Norwegian drummer and composer Bjarte K. Helland has officially released his new progressive metal EP Scorched, available now via F.T.A.T.P.
Scorched delivers a bold, rhythm-driven approach to modern instrumental metal, placing the drum kit at the center of composition and pushing progressive boundaries in a cinematic, high-impact direction. Built from a drummer’s perspective rather than a traditional guitar-led framework, the release transforms rhythm into structure, melody, and atmosphere.
The result is a heavy and dynamic listening experience where tension and release are sculpted through percussion-first songwriting, creating a sound that is both aggressive and deeply cinematic.
Fans of modern progressive and instrumental metal will connect with the precision and intensity found in TesseracT, the technical complexity and groove of Periphery, and the melodic, fusion-inspired composition style of Plini.
Helland, known for his work with FastLoaders, Pitch Black Mentality, and Quadrasonic, continues to expand his solo vision with a release that blends progressive metal, fusion, and experimental instrumental composition into a unified, high-energy statement.
The EP also features collaborations with internationally respected musicians Billy Sheehan, Jarle H. Olsen, James Pulli, Yas Nomura, and Tore Christer Storlid, adding further depth and intensity to the project’s sonic palette.
Helland comments on the release:
“Scorched is my second solo EP and the first time I recorded and mixed the drums in my own studio, which gave me a much closer connection to the sound and direction of the release. Compared to my previous work, this one leans further into heavier progressive metal while keeping the cinematic and melodic elements that matter to me. The title reflects both global erosion of stability and personal transformation through challenge. Each track explores a different angle of that tension.”
Scorched is out now on all major streaming platforms via F.T.A.T.P.
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Production credits
Composer: Bjarte K. Helland
Arrangement: Jarle H. Olsen, Bjarte K. Helland
Mixing: Jarle H. Olsen, Bjarte K. Helland
Production: Jarle H. Olsen, Bjarte K. Helland, LANDR
Drums: Bjarte K. Helland
Guitars: Jarle H. Olsen
Bass: Billy Sheehan, Yas Nomura, Tore Christer Storlid, James Amelio Pulli
Label
F.T.A.T.P
Listen / Pre-save
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/bjartekhelland/scorched
Scorched lands May 2, 2026. No filler, no fluff, just pure progressive fire carved from rhythm and controlled chaos.
Connect:
Website: https://www.bjartekhelland.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bjartedrums
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjartekhelland
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/BjarteKHellandDrums
Bandcamp: https://bjartekhelland.bandcamp.com/album/scorched
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6goY9aF0lGC10oj2lxFqRe
Apple Music:https://music.apple.com/no/artist/bjarte-k-helland/1570164951
Contact
Bjarte K. Helland
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