Spheres: Helios

Although France might not get the attention of some other prog producing countries like Sweden or the UK, there is still much to offer prog aficionados. Bands like Nemo, Spheric Universe Experience, and Gojira immediately come to mind and of course you can’t forget the classics like Magma and Gong.

My latest foray into French music has led me to the progressive metal band Spheres, a relatively new band who released their debut album Iono in 2019. Their sophomore effort titled Helios came out last year. The four piece consists of Jonathan Lino (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Olivier Moreau (guitars, backing vocals), Clemence Sante (bass), and Jesse Haddad (drums).

About the title. Helios is the mythical Greek God of the Sun, here represented in the cover art as a celestial eye, which is viewing humanity with all its flaws and destructiveness. It is all very dystopian, and the music is suitably dark and even ominous at times.

The music is moody, heavy, and quite creative, with lead vocals that will take time to digest. Founding member Lino has a diverse approach, including screams, growls, and cleans, which can almost be too much of a good thing. Still, there is no denying the interest he creates in the band’s sound. The first track “Algorithmic Sentience� features a backdrop of heavy guitar, block-like riffage, and varied vocals �" from extreme to clean. His style is not far removed from Devin Townsend. The weaving synths in “Spiritual Journey� unveil a darker edge as the guitar riffs chug and the electronics are ever present. The vocals are catchier here, making more of an imprint. Growled screams and edgy synths with changing rhythmic patterns define the eleven minute “Pandemia�, an epic journey through darkly lit soundscapes with so many moving parts it will make your head spin. Take that as a compliment. “S.C.S.� has a big and bombastic sound and with “Running Man�, darkness pervades with moody backing synths and bold guitar work. The harsh talking vocals at the start are hard to get used to but when Lino uses his clean voice its much easier on the ears.

Helios is not an immediate album, this one will likely take time to settle in but isn’t that often the case with progressive music? It may not be for everyone, but Spheres are doing prog a little different and for that they should be applauded.

An M & O Music release.

Track Listing:
1. Algorithmic Sentience (4:07)
2. Spiritual Journey (6:30)
3. Pandemia (11:15)
4. Helios (1:11)
5. S.C.S. (4:28)
6. Running Man (8:35)
7. Take Me Higher, Ailleurs (5:06)
8. Do You Agree? (5:12)

Added: September 28th 2023
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 687
Language: english

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