Author: progsphere

Daniel Steiner burst onto the Vancouver music scene in 2013 with the release of his debut EP Century 21. In November last year, he returned with Born of Stardust, a thrilling and masterful continuation of his journey into instrumental progressive death metal and djent. This latest offering is a testament to Steiner’s refined artistry, delivering an electrifying blend of speed, precision, and melodic complexity. Born of Stardust by Daniel Steiner From the very first note, Born of Stardust is an adrenaline rush. Steiner’s technical prowess is undeniable, with finger-blistering riffs and lightning-fast tempo changes that hit like a sonic whirlwind.…

Washington, D.C.-based progressive rock and metal musician Feras Arrabi has long been captivated by the transformative power of music. From his first encounter with his father’s old guitar to writing original music that blends elements of fusion, progressive rock, and metal, Arrabi’s journey is all about fearless experimentation. His latest release, The Grind, an EP inspired by video game soundtracks, showcases his imaginative storytelling and genre-blurring approach. In this interview, Feras shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path as a musician, the influences that inform his signature sound, and the creative process behind some of his most compelling tracks. He…

Mind:Field is the brainchild of a Berlin-based musician who turned adversity into opportunity. Born from the dissolution of previous bands, the solo project embraces a rich fusion of grunge, 70s prog, groove metal, deathcore, and jazz, creating a sound that is both diverse and cohesive. Featured on our new Progotronics 49 compilation, Mind:Field delivers introspective and thought-provoking music that explores themes such as addiction, peer pressure, and the human condition. In this interview, we delve into the project’s origins, creative process, and the challenges of being a solo artist in a genre that thrives on collaboration. We also discuss the inspiration behind…

Kirkos is the kind of band that makes you want to throw out the rulebook on genres. Based in St. Louis, this trio has been carving out their own weird, wonderful corner of the music world for years, blending post-jam, cinematic prog, dystopian sludge jazz, and industrial fusion into something that is signature. Late Night at the Nick, recorded live at The Nick on November 15, 2024, captures the band at their most raw and unfiltered. It’s a wild, sprawling ride that shows just how far they’re willing to push their sound.   The album is just over an hour…

HydroGene, hailing from Nottingham, UK, delivers a distinctly progressive edge on their self-titled EP, creating a sound that confidently bridges the realms of alternative and progressive metal. The band’s heavy riffing and fervent vocals are expertly paired with ambitious song structures and lengths. Their inventive guitar work and dynamic drumming further contribute to a sound that, while bearing traces of influence from others, is undeniably their own. This individuality provides a strong foundation for the band to explore a broad musical range, resulting in a release that is varied and consistently impressive. The EP seems to follow a three-phase structure.…

Progressive metal fans, prepare yourselves—Montreal and Stockholm-based rising stars Voidchaser are back with their latest offering, “Trust”, the lead single from their forthcoming EP of the same name. Premiering today exclusively via Prog Sphere, the track features a stunning guest performance by none other than Jim Grey, the celebrated vocalist of Australian progressive metal powerhouse Caligula’s Horse. Stream “the single”Trust” below. Following the success of their previous release, Solace (review here), which amassed over 200,000 streams on Spotify since its release in September 2024, Voidchaser have solidified their place in the international progressive metal scene. Praised as “rising stars of international progressive death metal” by Riffage and “an…

First things first: let’s set aside the urge to define G Clef Fusion music for now—or better yet, let’s not define it at all. Let’s resist the temptation to label, to rush into conclusions, or to succumb to the alluring traps of music criticism: adjectives, hyperboles, comparisons, clever rhetoric, and the ever-persistent pull of name-dropping. The new offering from Maryland-based composer Chuck Moyer, Geryon Claque Fermata, stands at a crossroads, blending the structured discipline of classical jazz with the unpredictable, vibrant digressions of European avant-garde traditions. As the synthesizer gently creeps into the opener (“Anaglyph of the Soul”), we are…

In this interview, we sit down with Marcos Sanchez, the musician behind the progressive metal project Wintering Grounds. A solo endeavor that reflects his diverse musical journey, Wintering Grounds offers a unique blend of heavy metal, classical percussion, and experimental textures. From his early love for metal to his eclectic background in classical music, blues, and punk rock, Marcos has brought these influences into a distinctive sound. With the release of the self-titled album, Wintering Grounds explores new territories, incorporating unconventional instruments like marimba and vibraphone, all while embracing a non-traditional approach to songwriting. In this interview, Marcos shares insights into the creative process behind…

The drama of progressive rock, the weight of heavy riffs, and the nuanced textures of jazz intertwine seamlessly on Contours, Vol. 2, the latest release from San Francisco-based multi-instrumentalist, composer, and mathematician Jake Gotlieb. Arriving eight months after its predecessor, the album elevates Gotlieb’s craft, bolstered by outstanding production quality that amplifies its emotional and sonic depth. The eight meticulously composed and arranged tracks showcase Gotlieb’s rare ability to master the art of the slow burn, gradually building tension with subtlety and precision. The opener, “Phoenix,” exemplifies this approach. It begins with intricate piano phrases that nod to the European classical…

Emerging from the vibrant music scene of St. Louis, Missouri, progressive rock trio Kirkos has been turning heads with their genre-blending, experimental soundscapes. Their latest release, Late Night at the Nick, a live album recorded at the iconic venue in Birmingham, AL, captures the raw energy and emotional depth that define their performances. The album features previously unreleased tracks that showcase the band’s ability to bring together elements of jazz fusion, industrial, post-rock, and doom into a singular, cohesive vision. Kirkos was also featured on our recent Progotronics 48 compilation. In this interview, the band delves into their eclectic influences, the unique creative energy of St.…