Linear Sphere are an English progressive metal band from London, England. The band was formed by guitarist Martin Goulding in 2002 and they have released two albums so far, the debut, Reality Dysfunction in 2004 and Manvantara in 2012. Both of them are concept albums, the latter dealing with " times of the Satya Yuga, the influences and dark forces at work behind the illusion of our reality and mankind’s spiritual evolution through ever changing times." The band's co-founder guitarist Charlie Griffiths later left the band and joined British progressive rock group Haken.
''Manvantara''
Manvantara received generally positive reviews from webzines. Metal Storm described it as a "dark, modern, intense prog, mostly guitar-oriented, with the bass and drums stealing the spotlight sometimes, and atmospheric keys brightening the tone in select moments" and likened the record to the Arch/Matheos album Sympathetic Resonance.My Global Mind also praised the album calling the lyrics "detailed and layered" and the compositions "cleverly written." The vocals by Jos Geron were described as a cross between Bruce Dickinson and Marillion's Fish. The reviewer concluded his analysis remarking that Linear Sphere are "amongst the top Progressive Metal acts going around at the moment." Prog Metal Zone also awarded the album a favourable review, praising "their technical wizardry that combined the groundbreaking angular style of Norway’s Spiral Architect and healthy doses of advanced jazz fusion on their debut albumReality Dysfunction." The reviewer also highlighted the internal complexity of the release and that it may require repeat listens to discover its nuances. Abstract Logix also reviewed the release, commenting: "Linear Sphere's latest record, Manvantara adroitly continues in the tradition of the Mahavishnu Orchestra in blazing a trail across the barren wasteland of what is considered fusion." Another review came from Avenoctum. The reviewer remarked: "What made this album special was the musical presentation which belied the overt nihilism but did reflect in its development the idea of evolution as well as being colourful and dynamic." German webzine Underground Empire also praised the technicality on the record hoping the follow-up to the release would not take as long as Manvantara had taken.
