photos by Derek Soto
New York City-based progressive/instrumental metal trio PARAGNOSIS presents an independent mini-documentary on the band, Paragnosis: Battle For Wacken, now playing. The release of the short documentary comes just several weeks after the release of PARAGNOSIS’ eponymous second EP.
Paragnosis: Battle For Wacken follows PARAGNOSIS as they enter the brutal Battle For Wacken. Wacken Open Air, a legendary heavy metal festival held annually in Wacken, Germany since 1989, hosts this multi-level competition, offering a coveted spot on the stage to hundreds of bands vying for glory. This short film follows PARAGNOSIS as they face off against competitors worldwide in the first round of preliminaries in Brooklyn.
Produced by Pulp Films, Paragnosis: Battle For Wacken was directed by Spencer Limón “Taquito” with executive producer Ryan Jacobs “PublishX” and chief editor Alexander Velenti “2blunt.” Limón writes, “The best way I can describe PARAGNOSIS sound is instrumental jam metal. The conception of said sound is nothing short of remarkable. I consider myself very lucky being given the opportunity to work with PARAGNOSIS, in combination with a killer stage presence, and a unique sound, they offer something you truly don’t see that often.”
He continues, “Documenting PARAGNOSIS through the preliminaries was an insane time I consider myself lucky to have experienced. All three members of the band bring a unique element that provides their sound with structural integrity, and a freedom to try something different. Reducing them to an ‘instrumental jam metal band’ would be highly inaccurate compared to what their discography provides. Mo, Tom, and Chris are all sick dudes who make even sicker music. I hope our documentary expresses that in every way.”
Watch Paragnosis: Battle For Wacken HERE.
Native New Yorkers, guitarist Christian Realmuto and drummer Moïse Scott, started playing music together when they met in elementary school. Over the years the two stayed close, growing together through music. In 2012, bassist Thomas Salyer moved to New York and met Realmuto at The New School For Jazz And Contemporary Music. The two connected quickly through their mutual love for both jazz and metal and the three musicians united under the PARAGNOSIS moniker in 2015.
Playing locally across the vast NYC metropolitan area, PARAGNOSIS has amassed a solid fanbase in the music community, having played notable venues such as The Knitting Factory, Webster Hall, and Saint Vitus Bar, opening for bands such as Binary Code, Oceans Of Slumber, and Added Color. In 2017, the band released their first EP, Clarity In Three, including the track “Hindsight,” the apex where the band realized their true calling was as an instrumental band. In 2018, PARAGNOSIS released the “Asthmatic” single which showed them honing the psychedelic, progressive sound they’re known for today.
Upon seeing PARAGNOSIS perform live, Silver Cord Studio co-owner Jamie Uertz – who owns and operates the studio with Gojira’s Joe Duplantier – wanted to capture their live experience in the studio. The band recorded six songs live in the studio, which were produced, mixed, and mastered by Uertz, and will now see release as PARAGNOSIS’ eponymous EP, the package completed with cover art by Shane Harrington.
Paragnosis is streaming at Bandcamp HERE and other prime digital platforms HERE. Also watch the videos for “Zodiac Wheel” HERE and “Ataraxy” video HERE.
Following their hometown release show for the EP, PARAGNOSIS is currently plotting new live performances to support the record, while they continue to write their debut LP.
““The word ‘paragnosis’ pertains to knowledge or wisdom granted by a higher power, and in the eyes and ears of the band by the same word, music is the greatest expression of that power. PARAGNOSIS is an instrumental group from New York City whose influences and abilities span the gamut of musical experience.” – Decibel Magazine
“If you’re a fan of Crack The Skye-era Mastodon but wish it had zero vocals, then this track from New York-based progressive metal outfit PARAGNOSIS is exactly what you’re looking for… spacey, layered, instrumental goodness.” – MetalSucks
“What impresses me most about the band and the album is the careful songwriting. I mentioned this before, it is tightly wound, but at the same time, it takes a breath when it needs to find the fuel to keep going. More than anything else, the band just sounds like they have fun working together as a trio, and it shows in their craft.” – Metal Temple
“With progressive instrumental records, it goes without saying to expect guitar solos. There are screaming guitar solos aplenty here. What I didn’t expect was all the crushing riffs. PARAGNOSIS know when to sit in the pocket and get the head moving.” – Metal Digest
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