The ambitious progressive death metal project Changeling, spearheaded by renowned guitarist, producer, and composer Tom “Fountainhead” Geldschläger (formerly of Obscura, Belphegor), is set to release its intricate self-titled debut album tomorrow, April 25th, 2025, through Season of Mist. This complex work brings together a core group of acclaimed musicians, including vocalist Morean (Alkaloid, Dark Fortress), fretless bassist Arran McSporran (Virvum, Vipassi), and drummer Mike Heller (Fear Factory, Raven).
Changeling is presented not just as a collection of songs, but as a cohesive 60-minute conceptual piece. Listeners are guided through a narrative arc detailing a first-person psychedelic experience, moving through distinct psychological stages from initial sensory distortion and ego dissolution to eventual cognitive reintegration. This profound journey is mirrored in the album’s diverse sonic landscape.
Musically, the project weaves together technical death metal complexities with threads of classical orchestration, jazz/fusion improvisation, and world music influences. Geldschläger, who composed, produced, and mixed the entire work, utilizes a vast instrumental palette featuring fretless and fretted electric guitars, oud, fretless bass, dynamic drumming, synthesizers, and a wide array of acoustic instrumentation.
Adding to the album’s depth and scale is its ambitious production and collaborative nature. It was specifically crafted for both traditional stereo listening and the immersive Dolby Atmos/Spatial Audio format, with the Atmos mix set for a streaming release on May 23rd. Further highlighting the project’s scope, over 50 guest musicians contributed their talents. This impressive roster includes guest guitarists from legendary acts such as Death, Cynic, and I Am Morbid, alongside orchestral musicians, a full choir, and players specializing in non-western percussion.
Fans have already been introduced to the album’s multifaceted nature through previously released singles. “Abyss” showcased unique quarter-tone modulations and layered choral textures. “Falling in Circles” highlighted the ensemble’s virtuosity and included nods to Geldschläger’s earlier work with Obscura. The recently issued title track, “Changeling,” offered a blend of ritualistic vocal approaches, atmospheric microtonal synth work, and crushing death metal riffs.
The full stereo version of Changeling officially releases tomorrow, April 25th. For those wanting an early listen, the entire album is currently streaming via the Season of Mist YouTube channel. Changeling‘s debut stands as a testament to intricate composition and conceptual depth, promising a rewarding experience for aficionados of forward-thinking, technically demanding metal.
Track List:
- “Introject“
- “Instant Results“
- “Falling in Circles“
- “World? What World?“
- “Metanoia Interlude“
- “Changeling“
- “Abyss“
- “Cathexis Interlude“
- “Abdication“
- “Anathema“
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