Puerto Rico-based prog metal band The Wrong Sides are a progressive metal trio who have an interesting formula for their releases. Teasing tracks for upcoming albums months and sometimes years in advance not only gives them time to test out and tweak the singles both live and in the studio, but it allows said teaser tracks to be stand-alone musical works separate from the multi-track releases. Since forming in 2019, the band have released two well-received album under this model, as well as a few separate singles which showcase their fusion abilities. It seems the model is working well for The Wrong Sides, as their latest tracks, “Sour Sea,” “CHASING THƎ WЯONG INSANITY” and “Elephant Spaceship” will be part of their next album.

As dedicated instrumentalists, the core members of The Wrong Sides work tirelessly on their craft; their play-through videos have become well-known tutorials for aspiring metal guitarists and it’s obvious that their work, being both progressive and metal fusion, it part sound science and part art. That said, it’s not only experimentation that drives the trio. The Wrong Sides is also high-concept in its composition.

Each of these tracks provided a way for us to explore the sonic landscape of this lineup. Joan Torres joined the band for “Sour Sea” and laid down a killer groove and melodic fretless bass solo. Afterwards, he contributed to the repertoire with his arrangement inspired by the original soundtrack to the classic video game, ‘Maximum Carnage’. We titled this track “Chasing the Wrong Insanity” because it felt like a perfect homage to the original tracks as well as them being on “the wrong side.” Most recently, we put together “Elephant Spaceship”. This track started with a simpler idea by Israel, which evolved as Jose’s grooves and Joan’s melodic fretless phrases filled in the rest of the picture to make up a galactic somewhat freeform prog metal jam.

From the way the band put together their tracks, it’s clear that composition is important, to them, and this reflects to the fans as well. As well known for their live performances as for their studio work, The Wrong Sides are heavy in all the right places and experimental at the perfect times as well. Each track has its own journey, concept and experimentation. The lyricless “Sour Sea,” for example, is fully progressive, almost to the point of being ambient, whilst “CHASING THƎ WЯONG INSANITY” is a true fusion track with everything from thrash to grunge to death metal on it. “Elephant Spaceship” delivers what it says on the tin, with a psychedelic tinge, death metal drums, a progressive groove and loads of thrash guitar. From these three tracks, it would be impossible to predict what the rest of the next album will sound like, and it’s likely the band want it that way. Given their discography, however, fans can comfortably expect expert artistry, virtuosity and just the right amount of experimentation from The Wrong Sides.

Independent Music Promotions Inc.