevermore live. If he were to master another instrument, it would be the piano, and his all-time favorite progressive metal album is Symphony X‘s ‘The Odyssey.’
The Multifaceted Influences
Delving into the non-musical influences that permeate his compositions, Docherty cites literature, art, and science as crucial pillars. From World War I narratives to science fiction concepts, his music is a tapestry woven from the threads of Ernst Junger, Alastair Reynolds, and other literary luminaries.
The Closing Cadence
As the interview draws to a close, Docherty leaves a parting note of gratitude to the audience. “Just to say thank you kindly for having a listen, it is greatly appreciated and I hope you enjoyed it,” he expresses with a blend of humility and passion.
The Encore
For those eager to explore more of Docherty’s sonic landscapes, he provides a trail of digital breadcrumbs leading to his website and social media platforms.
The symphony of Gregor Docherty’s progressive metal continues to reverberate, inviting all who appreciate the marriage of complexity and innovation in musical realms.
