by Vic J Giol
The Italian duo of Federico and Nicolò Vese deliver an impressive statement on their InsideOut debut, A Memory and What Came After. Having begun work on the record in late 2023, the brothers arrive here with a refined vision and a greater sense of maturity. As Federico reflects, “We have grown a lot since then, both as artists and as human beings. We always liked to blend genres… and we believe that now we have reached a clear vision of the balance of these genres.” (The Prog Report)
That clarity of intention is evident throughout the album. Entirely instrumental, the record relies on the strength of its compositions and performances to carry both its technical brilliance and emotional depth. With the expert sound engineering of Sebastian Sendon and the drum recording talents of Adam “Nolly” Getgood, the music is presented with pristine power and detail, giving the record the feel of a complete creative package—both musically and visually.
The journey begins with “Coquelicot,” where the Vese brothers immediately showcase their ability to merge technical precision with graceful melodic phrasing. The track also features a guest solo by Richard Henshall (Haken), whose angular yet expressive lines elevate the song with tension and artistry. Later, on the standout “Reaction – Overthrow,” Jared Yee (Sungazer) steps in with a saxophone solo that bursts through an already eclectic track. Opening with an electronic pulse, the song dives into crushing extended-range riffs and unpredictable tempo shifts before yielding to a haunting cello interlude. The sax solo then brings the piece to an exhilarating finish—one of the album’s most thrilling moments.
Elsewhere, “Feather on a Glass” offers one of the most memorable themes on the record, pairing an anthemic chorus with a sense of emotional weight that lingers long after. Other highlights include the jazz-fusion energy of “Don’t Go Too Early” and the acoustic wizardry of “Opaco,” which brims with Polyphia-like harmonic fireworks. The adventurous “Dancing Through Contradictions” further expands the palette, weaving intricate jazz passages with sax, violin, and trumpet, proving the duo’s commitment to variety and arrangement depth.
Throughout A Memory and What Came After, the listener is treated not just to dazzling guitar-bass-drum interplay, but also to a broader sound palate where winds, strings, and electronics find room to shine. It’s an album that balances virtuosity with accessibility, experimentation with melody, and vision with execution. For fans of Animals As Leaders, Scale The Summit, Poliphia, Plini, and Arch Echo, this will be right in your wheelhouse.
In what has already been an unparalleled year for modern prog, Asymmetric Universe have firmly added themselves to the list of bands and albums that make 2025 an S-tier year for music.
Released on AUgust 29th, 2025 on InsideOutMusic
Order now here: https://asymmetricuniverse.lnk.to/AMAWCA-Album
1. Coquelicot (feat. Richard Henshall of Haken)
2. Fair Enough
3. Don’t Go Too Early
4. Reaction – Overthrow (feat. Jared Yee of Sungazer)
5. Recovery – Thirst For Stars
6. Feather On A Glass
7. Dancing Through Contradictions
8. Opaco
9. Those Who Stay
Asymmetric Universe is:
Federico Vese – Guitars, Vocals, Synthesizers, Drums & Winds Arrangement
Nicolò Vese – Bass, Piano, Synthesizers, Strings & Winds Arrangement
Studio musicians:
Gabriele Bullita – Drums
Simone Garino – Saxophones
Cesare Mecca – Trumpets
Raul Roa – Violins (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9), Viola (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9)
Mitja Liboni – Cello (1, 4, 5, 6, 9)
Moisés Pirela – Viola (3)
Eugenio Catale – Cello (3)
Guest musicians:
Richard Henshall – Guest Guitar Solo (1)
Jared Yee – Guest Saxophone Solo (4)
