Paragnosis Channel the Proggy Side of Mastodon with “Zodiac Wheel”

If you’re a fan of Crack The Skye-era Mastodon but wish it had zero vocals, then this trak from New York-based progressive metal outfit Paragnosis is exactly what you’re looking for. Released ahead of the trio’s sophomore self-titled EP, “Zodiac Wheel” is nearly five minutes of spacey, layered instrumental goodness.

Comprised of life-long friends guitarist Christian Realmuto and drummer Moïse Scott, and rounded out by bassist Tom Salyer, Paragnosis has the kind of rhythmic knowledge and melodic attack that makes it feel like the very act of listening takes you on a journey. Moving amongst each other, intertwined in their musicianship, “Zodiac Wheel” highlights how well these three dudes play together.

Speaking of the song, Salyer said this particular track really highlights what the band’s capable of — especially when it comes to odd time signatures.

“For this song, our writing process was pretty much the same as usual. However, I’m super happy with the outcome, because I think we show our range, from groovy, to chill and pretty, to insanely heavy, in a natural way. Fun fact: this song was called ‘Fuck Time’ because we were struggling with some of the timing of the riffs. Eventually we started playing with the concept of time and that’s how we landed on ‘Zodiac Wheel.’”

Over the years, Paragnosis has garnered a following in the Big Apple, having played in venues like The Knitting Factory, Webster Hall, and Saint Vitus Bar and opening for bands like Binary Code, Oceans Of Slumber, and Added Color.

As for their upcoming EP, it was recorded at the Silver Cord Studio in Queens, New York. You know, the one co-owned by Jamie Uertz and Gojira’s Joe Duplantier. The self-titled EP will feature six new songs, all recorded live and produced, mixed, and mastered by Uertz himself.

Paragnosis’ next EP will be released on June 21, but you can preorder it now on Bandcamp or presave it on Spotify if you prefer.