There's a new player in the progressive metal scene, and it sports several heavyweights in its ranks. Whom Gods Destroy is made of keyboardist Derek Sherinian (ex-Dream Theater, ex-Sons Of Apollo), guitarist Ron 'Bumblefoot' Thal, (ex-Guns N' Roses, ex-Sons Of Apollo, Art of Anarchy), and vocalist Dino Jelusick, along with bassist Yas Nomura and drummer Bruno Valverde (Angra).
As you can imagine there's enough musical pedigree there to deliver the goods, and that's exactly what the first single, "In The Name Of War" brings: killer keyboard lines, a superb vocal delivery by Jelusick, scorching guitar solos from Bumblefoot, and a rhythm section that is on fire. If this first song is of any indication, the album, entitled Insanium, will be worth your time.
Regarding how Whom Gods Destroy got started, Bumblefoot shares: “Derek & I began writing new music in 2020. Soon after, Dino joined, followed by Yas and Bruno. We'd share ideas, and each record parts, building and rebuilding songs, and by June '23 the album was finished. The songs all went through a lot of changes, developing…you can definitely hear what each person brings to the music – when it adds up, it's a mix of melody and intense heavy prog.”
Jelusick adds: “What I love about this band is that it doesn't have any limits. It came together back in 2020 when we started talking about it. Yas and I started working separately not knowing we were both asked to do this. Bruno was the last piece of this puzzle and I'm glad the recommendation came from me. Love this line-up. Derek and Ron are wizards."
Insanium will be out via Inside Out Music on March 15, 2024, and can be pre-ordered here.
