Divided By One
Progressive.com Essentials, 2026
9/10
The Montreal electronic progressive rock outfit, Enigmatic Sound Machines, return with a 4th album, where the now quartet expand on their prog-fueled ways with plenty of electronic prowess.
The rich layers of the title track opens with Thomas Szirmay’s distinct voice alongside Alain Bellaïche’s flowing guitar, and “Chaos Dreaming” follows with a soft ambience via the strategic bass from Hansford Rowe and carefully manipulated vocals.
Arriving in the middle, “Pool Of Mirrors” recruits Jeremie Arrobas’ well timed keys amid the elegance and atypical dreaminess, while “Heaven’s Rain” balances calm versus firm gestures, where thumping percussion surrounds the strong attention to atmosphere.
“Inviolate Fields”, the album’s best, brings in Quinn Bachand’s violin and Laura Piazzai’s vocals for the frisky yet cautious 9+ minutes, and “Are Friends Electric?” exits with a dynamic and textured finish of meticulous and thoughtful prog-ideas that we could never tire of.
A cinematic outing that is rhythmic and melodic, there’s a darkness to this sonically engaging effort that helps make this their best record yet.
Travels well with: Galasphere 347- The Syntax Of Things; Versa- A Voyage/A Destination (Round Trip Edition)