May 20, 2024

Skylight Webzine

Online since 2000

Izmatik band creates a fantastic musical overdose by combining Thrash and Fusion!

2 min read

Thrash metal and jazz fusion are both influences on the progressive metal band Izmatik. Bassist Jeff Curry of the band Izmatik is based in Tokyo, Japan. The tracks range from brief thrash pieces to grand anthems. The lyrics typically discuss a bleak future, personal empowerment, or more abstract ideas. Izmatik has a four-song EP called “Volt Vein” that was released in 2020. The artist is now working on a full-length album that will be released on October 15th, 2022.

“Izmatik is progressive metal, but we pride ourselves on writing songs first without the need to be overtly prog in every section. Our music can be an epic journey or a straight shot to the gut. Each song tells a story with an element of surprise and an air of mystery. ” -Jeff Curry

Izmatik is a band made up of artists from all over the world who originate in Tokyo, Japan. Australia, Spain, the United States, and Japan are all represented in the lineup. The band established their position in the Tokyo music scene and inspired interest in a full-length record with the publication of their debut EP, “Volt Vein.” On October 15th, 2022, the full-length album titled “Mystery Step” is expected to be released.

Enrico “Kikko” Sesselego, who has collaborated frequently with Paul Gilbert and Steve Vai, mixed and mastered both albums.

Izmatik’s style is distinctive in that they are influenced by a wide range of genres. The players are knowledgeable with the hard rock, classical, funk, jazz, and fusion traditions. But they add thrash and progressive metal on top of it. “VOLT VEIN” oscillates between progressive, thrash, and jazz fusion in such a natural way that it impacts, according to one critic of their debut EP.

The band’s founder and writer, Jeff Curry, cites Voivod, Rush, Faith No More, Yes, DreamTheater, Living Colour, Death Angel, Metallica, and King’s X as some of his early metal influences. Havok, Vektor, Opeth, Lamb of God, Annihilator, and Sons of Apollo, to mention a few, are more modern influences.

Izmatik consists of individuals who are all working musicians in their own right. Doing what they love while earning a living. The band contributes this professional knowledge to all of their work, whether it be live, in the studio, or in composition and arrangement. “We want this band to write the kinds of songs we want to hear and to make the finest music they can.”

Check out an older track by Jeff Curry:

Information: https://linktr.ee/jeffcurry