ASHBREATHER

Progressive sludge metal from Montreal, QC, Canada

Ashbreather has evolved from their early days playing Opeth covers in Quebec taverns to becoming masters of extreme prog metal. Their sound is a masterful blend of crushing sludge, technical progressive rock, and atmospheric post-metal, all wrapped in conceptual narratives that push the boundaries of heavy music. Often compared to Mastodon’s early ambition, the psychedelic mystique of Pink Floyd, and the grandiose storytelling of bands like Ne Obliviscaris and Ihsahn, Ashbreather crafts a sonic experience that is as captivating as it is complex.

Their latest release, Mouth of the World (2024), continues their tradition of vivid storytelling and lush, immersive soundscapes. This powerful exploration of heavy prog sludge resonates with fans of death doom and atmospheric post-rock alike, solidifying Ashbreather's status as one of the most innovative acts in the modern metal scene. Critics and fans have praised the album for its dynamic storytelling and expansive sound, drawing listeners into a swirling vortex of progressive sludge and atmospheric space rock.

Their critically acclaimed album, Hivemind (2022), was hailed as a masterpiece, with its single-track composition spanning 11 movements over 37 minutes. It is an epic, conceptual journey inspired by a narrative of astronaut-scientists experimenting on a species of alien, telepathic insects.

Ashbreather will perform on Saturday, August 10th.