Izmatik

“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.” - SKYLIGHT WEBZINE

Izmatik are a Tokyo based progressive metal band, the brainchild being bassist Jeff Curry. They have a wide variety of influences, including thrash metal and even jazz fusion. Some of their songs are short and speedy, others are epic anthems. Their lyrics mostly deal with topics such as dystopian futures, self-empowerment and more abstract ideas. The group released a four song mini album called ‘Volt Vein’ in 2020, and they released their full length album ‘Mystery Step’ on October 15th, 2022. At this moment, the band are booking shows, creating even more works, and are promoting their latest LP. (With the help of me!)

First impressions? Fantastic! Great prog metal riffs (often think Dream Theater’s ‘Panic Attack’ in terms of style and intensity) with plenty of exotic and unexpected note choices, and great beefy bass lines that are just as catchy as the guitars. It’s no surprise the bassist is the brains behind the project, but he doesn’t unnecessarily steal the show apart from when he performs rare solos. Much like the legendary Steve Harris! The singer has a powerful yet clean and not overly aggressive voice, and sings intriguing melodies, too. I’d describe her as a (softer) female version of Stryper’s vocalist. Some melodies are better than others, the weaker ones simply mimic the riffs, but absolutely none are even close to bad. Oh and the drums? Just as smart as everything else with a range of dynamics and instruments. Think Tool in terms of stylishness and contrasts.

So yep, near flawless performances from everyone and killer songs! I say ‘near’ because I suppose I have heard slightly better ideas. In particular, are the vocal melodies A Perfect Circle level? Not QUITE, but almost. (Yes I measure perfection based on APC). But who am I to complain? I should have finished pointing out how good the vocals are the first time I mentioned them. Lazy and flawed writing from me? Nope, I was actually being very clever and am saying we’re all human, myself included. - Metal-Rules

Izmatik is the project of bassist Jeff Curry. In 2020 he released a four song EP titled: VOLT VEIN. That work is a true work of art because it gives a real lecture on how to combine different styles so different from each other and sound incredibly good. To give you an idea, we can say that VOLT VEIN oscillates between progressive, thrash and jazz fusion, all in such a natural way that it impacts.

It is difficult to find a weak point in such an ambitious album at a compositional level. The mix is ​​a masterpiece. All the instruments are perfectly perceived, which contributes a lot to better appreciate the compositional landscapes of each song. Although at times a somewhat dated recording is perceived, the truth is that the compositional quality and the level of execution compensate for those details.

Among all the qualities that Iztamik offers, we can highlight its wide compositional spectrum and its ability to go from one genre to another with great ease. It is very clear that he knows the musical characteristics of each terrain and takes advantage of them. Technically they offer interesting passages, however, they do not come to surprise at the level of their compositions.

Iztamik is currently working on the release of their first full-length album. It is expected to be ready in mid-October. They even already have the presentation date scheduled in Tokyo, Japan (which is where the project is based). What they let you hear in VOLT VEIN makes us think that what is to come will be truly monumental. - Metal-Rules

Thrash metal and jazz fusion are both influences on the progressive metal band Izmatik. Bassist Jeff Curry of the band Izmatik is based in Tokyo, Japan. The tracks range from brief thrash pieces to grand anthems. The lyrics typically discuss a bleak future, personal empowerment, or more abstract ideas. Izmatik has a four-song EP called “Volt Vein” that was released in 2020. The artist is now working on a full-length album that will be released on October 15th, 2022.

“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 titled “Mystery Step” is expected to be released.

Enrico “Kikko” Sesselego, who has collaborated frequently with Paul Gilbert and Steve Vai, mixed and mastered both albums.

Izmatik’s style is distinctive in that they are influenced by a wide range of genres. The players are knowledgeable with the hard rock, classical, funk, jazz, and fusion traditions. But they add thrash and progressive metal on top of it. “VOLT VEIN” oscillates between progressive, thrash, and jazz fusion in such a natural way that it impacts, according to one critic of their debut EP.

The band’s founder and writer, Jeff Curry, cites Voivod, Rush, Faith No More, Yes, DreamTheater, Living Colour, Death Angel, Metallica, and King’s X as some of his early metal influences. Havok, Vektor, Opeth, Lamb of God, Annihilator, and Sons of Apollo, to mention a few, are more modern influences.

Izmatik consists of individuals who are all working musicians in their own right. 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.” - SKYLIGHT WEBZINE