Author: progsphere
Introducing Distant Emperor, an ambitious studio project from Brisbane that combines heavy rock, progressive metal, and an unmistakable dash of 80s nostalgia. Founded by Marc Di Camillo, a musician deeply influenced by both the iconic sounds of bands like Iron Maiden and the futuristic synths of Jean-Michel Jarre, Distant Emperor crafts music that invites listeners to reflect on thought-provoking themes, ranging from personal introspection to societal critiques. Their debut album, Generation Salvation, offered a a wide range of sounds, accompanied by lyrics exploring philosophical and political motifs. Following up with the EP Number 2, Distant Emperor delves into darker themes such as…
Chicago’s Outrun the Sunlight continue to refine their complex yet highly listenable brand of knotty, instrumental progressive metal on their new single “HEATHAZE”. The song’s title and the cover art’s gradient of purples, blacks and blues suggest a hazy, electric mood, which the track fully delivers. It’s vibrant, affable, torrid; it feels synthwave-y in a way too. The band’s dynamic is palpable; this feels like a song crafted by friends who share a creative wavelength, layering skill and warmth into each note. While associated with various post- scenes, Outrun the Sunlight diverge from genre expectations here, replacing aggression with a…
Mathieu Torres, the innovative French guitarist and visionary behind M’Z, returns with his thought-provoking fourth album, Émancipés du vide?, showcased on the Progotronics XLVI compilation. Known for his eclectic mix of Canterbury rock, drum and bass, jazz, and more, Mathieu has carved a musical identity that defies categorization, blending genres to challenge societal norms and question human emotional complexities. In this interview, Mathieu dives into his creative journey, exploring the album’s exploration of existential themes, his views on artistic freedom, and the inspiration behind his compelling fusion of styles. As he discusses the influences that shape his sound, from Frank Zappa…
My appreciation for the post-rock genre has evolved significantly over the years. Back in high school, I stumbled upon Mogwai’s Happy Songs for Happy People (2003). Despite the genre’s reputation and my peers’ enthusiasm for it, I was initially put off by the overly precious tone and childlike vibe that seemed prevalent. I barely managed to get through one listen before dismissing it entirely. Fast forward to 2007, and I listened to All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone, the album by Explosions in the Sky, with a more open mindset. While it still strikes me as somewhat cutesy, I…
UK-based trio Loudness Wars is exploring new territory musically and personally, as they shape a distinct sound within progressive rock. Formed by longtime friends and seasoned musicians Jerome, Rich, and Ian, the group combines their varied musical backgrounds in a way that feels natural. With their newest single, “Withered Flower,” featured on the Progotronics XLVI compilation, the band is eager to reach new listeners and showcase what they’ve been creating for their upcoming album. Jerome, you’ve produced and recorded much of the band’s music. What inspired you to take on this role, and how has your background influenced your production style? Jerome:…
Hailing from Alicante, Spain, progressive metal trio Chemosphere have recently unleashed their debut full-length album, Atropos. Blending extreme metal riffs and melodic depth, Chemosphere, who are opening our Progotronics XLVI compilation, explore themes of identity and the end of humanity, using music as an outlet for introspection and philosophical reflection. In this interview, the band discusses their songwriting approach, their influences—from classic ’80s rock to modern prog—and the creative process behind Atropos. They also share insights on their journey as a band and their perspectives on live performance intensity and audience connection. Chemosphere blends extreme metal riffs with melodic sections. How do…
Prog Sphere proudly unveils Progotronics XLVI, the latest installment of its compilation series dedicated to showcasing up-and-coming artists from across the progressive rock, metal, and experimental music world. Featuring 30 tracks by artists spanning the globe, Progotronics XLVI embodies the spirit of progressive music and creativity. For over 45 editions, the Progotronics series has established itself as a platform for emerging artists, delivering diverse and immersive listening experiences that connect fans with sounds from the progressive music scene. Each track on Progotronics XLVI highlights the outstanding artistry of its contributors, blending influences from classic prog with modern metal, alternative rock, and beyond. This edition…
As we head into 2025, it’s amazing to think that an entire decade has passed since 2015 — a year that left a lasting impact on the world of progressive rock and metal. In that year, a wave of groundbreaking albums emerged, reshaping genre boundaries and adding fresh dimensions to prog’s musical heritage. From boundary-pushing experimentation to meticulously crafted compositions, these records not only showcased the versatility of progressive music but also inspired a new generation of fans and musicians alike. This article revisits 20 standout progressive rock and metal albums that celebrate their 10th anniversaries in 2025. We’ll explore…
With a background in technical illustration, Mattias Norén’s artistic journey has evolved into a passion for creating striking album artwork that resonates with the spirit of the music it represents. From his early days as a student, going through the challenges of education to his eventual rise in the creative realm, Mattias has forged a distinctive path, establishing himself as a sought-after designer in the metal and progressive rock genres. Having collaborated with high-profile bands such as Sabaton, John Petrucci, and Evergrey, Mattias’s work transcends mere design; it captures the essence of each album’s narrative and mood. His approach to…
Over their remarkable 25-year journey, Klone has undergone a profound transformation. Beginning with a complex, heavy sound characterized by intricate time signatures, technical riffs, and an unusual blend of high-pitched vocals mixed with guttural growls, they gradually progressed towards a more refined, atmospheric style enriched with melancholic melodies and meticulous arrangements. While many bands might have settled into this sound, Klone dared to venture further. With the release of Here Comes the Sun in 2015, they fully embraced a more experimental art-rock direction, emphasizing emotional depth, clean vocals, rhythmic grooves, and post-rock-like dynamics. They expanded upon this sound in their…