Tag: Planet X

0 Prog Virtuosos PHAETON Hit The Road For Western Canadian Dates (AB, BC) For Third Album “Neurogenesis” Out Now! ft. Album Guest Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo)

November 3, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Phaeton

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – November 3, 2025

Prog Virtuosos PHAETON Hit The Road For Western Canadian Dates (AB, BC)

Third Album “Neurogenesis” Out Now!

ft. Album Guest Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo)

Canadian instrumental progressive metal quartet PHAETON is hitting the road this November for a string of Western Canadian tour dates in support of their third full-length album, “Neurogenesis.” Known for their electrifying live performances, the band will bring their cerebral, crushing sound to Alberta and British Columbia:

Upcoming Show Dates:
Nov 7 – Lethbridge, AB – The Slice w/ Pharm, S.I., Rainbow Patrol – info
Nov 8 – Edmonton, AB – Divebar w/ Pharm, Excerebration, Spruce Moose – info
Nov 21 – Cranbrook, BC – Shotties Nightclub w/ Dead Bob, Blind Marc – info
Nov 29 – Cranbrook BC – Shotties Nightclub w/ ANCIIENTS – info

Front (L-R): Kevin Thiessen (Guitars, Keyboards), Ferdy Belland (Bass), Daniel Airth (Guitars), Back: Colin Righton (Drums)

Photo Credit – Scott Courtemanche

Following their acclaimed 2020 release “Between Two Worlds,” “Neurogenesis” marks a bold evolution in PHAETON’s sound, more concise, yet no less imaginative. Engineered and mixed by guitarist Kevin Thiessen at The Cube in Kimberley, BC, and mastered by Jamie Sitar at Outtatown Sound in Winnipeg, MB, the album features artwork by Calgary-based artist Matt Semenok and a guest appearance by prog legend Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo).

Formed in 2017 in Kimberley, BC, PHAETON blends neo-classical melodicism, crushing riffs, tornado percussion, and contrapuntal basslines. Their lineup includes 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).

PHAETON‘s music channels cosmic chaos into meticulously crafted soundscapes, wordless journeys through shifting time signatures, soaring melodies, and tectonic riffage. “Neurogenesis” explores themes of technological singularity and the convergence of biological minds with machine intelligence: part cold warning, part sober observation.

“Neurogenesis” is available now on digital platforms via INB Music. Vinyl editions arrive later this year, with more music on the horizon, including the standalone 22-minute epic “Clouds of Mercury” in 2026 and their fourth album “Quartum” in 2027.

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/album/46CVWFcd3u2pSRt0D9pSrV

Bandcamp – https://phaetonband.bandcamp.com/

Previous Singles:

Band playthrough – Arachnid – https://youtu.be/QxyU0U-vSOc

Isochron ft. Derek Sherinian – https://youtu.be/Ri8wXGYJcJg

Tethys Rising – https://youtu.be/mjehuUQS9G8

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/phaetonofficial

– 30 –

“”Neurogenesis” one of the hottest tips of the running season. At least when it comes to instrumental prog, the band has reached the top of the annual list!” – PowerMetal.de

“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

“PHAETON’s Neurogenesis: Where Prog-Meets-Precision, and Machines Whisper to the Riffs” – Papy Jeff Metal

“Phaeton’s sound is a kaleidoscope of progressive sounds, tech-death, thrash and djent… The album opens with the song “Tethys Rising” has in it’s a lot of austerity, but you can hear perfectly strong and expressive here sound and style. Song “Discontinuum” also holds the right one level and very exciting. The dynamics and rhythm are impressive here. Piece “Isochron” with the guest participation of Derek Sherinian, he enriches and has in great riffs, but there are also Middle Eastern elements, which it also increases the effect. Number “Synethesia” it emphasizes even more the intensity and complexity of sounds with a lot of power and energy. Track “Arachnid” he has a lot of neoclassical playing, but he doesn’t forget about it crushing playing with lots of thrills. Song “Augmented” it also has a specific level to it. Title piece “Neurogenesis” he crowns the album with pride and precision. You can hear perfectly balanced music here, which has a claw, feistiness and focuses on diversity and versatility. 4/5″ – W-Mgnieniu-Rocka

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0 Out Now! Canadian Prog PHAETON Unveils Album “Neurogenesis” ft. Album Guest Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo) + Western Canadian Show Dates (BC, AB)

October 24, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Phaeton

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – October 24, 2025

Out Now! Canadian Prog PHAETON Unveils Album “Neurogenesis”

ft. Album Guest Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo)

+ Western Canadian Show Dates (BC, AB)

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/album/46CVWFcd3u2pSRt0D9pSrV

Bandcamp – https://phaetonband.bandcamp.com/

Previous Singles:

Band playthrough – Arachnid – https://youtu.be/QxyU0U-vSOc

Isochron ft. Derek Sherinian – https://youtu.be/Ri8wXGYJcJg

Tethys Rising – https://youtu.be/mjehuUQS9G8

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/phaetonofficial

- 30 –

“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

—
ASHER MEDIA RELATIONS
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0 PHAETON Unveils Single “Isochron” ft. Keyboard Wizard Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo); New Album “Neurogenesis” Out Oct 2025

September 23, 2025
by Asher
· Music News · Phaeton

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – September 23, 2025

Canadian Instrumental Prog Metal PHAETON Unveils Single “Isochron” ft. Keyboard Wizard Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo)

New Album “Neurogenesis” Out Oct 2025

Front (L-R): Kevin Thiessen (Guitars, Keyboards), Ferdy Belland (Bass), Daniel Airth (Guitars), Back: Colin Righton (Drums)

Photo Credit – Scott Courtemanche

Canadian instrumental prog-metal outfit Phaeton has released their latest sonic whirlwind, “Isochron”, featuring keyboard icon Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Planet X, Sons of Apollo). The single offers a high-voltage glimpse into their upcoming third album, “Neurogenesis,” out October 24th via INB Music.

Clocking in at just under five minutes, “Isochron” is one of the densest and most dynamic tracks Phaeton has written in years. It ricochets between killer riffs, Middle Eastern mellowness, and clenched-fist power, all supercharged by Sherinian’s signature synthesizer tsunami that came together with lightning speed.

The band explains:

“Colin reached out, and to our astonishment, Derek agreed immediately. He sent us half a dozen takes the next day, each with different moods and effects. Kevin stitched together a hybrid performance from all of them; we couldn’t choose just one. We’re happy with how this track sounded. There’s a feeling of whirlwind rush we deliberately injected into the tune. If an isochron connects different points where an event occurs simultaneously, then the song itself is that event, stretched across time, Newtonian physics be damned,” says the band.

Listen to “Isochron” ft. Derek Sherinian via its premiere on Metal Addicts HERE.

“Neurogenesis” marks a bold left-field shift for Phaeton. While their self-titled debut album established their identity and sophomore Between Two Worlds expanded it with heavier, more emotionally resonant compositions, “Neurogenesis” takes a more compact and concise approach, though not by design.

“The songs just ended up that way. Even as an instrumental band, our arrangements follow a kind of verse-chorus structure, but instead of vocals, it’s guitar and keyboard melodies that carry the narrative,” the band explains.

Thematically, “Neurogenesis” explores overlapping concepts inspired by the technological singularity, the looming fusion of biological consciousness with robotics and cybernetic implants. Musically, the album blends jazz-fusion sensibilities with prog-metal architecture, inviting listeners to interpret each track’s title and let their imaginations roam.

“It’s not a concept album in the strictest sense, but the ideas do interlock. It’s a cold warning as much as a sober observation. We’re asking: when that happens, will we still be human?” adds the band.

Formed by drummer Colin Righton, who united longtime collaborators Daniel Airth, Kevin Thiessen, and Ferdy Belland, Phaeton has carved out a niche with their “Interplanetary Psychedelic Hyper-Melodic Metallic Prog.” Their sound draws comparisons to Symphony X, Devin Townsend, Rush, Meshuggah, and Gojira, minus the vocals.

“We let the guitars and keyboards do the singing. Live, we’re heavier, crunchier, and thrashier than our polished recordings suggest. It catches people off guard in the best way,” explains the band.

Beyond “Neurogenesis”, fans can look forward to the 22-minute epic “Clouds of Mercury” slated for release as a standalone EP in 2026, and the band’s fourth album “Quartum” expected in 2027. With new material already brewing, Phaeton shows no signs of slowing its cosmic ascent.

For fans of instrumental metal, progressive rock, and sonic storytelling, Phaeton offers visceral thrill and intellectual expansion, song after song after song.

“Neurogenesis” – album pre-order (out Oct 24th) – https://phaetonband.bandcamp.com/

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/phaetonofficial

– 30 –

“A”An instrumental quartet from Kimberley, British Columbia, Phaeton are skillfully blurring the boundaries between old- and new-school prog metal. Their second album, Between Two Worlds, covers a vast amount of ground, from intricate post-djent riffing, to indulgent prog pomp, and no single outstays its welcome. The nine-minute title track is a particularly impressive display of showboating and smart songwriting.” – Prog Mag – Dom Lawson (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

It’s Prog Mag’s brand new Tracks Of The Week! (April 21, 2023) – “Hailing from Columbia, Canada’s Phaeton are an interplanetary instrumental heavy prog metal quartet and as their name suggests, they are fascinated with astronomy, and the idea of life itself, in all its beauty and wonder and majesty, emerging from an instant of catastrophic cosmic violence. The epic Between Two Worlds is the title track of the band’s latest album.” (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“Top-tier instrumental prog-metal-math music from the East Kootenay region performed by a quartet of veteran musicians.” – Stuart Derdeyn (The Vancouver Sun) (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“Phaeton are relatively unknown, especially compared to the above mentioned bands (scale The Summit, Animals as Leaders), but they definitely hold their own on Between Two Worlds. All members absolutely kill it on their instruments, the songs are wonderfully arranged and produced, and there’s plenty of variety here to hold our attention. Instrumental prog might be a little talked about genre, but Phaeton belong in the conversation.” – Heavy Music Headquarters (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“…a killer album indeed, wonderfully arranged and produced; a superb prog metal opus where the music almost makes you dizzy, but most of all longing for more indeed. “Between Two Worlds” to me is one of the absolute highlights of this year, a unique twist and rollercoaster of progressive, instrumental metal, highly recommended indeed: especially suitable for fans of Rush, Dream Theater and Liquid Tension Experiment. Play it LOUD and you will be hooked, listening tip: “Monsoon.”” – Rock United (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“”Between Two World” was very competently arranged and recorded by PHAETON. Prog fans, who like sounds and virtuosity above all, will be well served with the disc.” – PowerMetal.de (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“PHAETON releases an instrumental album in which the voice is not lacking; a nervous, boosted opus where the frank and limpid musicality makes you dizzy, where the notes invite you to travel in space to another dimension, where harmony is combined with controlled djent power; innovative music, on modern math metal-prog.” – Profil Prog (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“If you’re open minded in your choice of Metal genres, you should feel free to let this instrumental work slip through your ears. It takes a little getting used to, so completely without singing. But if you get involved and listen carefully, one or the other will surely like something. The whole thing should appeal to fans of RUSH or DREAM THEATER.” – Hellfire Magazin (Between Two Worlds – 2023)

“The sound on all seven tracks is huge and if there was a “best sounding hammer-ons” award then March of the Synthetics could be a contender.” – Stuart Derdeyn (The Vancouver Sun) (Self-titled – 2018)

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0 NEWS: Drummer Sean Lang Posts Teaser Video For New Project SEVEN YEAR STORM w/ Dean Lamb (Archspire)

December 4, 2014
by Asher
· Sean Lang (Drummer) - Seven Year Storm

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For Interview, Album Requests, Media List contact

Jon Asher – Music Publicist – ashermedia [AT] gmail.com

Radio Promotions – radiotrackingashermedia [AT] gmail.com

#514.581.5780 – www.ashermediarelations.com

NEWS RELEASE

Montreal, QC – December 4, 2014

EP PROMOS FOR MEDIA COVERAGE (ex. feature, interview, album review, airplay, etc.) CAN BE REQUESTED HERE

RIYL (Recommended If You Like) – Chimp Spanner, Planet X, Animals As Leaders, Cloudkicker

Drummer Sean Lang Posts Teaser Video For New Project SEVEN YEAR STORM w/ Dean Lamb (Archspire)

Seven Year Storm – Aion I – Teaser – http://youtu.be/LNSJpSOB7iw

Limited Edition CD pre-order – http://sevenyearstorm.bandcamp.com/

Initially never planning to release his music compositions beyond the borders of just song writing, freelance drummer / instructor Sean Lang was urged by his circle of musician friends whom heard his material to take his creativity to the next level.

The outcome is Vancouver-based instrumental progressive metal band Seven Year Storm, which showcases Lang’s unique sound, music arrangements written entirely by him plus added support of guitar-wizard and good friend Dean Lamb (Archspire) whom handles all of the mind-bending guitar leads and solos. Everything comes together into songs that are tight and heavy, melodic and groovy, technical yet memorable.

To get these works of art off the studio floor, Lang launched an Indiegogo campaign (video can be viewed here) to raise the necessary investment to complete the first collection of songs, which will be released in 2015 as two EPs: Aion I and Aion II.

A teaser video for Aion I can be viewed at the following link here plus EP pre-order for a limited edition CD here.

“I’ve been hard at work on my first release, Aion I. Here is a little taste of what is to come! This wouldn’t be possible without the excellent musicians involved, as well as my amazing Indiegogo contributors who helped bring this project to life!” comments Lang.

For more info, please visit the following link: www.seanlang.com

– 30 –

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