Contos: The Progressive Metal Architect

Contos is a dynamic progressive metal project founded by multi-instrumentalist and composer Leo Vance. Originating from the vibrant music scene of Toronto, Canada, the project has carved a distinct niche with its complex compositions and conceptual depth, achieving notable chart success in the independent metal sphere.

Early career

Leo Vance formed Contos as a solo studio endeavor in 2012, initially releasing music through online platforms like Bandcamp. His early work, a self-titled EP in 2013, blended intricate guitar work with atmospheric synthesizers, quickly garnering attention within online progressive metal communities. This DIY success led to a licensing deal with the independent label Fractured Harmony Records in 2015 for his debut full-length album.

Breakthrough

Contos achieved a significant breakthrough in 2017 with the sophomore album Chronophage. Released through Fractured Harmony, the album debuted at number 12 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart and was praised for its ambitious narrative scope. The lead single's accompanying cinematic music video surpassed one million views within months, solidifying Vance's reputation as a formidable creative force in modern prog.

Key tracks

Chronophage — This epic title track exemplifies the project's signature blend of shifting time signatures and melodic hooks.

The Architect's Draft — A instrumental showcase that highlights Vance's virtuosic guitar and keyboard interplay.

Echoes in the Silo — Featuring guest vocals from TesseracT's Daniel Tompkins, this collaboration brought Contos to a wider international audience.

Veil of Perception — Known for its complex, polyrhythmic drum pattern and became a live favorite during subsequent tours.

Following Chronophage, Vance expanded Contos into a full touring band, leading to intense live performances across North America and Europe. The 2020 album Axiom, released on the larger prog-focused label Sensory Records, debuted at number 5 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart. This period also included a collaborative track with drummer Matt Garstka of Animals as Leaders, further cementing Contos's credibility among peers.

Fans of intricate, modern progressive metal will also appreciate the work of similar artists. Protest The Hero shares Contos's Canadian roots and technical guitar prowess. Tesseract explores a comparable fusion of atmospheric depth and rhythmic complexity. Between The Buried And Me mirrors the ambitious, genre-blending conceptual approach. Plini offers a similarly instrumental-focused and compositionally rich journey in the modern prog landscape.

The music of Contos maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly across dedicated progressive metal and modern hard rock radio stations. Online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations frequently feature tracks from Chronophage and Axiom in their rotations, introducing new listeners to the project's detailed sonic architecture.

Listeners can discover the complex discography of Contos by tuning into the progressive metal and hard rock radio stations featured on our website. The music of this innovative Canadian artist is regularly played on the curated stations available on onairium.com, offering a direct path to experience his evolving progressive metal sound.