Author: progsphere
FROGG is a group I should be enamored with on paper. Their earlier offerings encompass every component that ought to make for an exceptional brutal/technical death metal record. Blisteringly rapid guitar work, relentless blasts and fills, and guttural vocals paired with a thematic/lyrical focus rooted deeply in all things extraterrestrial. Regrettably, the production quality of those prior records didn’t hold up against the other elements that could’ve propelled this band into the upper echelon of death metal. While other tech-death managed to construct a suffocating sonic atmosphere, FROGG often came across as somewhat clinical. With Eclipse, that narrative has shifted entirely. Eclipse by FROGG A stark transformation is noticeable from the…
For Swiss instrumental progressive rock duo Flame Drop, creativity has always been about evolution. Formed by Roland Hegi and Felix Waldispuehl, two musicians who first collaborated in the band FORS, Flame Drop emerged from a desire to create without constraint—a shared return to musical roots and a leap into cosmic exploration. “We played together in the Swiss progressive rock band FORS,” the duo recalls. “Then took a break after the band split. We got back together to write and record a long track, which led to an album a few months later.” Beyond Cosmic Infinity by Flame Drop That spontaneous reunion sparked more than…
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.…
Progressive metal duo Obsidian Skies from Boulder, Colorado, USA, announces the release of their new single “Unmade by the Ocean”, a symphonic journey through a post-apocalyptic underwater world. The single, premiering today via Prog Sphere (see below), marks the first offering from their upcoming full-length album to be released in 2025. The comment on the track: “Unmade by the Ocean is heavy-hitting, rhythmic, and technically challenging, while still maintaining a very melodic core. With soaring solos on guitar, bass, and piano, it is a song with a unique and diverse sound. Lyrically, it tells the story of a small group…
With Blood Eagle, the latest single from his project DIECOT, Chicago-based musician Thomas Robert delivers a relentless blend of precision and intensity. Featured on Progotronics 51, the track emerged from a period of experimentation. In this interview, Robert tells us about the creative process behind Blood Eagle, his approach to songwriting, and where he sees DIECOT fitting into today’s ever-evolving metal landscape. You just launched a new single with DIECOT entitled Blood Eagle. How do you feel about the new track, and what was the creative process behind it? Very happy with the new track and how it turned out, I love the energy…
Florida-based progressive/alternative rock band Ghosts of Tallahassee recently unveiled Sleep, a two-track single that serves as a prelude to their forthcoming full-length album. With a rich blend of organic songwriting, personal challenges, and a renewed lineup, the band is moving forward with a strengthened vision. In this exclusive Progotronics 51 special interview, they open up about the creative process behind Sleep, their influences, and what lies ahead. Sleep by Ghosts of Tallahassee A Teaser for the Future For Ghosts of Tallahassee, Sleep represents more than just another release—it’s a glimpse into what’s to come. “We feel good about it,” the band says. “Sleep is meant to be…
After two decades of silence, progressive rock trio Cheat the Prophet has returned with Redemption, an album that fuses the depth of their early sound with modern influences spanning EDM, ambient, and metal. Released on February 7, 2025, Redemption is a testament to the band’s evolution, creative resilience, and refusal to compromise. Among its standout tracks is “Chaos,” featured on Progotronics 51, a song that encapsulates the band’s renewed energy and fearless approach to songwriting. In this interview, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Matt Mizenko takes us through the band’s reunion, the inspiration behind Redemption, and the creative process that shaped their boldest work yet. Progotronics…
St. Louis-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist David Udell has built a storied career spanning decades, from his early days with Wax Theatricks to his experimental work with Delay Tactics. His latest solo album, It’s Worth It, showcases a deeply reflective side of his artistry, bringing themes of love, loss, and the beauty of existence amid the chaos of the modern world. Reflecting on how It’s Worth It compares to his previous solo effort, Orchids, Udell explains that he often begins an album with an overarching theme. “When I was working on Orchids, I lost three girlfriends in one year, along with a few other people I…
Born in 1957 in Braunschweig, Germany, Gerhard Kruse has been immersed in the ever-evolving world of progressive rock since its earliest days. His musical journey began at 13 when he received an acoustic guitar for his birthday, setting him on a path of discovery that would ultimately lead to the formation of his project, Flying Heartbone. With the March 20 release of his latest album, Liquid World, Kruse once again showcases his ability to to draws from a lifetime of musical influences. At its core, Liquid World is, as Kruse puts it, “pure retro prog,” but that doesn’t mean he adheres strictly to…
As part of our Progotronics 51 compilation, we’re excited to feature an interview with Samuli Manu, guitarist of Finnish rock/jazz fusion band Elektric Rokband. With their latest single, Aurora, set for release on April 4, the band brings a delicate blend of cinematic soundscapes, progressive rock, jazz, and Finnish folk influences. In this interview, Samuli discusses the inspiration behind Aurora, the band’s evolving sound, and what the future holds for their upcoming album. Your new single Aurora is set to release on April 4 and is featured on Prog Sphere’s Progotronics 51 compilation. How do you feel about the track being included in this series? I’m genuinely thrilled and…