Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, Progfest is the ultimate annual gathering for progressive music fans and prog as a genre is one of the nation’s fastest growing.
Featuring progressive bands of all styles and genres, from prog, post, psychedelic, art rock, metal and everything in between, PROGFEST is about showcasing bands that think for themselves; bands who rather than following the latest trends, have decided to challenge themselves musically and create music with depth and vision.
Beginning life in December 2008, Progfest has grown alongside Australia’s love of progressive music, and has become the centrepiece of the nation’s burgeoning prog scene. In the intervening years, the progressive scene in Australia has exploded and the bands associated with it are now a global force to be reckoned with. Many of the acts have gained huge followings from all over the world. Ne Obliviscaris, Caligula’s Horse, sleepmakeswaves and Twelve Foot Ninja have all headlined Progfest in the past, and each of them have gone on to crack the ARIA Mainstream chart and have global success.
The 2019 line up of Progfest is definitely their biggest yet with three colossal internationals announced. Germany’s legendary post-metal act The Ocean and UK’s djent-groove metal pioneers Monuments will share headlining duties across all 3 Progfest festivals, along with India’s finest progressive rock export Skyharbor, who will be making their first ever appearances on Australian shores.
THE OCEAN
Haling from Berlin, Germany, The Ocean are one of the most accomplished and revered post-rock & post-metal acts on the planet. Having toured with the likes of Opeth, Mastodon, Mono, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Anathema, Devin Townsend, and many many more.
They are also staples on festival circuits the world over, having spent the past 5 years taking their last conceptual studio release, 2013’s Pelagial, to fans in every corner of the globe.
With Volume 1 of their 8th album, Phanerozoic I: Palaezoic coming on November 2, the band will once again show the world why they remain atop of the progressive music scene. Bleak and heavy, angry and dystopian, The Ocean deliver wave after wave of emotion to the listener enveloping you in layers of sound that both suffocate and liberate.
Watch the video for Bathyalpelagic II: The Wish in Dreams
Preorder The Ocean – Phanerozoic I: Palaezoic via Wild Thing Records.
MONUMENTS
Monuments are the epitome of modern progressive metal. The London based quintet deliver as many hooks as they do political messages. In an age of mass media and hysteria, Monuments fly the flag high for critical thinking and self awareness.
While lyrically the band are inspired by conspiracy theories and the Zeitgeist films, musically they move between jarring riffage, roaring vocals and towering melodies.
Monuments are set to release their latest offering Phronesis on October 5. The title coming from the Greek word for personal wisdom. Wisdom on your actions, judgement and character.
You would be wise to witness a band who are on the leading edge of musical virtuosity, vocal superiority and lyrical smarts.
Watch the video for Atlas
Preorder Monuments – Phronesis via Century Media.
SKYHARBOR
Formed in New Dehli, India, Skyharbor bridge the gap between the postmodern prog-metal movement and the rock world. Creativity, dedication to their craft, and composure, but with the ability to shake your foundations! The band’s ability to deliver atmospheric and emotional moments via walls of sound, relatively ambient silence, and a monstrous groove have given them rise like few other acts.
The anthemic soar of Linkin Park, the fury of the Deftones, the uplift of Incubus and the sonic tapestries of Devin Townsend combine to give Skyharbor a dimension all their own.
With multiple accolades from the heavy music media around the world, and an ever growing legion of fans, the band (spread between India and the USA) are truly a progressive global powerhouse in every sense.
Watch the video for Dim. Their incredible new album Sunshine Dust is out now via Goodfight/eOne
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the 2019 festival is the biggest edition ever with further line up announcements to come, including some of Australia’s best homegrown progressive music talent.
Just you wait to see what’s in store!
PROGFEST TOUR DATES 2019
Saturday, January 26: The Croxton, Melbourne
Sunday, January 27: The Factory Theatre, Sydney
Monday, January 28: The Valley Drive In / The Brightside, Brisbane (Public Holiday)
Tickets and Presale Info from wildthingpresents.com
Exclusive Presale: Wednesday, September 26, 10.00am – 6.00pm AEST
General Sale: Thursday September 27, 10.00am AEST
