Derek Sherinian is more bashful and reserved than usual. The former Dream Theater and Sons Of Apollo keyboard player has been known to be somewhat scathing of his old bandmates.
Indeed, there was a sense that the much-lauded Sons Of Apollo project - which also featured then-ex-Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy - was motivated by a desire to overtake them in the progressive metal hierarchy. That band released two impeccably crafted albums and there were lofty expectations of a third album that could finally propel them into the genre's higher echelons. By the tail end of 2020, Portnoy's interest in the band seemingly cooled and it plummeted down his priority list. Fast forward to 2023 and the drummer's return to Dream Theater provided a public, non-verbal declaration that cemented the demise of Sons Of Apollo.
"Yeah, and you know what? Whatever," says Sherinian, his voice genuinely lacking any signs of disgruntlement. "Basically, I think that Covid was the brutal death knell for Sons Of Apollo. It simply came down to the fact that Mike had other obligations with his other bands, which was understandable. But who knew how long that was going to take? Ron [‘Bumblefoot’ Thal, guitarist] and I were sitting there and we just didn’t want to wait to see what was going to happen in the future. I’d wanted to just move forward and start something fresh. So, that’s what we did and it’s that simple. It ended up working out for everyone. Honestly, it all worked out great. I wish Mike and the guys in Dream Theater the best. I really hope that they make a great record.”
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Apollo Has Fallen
In the aftermath of Sons Of Apollo, band alumni Derek Sherinian and Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal have regrouped for new sonic adventures in Whom Gods Destroy. Now the ice has finally melted, the new line-up are ready to take over the world with the ambitious Insanium. Prog caught up with Sherinian to find out more.
S*A*S*
In 2022, 3's Robert Berry, Saga's Ian Crichton and Saxon drummer Nigel Glockler released their debut as Six By Six. But have the prog supergroup been able to recapture that magic on the highly anticipated follow-up, Beyond Shadowland? Prog caught up with Berry to discuss the challenges, inspirational artwork and orchestral arrangements that lie behind their \"difficult\" second album.
Far From Normal
Is Nick Beggs an alien? Is he even a prog musician? And can you train a dog with a didgeridoo? All these questions and more will be answered as Prog peeks under the hood of Trifecta's The New Normal, an album that reunites Beggs with fellow virtuosos Adam Holzman and Craig Blundell. Just don't ask what his wife thinks of it.
Shifting Gear
In the two years since Resident Human, Wheel have undergone internal changes that very nearly destroyed them. But fortunately the Finnish-Anglo band have bounced back with the more experimental Charismatic Leaders. Singer and guitarist James Lascelles reveals the challenges behind creating their third studio album, how Meshuggah's \"best amp\" helped them, and why they just can't shake off those Tool comparisons.
Lone Star
On The Tangent’s 14th album, To Follow Polaris, Andy Tillison has embarked on a “one-off” solo adventure that tackles self-doubt and finds him going on a quest for The Truth. Prog catches up with the multi-instrumentalist as he ponders whether we’re better off without the internet and finds out why he still remains optimistic in a world full of turmoil.
Where Words Are Not (Always) Needed
[Mostly] without lyrics to underscore their song's meanings, post-rock trio Sleepmakeswaves have learnt to find the beauty in the \"translational chasm\" that exists between artist and listener. They've poured themselves into their fifth album, It's Here, But I Have No Names For It, and now they're excited for their fans to find themselves, and not its creators, reflected in its music. Prog caught up with the band to find out more.
A Traveller Of Time And Space
The good rocketship Hawkwind have launched their 36th studio album into the progosphere! On Stories From Time And Space, the group have lost none of their sense of injustice about the world. Bandleader Dave Brock reveals the drive behind their new music, why he's continuing to fight for an alternative society and responds to recent concerns about his health.
Soul Trader
It's been a long time coming, but Oliver Wakeman is back with a new solo album. With contributions from Nightwish's Troy Donockley, vocalist Hayley Griffiths, and Pendragon drummer Scott Higham, Anam Cara is a celtic-flavoured melting pot of delight. The keyboardist discusses the good stories and wonderful musicians that make up a record he hopes will capture the listener's imagination.
"Like having a brick wall coming at you!"
In 1974, King Crimson released one of their most underrated, at the time, albums. Red, created by the powerhouse trio Robert Fripp, John Wetton and Bill Bruford, didn't even reach the UK Top 40 and yet it's now regarded by many as a key work - not only in Crimson's back catalogue but also as a foundation stone in what would later become known as progressive metal. On its 50th anniversary, Crimson's alumni discuss the allure of an album that's reduced some adults to tears.
The Beat Goes On
There's a new King Crimson side-project in town, and this one focuses solely on the 80s incarnation of the group. BEAT finds Adrian Belew and Tony Levin reconnecting for a very special North American tour this autumn with guitar god Steve Vai and Tool drummer Danny Carey. Prog catches up with Levin and Belew to find out more.
