Author: progsphere
Atlanta’s progressive rock band ETHOS is on the brink of a transformative era with their latest album, An Eye for An Eye. Known for their intricate compositions and genre-blending sound, the band has embraced a new direction that showcases their evolution both musically and personally. In this interview, ETHOS members discuss their creative journey, the thematic depth of the album, and how their dynamic has shifted over the years. General Overview Artistic Vision Creative Process Specific Tracks Lyrics and Storytelling Future Directions An Eye for An Eye promises to be a milestone in ETHOS’s discography, reflecting their growth as artists…
Tusmørke’s twelfth studio album, Dawn of Oberon, contains an imaginative if elusive brand of experimental folk-rock, with a tense and sometimes distressed vibe. Although there are elements of traditional British folk music, there’s an edginess to the songwriting and arrangements that would be entirely alien in a Jethro Tull disc. At times, this straddles the border between folk-rock and the kind of songs you’d expect to be sung at a witches’ brew fest, the haunting supernatural atmosphere enhanced by bursts of what sound like a theremin, hand drums, flute, oboe, ghostly backup vocals, and detours into almost tribal rhythms. While the…
One of the most gratifying aspects of exploring music is observing how different bands, styles, and scenes influence one another. Like a massive, breathing network, no band exists in isolation, and every city is its own musical melting pot. Today, my focus shifts to Atlanta, home of the Hawks but also of progressive rock band ETHOS, active since 2009. Over the course of 15 years, ETHOS has released three studio albums, an EP, and two singles. Their latest studio effort, An Eye for an Eye, was released this past June. It’s clear that ETHOS took their time to craft an…
Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Brian Tibbs presents a compelling sonic journey in his album “At the Edge.” Comprising six tracks, this album delves into the profound themes of darkness and light, despair and hope, and resignation and resistance, creating a nuanced exploration of personal and spiritual crises within an industrialized society. Track Listing: About the Release: “At the Edge” masterfully juxtaposes the pervasive sounds of machinery and technology with quantized rhythms, setting a backdrop that is both industrial and mechanical. Despite the overarching theme of industrialization, there is a palpable sense of humanity yearning to break free, captured in…
In the small city of Hutt Valley, near Wellington, New Zealand, a unique progressive metal band named Clæmus was born. “There’s not a hell of a lot of music or bands like ours coming out of Wellington or New Zealand in general, especially at the time we formed the band,” they reflect. It was the lack of a local scene for their specific style that drew the band members together, forming the creative force that is Clæmus today. From the outset, Clæmus embraced a DIY approach, independently recording, producing, and releasing a variety of singles, a full-length album, and their…
Past and Secrets, a progressive metal project hailing from Lille, France, returns with their latest instrumental EP, “Another Day, Another Time.” This 22-minute opus is a sonic voyage that blends energy and ambiance, joy and melancholy, rage and tranquility across five compelling tracks. The project, known for its intricate compositions and emotive storytelling, delivers yet another captivating journey that resonates deeply with the themes of life, death, and the inexorable passage of time. Each track is a testament to the artist’s ability to weave a rich tapestry of sound, marked by pounding riffs, dynamic percussion, and soaring solos contributed by…
“The Last Scattering Surface” marks the third full-length release from Look To Windward, a progressive/alternative rock project helmed by Andrew McCully. The album, released on May 31, 2024, represents a milestone in the project’s evolution, featuring a first-ever 5.1 surround mix and a full-length animated visual album. Look To Windward, originally a collaboration between McCully and Benjamin Morley in Auckland, New Zealand, has grown into an expansive and dynamic musical endeavor. This album continues the tradition of intricate compositions, diverse instrumentation, and rich, layered vocals that have become the hallmark of Look To Windward’s sound. Track-by-Track Analysis: The Last Scattering…
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the world of Past and Secrets, a groundbreaking musical project that emerged in 2019 from the ashes of a disbanded group. The mastermind behind this endeavor, Yohan Delasalle, shares insights into the project’s inception, the creative journey that led to the acclaimed debut album Memories, and the distinctive fusion of atmospheric, ambient, and djent elements that define their sound. As we explore the inspirations, challenges, and future aspirations of this one-man band, we gain a deeper understanding of how personal experiences and a diverse range of musical influences shape the evocative and introspective…
Every Hour Kills, the Calgary, Alberta-based progressive metal/djent trio, has released their latest single “Acheron,” showcasing the blend of technical proficiency and dynamism. The rotating collective ensemble features the core talents of ex-Divinity/Enditol guitarist and producer Sacha Laskow, guitarist Taylor Gee, bassist Brent Stutsky (ex-Breach of Trust), and vocalist Jei Doublerice (Despite Exile, Abiogenesis). With “Acheron,” the band delivers a powerful, immersive experience. Instrumental Mastery and Production From the very first note, “Acheron” makes a strong impression with its intricate guitar work and precision drumming. Sacha Laskow’s guitar riffs are both complex and melodic, weaving through the track with a…
Vienna-based alternative/progressive rock band Elephant Planet has proven their ability to innovate and captivate with their full-length debut album, “🐘”. Blending elements of jazz, pop, and modern rock, the band’s unique sound is both a nod to their eclectic influences and a bold statement of their originality. This album, consisting of eight tracks, showcases their knack for creating music that is subtly complex yet effortlessly memorable. 1. Introduction (01:30) The album opens with “Introduction,” a brief yet impactful prelude that sets the tone for what’s to come. With its atmospheric soundscapes and gentle build-up, this track serves as a perfect…