Author: progsphere
Volstom, the emerging force in German melodic death metal, unleashed their debut album “Chapter One” in 2023. Upon immersing yourself in the auditory onslaught of this release, you might find yourself eagerly scouring your music collection for more of its kind. “Chapter One” stands as a gratifying and valuable addition to any playlist, an invitation to succumb to the sonic prowess of this sextet as they embark on a captivating musical journey. Enthusiasts of the renowned Gothenburg sound will discover familiar elements executed with finesse, capable of tearing through your speaker cabs with relentless power. This debut is no mere…
There are times in every music lover’s life where a record’s concept, ambition, and execution is understood and loved immediately. Not just by the heart and how it makes you feel but on an intellectual level as well. These moments are when one truly appreciates an artist’s creation. Bochum, Germany-based Transcomar’s “The Sea of Trees” has all the essential ingredients to conjure up this feeling in anyone who listens to it with no fluff added. The Sea Of Trees by TranscomaR More focused than the meandering nature of the grunge movement and more immediate than the sometimes glacial pace of…
Montreal-based metalcore act Last Dance Among Wolves delivers a sonic onslaught with their latest single, “Mystery is Over,” featured on Prog Sphere’s “Progstravaganza: Harmony in Complexity” compilation. Released in December 2023, this track is a compelling precursor to their upcoming album, “Circa Origins,” slated for release in spring 2024. Mystery Is Over (feat. FR66Z6) by Last Dance Among Wolves Last Dance Among Wolves, formed in 2020, made their mark with the debut album ‘LDAW’s Mixtape’ in 2022. With the addition of G.G. and Kak in 2023, the band has evolved into a relentless force, infusing their sound with more metal…
Atlanta’s Doom Metal upstarts LungBurner have landed firmly within the Metal scene as one of the newest modern bands carrying the torch of the blueprint that Black Sabbath created over 40 years ago. In particular, Sabbath’s first three albums are all over the project’s debut two-track single “The Rift.” The Rift – Single by LungBurner A digital only release, it wets the appetite of every doom metal fan and the excitement for what comes next. One of the highlights of the release is definitely its production. It is obvious that LungBurner reaching for a retro feel and are heavily influenced…
“Resilience” is the sophomore album by US progressive black / folk metal trio Wandering Oak, slated for the release on February 2nd, 2024. The song-writing prowess is out in full force here, each composition holding its own individual themes and feel and developing into something truly epic through subtlety and development rather than incessant symphonic layering, taking time to allow things to unfurl before bursting into that spirited sweet spot. Wandering Oak’s songwriter, vocalist and guitarist Robert Pollard is an absolute master of the crescendo, case in point being the opening “To Lir They Fell” spiraling towards one of the…
Bringing only the finest of elements from thrash, prog and death metal, Sea of Consciousness’ self-titled debut album is everything you would expect and then some. It is so full of speed, ideas and finger bleeding riffs. It’s hard to be able to decide on any stand out tracks, opening out with “Sea of Consciousness,” “Misconception” and “From the Ashes” all fitting very much in the technical deathrash metal league. Abuse of speed, aggression and the pedal to the floor attitude all come through from the off, you can’t help but feel pumped up by them! But do not let…
This debut full-length album, “We Are Doomed,” by the death/doom duo Seið hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, clocks in at just over 30 minutes. The journey begins with the formidable sludge of “The Sentry,” a seven-minute behemoth that surprises with unexpected melodic intricacies in its guitar work, while the drums confidently find their place in the mix. We Are Doomed by Seið Vocally, Seið could delve into murkier realms, but the over-the-top screams, remarkably decipherable, add a positive layer to the sonic landscape. Derek Avery on vocals and Zack Olander (handling guitars and bass) avoids falling into a monotonous drone. While…
Founded on the expected principles of overabundant polyrhythms, melodic-to-harsh vocals and atmospheric ambience combined with ultra-modern production techniques, Torrington, Connecticut’s Millennia is a band that should be closely watched by music fans all around the world. Afterglow – Single by Millennia The band’s recent single, “Afterglow,” is a part of Prog Sphere’s “Progstravaganza: Harmony in Complexity” compilation, and through its five minutes, Millennia serves Progressive Metal, slash, Djent affair, albeit with a fair amount of flair woven in. The polyrhythmic drumming, the jazzy chords, clean breaks and ambient sections so often displayed by TesseracT are all present. The guitarist (Daniel…
Born in Exile’s latest offering, “Major Arcana,” takes us on a trip through progressive metal. Led by the commanding vocals of Kristina Vega, this Barcelona-based band has elevated their sound to new heights, solidifying their place in the metal scene. Having previously graced stages across Spain, including the iconic Rock Fest Barcelona and Can Mercader Fest, Born in Exile’s evolution is evident in every note of this compelling album. MAJOR ARCANA by Born in Exile The opening track, “The Fortune Teller,” serves as a brief yet captivating prelude, setting the stage for the sonic exploration that follows. The journey truly…
With a penchant for 7 & 8 string progressive metal guitar, Scottish guitarist Gregor Docherty has recently unleashed his musical prowess in the form of his latest album, “Met by Empyreus Fire.” As the artist’s fifth studio album, this release showcases almost an hour and a half of meticulously crafted sonic eargasm that delves into the realms of innovation, darkness, brutality, and beauty. Met By Empyreus Fire by Gregor Docherty Docherty’s signature sound is a testament to his technical mastery, constantly pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved on the guitar. Renowned for his 8-string arpeggios, 8-finger tapping, lightning-fast…