Altesia is a progressive metal band from Bordeaux, France, founded in 2017 by guitarist and vocalist Clément Darrieu. The project began two years earlier, when Darrieu started composing material that would eventually form the basis of the band’s debut album. Once the musical direction was firmly established, he assembled a lineup capable of delivering the material with precision and stylistic range. The initial formation included Alexis Casanova (guitar), Henri Bordillon (keyboards), Antoine Pirog (bass), and Yann Ménage (drums), alongside Darrieu himself. Altesia released their first album, Paragon Circus, in 2019. The record presents a melodic and atmospheric form of progressive metal, characterized by dark tonal colours, carefully structured compositions, and a balance between instrumental virtuosity and cohesive songwriting. While the band incorporates expressive guitar solos and intricate arrangements, the emphasis remains on the overall narrative flow rather than individual showmanship. Their music also integrates a wide range of stylistic influences, including elements of jazz, funk, pop, and occasional touches of death metal, contributing to a sound that is both eclectic and firmly rooted in the progressive tradition.
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Pandora
Cassandra’s Prophecy
The Prison Child
Reminiscence
Amidst The Smoke
Hex Reverse
Live studio Ambarès 2020
Paragon Circus (FULL ALBUM)