Many progressive metal bands that emerged in the 1990s and 2000s have struggled to break free from a stylistic time warp. Rooted in a pre-’90s perspective, their inspirations often remain confined to the realms of power metal and progressive rock from the ’70s and ’80s, showing little regard for the evolution of alternative rock or metal. However, around the turn of the second decade of the new millennium, some bands began embracing more modern sounds influenced by alternative rock and pop. São Paulo’s Velvetic is one such project, skillfully merging atmospheric, synthetic, and alternative rock elements with progressive metal sensibilities.
The brainchild of multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Kevin Martins, Velvetic has been steadily releasing new material since 2015. With an impressive array of singles, EPs, and full-length albums, Martins has continuously refined his craft. His latest offering, Ephemeris, is a progressive metal album deeply infused with alt-metal and alt-rock influences. While it doesn’t aim to replicate the towering sound of bands like Dream Theater, Ephemeris feels like a fusion of Marillion, Radiohead, Muse, Porcupine Tree, Katatonia, and Wheel, among others.
Lyrically, Ephemeris explores the arc of life, from birth to death. While the album features its fair share of aggressive, forceful moments, it is primarily defined by its melodic and darkly atmospheric qualities. The record’s 12 tracks draw inspiration from multiple eras and generations of rock, creating a unique blend that feels both fresh and familiar. While the album doesn’t aim to reinvent the wheel, its alternative appeal stands out, making it a solid and worthwhile listen.
From the opening notes, it’s clear that Ephemeris thrives on the creative tension between Martins’ monstrous guitar riffs and the textured spaciness of the keyboards and piano. These elements alternate in dominance, but the album’s finest moments emerge when they join forces to chart an unexpected third direction. Velvetic achieves what many have failed to master: a techno-informed brand of progressive metal that feels cohesive and compelling.
The album begins with the brief but intriguing intro, “Splintered,” before gaining momentum with the wild, low-end alt-rock energy of “Flowers” and the more straightforward but equally captivating “Everything Shines.” These tracks set the tone for an album that intrigues, brutalizes, and never opts for the obvious next step.
Martins explores layered textures with the synthesized guitars and warped pads of “House of Prophecy,” but just as the listener settles into the calm, the furious intensity of “Apollonian” bursts forth. This manic-depressive approach continues with the loops and feedback of “Vanishing Star,” leading to the tension-filled “Monologue for the Sun,” which ultimately erupts into the soaring heights of “Recollection.” “Dionysian” is arguably the heaviest song on the album—a fine tune featured on Ptogotronics 47 compilation.
Fittingly, Ephemeris reaches its zenith with the closing tracks. “Pangea” layers Martins’ tripped-out vocals—enhanced by James Paddock and Keagan Dunn—over a dense arrangement of pads, synths, and processed percussion. The climactic piano and keyboard melodies wash over the listener in a finale that is both epic and perfectly placed.
More than anything, Ephemeris can be described as a menacing and immersive 50-minute experience. Its gloom-filled instrumentation pairs seamlessly with the stark intensity of Martins’ vocal delivery. With this release, Martins has advanced the sound he first forged nearly a decade ago, proving that Velvetic is a project in constant evolution. Ephemeris reveals itself as Velvetic’s strongest piece yet.
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More than anything, "Ephemeris" can be described as a menacing and immersive 50-minute experience.
