Author: progsphere

8.0
Reviews

Coming all the way from Dunedin, New Zealand, Robots in Love, an electronic rock quartet, brings their unique blend of sound to Progotronics 47 with their latest single, “The Sequel.” Combining synth-driven melodies, industrial grit, and hard-hitting metal elements, the track delivers an auditory experience that challenges the listener in the most exhilarating way possible. Led by the magnetic and dynamic frontwoman Elenor Rayner, Robots in Love seamlessly merge the raw energy of metal with the hypnotic pulse of electronic music. With “The Sequel,” the band might just invent a new form of expression—headbang dancing. If such a concept didn’t exist before, this group from New Zealand ensures it becomes…

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For Kevin Martins’ project Velvetic it can be said that it is a creation synonymous with versatility. From his work in alternative and progressive metal projects like Isotype and Malaphors to his forays into electronic soundscapes, the São Paulo-based multi-instrumentalist and producer is building a career around exploring the boundaries of genre. With Ephemeris, his latest release under the Velvetic moniker, Martins has channeled this experience into an ambitious concept album that chronicles the journey of life—from birth to death. “The initial concept began after a health scare,” Martins reveals. “It forced me to think about mortality in a much deeper…

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8.0
Reviews

Mind on Vacation is the debut release from Hanover, Germany-based project Ever Else Ends, spearheaded by guitarist and songwriter Nils Boden. With this three-track offering, Boden reimagines post-rock’s modernist tendencies through a meticulously crafted sonic palette. His richly layered instrumentation and thoughtful use of effects create a spacious, rhythmically engaging, and texturally immersive soundscape. The result is an intuitively cinematic and sonically expansive collection that stands out within the genre, pushing beyond the conventional boundaries embraced by many contemporaries. Boden’s approach seamlessly merges self-propelled rock energy, hypnotic reverie, and an element of seduction. Mind On Vacation by Ever Else Ends…

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The Progotronics Championships 47 are heating up as we dive into the second round of this exciting competition! After an intense first round, 16 exceptional artists have advanced to this stage, where they’ll compete in two groups—Group E and Group F—for a chance to move closer to the coveted title. The stakes are higher, the music is more compelling, and the fans are ready to vote for their favorites. Each group features a diverse lineup of progressive artists, representing a broad spectrum of styles and sounds. Fans can cast their votes through the polls embedded below, helping their favorite artists…

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9.0
Reviews

Encountering an album like Nemesis is a genuine delight. While Ontario’s The Wring—founded by guitarist and songwriter Don Dewulf—doesn’t necessarily reinvent the wheel in the progressive rock scene, they certainly have plenty to say. Nemesis marks the group’s fourth full-length release since their self-titled debut in 2017, and it delivers a fresh dose of charisma, character, and passion. With this latest release, The Wring strives to create something genuinely engaging and fun, all while showcasing exceptional musicianship and songwriting prowess. While the album may wear its influences on its sleeve, Nemesis succeeds where many of their peers falter: it grips the listener from start to…

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Nebulaen, a Los Angeles-based progressive metal band, bring together themes of technology, mythology, and psychology into their music. Their latest release, Epistolary, delves into themes of existential dread, chthonic entities, and haunting omens, influenced by personal experiences and reflections on mortality. In this interview, we spoke with Jonathan, Adam, and Mario of Nebulaen about the creative process behind Epistolary, their musical evolution, and how they manage to balance complex themes with the need to engage listeners. We also discussed the band’s collaborative dynamics, their unique approach to live performances, and the impact of the pandemic on their music. Epistolary by Nebulaen Nebulaen…

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Christoph Teuschel, guitarist, songwriter, and producer of the innovative metal trio Behind Closed Doors, is known for breaking confines in both sound and performance. The band’s latest single, prichitat | stabat filius, showcases an extraordinary collaboration with a string quartet, blending the heaviness of post-metal with the textures of classical music. This ambitious fusion of genres serves as a perfect reflection of Christoph’s unique musical vision. In this interview, we delve deep into Christoph’s creative process, exploring the inspiration behind the incorporation of classical elements, the thematic influence of Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, and the challenges of combining such contrasting musical worlds.…

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Soundscape may not be a household name in the progressive rock and metal world, but their journey over the past three decades is one of passion, perseverance, and dedication to their craft. Hailing from Bethel, Connecticut, the band originally came together in 1994, driven by a shared love of music that defied easy categorization. Their early work, including the ambitious rock opera America the Beautiful and their 1997 debut album Discovery, showcases a commitment to creating music that reflects their unique collective voice. Recently, Soundscape was included in the Progotronics 47 compilation curated by Prog Sphere, bringing their music to a broader audience and marking…

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9.0
Reviews

Italian black metal has long been rich with experimental eccentricities that challenge the genre’s restrictive confines. Fugit, a solo project helmed by Andrea Milan, intentionally blends black metal’s ferocity, lush shoegaze harmonies, ambient textures, and post-rock reverberations. Active since 2014, Fugit has steadily released material, culminating in Milan’s latest full-length offering—this year’s Astral Consciousness. Having experienced all prior works leading up to this release, I must confess that I approached Astral Consciousness with significant anticipation, fueled by the initial astonishment brought by Fugit’s earlier material. Astral Consciousness (2024) by Fugit Fugit resides in its distinctive “blackgaze” niche. Yet, one might…

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8.0
Reviews

Without missing a step, Desiderat’s latest release, Ipsoma, continues the band’s steady evolution from their 2021 self-titled debut EP and last year’s single, “Lust & Death.” The Berlin-based international outfit thrives on a dynamic interplay between crushingly heavy, intense moments and tranquil, atmospheric passages across the album’s nine tracks. The opener, “Falling,” and its counterpart, “Summer,” although contrasting in tone, share a common goal—mastering the balance between aggression and serenity. Where “Summer” frenetically alternates between tempo shifts and surges of intensity, “Falling” opts for a slow-burn approach, displaying a haunting ambiance that darkens with each meticulous buildup. Ipsoma by Desiderat The…

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