Meliorist is a progressive metal quintet from Brisbane in Australia who recently released their second EP “ii.” Guitarist Andrew Apte did a brief interview for Progarchy, letting us know how the band came up with the name, songwriting, inspiration, and more.

What made you go for the name Meliorist?

Read it as a word for the day, sounded good.

How do you usually describe your music?

I would say modern metal, trying to do new things in every songs. Mixing clean and heavy sections.

What is your writing process like?

Just searching for interesting and cool things on my guitar, then fleshing them out into full songs, trying to listen to everything as a whole as much as possible.

Who or what is your inspiration, if you have any?

All sort of music and artists, lots of Jazz music these days.

What is your favourite piece on the new EP “ii.” and why?

For me I would say My Reflection. I think that it is the best overall song, I think it’s well balanced. For most of the fans though it is What You’ve Lost.

What makes “ii.” different?

Well I have tried very hard to develop and work on a unique style for many years now so I hope that it is not quite like anything else on the market.

What should music lovers expect from “ii.”?

Lots of heavy sections designed for headbanging, mixed with clean sections to even everything out.

What kind of emotions would you like your audience to feel when they listen to your music?

Inspired and happy 🙂

Which do you like most, life in the studio or on tour?

We have not done any touring yet really. I would say it feels great to play a show where everyone is rocking out for sure. But it’s also a great feeling when you just write something you really love, it’s very exciting.

Pick your three favourite albums that you would take on a desert island with you.

Gilad Hekselman – SplitLife
Gregory Porter – Liquid Spirit
Antonio Forcione – Tears of Joy

“ii.” is available from Bandcamp here.