Front (L-R): Kevin Thiessen (Guitars, Keyboards), Ferdy Belland (Bass), Daniel Airth (Guitars), Back: Colin Righton (Drums)
Photo Credit – Scott Courtemanche
Canadian instrumental progressive metal quartet PHAETON returns with their third full-length album, “Neurogenesis,” a tightly wound sonic journey through melody, muscle, and mind-expanding musicality. Following their acclaimed 2020 release “Between Two Worlds,” this new chapter marks a bold evolution in the band’s sound, more concise yet no less imaginative.
Formed in the rugged wilderness of Kimberley, British Columbia, in 2017, PHAETON fuses neo-classical melodicism, crunching rifferama, tornado percussion, and contrapuntal basslines, making them not only a captivating listening experience on record but a thrilling and ultra-heavy live band in the flesh. Named after the mythical proto-planet believed to have collided with primordial Earth, PHAETON channels cosmic chaos into meticulously crafted soundscapes that are as cerebral as they are crushing.
The band, Kevin Thiessen (guitars, keyboards; ex-Azsension, ex-Datura), Daniel Airth (guitars; ex-Chaos Logic), Ferdy Belland (bass; ex-Bif Naked), and Colin Righton (drums; ex-Chaos Machine), has carved out a distinct sonic identity, drawing inspiration from titans like Dream Theater, Rush, Mastodon, and King Crimson. Their music is a wordless journey through shifting time signatures, soaring melodies, and tectonic riffage, designed to ignite the imagination and challenge the ear.
“Neurogenesis” represents a left-field shift for PHAETON, an unexpected but thrilling change of pace. While their self-titled debut album laid the foundation for their identity as composers and musicians, and “Between Two Worlds” expanded that vision with heavier, more emotionally resonant compositions, “Neurogenesis” takes a more compact and concise approach, not by design, but by organic evolution.
Even as an all-instrumental band, PHAETON’s arrangements follow familiar narrative arcs, verse, chorus, bridge, but instead of supporting vocals, the riffs and rhythms become scaffolding for guitar and keyboard melodies. This time, the band embraced a sideways approach, inviting listeners to interpret song titles and let their imaginations roam freely through the music’s unfolding landscapes.
“It’s jazz-fusion ears within prog-metal boundaries. And while Neurogenesis isn’t a concept album in the strictest sense, many of the song ideas overlap,” the band explains.
Thematically, the album draws inspiration from modern theories of the technological singularity, the looming convergence of biological minds with robotics, cybernetic implants, and microchips. It’s a meditation on what it means to be human in an age of accelerating machine intelligence: part cold warning, part sober observation.
Engineered and mixed by Kevin Thiessen at The Cube in Kimberley, BC, and mastered by Jamie Sitar at Outtatown Sound in Winnipeg, MB, “Neurogenesis” also features artwork by Calgary-based artist Matt Semenok, capturing the album’s cosmic themes.
With a growing international following and a reputation for electrifying live performances, PHAETON continues to evolve, fearlessly, relentlessly, and without saying a word. The band has confidently shared stages with such notable artists as Beyond Creation, Anciients, and Bison, and is looking to open musical doorways across the nation and across the oceans.
Upcoming Show Dates:
Nov 7 – Lethbridge, AB – The Slice w/ Pharm, S.I., Rainbow Patrol
Nov 8 – Edmonton, AB – Divebar w/ Pharm, Excerebration, Spruce Moose
Nov 21 – Cranbrook, BC – Shotties Nightclub w/ Dead Bob, Blind Marc
Nov 29 – Cranbrook BC – Shotties Nightclub w/ ANCIIENTS
“Neurogenesis” will be available on digital platforms on October 24 via INB Music, with vinyl editions arriving later this year and more music, including the standalone 22-minute epic “Clouds of Mercury,” coming in 2026, and a fourth full-length album, “Quartum,” slated for 2027.
“Neurogenesis” is available at the following links:
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/
Bandcamp – https://phaetonband.bandcamp.
Previous Singles:
Band playthrough – Arachnid – https://youtu.be/QxyU0U-vSOc
Isochron ft. Derek Sherinian – https://youtu.be/Ri8wXGYJcJg
Tethys Rising – https://youtu.be/mjehuUQS9G8
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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/
“Oh prog-metal how we love thee…case in point, the new single ‘Isochron ft. Derek Sherinian’ from Phaeton. This dandy little slice of modern prog-metal is not only exceptionally recorded but is jammed full of stabbing riffs, fluid bass lines, drum rolls galore and of course keyboard wizardry courtesy of the legendary Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo). Keep an eye out for the new album “Neurogenesis” from PHAETON set to drop on Oct. 24th and to tide you over listen up for ‘Isochron’ on your Home for the Best New Rock… W-J-O-EEEE” – WJOE – Findlay’s Home for Rock & Roll
“I’ve always maintained that instrumental bands have to work harder at their craft, because the lack of vocals is one more thing they have to find a replacement for. Lead guitar breaks can take the place of vocals, as can keyboards. They do a solid job of this on the album… They have the chops, that’s for sure.” – Metal-Temple
“Neurogenesis“ is a work that combines virtuosity, atmosphere and emotion in extraordinary balance.” 4/5 – MetalUnderground.at
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