To Die Elsewhere is a metal band hailing from Salem, Oregon. The group set out to craft a very honest, direct and personal sound through the use of compelling melodies, aggressive riffs and thundering rhythm sections.

The music featured within their recent release Whispers, is a powerful blend of heavy sounds and gritty textures that blur the lines between Djent, Metalcore and progressive music with an aggressive edge. The stunning artwork designed by Taylor Bates (New Melody Art Design) does a great job at offering a visual interpretation of the sound of the band. Dark and faded, with glimmers of light and a very impressive natural geometry that adds some sophistication to the sound of the band.

The album features 13 explosive tracks that are ablaze with fire and energy, from opening tune “Day I” up to the album’s closing composition, the self-titled tune on the record. “Mask of a Judge” is probably one of my favorite songs on this release, with a really explosive drum intro that dives into some of the most powerful and expressive riffs featured on the entire release. Another track worth mentioning would definitely be “Unfinished”, which begins with a really cool drum groove, to burst into a very heavy sonic assault. These Oregon musicians set out to create a very cohesive album, with songs that stand out on their own, as well as in their “pack” ensemble.

Listen to the album on Bandcamp.

Guamskyy is an instrumental progressive rock/metal project managed by guitarist and composer Christian San Agustin, who is about to release an album titled “Seven Parallels” on December 20th. In an interview for Progarchy, Agustin tells us about his project.

What made you go for the name Guamskyy?

I came up with the name as my Xbox gamertag! Me and my buddies back in high school added “skyy” to the end of a name we’d pick. Because I’m from the island of Guam, it was only fitting for me to choose that name, with my friends agreeing with me. Fast forward from there to a couple years ago with my first EP release “Journey Home” and needing a moniker, there was no better choice.

Continue reading “Interview with Guamskyy” →

Louis Goodwin aka Merkaba is a member of the growing one man instrumental progressive metal movement. Merkaba is a new project considering that it started back in June this year, and in such a short time Goodwin managed to write a self-titled EP which consist of nine songs and which brings a mix of electronica and djent / progressive metal. Goodwin sets himself apart by focusing on atmosphere rather than the intricate virtuosity of similar artists. The music utilizes relatively straightforward “djent” rhythms mixed with sustained synths and delayed clean guitars all dripping with reverb. The beauty of the layers is undeniable, with little to no dissonance to be found.

“Merkaba” definitely succeeds in what it was trying to do. The EP greatly benefits from more emphasis on clean delayed guitar sections that give the music a nice dynamic range. This is a record whose tracks slowing and steady grow until they burst with emotion yet always make sure to keep a super chill vibe. The songs aren’t in a hurry, and instead let you soak in the atmosphere and emotion of a truly chill, yet much more than ambient, experience. It has such a wonderful vibe about it, like profound discovery and the mystery and beauty of the universe. It’s great music to let your imagination run wild.

Listen to “Merkaba” on Bandcamp here.

Over the last few years, instrumental releases within the progressive rock/metal genre have been on the rise, and like with everything else, the quality of the releases vary from hit-and-miss to some absolutely amazing gems. Guamskyy, based in Houston, Texas, is a project of Christian San Agustin, a composer and guitarist who has been releasing music for a few years. Seven Parallels is a full-length debut by Guamsky. Scheduled for the December 20th release, it can be said that this album is definitely one of the latest releases to find its place in the AOTY lists for 2016.

Well composed, arranged and wonderfully performed, Seven Parallels is an ambitious piece of largely instrumental prog metal, with more than enough epic ideas to keep a listener engaged and attentive. Suffice to say, there is more than enough of a variety to keep the music from sounding stale or rehashed. Although Agustin’s true calling lies in melody-driven progressive metal guitar, the stylistic curveballs here are fully-realized and sound great. “All In Spite,” the album’s opener, is an excellent example of Agustin’s skill as a multi-faceted composer. And this skill just keeps on improving throughout the nine-track release. “Shellfish” features a guest performance by guitarist Dean Murphy, who performs an engaging solo, adding yet another layer to the already multilayered piece. Song structures seem arranged to cater to a string of individually satisfying moments, as opposed to the ideas all contributing to the overall whole of a composition. Even in the most ambitious progressive rock/metal moments, I tend to look for some of the same qualities found in conventionally good songwriting.

Obviously, much of the spotlight here is placed on Agustin’s prodigious grasp of the electric guitar. Although the album’s djenty side doesn’t stand any bit above what we’ve already heard from that corner of prog metal, Agustin makes himself out to be an absolutely brilliant fusion guitarist, possibly one of the best I’ve heard in recent years. “Hyper Beam” might be my favourite track on the album for this very reason; Agustin’s marriage of keen instrumental wandering and tight melodic passages is gorgeous.

Seven Parallels is an album packed with instrumental inventiveness and technical proficiency. Christian San Agustin excels here both as a composer and musician.

Pre-order ‘Seven Parallels’ on Bandcamp here.