Dublin, Ireland. Self-proclaimed ‘Tech-Noir’ Progressive Metal project, The Enigma Division finally release their long-awaited debut album, following a slew of captivating singles over the last year.
The band are celebrating the album’s release with a brand new single/video featuring Sons of Apollo/ex-Dream Theater keyboardist, Derek Sherinian.
Check out “Echoes In The Deep” video, created by Very Metal Art through the YouTube player below:
Speaking of the new track, guitarist, Conor McGouran says: “‘Echoes In The Deep’ is probably one of our more ambitious tracks musically. There’s plenty of key changes, heavy riffing, intricate instrumentation, and atmospherics, but we have hopefully combined these elements with common sense and an anthemic sensibility. Basically can Progressive Rock have hooks? I think it can. Lyrically it deals openly about mental health struggles or how common depression really is. It does provide a message of hope though. That element of hope and self reflection is the thread that links these tracks together.”
On working with former Dream Theater/current Sons of Apollo keyboardist, Derek Sherinian: “We were also incredibly fortunate to collaborate with one of our musical heroes, Mr. Derek Sherinian. We proudly wear our influences on our sleeves, and Dream Theater, and more so Planet X, are clearly a huge influence on our sound. As the track is quite synth-heavy, we felt Derek’s incredible unique musical voice would be perfect for this track. I still get chills listening to his playing on it.“
Watch exclusive video footage of Derek performing some of the keys for “Echoes In The Deep” on Facebook:
ICYMI
“The Age Of Discovery” Official Video here: youtube.com/watch?v=XYkz8fr9pTA
“The Escapist” Official Video here: youtube.com/watch?v=hqzvTH4Qgmc
“Clarity” Official Video here: youtube.com/watch?v=Cbt1F3oCyrk
“Afterglow” Official Video here: youtube.com/watch?v=i99Qic4OznU
More information:
Featuring the virtuosic talents of guitarist Conor McGouran (ex-Xerath), with acclaimed producer/mixer/composer/drummer, Ben Wanders (ex-Xerath/Shardbourne), and Ronan Burns, with guest appearances from William Alex Young (Defences), Derek Sherinian (Sons Of Apollo/Planet X/Dream Theater), and Sam Bell (Mask of Judas/Solo), The Enigma Division truly is a project worthy of your complete attention.
With new music being teased as far back as last 2019, The Enigma Division immediately caught the attention of Prog fans from around the world with their string of independent releases “1977,” “Afterglow,” “Clarity,’ and “The Escapist,” which all individually raised the bar to greater heights upon release, thanks to their unique mix of ‘80s Synth, Progressive Rock, and Technical Metal, as well as eye-catching videos’, from Very Metal Art.
The debut album shows an eye-watering display of musicianship, and songwriting that will please a wide variety of fans who enjoy the sounds of Rush, Liquid Tension Experiment, Animals as Leaders, Periphery, Dream Theater, and Devin Townsend, etc.
The Enigma Division will make their UK debut at Bloodstock Open Air on Friday, August 11th, on the Sophie Lancaster Stage.
Purchase the album on Bandcamp: https://theenigmadivision.bandcamp.com/album/the-enigma-division
Tracklist:
1. 1977 03:12
2. The Escapist 07:09
3. Echoes in The Deep 08:39
4. Afterglow 05:12
5. The Age of Discovery 06:35
6. Kaleidoscope 07:37
7. Clarity 06:43
8. 1977 – Ad Infinitum 19:51
Lineup:
1977:
Conor McGouran – Guitars/Keyboards
Ronan Burns – Bass
Ben Wanders – Drums
The Escapist:
Conor McGouran – Guitars/Keyboards
Ronan Burns – Bass/Keyboards
Ben Wanders – Vocals/Drums
Echoes In The Deep:
Conor McGouran – Guitars/Keyboards
Ronan Burns – Bass/Programming
Ben Wanders – Vocals/Drums
Derek Sherinian – Keyboard solos
Afterglow:
Conor McGouran – Guitars/Keyboards
Ronan Burns – Bass/Programming
Ben Wanders – Drums
Richard Thomson – Vocals
The Age Of Discovery:
Conor McGouran – Guitars/Keyboards
Ronan Burns – Bass/Keyboards
Ben Wanders – Vocals/Drums
Kaleidoscope:
Conor McGouran – Guitars/Keyboards
Ronan Burns – Bass
Ben Wanders – Vocals/Drums
Clarity:
Conor McGouran – Guitars/Piano/Keyboards
Ronan Burns – Bass/Keyboards
Ben Wanders – Vocals/Drums
1977 – Ad Infinitum:
Conor McGouran – Guitars/Piano/Keyboards
Ronan Burns – Bass/Programming
Ben Wanders – Drums
Guitar Solos –
Sam Bell (1st Solo)
Mal O’Brien (2nd Solo)
Dave Whyte (3rd Solo)
Conor McGouran (4th Solo)
Speech – Carl Sagan