Some of my favorite Progressive/Djent musicians have the ability to do everything themselves. This includes artists like Berried Alive, ENEMY AC130 ABOVE, and the cavalcade of talented YouTubers like Jared Dines, Stevie T, etc. These projects are absolutely massive undertakings for one person to undergo, so I give even more respect for these efforts. Today, we delve into another example of this in progressive metalcore act Andromida, helmed by Ramon Gutierrez.

His new album Timeless, due out today, April 3rd, begins with “Dimensions.” Evident from the first verse, Ramon’s abilities in production matches his performing, as the already-striking riff is compounded with another layer of nonstop eighth-notes. The time-signature change gets heads banging, a staple of bands like August Burns Red and For Today. “Dissimulation” is next, and its chugging breakdown 1:50 in packs a punch strong enough to make the listener want to throw down. The production cues continue with catchy effects thrown in during the bridge.

“Severance”s orchestral intro segues into a trap beat and would fit right at home in a Polyphia record. Perhaps some influence was drawn here as this serves as more of an elongated interlude than a progressive metalcore track.  “Universal” immediately makes use of both the left and right headphones, and picks back up with the heaviness. The excellent shredding riff that begins at 2:28 transitions into another magnificent pace-change breakdown and we get yet another one after this section concludes to keep the listener on their toes.

“Panspermia” which is defined in the belief that life originated through microorganisms or creation, has Timeless‘ flashiest guitar solo, and has some noticeable synth runs intertwined at key moments in the track. “Limitless” features Giuseppe Gilardi, a like-minded metal guitarist and takes the spotlight in the second half with a skillful display that fits perfectly within Andromida’s style. The closing of his solo transitioning into the final riff is an exemplary touch.

Timeless continues with “Abstraction” and has my favorite bit of strumming on the record in its first minute. The high quality in production really brings out the intensity in these riffs’ delivery, and this much is consistent throughout the album. “Fortitude” keeps things going with even more layered guitar runs; the technological feel in this track’s bridge immerses the listener into an ethereal experience.

The penultimate song on Timeless is “Balance,” and the subleties in the soft intro shake things up with a smooth, calculated vibe that leads to its climax after more than a minute and a half of lead-up. Finishing things off with the title track “Timeless,” this eight-minute expedition serves as quintessential djent, incorporating everything that defines the genre including a melody blending quick synth/guitar hooks, complex song structure, and a certain grooviness that standard metal just can’t exemplify.

This was my first brush with Andromida, but color me impressed from the get-go. What comes off sounding like a well-oiled machine of a four-piece has been constructed and executed thanks to Ramon. He should seriously consider gathering a live lineup and taking this show on the road, as he could stand to draw quite the crowd with his backlog in Andromida, further cemented by Limitless‘ fine addition.

A review copy of Limitless was provided by Andromida ahead of its release.

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