American progressive trio Lux Terminus share new single “Catalyst”

American progressive trio Lux Terminus share new single “Catalyst” featuring Ross Jennings, Jørgen Munkeby & Jon Pyres

Sophomore album Cinder due on April 18th

American progressive trio Lux Terminus are set for the release of their second full-length album, Cinder, due out on April 18th.  With Cinder,Lux Terminus (keyboardist Vikram Shankar, bassist Brian Craft, and drummer Matthew Kerschner) aims to reshape progressive music in 2025, spotlighting keyboards in a bold departure from guitar-driven sound.

“Catalyst,” the second single from Cinder, features guest vocalists Ross Jennings (Haken) and Jon Pyres, plus saxophonist Jørgen Munkeby (Shining). The track lyrically explores mental health issues through a dynamic blend of styles, from musical theater and cinematic prog metal to mellow introspection and vibrant synthpop.

The band says this about the single:
“With “Catalyst,” we explore the complexities of mental health, focusing on the battle with internal demons and the fight to overcome darkness. The song captures the challenge of clinging to hope in the hardest times, with Ross Jennings and Jon Pyres representing the protagonist’s positive and negative internal forces respectively. Spanning over 8 minutes, “Catalyst” showcases the diverse range of styles and influences that define our upcoming album Cinder.

“Cinder, for us, is a musical reflection of our core vision as an artist. We aim to create instrumental music where the piano and keyboards are at the forefront, breaking free from their usual role as a supporting element in progressive metal. It’s crucial that melody, dynamics, and emotion remain at the heart of the songwriting, even as we push technicality and ‘djenty’ heaviness to the limit. Cinder is about burning with intensity and risk—creating passionate, vibrant art that challenges both personal limits and conventional boundaries.”

Written and recorded over four years and produced by the band, Cinder sees Lux Terminus once again embracing the core of their sound — keyboards-driven progressive metal with strong analog synth and cinematic influences — while exploring heavier and more diverse musical territories. The album features guest appearances from Ross Jennings (Haken), Jørgen Munkeby, Jon Pyres, and Espera (Sleep Token, Exploring Birdsong).

You can check out the bass and drums playthrough video for the track “P.L.O.N.K.” here:
https://youtu.be/B2bB0Yhl1W4?si=jjdccJKtmDm1q6WR

Lux Terminus, the project of keyboardist Vikram Shankar (known for his work with Pain of Salvation, Silent Skies, and Redemption, as well as scores for video games like Space Marine II, Evil Dead: The Game, and the upcoming Jurassic Park: Survival), was formed in 2016 as an instrumental trio with drummer Matthew Kerschner and bassist Brian Craft.

The band pushes the boundaries of progressive metal by omitting electric guitars, instead using pianos, synthesizers, and orchestral arrangements to create a sound that balances technical complexity with melody and emotional depth. 

Their debut album, The Courage to Be (2018), showcased this unique approach, with its bold use of pianos and synths to replace the traditional guitar-driven framework of progressive music. The record featured guest contributions from Timo Somers, Raphael Weinroth-Browne, and Anneke van Giersbergen. After a brief hiatus during which Shankar focused on other projects, Lux Terminus is now preparing to release their highly anticipated sophomore album, Cinder.

Lux Terminus are:
Vikram Shankar – Keyboardist
Brian Craft – Bassist
Matthew Kerschner – Drummer

Lux Terminus online:
Facebook • Instagram • YouTube