Jeremie Arrobas: Lead synth guitar and sound machines Thomas Szirmay: Sound machines Hansford Rowe: Bass Rob Harrison: Flute
Based in Montreal, Canada, ENIGMATIC SOUND MACHINES is a retro-futuristic project, the brainchild of two childhood friends with a common love for music, philosophy, and the arts.
Jeremie Arrobas is a founding member of Men Without Hats, a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, writer, composer, arranger, and producer. Creator of hundreds of audio, video, and visual arts projects.
Thomas Szirmay is a musicologist, researcher, producer, arranger, and writer. Specialist in progressive rock, jazz-fusion and electronic, and has written over 1600 reviews on internet platforms Prog Archives, House of Prog as well as a FB page called Prog Rogue.
We started working on the sophomore release “The Hierarchies of Angels” immediately after releasing our debut on September 1, 2023, contemplating the framework for composing within an even more progressive approach. This came about as it was obvious to both of us that Jeremie had hit a level of creative inspiration that was unparalleled in his long history of composing. Thomas kept challenging Jeremie to aspire to consider longer arrangements, gradually pushing for extended instrumentals, which were so rapidly successful that it was decided to keep three of them for Hierarchies and really up the ante musically and conceptually. We also decided to feature some impressive guest talent, namely the legendary prog/fusion bassist Hansford Rowe (Gong, Gongzilla, HR3 and many more), as well as two guitarists Shane Hoy (The Dylans) and Alain Roig.
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated music documentaryCountdown to a Better Day (2025) by Time Horizon has made an incredible debut on the film festival circuit!
Silver Award Winner – On its very first entry, Countdown to a Better Day has been honored with a Silver Award at the prestigious Christian Family Film Festival.
Official Selection – The film has also been officially selected for Cinemafest 2025 in New York, further solidifying its impact and recognition in the film and music communities.
Featuring legendary musicians Michael Sadler (SAGA) and Michael Manring (Michael Hedges), this compelling documentary takes viewers on an inspiring journey through music, passion, and perseverance.
About Countdown to a Better Day
In 2023, Time Horizon filmed a documentary and live performances in Northern California, featuring songs from their recently released album, “POWER OF THREE.” They enlisted the expertise of Clark Langon, an award-winning and experienced director and producer, to bring their vision to life. Clark has worked with artists such as Foo Fighters, Alicia Keys, Brad Paisley, and more.
Watch Countdown to a Better Day Trailer Here
About Time Horizon
The Band started as a bunch of friends writing music together and grew from there. Ralph Otteson had played in a band called “Iron Clay Poets” during the mid-’90s. They played around the Central Valley of California for a few years and finally recorded an album, however, the album was never released after being finished due to the disbanding of the members. It was through mixing this album with the help of Bruce Gaetke that brought together what would become the origins of Time Horizon.
Time Horizon is…
David Mau: Lead Vocals and support keys Ralph Otteson: Keyboards, background vocals Bruce Gaetke: Drums, lead and background vocals Allen White: Electric and acoustic bass David Miller: Electric and acoustic guitars Michael Gregory: Lead electric guitar
Stay tuned for more details! https://httpsmrrmusiccom.lsnto.me/timehorizon
Nad Sylvan, known as vocalist with legendary guitarist Steve Hackett, announces his vulnerable & personal new solo album ‘Monumentata’ for release on June 20th, 2025 via InsideOutMusic. Sylvan’s music draws heavily from the golden age of progressive rock while blending in folk, classical, and modern rock influences, resulting in a sound that feels both classic and contemporary. This collection of 8 tracks continues bridging those styles while sprinkling in a few more, from the jazzy-pop feel of “Flowerland” to the 60’s R&B influenced “Monte Carlo Priceless,” to the aggressive rock flavour of “That’s Not Me.”
It is the latter track that is launched today, and you can watch the video for “That’s Not Me” here:
Nad comments of the track: “It’s a very heavy, aggressive song with a strong funk influence—kind of like James Brown meets Deep Purple. It’s got a groovy feel, and I absolutely love it because it represents the heavier side of my music. The song explores the challenges of adapting to another culture while traveling the world.”
Much of the album comes from Sylvan’s life experiences. “This album is much more vulnerable. I’d say about 75% of the lyrics are directly about my life—it’s me laying everything out there, wearing my heart on my sleeve.”
The title track signifies an important moment in the singer’s life when he lost his father, leaving him without both parents. Sylvan explains, “I lost my parents, and knowing that they’re gone—and that one day, I’m probably next in line—that felt “monumental” to me. That’s where the word ‘Monumentata’ came from. “Tata” means “Father” in Hungarian, and my dad was half Hungarian. So, I combined those two words to create something new. It’s about losing someone and the disappointment.”
While Sylvan handles vocals, keyboards and most of the guitar parts, the album features a number of notable guest appearances, including guitarists Randy McStine, David Kollar, and Neil Whitford. The drummers on the record include Marco Minnemann, Mirko DeMaio, and Felix Lerhmann. On bass, the singer is helped out by fellow Hackett band member Jonas Reingold, Nick Beggs, and Tony Levin.
‘Monumentata’ will be available as a Ltd CD Digipak (incl. bonus track), Gatefold transparent green LP & as Digital Album. Artwork was handled by Hajo Müller (Steven Wilson).
With a captivating style of keyboard-driven progressive metal that blends cinematic grandeur with a no-holds-barred approach to genre and convention, American progressive trio Lux Terminus has taken the prog music world by storm since their formation in 2016. Now, with the impending release of their second full-length album, Cinder, due out on April 18th, keyboardist Vikram Shankar (Pain of Salvation, Silent Skies), bassist Brian Craft, and drummer Matthew Kerschner have reached stunning new creative heights.
Written and recorded over four years and produced by the band, Cinder sees Lux Terminus once again embracing the core of their sound — keyboards-driven progressive metal with strong analog synth and cinematic influences — while exploring heavier and more diverse musical territories. The album also features guest appearances from Ross Jennings (Haken), Jørgen Munkeby, Jon Pyres, and Espera (Sleep Token, Exploring Birdsong).
Lux Terminus has now released the energetic and uplifting first single, “P.L.O.N.K.,” from their upcoming highly anticipated sophomore album. “P.L.O.N.K.” blends intricate analog synthesizers and expressive piano with a propulsive rhythm section and fusion-driven technical prowess.
“Our single “P.L.O.N.K.,” the first release from our upcoming 2025 album Cinder, embodies the core of our songwriting: melodic storytelling, complex rhythms, and vibrant emotional energy—all without guitars or vocals. As one of the first songs composed for Cinder, “P.L.O.N.K.” shares strong stylistic ties to our first album, drawing on classic progressive rock and fusion influences. This makes it a fitting bridge between the Lux Terminus of the past and the present and future. As for the meaning of the title, we invite our listeners to uncover its significance.”
“We are thrilled beyond belief to announce our upcoming sophomore release, Cinder. Cinder, for us, is a musical reflection of our core vision as an artist. We aim to create progressive music where the piano and keyboards are at the forefront, breaking free from their usual role as a supporting element in rock and metal. Melody, dynamics, and emotion are also at the core of the songwriting, even as we indulge in technicality and ‘djenty’ heaviness. Cinder is about burning with intensity and risk—creating passionate, vibrant art that challenges both personal limits and conventional boundaries.”
You can check out the bass and drums playthrough video here:
Cinder’s ten tracks showcase Lux Terminus’s evocative exuberance through an impressive array of soundscapes. Lead single “Mosaic Mind” concisely highlights the trio’s musical hallmarks, meticulously blending mind-bending riffs with anthemic and infectious melodies. “Natsukashii” exemplifies their uniquely emotional approach to progressive music, pairing asymmetric meters with retro aesthetics for an effervescent tribute to the memory and the beauty of yesteryear. Three-part opener “Jupiter” steadfastly prioritizes mood and atmosphere over displays of technicality, reflecting on the serendipity of life’s journey with metaphors of theoretical physics and sublime vocal contributions from Espera (Sleep Token, Exploring Birdsong). And album centerpiece “Catalyst” traverses diverse stylistic ground – melding musical theater with cinematic prog and synthpop – while conveying a potent narrative about the peaks and valleys of mental health, featuring emotive performances from Ross Jennings (Haken), Jon Pyres (Threads of Fate, Violet Sin, Lost in Reverie), and Jørgen Munkeby (Emperor, Ihsahn, Shining, Periphery, et al.).
TRACKLISTING: 1. Jupiter I: Starless (feat. Espera) 2. Jupiter II: To Bend a Comet (feat. Espera) 3. Jupiter III: Perihelion (feat. Espera) 4. Mosaic Mind 5. Neon Rain 6. P.L.O.N.K. 7. Catalyst (feat. Ross Jennings, Jørgen Munkeby & Jon Pyres) 8. The Devil’s Eyes 9. Apparent Horizon 10. Natsukashii
Cinder is available for physical pre-order now through Glassville Records in multi-colored vinyl and CD digipak formats.
Lux Terminus, the project of keyboardist Vikram Shankar (known for his work with Pain of Salvation, Silent Skies, and Redemption, as well as scores for video games like Space Marine II, Evil Dead: The Game, and the upcoming Jurassic Park: Survival), was formed in 2016 as an instrumental trio with drummer Matthew Kerschner and bassist Brian Craft.
The band pushes the boundaries of progressive metal by omitting electric guitars, instead using pianos, synthesizers, and orchestral arrangements to create a sound that balances technical complexity with melody and emotional depth.
Their debut album, The Courage to Be (2018), showcased this unique approach, with its bold use of pianos and synths to replace the traditional guitar-driven framework of progressive music. The record featured guest contributions from Timo Somers, Raphael Weinroth-Browne, and Anneke van Giersbergen. After a brief hiatus during which Shankar focused on other projects, Lux Terminus is now preparing to release their highly anticipated sophomore album, Cinder.
Lux Terminus are: Vikram Shankar – Keyboardist Brian Craft – Bassist Matthew Kerschner – Drummer
New album In Search of Being out on June 6th, 2025.
After the successful release of the song “Becoming, (R)evolution,” progressive metal trio Phase Transition, are now set to release the new single, “Veil of Illusions.” The track comes from the group’s forthcoming debut album, In Search of Being, due out on June 6th, 2025.
The band comprised of violinist/vocalist Sofia Beco, guitarist Luís Dias, and drummer Fernando Maia, say this about the track: “The song explores themes of self-doubt and personal discovery that are part of adulthood, including progressive guitar riffs and virtuosic solos that elevate its intensity.”
Watch the video here:
Writing for the album started in 2023 when guitarist Luís Dias was in Barcelona for a while. The band worked on the music remotely which took about a year and a half to lay down, then another six months to produce and record everything. The final production, mixing, and mastering was done with the help of former Anathema member Daniel Cardoso, at Öhme Studio.
Tracklisting: 1. Dichotomy 2. Becoming, (R)evolution 3.Veil of Illusions 4.Shadows of Grief 5.The Other Side
Pre-order here: In Search of Being Sofia Beco, Luís Dias, and Fernando Maia began playing while at university, in the middle of their studies for exams, with Dream Theater covers. While trying to pass their courses, they managed to release their first EP called “Relatively Speaking”, in 2020. Since then, they have been playing in several venues like HardClub and festivals such as Comendatio Music Fest. The band combines influences ranging from classical music to technical progressive metal, as a result of the eclectic backgrounds of the members.
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