Search Results: devin-townsend

• PHAETON Unveils First Single "Tethys Rising" From Third Album "Neurogenesis" Out Oct 2025

  Sep 3, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Canadian instrumental progressive metal quartet Phaeton returns with their third full-length album, "Neurogenesis", out on October 24th, 2025, via INB Music, along with it being made available on vinyl at a later date this year. The record is a tightly wound, interstellar journey through melody, muscle, and mind-expanding musicality. With no vocals, no limits, Phaeton lets their instruments do the talking, creating emotional landscapes without a single lyric.

  The album’s title refers to the birth of new neural pathways, fitting for a band that thrives on cerebral complexity and visceral impact. "Neurogenesis" builds on the foundation laid by their previous releases, "Self-Titled" (2018) and "Between Two Worlds" (2023), but sharpens the focus with more concise compositions that never sacrifice imagination. Each track is a self-contained universe, yet together they form a cohesive anthology of sonic exploration. Fans will also be delighted to hear that keyboard wizard Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo) guests on the track "Isochron".​
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  The album artwork, created by Calgary visual artist Matt Semenok, features a suspended human brain infused with bioelectricity and cybernetic implants, a chilling nod to the accelerating march of technology and the psychological lag it leaves behind. Think H.R. Giger meets Bill Sienkiewicz in a dystopian dreamscape.

  Today, the band unveils the first single, “Tethys Rising,” which was written by bassist Ferdy Belland. It is a triumphant, high-energy track inspired by the astronomy art of Chesley Bonestell and Belland’s own dream of setting foot on Saturn’s moon.

  The band comments:

  "This was the first complete song that Ferdy wrote for us. He’s big into astronomy, and he loves the retro sci-fi art of Chesley Bonestell, who illustrated this classic image of Saturn as viewed from the surface of its moon Tethys. So he comes up right out of the blue with this tune with all these busier-than-hell riffs. He was nervous at first about submitting his own stuff, since he wanted what he presented to us to be as strong as the songs Kevin and Daniel normally write, but we were encouraging, and “Tethys Rising” certainly matches up in power and quality to anything we’ve written. Ferdy wants to be the first human astronaut on Tethys, for real, but in the meantime, he can celebrate it in song."

  Watch and listen to “Tethys Rising” via its premiere on TheProgSpace HERE.

  Formed from a fusion of four seasoned musicians, Colin Righton, Daniel Airth, Kevin Thiessen, and Ferdy Belland, Phaeton was born from a hunch and a history. Righton had played with each member in separate bands and sensed that combining their talents would spark something extraordinary. Nearly a decade later, that spark has become a supernova.

  From Devin Townsend and Rush to Meshuggah and Gojira, Phaeton blends prog, tech-death, thrash, and djent into a kaleidoscope of sound.
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  Beyond "Neurogenesis", fans can look forward to the 22-minute epic “Clouds of Mercury” slated for release as a standalone EP in 2026, and the band’s fourth album “Quartum” expected in 2027. With new material already brewing, Phaeton shows no signs of slowing its cosmic ascent.

  "Neurogenesis" - album pre-order (out Oct 24th) - https://phaetonband.bandcamp.com/

  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/5F6RHipUtHpTXxrlABsHth​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Tethys Rising (6:25)
  2. Discontinuum (6:37)
  3. Isochron (4:12) ft. Derek Sherinian
  4. Synethesia (6:24)
  5. Arachnid (4:48)
  6. Augmented (4:37)
  7. Neurogenesis (6:16)
  Album Length: 39:19

  Band Lineup:​
  - Colin Righton: Drums & Percussion
  - Daniel Airth: Lead & Rhythm Guitars
  - Kevin Thiessen: Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Keyboards
  - Ferdy Belland: Electric Bass

  For more info: https://linktr.ee/phaetonofficial​

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• Enter the Realm of RIMMAR w/ Debut Album “Raises” + New Video “Mighty Messenger” ft. Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire, Angra)

  Jul 4, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  RIMMAR, the audacious solo project of Italian guitarist and producer Marco Rinaldi, has officially dropped its long-awaited debut album “Raises”—now streaming worldwide on all major platforms.

  Blending the raw power of industrial and progressive metal with melodic finesse, “Raises” is an atmospheric ride through epic soundscapes, haunting vocals, and virtuosic guitar work. The release is accompanied by a brand-new music video for the single “Mighty Messenger”, featuring a spectacular vocal performance by symphonic metal icon Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire, Angra).

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  Filmed with cinematic flair, “Mighty Messenger” explores themes of destiny and defiance, fusing Lione’s soaring vocals with Rinaldi’s thunderous instrumentation. The video’s dystopian visuals echo the album’s concept of personal evolution and universal struggle.

  Rimmar is not a conventional band but a one-man artistic endeavor shaped entirely by Marco Rinaldi. His creative process begins with a riff or rhythm, eventually evolving into fully orchestrated arrangements through the use of synths, pads, and layered textures. His lyrics draw inspiration from readings, philosophical thought, and vivid dreams, always serving the music rather than leading it. As Rinaldi says, “The word is a servant of music in my case.”

  The album "Raises" features a cast of exceptional guest performers from the Italian metal scene. Among them, Fabio Lione (Rhapsody of Fire, Angra) appears on two tracks ("Mighty Messenger" and "Vortex"), along with Kyo Calati (MindAheaD), Marco Andreotti (Imagine Dragons tribute), Mattia Fagiolo (White Thunder, Dragonhammer) and Alessandro Cola (Eldritch)—each lending their voice and energy to the project.

  On stage, Rimmar becomes a full live band composed of experienced musicians from the Italian scene, delivering performances that merge metal’s impact with the visual and rhythmic elements of electronic dance.

  Whether you're into the genre-defying swagger of Devin Townsend or the mechanized punch of Rammstein, "Raises" deserves a front-row spot in your playlist.

  Digital Album - https://lnk.to/LSOElQT4​

  CD Album - https://rockshots.eu/products/rimmar-raises​​

  Track Listing:​
  1. Unreal (feat. Mattia Fagiolo)
  2. Mighty Messenger (feat. Fabio Lione)
  3. These Ruins (feat. Marco Bertuccelli)
  4. 8th Sin (feat. Marco Andreotti)
  5. Planet Mars (feat. Mattia Fagiolo)
  6. Vortex (feat. Fabio Lione)
  7. Queen of the Gold (feat. Marco Bertuccelli)
  8. Cruel Summer (feat. Kyo Elisa Proietti)
  9. Raises

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  ​Rimmar Line Up:​
  ​Marco Rinaldi: Guitars
  ​Tommy Pellegrini: Rhythm Guitars
  ​Marco Moretti: Drums
  ​Alessandro Cola: Bass Guitar

  ​More Info:

  - https://rockshots.eu/​

  - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063487690785​

  - https://www.instagram.com/rimmar_official/

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• SPHERES Announces New Album "Shadows of Despair" with Progressively Extreme Single "Underworld"

  Apr 18, 2025 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Paris' SPHERES have an invitation to a spiritual journey and dystopian dimension with the release of their new single "Underworld". This is the first feast of new music since releasing their 2022 sophomore album "Helios". The new track, recorded and mixed by Chris Edrich (Devin Townsend, Tesseract, Leprous), is a preview of their third full-length "Shadows of Despair," set for release in October 2025.

  Just like the world we live in, SPHERES' sound is becoming increasingly extreme, and their new song "Underworld" asks the question: can we evolve without destroying ourselves? We don't need to save the planet. The Earth has undergone several mass extinctions and will remain alive until our star, the sun, dies out. Humanity is less certain.

  With "Underworld," listeners will be struck by the multitude of contrasts and textures that inhabit SPHERES' music: From sharp riffs to ethereal melodies, from clean singing to growls and screams, the atmosphere oscillates between dream and frenzy. Everything is designed to push the listener’s boundaries and invite them to take part in this expedition.

  Listen to "Underworld" at the following links:

  Spotify (all digital platforms) - https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/spheres7/underworld​

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  In additional news, SPHERES will be touring across Europe in 2025 (dates listed below).

  Spheres has performed, among others, at Malmöfestivalen in Sweden, Hellfest and Ready For Prog in France, as part of their previous European tour in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, and France. They opened for bands such as Angra, Threshold, Hangman's Chair, and Angelus Apatrida.

  Live Video - S.C.S. at Macumba Open Air Festival 2023 - https://youtu.be/--oXvBR19ZI​

  Tour Dates 2025: (more to be announced)
  September 19 - Bifrôst - Rouen, France
  September 20 - El Camino - Caen, France
  October 17 - Oeil Glauque Festival - Rennes, France
  October 26 - AK Shelter - Nantes, France

  SPHERES is:
  Jonathan Lino: Vocals, Guitars, Producer
  Marco Walczak: Lead Guitars, Keyboards
  Clémence Santé: Bass
  Jesse Haddad: Drums

  For more info: https://linktr.ee/spheres.band​

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• UTILITY PROVIDER Shed The Mental "Scabs" of Addiction and Trauma w/ New Lyric Video Off New Album "Challenger" Out End of Nov 2024

  Nov 22, 2024 Fistoffreedom 0 Comments

   

  Vancouver, Canada's UTILITY PROVIDER is set to release their third full-length “Challenger” on November 26th. Before it releases, the prog quartet is sharing their latest lyric video for the track "Scabs". The song was written about overcoming addiction and trauma, surviving, and shedding your mental ‘scabs’.

  Vocalist Tyler Mayfield explains further:

  "My personal favourite of the album, “Scabs” has perhaps the best sounding vocals, clean and raspy, and uniquely features an unexpected drums-only intro. It is also the longest song on the album at 5 minutes and 55 seconds. The first half of the song is more rock sounding and you can hear this primarily in the guitars and vocals, although that signature U.P metal/rock guitar tone is still present. Things heat up in the second half with a distinctly ‘metal’ riff, very powerful drums, and intense vocals. The ending is my favourite part; a single guitar riff with repeating harmonic notes and quiet drums which allow a beautiful falsetto harmony between Chris and myself to shine through. Listen closely and you’ll also hear a subtle but intricate bass riff in the background separate from the guitar. If you close your eyes you can hear the ghost of old-school Alice in Chains."

  ​Produced with Nick Bergeron at Starport Studios (Langley, B.C.) with mixing and mastering by the renowned Michael Kraushaar at Little Red Studios (Vancouver B.C), UTILITY PROVIDER's new album "Challenger" features a fresh new lineup and is an evolution from its predecessors 2022's “Lost in Humanity’s Grip” and 2019's “All in Time”.

  "The writing is much stronger than in the previous releases and the production as a whole is miles ahead of them. What I love about this album is how each song has its own identity; its own sound, and its own story. There are definitely some surprises in store for our fans." adds vocalist Tyler Mayfield.

  The overarching theme of “Challenger” is one of triumph over adversity and having the courage to throw off your “chains” (both physical and mental) and strike out on your own. UTILITY PROVIDER wants fans to be able to make a connection with the music and connect with them on a very personal level. They showcase this with a concept of a side “A” and a side “B”.

  "Up until this album, all U.P songs were written in drop C tuning. The first 6 songs of the album stay in that same drop C tuning, however side “B” is written in A# tuning - it's literally a whole new sound for our fans! The transition from side “A” to side “B” is marked by a beautiful instrumental track written solely by guitarist Chris Thomas called “Northern Storm”. We hope the listeners will enjoy this nuance within the album. We sure had a ton of fun recording it!" adds Mayfield.

  Lyrically, the album “Challenger” was mostly penned by vocalist Tyler Mayfield who wants to tell a story. He elaborates:

  "As the lead vocalist, I feel that it’s my duty to put into words the message that the music is trying to convey. There is a lot of teamwork between Chris and myself to get that right. So in this way, the lyrics don’t always necessarily reflect my personal life, but are more tailored to reflect the story within the music."

  With members individually influenced by different elements of metal. You will hear their sonic meshing of blues rock, prog metal, thrash, and grunge throughout the album. Recommended for fans of Mastodon, Devin Townsend, Alice in Chains, and Gojira, “Challenger” is due out on November 26th, 2024, and is available for pre-order at https://utilityprovider.bandcamp.com.

  ​Show Dates:​
  Dec 20 - New Westminster, BC - Bully's Studios - info w/ Mourning High, Assailant, Evan Way

  Track Listing:​
  1. Broken Ghost Touches - 2:39
  2. Humans - 4:23
  3. Challenger - 5:08
  4. Social Murder - 1:59
  5. Killer Instinct - 3:36
  6. Northern Storm - 1:13
  7. You Know She’s Metal - 3:14
  8. Loudest Voices - 4:47
  9. Skin & Bones - 4:22
  10. Independent Soul - 2:28
  11. Scabs - 5:55
  12. Controversy In Everything - 4:40
  Album Length: 44:29

  Album Band Line Up:​
  Guitar/backing vocals: Chris Thomas
  Drums: Vadim Cartovenco
  Lead vocals: Tyler Mayfield
  Bass/backing vocals: Tyler Parsons-Mathieu

  Live Band Line Up:​
  Guitar/backing vocals: Chris Thomas
  Drums: Vadim Cartovenco
  Lead vocals: Tyler Mayfield
  Bass/backing vocals: Shayne Gold

  More info: Facebook.com/utilityproviderband | Instagram.com/utilityproviderband | X.com/utilityboys

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