Author: progsphere

The debut EP Forlorn Pages by Indian progressive rock/metal duo Fallen Letters (interview here) lure listeners into a dark, fascinating soundscape that reflects on themes of loss, grief, and existential dread. The EP crafts a melancholic alt-prog experience, defined by its dark, dreamlike aesthetic and brooding melodies. From the opening track, Fallen Letters create a lush yet claustrophobic atmosphere where Vishal Naidu’s lyrics explore themes of thwarted desire. In “Remain a Memory,” gentle, fingerpicked guitars frame Naidu’s introspective words, before heavy rhythms and gritty guitar riffs underscore the frustration and helplessness embedded in the song’s narrative. This interplay builds tension…

Fallen Letters, the Bangalore-based atmospheric and progressive metal band, came to life as an outlet for the darker, melancholic ideas shared between its founding members, Vishal Naidu and Aditya Ramesh. Both engineering graduates, Vishal and Aditya discovered a mutual love for music during their college days, bonding over their shared appreciation for bands like Opeth, Katatonia, and Blackfield. Over time, their collaborations led them to unearth a collection of melodic, shadowy rock riffs that laid the groundwork for what would become their debut EP, Forlorn Pages. Thematically, Forlorn Pages captures the lingering weight of life’s darker emotions, as Vishal explains: “Humans experience a…

With their roots in metal and a sound that now resonates with the cinematic depth of instrumental post-rock, Polish band Yenisei are paving the way in the music landscape. Their latest album, Home, is the next step in the band’s evolution. Originally a metal band, the departure of their vocalist steered them toward an instrumental direction, sparking a journey that has allowed them to experiment freely while preserving elements from their heavier past. From the emotional introspection of “Reflections”—written in the isolating era of the pandemic—to the hopeful, complex themes in Home, Yenisei continues to draw listeners into soundscapes that speak to universal…

With a perfectly blended fusion of numerous musical styles and ideas, the Hungarian band Flowʍolꓞ (interview here) elevate consciousness and open the spaces on their debut album Alcohol & Darkness. The infusion of progressive rock, acoustic and psychedelia help to make this particular set a true joy to experience—it’s hard not to bliss out while this is playing.  With themes dealing with substance abuse, isolation and the search for meaning in a chaotic world, Flowʍolꓞ are defying every attempt to pigeonhole them as one thing or another—the best approach is simply to abandon all categories and go with the gut.…

Hungary-based art rock trio Altisonic’s (interview here) album Venturis has been a long time coming. Conceived in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, this 10-track release captures what the band calls their “essence.” Though steeped in elegiac, symphonic tones, the album bursts with moments of fiery rock energy framed by expansive arrangements—a rewarding listen for fans of progressive and symphonic rock. One of the standout tracks, “Connected to Power,” showcases the band’s intricate and forceful approach. Starting with a gradual build, the song picks up pace with driving drums and chugging guitars, each band member’s sound distinct and impactful.…

French stoner prog trio Wizard Must Die are set to launch their sophomore studio album L’Or des fous on November 15th via Klonosphere Records. Following the release of “The Breach” lead single, the band partnered with Prog Sphere for the launch of “Flight 19” visualizer. Stream it below. The band stated: “Flight 19, with its story of a squadron of five TBM Avengers lost in the Bermuda Triangle, transcends notions of disappearance and re-appropriation. The title questions the quest for self through the passing years. What do we become when we choose to change, to ‘disappear’?” Clocking at over eight…

Greek prog newcomers, Fading Echoes (interview here), stand out in the progressive metal scene for being capable of balancing their undeniably impressive musicianship and sky-high song and lyric-writing ambitions with the commitment to serving a song’s best interest, not their own individual instrumental prowess. More unique yet is their heavy reliance on heavy/power metal on the full-length debut Shadow of Another—often one of the genre’s most predictable and repetitive styles—for much of their sonic stamp, as they effortlessly integrate its best elements into their inventive compositions.  Shadow of Another (Debut Album) by Fading Echoes Shadow of Another fleshes out what…

Austin Peters, founder, guitarist, and producer of the Chicago-based instrumental progressive metal band Outrun the Sunlight, has crafted a unique identity for the band by embracing a philosophy rooted in effortless creativity. “If it takes effort, it’s not worth doing,” he says, a mantra that shapes their approach to music-making. This guiding principle isn’t about shirking hard work but about connecting deeply with intuitive and spontaneous decisions, letting creativity emerge organically. “When we ‘effort’ through life, it’s usually because our decisions have all been made by our heads,” Austin explains. “That really stops a lot of creativity and freedom.” By…

Following the feature on the Progotronics XLVI compilation, we sat down with Kyle Brandt, a multifaceted artist from Kansas City, known for his work as the vocalist, songwriter, and producer behind the project Molitoth. Kyle is also recognized for his contributions to the band A Light Within, where he was instrumental in creating their three-part concept collection. His most recent release with Molitoth, You (2023), showcases his ability to blend progressive and alternative metal with profound emotional depth and storytelling. Kyle’s journey with Molitoth has evolved from a solo endeavor to a more collaborative project, marking a new chapter in his…

Belgian progressive/post-metal band TRAELS have recently made an impressive debut with The Abyss Within, a record that fuses atmospheric post-rock with the intensity of progressive metal. TRAELS bring a unique edge to the genre, shaped by their collective influences and the individual backgrounds of each member, with some hailing from notable acts like In-Quest and Spoil Engine. This interview dives into their creative journey, the themes and emotions that drive their music, and their collaborative approach to songwriting. The Abyss Within by TRAELS TRAELS blends progressive metal with post-rock elements. How did you arrive at this combination, and what influences shaped…