Athaza the debut album from Pretoria based South African musician Chris Prophet releases on all digital platforms today. A set of technically driven instrumental progressive metal tracks that South Africa’s leading metal website Metal 4 Africa recently described as “a solo project swaddled in melodic metal goodness.” The UK’s Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life said, “this is one of the most thrilling and emotionally draining records heard in some time” in their review of the album.
“Athaza was the dream I thought I could never achieve, the jewel I thought I could never find or the album that I thought I never could write. Without the unconditional support of my closest friends and family and the continuous positive feedback from people who listened to it, this album never would have seen the light of day.” – Chris Prophet
Basically self-taught, Chris developed his skills by learning and applying techniques from other guitarists and musicians he was inspired by. Having no formal background in music theory he firmly believes that once he becomes aware of the many rules of music, he will become bound by them, and be afraid of going where his emotions guide him.
The album is dedicated to his best friend who passed away unexpectedly in 2016. Every track on the album represents the emotions that he experienced during the nine years writing these songs. Some tracks took years to complete where other tracks took a matter of days, but each one of them represent a certain struggle that he had to cope with either in his personal or professional life.
Listen to the first single Stargaze HERE
Athaza is available now on all digital platforms.