KORYPHEUS was formed in 2016 in Kiev, Ukraine, captained by their leader Andrey (Andy) Gushin. The rest of the line-up is made up of Andy Gushin on lead vocals, Jullian Torse on extreme vocals, Gennadi Sarukhanyan on lead guitar, Ruslan Drozd on bass and Dmitriy Kim on drums (ex-JINJER). I'm going to make a very bold statement and say that KORYPHEUS have made one of, if not, the best Prog Metal albums of 2020.

The album begins with "Goliath" where its sound is defined, heavy riffs, atmospheric introductions and the heavenly haunted vocals of Gushin that sound like early BLACK SABBATH. "Artemis" is reminiscent of the new style of Hard/Heavy Rock, but with more profound Progressive nuances which use interesting moments where riffs, rhythmic basses, and extremities combine to perfection. "Over the Rainbow" has a more mainstream side, mainly enhanced by its good chorus, which makes it a star song for the band's live performances. "Came Saw Lost" is a dark halftime, tending more to the Alternative, while "Wonder" shows a face closer to the Progressive, with certain operatic vocal arrangements, and played back to back with each other they prove as addictive as the rest, as both the chorus' and the guitar work blend together in a delicious way.

"Abracadabra" is a very particular version of the theme of the same title by the STEVE MILLER BAND, which the band themselves take and make their own producing a completely new song. "Dyatlow Pass" is a short, but epic cut with oriental riffs and a spectacular drums by Dmitry in what has been the first single of this work. With "Anywhere But Here" they return to halftime, in another of the less complex and more alternative themes. The end comes from the hand of "Only Lies," a ballad very much in the style of 90's era METALLICA with hints of newer bands such as GOJIRA and GHOST.

A short but intense album, close to 40 minutes, that leaves us feeling good and places a promising band on the map. The variety between the songs is striking, which shows the versatility of the band and the multiple possibilities it offers. Without a doubt, an album to taste and a band to follow in the future. While not as technical as DREAM THEATER, but not as heavy as other Prog bands, they fit delightfully in the middle and provide a glorious insight into the genre as the band that should be at the forefront of Prog Metal.