Artificial Language
American progressive metal band from Fresno, California.
Artificial Language is an American progressive metal band from Fresno, California, founded in late 2015. The group consists of guitarists Victor Corral and Charlie Robbins, bassist Josh Riojas, keyboardist Jonathon Simpson, drummer Jeron Schapansky, and vocalist Shay Lewis, who joined after answering a request for a singer. The band is known for concept-driven albums and a sound influenced by Steven Wilson, Between the Buried and Me, Dream Theater, and Danny Elfman.
- formed
- 2015
- origin
- Fresno, California, United States
- field
- Progressive metal
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Concept albums The Observer and Now We Sleep
Lore & Background
All members except vocalist Shay Lewis met in the local music scene of Fresno. Lewis came from Rhode Island to join them later, after they put out a request for a singer. After working on it for 3 or 4 years, the band self-released their debut album The Observer on April 28, 2017. It was preceded by the single 'These Aren't Mirages', released five days before. The album follows an observer 'who doesn't really understand humanity [...] watching over 6 different events that happen throughout the duration of the album and eventually longs for the Human Condition'.
Reader's Guide
Artificial Language emerged from the Central Valley music scene with a debut album that earned praise from Prog magazine, with reviewer Chris Cope noting the band 'have just about got it very, very right' for a debut. Their second album, Now We Sleep, gained wider recognition, appearing as an honorable mention on PopMatters' year-end list and being called a surprise album of the year by Sonic Perspectives. The band's music is built around Charlie Robbins' primary songwriting, with vocal melodies and concepts shaped by Shay Lewis and Victor Corral. Their influences—Steven Wilson, Between the Buried and Me, Dream Theater, and Danny Elfman—reflect a blend of progressive metal, atmospheric rock, and cinematic elements. The group's discography includes two studio albums and one EP, Distant Glow (2024). Their significance lies in crafting concept-driven albums that explore themes of observation and human experience, contributing to the modern progressive metal landscape.
Did You Know?
- The band's debut album The Observer was self-released on April 28, 2017, after 3 or 4 years of work.
- Vocalist Shay Lewis is from Rhode Island and joined the band after they put out a request for a singer.
- The title track of Now We Sleep features guest vocals from Michael Lessard of The Contortionist.
- The band cites Danny Elfman as one of their influences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Artificial Language?
Artificial Language is an American progressive metal band that originated in Fresno, California, and was put together in late 2015. They build their music around extended, concept-driven narratives rather than standalone singles.
What does Artificial Language sound like?
Their tone draws heavily from Steven Wilson's atmospheric production, the dense layering of Between the Buried and Me, the technical precision of Dream Theater, and the cinematic scoring sensibility of Danny Elfman. The result is a progressive metal sound that leans theatrical and story-driven.
What albums is Artificial Language known for?
The band is best recognized for two full-length concept records: The Observer and Now We Sleep. Both releases showcase their preference for multi-part, narrative-driven song structures over traditional verse-chorus formats.
Who are the members of Artificial Language?
The lineup includes guitarists Victor Corral and Charlie Robbins, bassist Josh Riojas, keyboardist Jonathon Simpson, drummer Jeron Schapansky, and vocalist Shay Lewis. Lewis came aboard after the group publicly called for a singer and she responded to the request.
Where is Artificial Language from and when did they form?
The band hails from Fresno, California, and was founded in the latter part of 2015. They remain based in that region and identify as an American act within the progressive metal scene.
More in American progressive metal musical groups 1-24
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