From the frigid northern reaches of Minnesota comes Sentient Machine, a progressive metal project with a deeply introspective core. On March 8, mastermind Micah Devereaux unveiled Metamorphosis, an EP that straddles death metal’s intensity, progressive twists, and melodic beauty. But this release is far from new—it’s a resurrection.
“These songs were originally recorded over ten years ago,” Devereaux reveals. “I just didn’t have the confidence to release them back then.” Only recently did he rediscover the old mixes buried in an aging hard drive. With modern mastering tools and a decade of growth behind him, Devereaux finally felt ready to share them. “I’m very proud of these old songs and am happy to finally share them!”
Metamorphosis is aptly named. Beneath its science fiction narrative lies a personal transformation. “I was going through some major dissatisfaction with my life at the time,” Micah says. “Though the lyrics tell a sci-fi story, they’re a metaphor for my own need to change and grow. I knew I needed to make changes if I wanted to flourish and be happy—hence the title.”
Sonically, Sentient Machine is difficult to pin down. A fusion of progressive metal, death metal, and melody-driven dynamics, the project deliberately resists easy categorization. “I prefer being harder to define,” Devereaux says. “My goal is to be uniquely myself as a songwriter. I do wear my influences on my sleeve, but I like the idea of mixing beauty and the beast—the heavy with the melodic.”
That balancing act is evident throughout Metamorphosis. Devereaux acknowledges the tightrope walk between complexity and accessibility. “I wanted to write music that musicians could appreciate for its depth, but also have hooks and melody that make it more accessible. That’s the greatest challenge I enjoy taking on.”
The EP’s creative process was intense and immersive. “At the time I was young, full of ambition, and between jobs,” he laughs. “I’d wake up and work on music until I went to sleep. That kind of focus let me fine-tune everything.” That attention to detail remains, even in how he pushes himself creatively. On the closing track of his earlier Interstellar Memoirs, he threw away his guitar pick mid-session. “I challenged myself to record everything with my fingers—slapping, tapping, plucking. Even the sweep picking! It gave the track a unique sound.”
Originally conceived in Illinois, Sentient Machine never made it to the stage, but relocating to Minnesota brought new opportunities. Devereaux now handles vocals for local band Domidium, which has deepened his connection to the region’s metal scene. “I’ve met a lot of wonderful people and amazing musicians here,” he says. “Playing shows with Domidium has opened a lot of doors.”
Still, the vision of bringing Sentient Machine to a live setting remains unrealized. “I’ve tried a few times to get a band together to play this material, but it never quite worked out,” he admits. “It’s hard to find people who can not only play this kind of music but also embrace someone else’s creative quirks.” His advice to young musicians? “Learn to do everything yourself—write, record, produce. That way, you’re never stuck waiting on anyone else to share your music with the world.”
Lyrically, the songs on Metamorphosis are deeply personal, though often cloaked in metaphor. “Many of the songs were me working through things—being vulnerable, which I think gives people something to connect with.” That raw honesty, wrapped in complex rhythms and emotional melodies, gives the EP its resonance.
Devereaux cites The Contortionist and Between the Buried and Me as key influences from the time he originally wrote the EP, though he stresses the importance of a broad musical palate. “You never know what might inspire you. I think it’s crucial to keep an open mind beyond just metal.”
As for what’s next, fans can expect more from the vaults. “I have a decent backlog of unreleased material I’d love to revisit if I find the time,” he says. But most of his energy is now focused on Domidium’s upcoming second album. “It’s important to keep busy—and with music, I’m always busy.”
Check out Metamorphosis on Bandcamp.
