Author: progsphere
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Somos el Viento to discuss the release of their latest album, Mar Negro. This ambitious and atmospheric project combines elements of post-rock, space rock, and ambient music, weaving together a journey that explores the contrasts between isolation, nature’s vastness, and the ebb and flow of calm and chaos. In this interview, Somos el Viento delves into the inspiration behind Mar Negro, the creative process of composing an instrumental narrative, and how personal experiences shaped the sonic landscape of this unique album. Read on to discover more about the concept, the influences, and what’s next…
Prog fans, the wait is over! The Progotronics Championships are officially kicking off today, and we’ve gathered 20 incredible artists from the Progotronics XLV compilation to compete for the ultimate crown. Divided into four groups, these talented musicians are ready to face off, and it’s time for you to decide who will advance to the next round! Progotronics XLV by Prog Sphere Voting Begins: October 5th – October 19th The first round starts now, and your votes will determine which artists make it through to the quarter-finals. Each group is packed with talent, and the competition is fierce. But only the top two artists from each group…
Formed by multi-instrumentalist and composer Lodrö Nyima, The Arcane Insignia has crafted A Violent Whisper, an album that’s been 20 years in the making. The journey of this record began in 2003, with the creation of “Humo de Vela”, the first song Nyima ever wrote. Over the years, the album evolved through various phases—from Alternative Metal to Hardcore to Metalcore—before arriving at its current, more refined identity. The album’s structure reflects this progression, divided into two parts: the first five tracks represent the “violent” side, inspired by Prog Metal and Djent, while the last five tracks highlight the “whisper” side, shaped by…
Since their 2013 release Into the Light, the ever-evolving French act Mantra has consistently created concept albums that explore the violent and transformative forces shaping both humanity and nature. Blending elements of progressive, doom, and atmospheric post-metal, the band has developed a sound that is both dynamic and thought-provoking. Their latest release, Celestial: Fall, marks the first of four installments in a concept album cycle centered around the changing seasons. After the success of 2019’s Medium, which delved into the body-mind duality, Fall shifts the focus back to earthier, more grounded themes. This ambitious project has been in the works…
The Madrigal Project’s debut album, 11th Hour, stands as a bold declaration of progressive rock’s enduring vitality. Spearheaded by Kevin Dodson, the creative force behind the cult prog band Madrigal, this album brings together an elite cadre of musicians to craft a sonic experience that both honors the genre’s legacy and pushes its boundaries. With contributions from the likes of Adam Holzman (Miles Davis, Steven Wilson), Oliver Wakeman (Yes, The Strawbs), Billy Sherwood (Yes, Asia), Michael Lewis (Jon Anderson, Jean-Luc Ponty), and Jane Getter (Jane Getter Premonition), 11th Hour combines the intricate, layered arrangements that define progressive rock with fresh,…
French progressive metal band Mantra has consistently pushed the boundaries of music with their conceptual albums. Known for blending complex musical structures with deep philosophical themes, the band has once again embarked on an ambitious project with their latest release, Celestial. This album marks the first of four releases in a series, each corresponding to a different season, showcasing Mantra’s dedication to creating a comprehensive artistic experience. Celestial follows the narrative path laid by their 2019 album LANIAKEA, continuing the band’s exploration of civilization and its impending collapse. As part of their feature on the Progotronics XLV compilation, Celestial offers…
With Petty Life, Juan Ignacio Quesada embarks on a daring progressive rock journey, crafting a concept EP that is a challenge to both musical conventions and socio-political narratives. Composed of three distinct yet interwoven tracks, the EP offers a musical and thematic exploration of the rise and fall of authoritarian figures throughout history. By blending intricate songwriting with dynamic instrumentation, Quesada paints a vivid picture of power, corruption, and downfall. The opener, “El Conquistador,” sets the stage with a driving, straight-ahead rock sound, layered with proggy nuances. Its seemingly simple harmony belies the complexity woven into its fabric, particularly in its…
In this exclusive interview, Prog Sphere dives into the creative world of guitarist and songwriter Juan Ignacio Quesada. As the mastermind behind the Petty Life EP, Juan takes us through the musical frameworks that shaped his latest project, exploring themes that resonate both musically and politically. Known for his versatile approach, Juan blends prog rock traditions with his unique flair, crafting tracks that seamlessly transition between complex time signatures, modal interchange, and diverse arrangements. Joining Juan is drummer Tekin Irengun, who shares his insights on bringing these compositions to life with his own rhythmic interpretations. Throughout this conversation, we delve…
Progressive rock drummer and composer Kevin Dodson has been a key figure in The Madrigal Project, a collective that blends classic prog influences with modern sonic elements. With the upcoming release of their new album, 11th Hour, set for October 11th, Dodson revisits the genre that has been a part of his musical journey since the late 70s. In this interview, Kevin shares the origins of The Madrigal Project, the creative process behind 11th Hour, and his experience collaborating with renowned musicians like Adam Holzman, Oliver Wakeman, and Billy Sherwood. Kevin, can you tell us how The Madrigal Project came…
We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to sit down with award-winning composer, guitarist, visual artist, and filmmaker RoB sBaR, as he unveils his latest project. Known for his multidisciplinary approach and boundary-pushing creativity, RoB is featured on Progotronics XLV with “Zeitgeist Novocaine Dump Truck,” the second single and music video from his new multimedia album, Ideological Explosions of the Absurd Hero. “Zeitgeist Novocaine Dump Truck” is a bold exploration of dystopian themes like psychological manipulation and Pavlovian behavioral modification, set against a backdrop of intense guitar work, spoken word, and explosive orchestral arrangements. Featuring an impressive lineup of musicians, including…