Country: International (Europe)
Genre: Progressive metal
Full length: The Constant Void
Format: Digital, digipak CD
Label: Sensory Records
Release date: July 11, 2025
How can progressive metal become more emotionally driven, introspective and melancholic? Philosophobia seems to possess a few insights on creating a lasting impression and guiding it towards a more personal approach. Following their self-titled debut album in 2022, they’ve been captivating prog metal fans across various countries and gaining acclaim in the press including album of the month and album of the year awards. That album’s dexterity showed something special in the making.
For their freshman effort, "Philosophobia" exhibited signs of overstepping the boundaries of progressive metal by establishing more distinct transitions between various sections of a song, highlighting sharper contrasts among different keyboard tones, and enhancing the emotional depth of their musicianship and vocals. Their sophomore album "The Constant Void" showcases their capacity to polish their previous creations while incorporating a more poignant and profound atmosphere.
Bands like Queensryche required a longer period for their development, and Philosophobia is already fast approaching them. Granted that Queensryche was among the pioneers in guiding metal towards a progressive path, and Philosophobia draws from considerably broader influences. Still, the rate at which the European band is venturing into uncharted territory is striking.
The band's evolution is evident in their cover art. Their debut features a gentleman walking through a chaotic field of mirrors, creating the impression of a puzzle being assembled. The second album appears to symbolize creativity infused into a dormant mind, displaying vibrant colors against a backdrop of semi-darkness. This symbolism while understated is distinctly noticeable.
Philosophobia's biggest improvement to date is their inclination to integrate their heavy, prog and emotional qualities more cohesively, doing more than depending on transitions. While the synthesis of guitars and keyboards remains prominent, the dimensions opened by rearranging heaviness and intricacy with more feeling offer new opportunities to write prog metal with more texture. It works so well I'm almost convinced there was something missing in prog despite its technical sophistication.
Whether the songs are intricate or centered on one theme, Philosophobia doesn’t try to be excessively ambitious showcasing their abilities. Metal’s human aspect is preserved on principle, being impassioned and not too touchy. This inspired me to envision other boundaries that can be transcended in metal; goth, symphonic, or third wave black with sitar. There are many possibilities to explore without a need for overused labels. –Dave Wolff
Whether the songs are intricate or centered on one theme, Philosophobia doesn’t try to be excessively ambitious showcasing their abilities. Metal’s human aspect is preserved on principle, being impassioned and not too touchy. This inspired me to envision other boundaries that can be transcended in metal; goth, symphonic, or third wave black with sitar. There are many possibilities to explore without a need for overused labels. –Dave Wolff
Lineup:
Domenik Papaemmanouil: Vocals
Andreas Ballnus: Guitars
Sebastian Heuckmann: Bass
Tobias Weißgerber: Keyboards
Alex Landenburg: Drums
Track list:
1. Intro
2. King Of Fools
3. The Forgotten Part I
4. Inside His Room
5. Will You Remember
6. F 40.8
7. Underneath Grassroots
8. The Fall
9. The Forgotten Part II
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