By Daniel Levy
Keyboard-driven progressive metal is a rare and ambitious endeavor, yet Lux Terminus has never shied away from defying expectations. With their sophomore album, Cinder, the trio—comprised of keyboardist Vikram Shankar, bassist Brian Craft, and drummer Matthew Kerschner—further refine their signature fusion of progressive metal, jazz fusion, and cinematic grandeur, proving that guitars are far from a necessity in the realm of heavy, technical music.
Following their 2018 debut album, The Courage to Be, Lux Terminus took their time crafting Cinder, a record that feels both intimately personal but also huge in scale. Over years in the making, the album finds the band pushing their sonic boundaries, embracing heavier textures while maintaining their commitment to melody and atmosphere. The latter is especially present in their sound palette, considering Shankar’s experience in game soundtracks.
Cinder is a fitting title for an album that smolders with intensity and emotional weight. Even though the music is mostly instrumental, it reflects themes of transformation, resilience, and the pursuit of creative authenticity. Tracks like the ‘Jupiter’ suite, a three-part opener featuring Espera’s ethereal vocals, set a grandiose and reflective tone, evoking a cosmic journey filled with moments of tension and resolution.
The album’s singles, ‘P.L.O.N.K.’, ‘Mosaic Mind’ & ‘The Devil’s Eyes’ are all great showcases of Lux Terminus’ blend of emotion and musicianship. They embody this balance perfectly, with driving rhythm section, expressive piano leads, and complex yet accessible melodies.
One of my favorite songs is ‘Neon Rain’, the syncopated patterns implemented here drive the song forward in a way that’s surprising without a distorted guitar in the mix. Truly one of the best melodies, rhythms, and sound productions on the album. Also, the bass & drum work in this song by Craft & Kerschner respectively is truly mind-blowing.
The inclusion of guest artists like Ross Jennings (Haken), Jørgen Munkeby (Shining, Ihsahn), Jon Pyres (Threads of Fate), and Espera (Sleep Token, Exploring Birdsong) for track #7, ‘Catalyst’, further enriches the album’s dynamic palette, adding layers of vocals with a lot of personality – it became an instant favorite.
To close out a great album, both ‘Apparent Horizon’ & ‘Natsukashii’ are tracks that take the epic fill of the band and take it to the next level. While, the former has my favorite part in the entire album (the crescendo into the main theme), the last song is just the perfect closer – emotional and powerful.
Key tracks: ‘Apparent Horizon’, ‘Neon Rain’ & ‘Catalyst’
Cinder is not a short album, but it challenges and rewards in equal measure. It’s a record that invites listeners to find meaning in its shifting moods, and to appreciate the sheer craftsmanship that went into its creation. Lux Terminus’ debut album ‘A Courage to Be’ is one I keep coming back to after all these years (specially that title track!) – I suspect the same will ring true for Cinder. Here’s hope there’s a lot more music from them after this too. For fans of prog music who crave something beyond the genre’s traditional boundaries, Cinder will not disappoint.
Released on April 18th, 2025
TRACKLISTING:
1. Jupiter I: Starless (feat. Espera)
2. Jupiter II: To Bend a Comet (feat. Espera)
3. Jupiter III: Perihelion (feat. Espera)
4. Mosaic Mind
5. Neon Rain
6. P.L.O.N.K.
7. Catalyst (feat. Ross Jennings, Jørgen Munkeby & Jon Pyres)
8. The Devil’s Eyes
9. Apparent Horizon
10. Natsukashii
Keyboardist – Vikram Shankar
Bassist – Brian Craft
Drummer – Matthew Kerschner
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