Lux Terminus @ Midsummer Prog Festival 2025 Day 1 (May 23)

Lux Terminus @ Midsummer Prog Festival 2025 Day 1 (May 23): "A virtuosic trio without guitars, balancing seamlessly between progressive metal, jazz fusion and orchestral splendor."

The Midsummer Prog Festival in Maastricht kicked off with a powerful and surprising set by the American trio Lux Terminus  who immediately drew attention with their original lineup — a progressive metal act without electric guitars. Vikram Shankar (keyboards), Brian Craft (bass) and Matthew Kerschner (drums) delivered an instrumental performance that balanced progressive metal, jazz fusion and orchestral grandeur in a way that was technically stunning. 

The set centered around their newly released album “Cinder” with four tracks from the record featured. Two of them — “Mosaic Mind” and “Natsukashii” — received their live debut. Mosaic Mind dazzled with intricate layers and rhythmic shifts while Natsukashii offered a more introspective tone, building slowly and solemnly until its haunting finale which left the audience in silent awe.

The high-energy “P.L.O.N.K.” showcased the band’s playful synergy, especially the tight interaction between Kerschner’s dynamic drumming and Craft’s pulsing basslines. A standout moment came with the performance of “Catalyst”, featuring a guest appearance by Ross Jennings, present at the festival as part of Neal Morse & Friends. His distinctive vocals, paired with Shankar’s atmospheric keys, gave the piece an extra emotional dimension.

In addition to the Cinder material, Lux Terminus revisited their 2018 debut album “The Courage to Be”, performing the vibrant “Electrocommunion” and the epic title track. Both highlighted the trio’s long-established sound and artistic vision.

At the heart of the performance stood Vikram Shankar, reaffirming his status as one of the most expressive and versatile keyboardists in the progressive scene. Known for his work with Redemption, Silent Skies (alongside Evergrey’s Tom S. Englund) and as the live keyboardist for Pain of Salvation, Shankar delivered a performance that was both virtuosic and heartfelt — gracefully dancing between cinematic atmosphere and electrifying complexity.

Lux Terminus delivered an opening set that was warmly received by the crowd. Their unique, guitar-free take on progressive music proved that originality and craftsmanship can go hand in hand. A bold musical statement — and one that left us wanting more.