DARWIN – Distorted Mirror (2025)
Prog-rock supergroup DARWIN release their new studio album, ”Distorted Mirror”, today via OoS/Phantom Recordings.
DarWin is an ongoing musical exploration led by songwriter / guitarist DarWin and drumming legend Simon Phillips (Toto, Jeff Beck, The Who, Judas Priest). Since forming in 2015, the duo has worked with renowned musician Matt Bissonette – now in his facet as vocalist – bass sensation Mohini Dey (Steve Vai), shred guitarist Greg Howe (Michael Jackson) as well as a hall of fame roster of musicians over the years, including Derek Sherinian, Andy Timmons, Billy Sheehan, and many more.
This hyper-technical progressive album, exemplified by lead tracks “Man vs Machine” and “33rd Century Man,” combines heavy metallic sounds with a sci-fi worldview. The thrilling development, featuring virtuoso playing that demands attention for even a moment, endlessly expands the listener’s imagination. Rather than relying on technique, the rhythm section’s earth-shaking groove and beats, along with the deep bass, sway the body.
Another defining feature of ”Distorted Mirror” is the enhanced emotion of the songwriting, which combines singable melodies and hooks, and runs throughout the album.
From the lyricism and striking phrasing of “Rising Distortion,” which opens the door to a new world, the Asia-like “Loophole” – featuring vocal collaborations by Bissonette and Andrew Freeman (Lynch Mob, Last in Line) – the pop-like “Cry A River,” and the seven-and-a-half-minute “Winter Fare,” which represents the evolution of fusion in the 21st century, the album captivates the listener all over its 45 minutes.
Highly Recommended
01 – Rising Distortion
02 – Distorted Mirror
03 – Man vs Machine
04 – 33rd Century Man
05 – Cry a River
06 – Glow
07 – Loophole
08 – Winter Fare
DarWin – guitars
Simon Phillips – drums & percussion
Matt Bissonette – lead vocals
Mohini Dey – bass
Greg Howe – guitars
Derek Sherinian – keyboards
Andrew Freeman – vocals (7)
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