Progsters Izmatik have released the exciting full-length album entitled “Mystery Step”
“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 “Mystery Step” was published. Enrico “Kikko” Sesselego, who has collaborated frequently with Paul Gilbert and Steve Vai, mixed and mastered both albums.
Izmatik’s style is unique in the fact that they draw inspiration from a wide variety of genres. The musicians are well versed in the traditions of hard rock, classical, funk, jazz, and fusion. Yet they layer that with thrash and progressive metal. As one reviewer of their debut EP “Volt Vein” wrote, “VOLT VEIN oscillates between progressive, thrash and jazz fusion, all in such a natural way that it impacts.”
Jeff Curry, the band’s founder and writer, lists some of his early metal influences as Voivod, Rush, Faith No More, Yes, DreamTheater, Living Colour, Death Angel, Metallica, and King’s X. More recent influences would include Havok, Vektor, Opeth, Lamb of God, Annihilator, and Sons of Apollo, just to name a few.
Izmatik consists of individual members who are all working musicians. 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.”
