With their self-titled debut album, Permyon finally crystallize a musical vision that has been gestating for several years since the release of their demo. The band presents a carefully constructed work that blends Progressive Rock and Progressive Metal with strong symphonic undertones, melodic sensibility and a clear attention to compositional detail. Rather than relying on sheer technical exhibition, Permyon is conceived as a coherent journey, where songwriting, arrangements and atmosphere work together to define a precise identity, balancing power and refinement. The album opens with “Morning Sun,” paradoxically the shortest track despite its nearly six-minute runtime, yet already fully representative of the band’s stylistic direction. From the very first moments, Permyon establish a solid interplay between guitars and keyboards, weaving melodic lines over a rhythm section that thrives on continuous time signature changes. The piece flows naturally between Progressive Rock openness and Progressive Metal intensity, with dynamic accelerations that enhance the narrative structure of the song. Vocals are confident and expressive, alternating between melodic phrasing and more incisive moments, while leaving ample space for instrumental sections that highlight the band’s strong sense of balance between complexity and accessibility. A sharper, more aggressive approach defines “Minstrel of Wasteland,” introduced by a tightly driven Progressive Metal riffing framework enriched by technical passages. As the vocals enter, the song alternates between melodic, almost epic vocal sections and heavier instrumental surges, underpinned by a solid and articulate rhythm section. Guitar and keyboards engage in constant dialogue, delivering incisive riffs and well-placed solo interventions that occasionally evoke the classic Power/Prog tradition, filtered through a modern Progressive Metal lens. The track is particularly effective in its development, growing through refined arrangements and dynamic contrasts that culminate in a technically rich yet engaging crescendo, showcasing both the band’s songwriting maturity and instrumental prowess. Exceeding nine minutes, “The Siege” stands as the longest and arguably the heaviest composition on the album. Here, Permyon fully unleash their Progressive Metal side, with crushing riffs, powerful rhythmic patterns and a darker, more intense atmosphere. Despite its weight, the track never loses clarity, thanks to the excellent balance between guitars and keyboards, which create dense yet articulate textures. The bass lines are especially noteworthy, adding depth and movement beneath the surface, while frequent tempo changes and guitar solos inject vitality and tension throughout. Vocally, the performance is commanding and expressive, reinforcing the dramatic tone of the piece. “The Siege” emerges as a centerpiece of the album, rich in ideas and executed with remarkable conviction. “Go To Mars” follows a similar stylistic path, yet introduces its own distinctive character through an even more intricate use of rhythmic variations and technical nuances. Granite-solid guitar riffs are embellished by symphonic keyboard interventions that lend a majestic and virtuosic touch to the overall sound, subtly nodding to the genre’s great masters. Once again, the rhythm section proves to be a driving force, with elaborate bass lines and precise drumming supporting constant shifts in tempo and intensity. The vocal lines act as a melodic counterbalance, adding accessibility without sacrificing the song’s progressive depth. The instrumental section stands out for its accelerations and virtuosic flourishes, firmly rooted in the classic Progressive Metal tradition while remaining coherent within the band’s personal language. A more Progressive Rock-oriented side of Permyon emerges with “Black Ocean,” where symphonic textures and softer dynamics take center stage. The atmosphere becomes more introspective and evocative, with warm, expressive vocals interpreting the lyrics with palpable emotion. Keyboards play a crucial role here, shaping a gradual crescendo that leads into a central guitar solo, after which the sound shifts toward heavier tones while preserving its melodic core. The time changes and harmonic openings recall refined Progressive Rock sensibilities, subtly evoking the spirit of the 1970s without slipping into nostalgia. In the final section, the band reintroduces heavier elements, concluding the track with an intense interplay between vocal and instrumental passages. The album closes with “Incubo Salvation,” a track that effectively encapsulates all the defining elements of Permyon’s sound. From its opening moments, the song presents a solid and complex structure, seamlessly navigating between Progressive Rock and Metal territories. Riff-driven sections are supported by an elaborate and powerful rhythm section, while keyboards enrich the arrangement with both symphonic layers and solo accents. The vocals are dynamic and emotionally charged, guiding the listener through a composition packed with ideas, tempo changes and carefully crafted instrumental phrasing. References to classic Progressive Rock and Progressive Metal are evident, yet always reinterpreted through the band’s distinctive voice. The second half of the song, in particular, stands out for its technical guitar solos and intricate arrangements, leaving a strong and lasting impression and inviting repeated listens. With Permyon, the band delivers a convincing and well-structured debut album, especially significant considering the seven-year gap since their demo release. The record showcases a mature and personal sound that successfully intertwines Progressive Rock and Progressive Metal, enriched by symphonic nuances and melodic passages. The songwriting is solid, the performances are confident, and the arrangements reveal a clear artistic vision. Rich in ideas and dynamic contrasts, “Permyon” is an album that rewards attentive listening and positions the band as a promising name within the contemporary progressive scene.
Tracklist
01. Morning Sun (05:47)
02. Minstrel Of Wasteland (07:53)
03. The Siege (09:07)
04. Go To Mars (06:39)
05. Black Ocean (05:55)
06. Incubo Salvation (07:17)
Lineup
Lean Martín / Bass
Jonathan Sainzman / Keyboards
Sergi Molina / Vocals
Rubén Sánchez / Drums
Tzak Taylor / Guitars
Special Guests:
Laia Esquinas on Backing Vocals (“Minstrel of Wasteland,” “The Siege,” “Black Ocean”)
Carles Salse on Guitars (“Incubo Salvation”)
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