Destrage: Italy’s Kings of Progressive Madness
Destrage is an Italian progressive metal band known for their frenzied, chaotic energy and unique fusion of aggressive metal with progressive rock and jazz influences. Formed in Milan in 2005, the band has developed a cult following in the worldwide progressive metal scene, earning praise for their technical proficiency and eccentric musical ideas. Destrage’s sound combines heavy, distorted guitars, complex rhythms, soaring vocals and saxophone melodies to create what has been described as “organized chaos”.
Early Years and Debut Album
Destrage was originally formed in 2005 by guitarists Matteo Di Gioia and Ralph Salati, drummer Federico Paulovich, vocalist Paolo Colavolpe and bassist Gabriel Pignata. The fledgling band cut their teeth playing local shows around Milan, developing their skills and songwriting abilities.
In 2007, Destrage released their debut album “Urban Being” through Howling Bull Records. The album showcased the group’s ability to fuse aggressive metal riffs and scowling vocals with jazz-influenced saxophone lines and unexpected time signature changes. Songs like “Artwork of Me” and “Born to Forget” highlighted Destrage’s chaotic but precise musicianship and progressive leanings. “Urban Being” put Destrage on the map in the Italian metal scene and earned them opening slots for acclaimed bands like Prong.
| Year | Album | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Urban Being | Howling Bull Records |
| 2010 | The King Is Fat’n’Old | Howling Bull Records, Metal Blade Records |
| 2014 | Are You Kidding Me? No. | Metal Blade Records |
| 2016 | A Means to No End | Metal Blade Records |
| 2019 | The Chosen One | Metal Blade Records |
| 2022 | So Much. Too Much. | 3DOT Recordings |
The Silent Album and Rising Profile
In 2010, Destrage released their sophomore album “The King Is Fat’n’Old” through Howling Bull Records and later Metal Blade Records. The album featured more polished production and songwriting while still retaining the band’s unconventional twist on progressive metal. Songs like “Purania” and “Mr. G.” showed the band exploring more melodic vocals mixed with complex rhythmic patterns, odd time signatures and rapid dynamic shifts. The saxophone melodies took on a more prominent role, adding jazz/fusion flavors. The album received positive reviews, further raising Destrage’s profile in Europe.
Destrage took a bold step with their third album “Are You Kidding Me? No.” in 2014 by creating a completely silent album. It was a conceptual statement about the deterioration of musical meaning in the digital age. Despite its silence, the album generated significant publicity for the band’s avant-garde approach. Later that year, Destrage released the full-length album “A Means to No End” which featured re-recorded versions of the silent tracks. The album consolidated Destrage’s distinctive style with songs like “Destroy Create Transform Sublimate”, showcasing the band’s mastery of progressive metal complexity mixed with post-hardcore aggression. Destrage supported the album by touring with The Dillinger Escape Plan and Mastodon.
Recent Work and Continued Acclaim
In 2016, Destrage released their fourth studio album “A Means to No End” through Metal Blade Records. The album spawned a music video for the track “Symphony of the Ego” which displayed the band’s chaotic energy and technical thrashing paired with saxophone and keys. In 2018, the band released the EP “The Chosen One” featuring revamped versions of songs from their catalog. Their album “The Chosen One” earned high praise for its inventive songwriting and ability to balance extreme metal chaos with progressive rock eccentricity. Songs like “About That” and “Where the Things Have No Colour” showcase Destrage’s sound in top form.
Over their 15+ year career, Destrage has cemented a reputation as one of the most innovative progressive metal bands to emerge from Europe. Their ability to fuse a wide range of influences into a frenzied yet cohesive sound has earned them a cult following. As they continue releasing albums, Destrage proves they are Italy’s unique contribution to the world of progressive metal. Their outside-the-box approach and chaotic energy ensure that fans will never know what to expect next from this eccentric group of talented musicians.
In summary, Destrage is a pioneering progressive metal band from Italy that has developed a unique sound blending aggressive metal with progressive rock, jazz and experimental influences. Since forming in 2005, they have released several acclaimed albums showcasing their eccentric take on prog metal. Their reputation has grown through relentless touring and their refusal to conform to conventions. Destrage’s ability to fuse chaotic energy with technical precision and melodic creativity has allowed them to carve out a niche in the worldwide progressive music scene. As they continue to release albums, the band cements their status as Italy’s leading prog-metal innovators. Their future output promises to continue pushing boundaries and upending expectations.