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Unearthing the Metal Underground: Psychedelic heavy metal/prog heroes Mythosphere

Mythosphere is a new face, but the unit isn’t exactly comprised of new kids on the block who have established names within the American doom and epic metal communities. Pale Divine’s vocalist/guitarist Dana Ortt, drummer Darin McCloskey and bassist Ron McGinnis united with former Fates Warning guitarist Victor Arduini to form Mythosphere, a band that smoothly bridges true heavy metal with powerful, detailed prog rock. Mythosphere—apparently meaning “the sacred narrative that permeates human life,” according to a press release—was born in 2021. Cruz Del Sur Music will release the project’s debut album, “Pathological,” on November 18.

The eight songs that make up “Pathological” are a world class display of timeless heavy metal that fuses psychedelic metal with prog. The quintet’s talent is simply undeniable, but there is never an element of flashiness or unnecessary excess. “Ashen Throne,” for one, is powerfully emotional and reserved in the kind of way that makes listeners wish the band would become more explosive. But the tension is a key part of the beauty throughout “Pathology.” If you’re a fan of traditional heavy metal and/or prog, don’t sleep on Mythosphere.

Jay H. Gorania is a long time metal journalist and sings for Trench Warfare. He also writes for Blabbermouth and Hellbound.ca and has in the past edited for Pit and written for Metal Maniacs, Unrestrained!, Hails and Horns, AMP and Outburn as well as other media outlets.