“Between Dreams And The Waking World” - AHLES

AHLES – Between Dreams and the Waking World (Independent, 2025)

Prog metal brilliance with a classical brain and a death metal punch to the dick.

Brisbane’s AHLES have lobbed a debut so ambitious, so fully-formed, it’s hard not to assume they made a pact with some sort of ancient musical demon. Between Dreams and the Waking World is nine tracks of heavy, intricate, emotionally charged brilliance—a progressive metal opus where the riffs are crushing, the arrangements are elegant, and the flute makes you question your entire existence.

At the heart of it is the long-awaited reunion of guitarist/vocalist Ian Ahles and drummer Alix Bandiera, former bandmates from Born From The Ashes, reconnecting after more than a decade apart. In the years between, Ian buried himself in classical guitar study, while Alix became a straight-up weapon behind the kit. You can hear all of it. This isn’t just metal with a flute slapped on top—this is classical composition woven into the fabric of death and thrash. Complex time changes, polyrhythms, dynamic shifts, and a flute solo that could melt your third eye.

From the opening gut-punch of “Something Spiritual” to the crushing “Product” and emotionally raw “Therese,” the album never sits still. “Will Nothing Grow?” is a highlight—a moody, slow building piece of prog metal beauty that creeps up before hammering you with weighty riffs and screams from the soul.

Watch “Will Nothing Grow?” on YouTube

The instrumental closer, “Fantasia…As A Jade Unicorn Might In The Rain,” shows off just how deep AHLES’ musical chops run. No lyrics, no blast beats—just a gorgeously structured soundscape that proves this band knows exactly what the fuck they’re doing.

“Product” lyric video here

Recorded at Core Studios and mastered by Ayden Perry at Q4, the album sounds massive without being overproduced. Anna Ahles’ artwork is surreal and beautiful, much like the music itself.

Lyrically, the album bounces between existential reflection, societal rot, and personal heartbreak—often within a single verse. It’s the sound of a band who’ve lived, lost, studied, shredded, and come out with a debut that’s truly unique.

Prog metal fans, classical nerds, death metal freaks—this one’s for you. AHLES aren’t just here to play. They’re here to fuck with the blueprint.

The official music video for “Something Spiritual” drops on the 24th July & you can watch here