Divided by One, Driven by Sound: ESM Ignite a Cinematic Prog-Rock Evolution.
- Rock Metal Machine
- 10 minutes ago
- 2 min read
ENIGMATIC SOUND MACHINES
Electronic progressive rock project Enigmatic Sound Machines (ESM) returns with their highly anticipated fourth studio album, Divided By One, set for release on June 5th, 2026 via Progrock.com's Essentials in Digital HR and CD formats.
Blending cinematic textures, driving rhythms, and richly layered melodies, Divided By One marks a significant evolution in ESM’s sound. The Montreal-based project, founded by lifelong friends Jeremie Arrobas and Thomas Szirmay, continues to push creative boundaries, merging retro electronic sensibilities with a more expansive progressive rock approach.
Originally emerging with the synth-driven Telepathic Waves (2023), ESM quickly evolved into more contemplative and ambitious territory with Hierarchies of Angels (2024) and Imperfect Silence (2025). Now, with Divided By One, the band expands into a full quartet, welcoming bassist Hansford Rowe and guitarist Alain Bellaiche as core members after their previous guest appearances.
This latest release showcases a darker, more intense sonic direction, featuring edgy guitars, dynamic arrangements, and a heightened cinematic scope. The album explores themes of tension, resilience, and transformation, balancing shadowy atmospheres with moments of melodic clarity.
“This time, ESM strikes back with a hardened sound in collusion with songs ladled with new challenges, maintaining the stranglehold on stylistics and showing little sonic mercy.” — Thomas Szirmay
The first single, a bold reinterpretation of Gary Numan’s classic “Are Friends Electric?”, was released on April 17 alongside an official video, offering a glimpse into the album’s intensified aesthetic.
“Do any of your friends desperately need a supercharged boost now? The machines can provide.” — Thomas Szirmay
Tracklist
Divided By One
Chaos Dreaming
Sirensong
Pool of Mirrors
Heaven’s Rain
Screaming Sound Machines
Heavy Water
Inviolate Fields
Are Friends Electric?
About the Band
Enigmatic Sound Machines is a retro-futuristic musical project born in Montreal, Canada, driven by a shared passion for music, philosophy, and the arts.
Jeremie Arrobas, a founding member of Men Without Hats and a pioneer in electronic music, brings decades of experience as a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer. Thomas Szirmay, a respected prog musicologist and prolific writer with over 1,600 published reviews, contributes deep conceptual and artistic direction.
Together, they continue to explore the boundaries of sound, storytelling, and sonic identity.
Line-Up
Jeremie Arrobas — lead vocals, synthesizers, synth guitars, sound machines
Alain Bellaiche — guitars, backing vocals
Hansford Rowe — bass guitars, backing vocals
Thomas Szirmay — sound machines, voice
Guest Artists:
Laura Piazzai — vocals and voices (track 8)
Steve Bonino — electric guitars (tracks 1, 6)
Roland Buhlmann — electric guitars (track 7, first part)
Anna Arrobas — voices (tracks 1, 3, 4, 7)
Quinn Bachand — violin (track 8)
Website: https://enigmaticsoundmachines.com
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