Stephen Murray, the mastermind behind the instrumental progressive metal project Sun Raven, recently unveiled his sophomore album Morphology. In this album, Murray takes listeners on a genre-spanning journey, blending intricate musical styles in a way that challenges the boundaries of progressive metal. As both guitarist and songwriter for the one-man band, Murray delves into complex musical frameworks and personal growth, shaping the identity of Morphology.
The essence of Morphology lies in its exploration of how different musical styles can seamlessly coexist. “The idea of one style of music morphing into another has always interested me,” Murray explains. He’s fascinated by how disparate elements can be brought together into something cohesive and engaging. “I look at music as a whole, then choose my favorite elements and fuse them together in a way that’s interesting and entertaining to listen to.” This philosophy drives the album’s distinctive sound, blending metal grooves with progressive rock elements in ways that feel fresh, even as they nod to the past.
For Murray, the creative process behind Morphology came with its own set of challenges. Having already established the sound of Sun Raven with his first album, he faced the task of expanding that identity without losing its core essence. “The challenge with the second album was trying to bring in elements of classic prog rock but making them sound more modern,” he says. He wanted to incorporate these traditional elements while allowing them to coexist with the heavier, groove-driven aspects of metal. A unique challenge for him was balancing the lead guitar parts with the overall composition: “Having lead guitar parts and solos but not making them the focus of the songs, while still making them interesting without vocals, is challenging.” This delicate balance is key to the album’s ability to keep listeners engaged across instrumental tracks.
Listeners coming to Morphology for the first time can expect a wide-ranging sonic experience. “It’s an exploration of sounds that cross genres with a foundation in heavy music,” Murray describes. While rooted in progressive metal, the album defies easy categorization, pushing the boundaries of genre while maintaining a cohesive identity. Sun Raven’s music invites listeners to be open-minded, as Murray hopes to initiate a broader appreciation of how different styles can intersect and influence each other. “Being more open-minded about different styles of music and realizing all music is related” is a message Murray hopes resonates through the album.
Over the years, Murray’s understanding of song arrangement has evolved significantly. His growth as a musician has allowed him to embrace more complexity in his compositions. “As I’ve become a more experienced musician, learning how scales relate to chords and understanding odd time signatures, this has opened up more ways to make unique music,” he reflects. Early in his career, the mechanics of music presented a challenge. Now, with a more developed understanding of musical theory, Murray approaches songwriting with a much broader toolkit, allowing him to create intricate, unpredictable arrangements.
When it comes to composition, Murray strives to avoid falling into predictable patterns. “I try to avoid riffs, melodies, and solos that sound like they’ve been done to death,” he says. Constantly pushing himself to craft something original, Murray’s commitment to innovation is evident throughout Morphology. The album offers a listening experience that feels both familiar and new, blending elements of classic prog and modern metal in unexpected ways.
Beyond music, non-musical entities play a significant role in shaping Murray’s creative process. Nature, in particular, serves as a major influence on his work. “I write a lot of music outside in nature. I get inspiration from the feeling of freedom that being in nature gives me,” he shares. Even the rhythmic sounds of birds can inspire his compositions. Human relationships, too, seep into his music, adding an emotional depth to the instrumental pieces. “Life experiences definitely find their way into the vibe of the music at times,” he adds, hinting at the personal introspection that underpins his creative work.
For aspiring musicians, Murray has simple but valuable advice: “Play and write music you like and want to hear. Don’t try to please or prove yourself to others.” He emphasizes the importance of staying true to one’s own creative instincts, rather than chasing external validation. “If you like what you create, that’s all that really matters. If others like it too, then that’s a bonus,” he affirms.
Morphology marks a significant milestone in Stephen Murray‘s ongoing musical evolution with Sun Raven. The album defies traditional boundaries, blending genres and encouraging listeners to expand their understanding of what progressive metal can be. Murray remains focused on pushing the limits of his creativity while staying loyal to his artistic vision—a guiding principle that defines his distinctive presence in the progressive metal world.
Morphology is out now and is available from Bandcamp. Follow Sun Raven on Facebook and Instagram.
