Author: progsphere
Edison Suit’s latest album, Persistence of Vision, reflects a unique blend of electronic and acoustic elements that emerged organically from the band’s creative process. The project traces its origins back to an unexpected recording session. Barry Wood, acting as an engineer, and Mark Smith, invited as a session player, found themselves experimenting with a Roland Groovebox when the intended artist failed to show. “We had so much fun trading off programming parts that we made it a weekly thing,” Barry recalls. Over time, their sessions expanded to include guitar, bass, and Chapman Stick, with no concern for fitting into a specific…
Many progressive metal bands that emerged in the 1990s and 2000s have struggled to break free from a stylistic time warp. Rooted in a pre-’90s perspective, their inspirations often remain confined to the realms of power metal and progressive rock from the ’70s and ’80s, showing little regard for the evolution of alternative rock or metal. However, around the turn of the second decade of the new millennium, some bands began embracing more modern sounds influenced by alternative rock and pop. São Paulo’s Velvetic is one such project, skillfully merging atmospheric, synthetic, and alternative rock elements with progressive metal sensibilities.…
Progressive metal is a genre that thrives on complexity, emotion, and innovation—qualities that Nicolas Martin, the mastermind behind Amsterdam-based one-man band Exchanger, embodies in spades. With a background in classical music and a love for cinematic soundscapes, Martin blends the grandeur of orchestral arrangements with the intensity and complexity of progressive metal. In this interview, we pick Nicolas’ mind about the creation of A Matter of Perspective, Exchanger’s latest album, and explore how Martin approaches songwriting, tackles the challenges of being a solo artist, and balances technical prowess with emotional depth. We also discuss his early influences, his journey into the…
It’s rare to encounter a band that blends progressive rock, doom metal, and electronica influences, but France’s IXION, led by the talented songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Julien Prat, has forged a unique sound over its 15-plus years of existence. With a rich catalog of releases, the band has consistently evolved, and this year, Prat and his long-time collaborator Yannick Dilly (vocals) have kept busy by releasing three EPs—Extinction, Restriction, and Regeneration—all of which come together as part of the band’s ambitious full-length album, Evolution. Evolution presents a captivating science-fiction narrative that delves into the evolution of mankind, androids, and post-humanism, told…
Prog Sphere is thrilled to announce the launch of this month’s Progotronics Championships 47. Featuring 40 incredible artists from the latest Progotronics 47 compilation, this competition will pit some of the finest progressive rock and metal talents against each other in an electrifying showdown. How It Works The competition will span four thrilling rounds: 1. Group Stage (December 2 – December 9) The 40 artists are divided into four groups of 10. The voting for the group stage starts now and will close on December 9th. The top four artists from each group will move on to the next round. 2. Second round (December 10 – December…
For Andrea Milan, the mind behind the Italian experimental project Fugit, the journey began with a desire for autonomy. Founded in 2014, Fugit was born out of Andrea’s frustration with traditional band dynamics and his yearning to craft music entirely on his terms. “I formed Fugit because I needed a space that was only mine,” Andrea explains. “I had many different bands before, but never really got anywhere. I also had difficulties finding other musicians willing to play the genres I had in mind. I hate wasting time, so I figured I’d just do it myself and call it Fugit—derived…
Behind Closed Doors’ latest single, “prichitat | stabat filius,” is an extraordinary experience that stands as one of the most thrilling musical moments of 2024. Labeling it as merely a “song” feels reductive, as the multinational instrumental trio has crafted something epic and genre-defying in its ambition and execution. The trio—Christoph Teuschel on guitars, Fred Jacobsson on bass, and Yuma van Eekelen on drums—has collaborated with a string section comprising Annie Tanberg (cello), Oene van Geel (viola), and Charlotte Basalo Vasquez (violin). The result is a five-and-a-half-minute masterpiece that marries opposing musical forces into a seamless avant-garde fusion. Crushingly heavy riffs, robust…
Since its inception, Canadian hard/prog rock band The Wring has been a beacon for complex compositions, compelling themes, and a hard-edged yet eclectic sound. At the helm of this project is guitarist and songwriter Don Dewulf, a visionary artist whose unrelenting creativity has driven the band’s evolution. With their latest album, Nemesis, released in September 2024, The Wring deliver a collection of tracks that balance fiery riffs with thought-provoking narratives. Featured on the Progotronics 47 compilation, The Wring continues to gain traction in the global progressive music scene. In this Progotronics special, Don Dewulf delves into the making of Nemesis, the challenges of crafting a cohesive yet ever-progressing…
Today marks the release of Progotronics 47, the latest volume in Prog Sphere’s long-running compilation series. Available now as a free download on Bandcamp, this edition features 40 tracks showcasing a range of talent from the progressive rock and metal world. With contributions from bands across the globe, this collection reflects our commitment to supporting both emerging artists and seasoned musicians within the progressive scene. A Wide-Ranging Tracklist This volume opens with The Osiris Current’s gripping “The Plan” and closes with An Oliver SC Project’s experimental “Colossus.” Standout moments include The Dreamer’s multi-part composition “Altum Somnum,” the industrial energy of Robots in Love’s “The Sequel,”…
Paris’ fuzz wizards Starmonger are ready to unleash their brand new experimentation–a full-length album Occultation, coming out via Interstellar Smoke Records tomorrow, November 29th. Prog Sphere are thrilled to bring you an exclusive full album stream ahead of the release date; stream it in full via Bandcamp below. Commented the band, “‘Occultation’ is a collection of tales of struggle, of both intimate and epic nature. This album marks a new beginning for us after major changes in the line up, and in the way we approached writing and recording music, exploring highly contrasted atmospheres, emotional choruses, while keeping an authentic,…