A jazz gig, a Meshuggah shirt hidden under a blazer, and a chance meeting set off a chain reaction that became Aethraxia—progressive metal built on precision, melody, and a quietly defiant philosophy. We sit down with guitarist-composer Steve and vocalist Tanner to unpack how classical training, jazz fluency, and modern heaviness fuse into songs that feel intricate without losing heart. The conversation moves from early musical roots—piano, cello, choir, and a career’s worth of gigs—to the moment they realized a true frontman changes everything.

Steve shares how years of playing jazz, funk, and even European power metal tours taught him to deliver without rehearsals, a discipline that now shapes the band’s click-tight live shows. Tanner opens up about escaping a strict upbringing, finding his voice, and why he avoids practice on show days and skips weed when singing to protect coordination and tone. We break down the band’s name—Aethraxia—as a stylized nod to ataraxia, inner peace, and how that thread runs through their heaviest songs. You’ll hear how they recorded first to attract the right live bassist, why Denver’s metal scene surprised them, and the booking approach that landed seven shows in four months, including headliners.

If you’re a musician, this is a playbook: build your craft with lessons and theory, prepare a full set before asking for shows, take gigs that stretch you, and aim to be the least experienced player in the room. If you’re a fan, it’s a window into a band evolving fast, already back in the studio, and planning diverse sets so no two shows feel the same. Come for the riffs and stay for the mindset—serious musicianship, clear standards, and the joy that keeps it all moving.

Enjoy the conversation, share it with a friend who loves progressive metal, and if it hit home, subscribe and leave a quick review so more listeners can find the show.

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