Album Review: Asymmetric Universe – A Memory And What Came After (InsideOutMusic)

Founded by multi-instrumentalists Nicolò and Federico Vese, Italian progressive metal duo Asymmetric Universe will release their debut album, A Memory and What Came After, via InsideOutMusic, on the 29th of August 2025.

Let’s be honest, the word ‘genius’ is thrown around far too much these days, and has lost some of its impact because of this. So, perhaps when I describe this album as genius and the duo that is Asymmetric Universe as geniuses, it might not have the impact it should, which is a shame because there is no better description. Impossibly clever, absurdly interesting, genre-bending in unforgettable ways, and delightfully immersive. It is one of the best things released this year, and not just in the progressive rock and metal world.

Refining themselves to a more accessible point, while being as wild and wacky as ever, Asymmetric Universe draw from their wealth of influences to deliver something that pushes the boundaries of progressive music. Offering up refreshing takes on complex sounds by being stylishly balanced between thicker, heavier parts, playful rock moments, injections of jazz fusion, and dramatic, odd melodies. Every single track sounds unique, but thanks to the aforementioned refinement, it’s a cohesive sounding album too.

I’m not going to pretend that I understand all of it, or that it will have universal appeal, because it won’t, but unlike so many of their contemporaries, Asymmetric Universe have found a way to keep the less invested listener engaged while still showcasing progressive brilliance. It’s an experimental sound that is wholly unique and undeniably compelling.

For me, it’s not just the energised guitar complexities, exciting melody shifts, punchier bursts of heaviness, or saxophone led improvised (seemingly) jazz sections, that make this album special. No, what makes it special is the thick cinematic coating that covers it all. Sometimes, coy and in the background, and sometimes, garishly front and centre, but always adding depth to everything.

It’s a highly dynamic listen and delivered by a band who refuse to conform in the slightest. This is Asymmetric Universe, but an Asymmetric Universe that has learned so much and are capable of putting it into practice. For 45+ minutes, everyone willing to give this incredible record a chance, will find themselves tumbling down the rabbit hole, but it’s so much more than madness that awaits at the bottom.

Progressive music should not be this accessible and this listenable, but that’s Asymmetric Universe for you.

Asymmetric Universe – A Memory and What Came After Track Listing:

1. Coquelicot (feat. Richard Henshall)
2. Fair Enough
3. Don’t Go Too Early
4. Reaction – Overthrow (feat. Jared Yee)
5. Recovery – Thirst for Stars
6. Feather on a Glass
7. Dancing Through Contradictions
8. Opaco
9. Those Who Stay

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