Author: progsphere

In the spotlight today is Liam Mackenzie, a Canadian guitarist, music teacher, and audio engineer currently making waves in Montreal. Originating from Kelowna, British Columbia, Liam’s musical journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the craft. Since his early days, fueled by a passion for rock music, he has honed his skills on the guitar, evolving into an artist with a unique blend of talent and versatility. In October last year, Liam put out his debut album “From a Time Ago,” from which the song “Lost Civilization” is a part of our new digital compilation—”Progstravaganza: Harmony in Complexity.”…

Ladies and gentlemen, today we have the pleasure of delving into the world of progressive rock with the talented trio behind Half Shell. Joining us are Jesse, Nicole, and Caitlin, the creative minds and skilled musicians who make up this dynamic band. Their musical journey began during their college years when fate brought them together as friends, and by the end of their freshman year, they had formed a band with a unique blend of progressive elements. Their friendship, coupled with diverse musical tastes, laid the foundation for a collaborative spirit that thrives on openness to various genres. Today, we…

Embarking on his musical journey at the age of 12, Cedric Vassal has emerged as a promising guitarist and songwriter in the realm of progressive metal. Influenced by a diverse range of bands, from Metallica to Dream Theater, Cedric’s musical evolution took shape through explorations in Death and Black Metal. While discovering guitar virtuosos like Tony MacAlpine and Vinnie Moore, he began a deep dive into the progressive side of metal. Featured Track Delving into the “Progstravaganza: Harmony in Complexity” compilation’s featured track, “Order in Chaos,” Cedric shares the song’s theme of finding positivity in every situation, even amidst chaos.…

Ruben Vermeulen, the quiet yet thoughtful songwriter, arranger, and producer behind Funus, embarks on a musical journey that transcends genres. From its inception as a Black Metal act in 2006 to its evolution into a progressive music project, Funus navigates through psychedelic tunes, calm acoustic parts, and the current Shoegaze style. A constant seeker of experimentation and unconventional approaches, Ruben finds himself naturally drawn to the progressive tones of Post Rock. Featured Track Delving into the heart of Funus’ contribution to the “Progstravaganza: Harmony in Complexity” compilation, “Gloom and Dusk,” Ruben unravels a narrative of life choices. Born from his…

In the enchanting world of progressive rock, an Australian guitarist and songwriter named Carl Belle embarked on a musical journey deeply rooted in his childhood memories. Growing up surrounded by the melodies of classical music and the intricate sounds of progressive rock, Carl’s destiny was set in motion by the echoes of his father’s favorite prog tunes resonating from an old Marantz record player. The pivotal moment arrived when the enchanting notes of “Everyday” from Spectral Mornings (Steve Hackett) and the profound impact of “Parallels” from Going for the One (Yes) ignited a fire within Carl. Thus, the desire to…

In the heart of Spain’s music scene, PARDALS, a quartet deeply immersed in instrumental post-rock, stands as a testament to creativity and innovation. The brainchild of four individuals already seasoned in various musical projects, the band found its genesis as a quest for a fresh musical journey. “We, the four members of PARDALS, were already involved in some other music projects before, but at a certain point, we decided to try a new endeavor that could bring some fresh air to our rehearsals,” reveals Joan Torres, the guitarist of Pardals. “We thought some instrumental post-rock would be an interesting way,…

In the dense, hazy realm of sludge and doom metal, Seið emerges as a force to be reckoned with. Comprising guitarist and bassist Zack Olander and singer Derek Avery, this stoner/doom metal outfit has forged its path with a unique blend of heavy riffs and introspective storytelling. Zack shares insights into his musical journey, the creation of their latest album “We Are Doomed,” and the distinctive influences that shape the sonic landscapes of Seið. “I’ve always been into metal, especially stuff from the 80s and 90s,” Zack opens up and goes on saying. “Bands like Suffocation and Mortician were regular…

Today, we have the pleasure of diving into the world of Danish progressive metal with Frekvent, a band that launched their sophomore EP, “Unbroken,” in June 2023. Comprised of four passionate members, Frekvent seamlessly blends hard rock and progressive metal, creating a unique musical experience. We sit down with Niklas, Rasmus, Mikael, and Allan to explore their journey, creative process, influences, challenges, and what lies ahead for the band. Artist Background Tell us a bit about yourself and your musical journey. How did you get started in the world of progressive metal? Frekvent began as a collaboration between Niklas and…

In the tranquil town of Saldus, Latvia, two musical souls, Nauris and Lauris, embarked on a journey that would give birth to the post/prog rock act, Tempus. With nearly two decades of musical camaraderie under their belts, the duo’s artistic evolution traversed various genres, from metal to rock. It was a shared desire for something more progressive, more intriguing that led them to form Tempus in the early months of 2013. “Before Tempus, we were playing together in a rock band. Both of us felt the need to make more interesting, more progressive music,” Lauris shares, tracing the origins of…

Once upon a musical journey, nestled in the enchanting landscapes of Scotland, emerged Gregor Docherty, a virtuoso guitarist and songwriter on a quest to redefine the boundaries of progressive metal. With 25 years of wielding the guitar as his weapon of choice, Docherty has become a maestro known for his outrageous technical prowess and a penchant for incorporating elements of Scottish folk music into the intricate tapestry of his compositions. “I am an instrumental artist based in Scotland. My signature sound is known for outrageous and over-the-top technical guitar work, always seeking to push the boundaries of what can be…