TEE "The Earth Explorer"

TEE is a five piece flute front progressive rock band from Tokyo, Japan. Their so-called 'European' sound is unique considering their far-east origin. The imaginative tunes with complex ensembles and rhythms will definitely catch the attention of prog lovers all over the world. Their sound will remind you bands like Camel, King Crimson, Asia Minor or even Frank Zappa on some parts. The band was formed in 2004 when... more

Shawn PHILLIPS

At the kick off of his 2010 tour Shawn Phillips sat with us at a 24 hour diner in Davenport, IA to grant us a very special interview. At his insistence, it would be very informal. One should not expect otherwise from this splendid human being.

The hours prior to this meeting over midnight breakfast were now a recent memory, but...more

You may not know his name but you have definitely heard his music more than once or twice in your life. Maybe on HBO, or on MTV, or on VH1, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel. Doesn't ring the bell? How about American Idol Rewind, or Dr. 90210? We had interviewed Kevin Bartlett a couple of years ago when his second solo album GLOW IN THE DARK was released. Bartlett has been quiet since that time but but he has been secretly brewing new projects. A few months ago he had put a new song...more

Peter Hammill, founding member of Van Der Graaf Generator, released his 28th solo album " nearly 3 months ago. He recently got back home from a short tour covering North America, Canada and Italy. In the 70's when bands like...more

FRIGHT PIG Barque At The Lune *** REVERSAL OF GRAVITY Scuba Gear ***

Torman Maxt

Torman Maxt is a progressive metal outfit out of Southern California. Three brothers make up the band: Tony, Vincent and Dominic Massaro. Only musicians that grew up together could perform music with this degree of precision. This is that incredible band you knew existed, but have yet to discover. The band has three albums in their resume and can be found at their official website, MySpace, iTunes & Rhapsody.

The band started out in the early 90s in Ft Myers Florida, shortly thereafter moving to Southern California where they recorded their first album “Just Talking About the Universe... So far”. The debut album did well for an indie release and set the tone for future releases by this prog-rock group. Next up was The Foolishness of God that found guitarist Tony Massaro at the vocal helm. Their latest release, The Problem of Pain, Part 1, is a rock opera that will be released in two segments (hence the title “Part 1”). Look for this newest release in 2008.

The undeniably enticing characteristic of progressive metal or hard rock music is the roller coaster ride the music will take you on. At the risk of sounding cliché, torman maxt's music is a thrill ride of ups, downs, twists, turns and jolting compositions sure to leave you beaten as well as strangely lifted up.

Tony Massaro, the band's guitarist, while maintaining his identity, as quickly as you hear a straight-ahead metal part, you will be thrown back with a very angry punk type of riff. Other times you will hear a piece that is nothing short of a classical masterpiece and then other times you'll hear what sounds like an interpretation of what the guitar arrangements might have sounded like in antiquity, almost medieval pieces with single acoustic notes dancing above the movement.

Dominic Massaro on bass and keyboards. Not your average rock bassist, he has an unorthodox approach to technique. It's evident that he is not content with being the background rhythm section accompaniment. At times his bass seems to be “singing” and other times a sound is utilized on parts that dominate the piece. He is locked in with the band's sound and convinces the listener he knows what he is doing. The keyboard textures Dominic provides are a continuation of that compositional understanding.

Vincent Massaro is the band's drummer. He displays an ease of versatility on drums. Not simply a drummer keeping time, his feel for the setting can be heard when he either backs up the band with a straight from the gutter beat or dazzles the listener with intricate time signatures. What makes Vincent unique is his sensitivity to the compositions.Vincent is intimate with the song, understanding it's motive and mood. He knows when to attack and when to lay low.

Visit the links below to hear torman maxt

As is always the case here at TheProgFiles, we are all about the artist. Whatever we can do to facilitate a direct interest in the musicians is in everyone's best interest. Having said that, if you are interested in Torman Maxt's music, we encourage you to buy from them direct. You can do so by visting the links below.

www.tormanmaxt.com
MySpace
CD Baby download tracks at iTunes & Rhapsody