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Intervals (band)
Intervals (band)
Intervals (band)
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Intervals is a Canadian instrumental progressive metal band formed in Toronto, Ontario, in 2011. The band has toured throughout Canada and the United States with bands such as Animals as Leaders,[1] Protest the Hero, Between the Buried and Me, and The Contortionist.

Key Information

Intervals released two EPs, The Space Between (2011) and In Time (2012),[2] and their debut studio album A Voice Within on March 4, 2014, featuring vocals by Mike Semesky. After the exit of every band member except for guitarist Aaron Marshall, follow-up albums The Shape of Colour (2015), The Way Forward (2017), Circadian (2020), and Memory Palace (2024) were released.[3]

History

[edit]

Formation and The Space Between EP (2011–2012)

[edit]

Intervals was formed in Toronto, Ontario, in 2011 as a creative outlet for guitarist Aaron Marshall after quitting his previous band, Speak of the Devil.[4][5] After releasing two songs online ("Still Winning" and "Duality"), Anup, Lukas and Matt joined the band. Their first EP The Space Between was recorded in Aaron's basement, with the exception of Anup who recorded his drums at his own home studio in Frederick, Maryland. The mixing and mastering were done by Adam "Nolly" Getgood of Periphery, and it was released independently on December 20, 2011.[6] At this point, the band attempted to find a vocalist to complete the line-up, but failed to do so.

In Time EP (2012–2013)

[edit]

With the release of their second EP In Time on October 30, 2012, they were joined by Olly Steele (Monuments) and David Maxim Micic (Destiny Potato) as guest soloists. Sputnikmusic gave the EP a 4/5 rating, suggesting that "if they find a bit more creativity and increase their originality, they have potential to go down in history as one of the best instrumental prog metal bands. As of now, they are still not on the same level as Animals as Leaders".[7] The band released a music video for "Epiphany" on April 25, 2013, through Guitar World promotion and YouTube.[8] Following the success of In Time, the band gained endorsement deals from Ernie Ball Music Man, Pearl Drums, Meinl Cymbals, Toontrack, InTune Guitar Picks, and Gruv Gear.[9] Marshall and Sastry also released playthroughs, as well as lessons for select songs off the EP.[10][11] On April 18, 2013, it was announced that Matt De Luca would be leaving the band to pursue other projects.

A Voice Within (2013–2015)

[edit]

On September 14, 2013, Intervals announced they would again be entering the studio with producer Jordan Valeriote (Silverstein, Structures, Counterparts) on November 4 to begin tracking their upcoming release.[12] Following the studio, Intervals were scheduled to tour Europe (January-February 2014) with Protest the Hero, TesseracT, and The Safety Fire.[13] On December 30, it was announced that live bassist Mike Semesky would be changing his role in the band to provide vocals on the new album. The album's bass tracks were handled equally between Marshall and Cameron McLellan (Protest the Hero). The band released Semesky's vocal debut in the form of new single "Ephemeral" through Revolver, as well as a revelation that the new album would be titled A Voice Within.[14]

Due to the need for Semesky to focus entirely on his vocal performance live, the band hired Henry Selva (formerly of The Human Abstract) as a live bassist for their upcoming European tour, but eventually opted to use the bass in the backing track moving forward.

"I'm extremely happy to announce that I am the singer of Intervals. I joined the band on bass in early 2013, but after writing and experimenting with vocals over demos of the band's new material, the four of us knew that that was the direction we were meant to go. I feel so blessed to be a part of such a talented group of musicians and I'm extremely proud of the album we all worked so hard on. We can't wait for you all to hear it!"[14]

The band released a second song from the album, "The Escape", on January 23, 2014, and announced that the album would be released on March 4, 2014.[15] On February 26, the band announced that they would be releasing one new song from the album per day until the day of the album's release. The first of these songs was "The Self Surrendered".[16]

The Shape of Colour and The Way Forward (2015–2020)

[edit]

On November 25, 2014, it was announced that Mike Semesky parted ways with the band, due to Marshall's desire to instrumentally front the band again. An instrumental version of A Voice Within was then released on March 3, 2015. On June 23, three months after, Guyader and Sastry finally announced on Facebook that they decided they would no longer be a part of Intervals without Semesky. According to Marshall's narrative, the separation was caused by different expectations as to the direction of the band. However, Sastry and Guyader have both cited that after removing Semesky, Marshall wanted to demote their roles strictly to "hired guns" in an effort to further rebrand the band as his solo project. After the moral loss of losing Semesky, there was a lack of communication for a few months. In that time, Marshall finished the solo record he had already been working on throughout the year. He then booked studio time and new musicians without the rest of the bands knowledge, only communicating all of this to them through an ultimatum days before the studio time was to begin. So Sastry and Guyader opted to leave together.

Marshall's new studio musicians were then revealed to be bassist Cameron McLellan and drummer Travis Orbin (Darkest Hour, Periphery, Sky Eats Airplane), for the next album.[17][5] On December 4, 2015, Intervals released The Shape of Colour.[18][19][4]

On October 24, 2017, Intervals announced The Way Forward, a new album with McLellan returning to bass, and new drummer Nathan Bulla, who had been playing live with the band until the release.[20] Marshall continues to be the only official member of the band, despite having returning members for tours and studio recordings.

Circadian and Memory Palace (2020–present)

[edit]

On November 13, 2020, the band released Circadian, which featured collaborations with a number of artists.[3] The album also featured the return of 7-string arrangements for the first time since A Voice Within (2014).[21]

In 2022, Intervals toured in support of Animals as Leaders for their album Parrhesia,[22] and in 2023 Intervals supported Spiritbox for their first U.S. headlining tour alongside After the Burial.[23]

On May 17, 2024, the band released their fifth studio album, Memory Palace.[24] The album featured several collaborations from electronic artists.[25] Intervals toured in support of Mammoth WVH for the second leg of their Mammoth II Tour 2024.[26]

Band members

[edit]
Current
  • Aaron Marshall – guitars (2011–present)
Current touring musicians
  • Nathan Bulla – drums, percussion (2016–present)
  • Jacob Umansky – bass (2017–present)
  • Travis LeVrier – guitars (2019–present)
Former
  • Matt De Luca – bass (2011–2013)
  • Mike Semesky – vocals (2013–2014); bass (touring member 2013)
  • Lukas Guyader – guitars (2011–2015)
  • Anup Sastry – drums, percussion (2011–2015)
Former touring musicians
  • Henry Selva – bass (2014)[27]
  • Plini – guitars (2016)
  • Simon Grove – bass (2016–2017)
  • Sam Jacobs – guitars (2016–2018)
  • Thomas Griggs – guitars (2018–2019)

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]
Studio albums
Year Title Label Chart peaks
US Sales
[28] 		US Rock
[29] 		US Indie
[30] 		US Heatseekers
[31]
2014 A Voice Within Independent 189 — 43 9
2015 The Shape of Colour — 43 31 7
2017 The Way Forward — — 35 3
2020 Circadian 81 — — —
2024 Memory Palace — — — —
EPs
Year Title
2011 The Space between
2012 In Time
Singles
Year Title Album
2013 "Epiphany" A Voice Within
"Ephemeral"
2014 "The Escape"
2015 "I'm Awake" The Shape of Colour
"Fable"
2017 "Touch and Go" The Way Forward
"By Far and Away"
"Rubicon Artist"
2020 "5-HTP" Circadian
"Lock & Key"
"String Theory"
2023 "Mnemonic" Memory Palace
2024 "Neurogenesis"
"Nootropic"
"Circuit Bender"
As guest musician (credited as Intervals or Aaron Marshall)
  • Lithium Dawn - Aion (2012), "Freefall"
  • Auras - Panacea (2013), "Aporia"
  • Polyphia - Inspire (2013), "Persevere"
  • Polyphia - Muse (2014), "Sweet Tea"
  • Sithu Aye - Pulse (2014), "Messenger"
  • Wide Eyes - Samsara (2014), "Preta"
  • Sithu Aye - Set Course For Andromeda (2016), "Transient Transistors"
  • David Maxim Micic - Who Bit the Moon (2017), "Living Room"
  • Shrezzers - Relationships (2018), "Neglect"
  • Robb Cappelletto - (2019) "Babies and Bad People"
  • Silverstein - A Beautiful Place to Drown (2020), "Bad Habits"
  • Novelists - C'est La Vie (2020), "Human Condition"
  • Evan Marien - Parallels (2020), "Kyoto"
  • Evan Marien - Elysian (2023), "Hexalogic"
  • The Home Team - The Crucible of Life (2024), "Love & Co"
  • Kevin Sherwood, Malukah, Intervals - Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 - Zombies "Shattered Veil" (Original Soundtrack) (2025), "Falling To Pieces"
  • PhaseOne, Intervals, Micah Martin - (2025) “Divide”

Videography

[edit]
  • "Epiphany" (2013)
  • "Moment Marauder" (2014)
  • "The Escape" (2014)
  • "Siren Sound" (2014)
  • "I'm Awake" (2016)
  • "Libra" (2017)
  • "Touch and Go" (2019)
  • "Leave No Stone" (2019)
  • "Neurogenesis" (2024)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Intervals (band)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Intervals is a Canadian instrumental progressive metal band formed in 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, by guitarist and composer Aaron Marshall. The band's music features intricate guitar work, djent-influenced rhythms, and progressive structures, evolving from early EPs like The Space Between (2011) and In Time (2012) to full-length albums such as The Shape of Colour (2015), The Way Forward (2017), Circadian (2020), and Memory Palace (2024). Originally a solo project by Marshall with contributions from various collaborators, Intervals expanded to a live in the late , with the current lineup consisting of Aaron Marshall on guitar and composition, Travis LeVrier on guitars (since ), Umansky on bass (since ), and Nathan Bulla on drums and percussion (since 2016). Notable for its technical proficiency and melodic focus, the band has built a dedicated following in the progressive metal scene through consistent touring and releases on independent labels like Basick Records and SharpTone Records.

History

Formation and early releases (2011–2013)

Intervals was formed in Toronto, Ontario, in 2011 by guitarist Aaron Marshall as a solo creative outlet following his departure from the band Speak of the Devil due to creative and ethical differences. The project originated spontaneously when Marshall, recording at home, performed an improvised guitar riff that a friend, Ben Dundas, captured on video as a casual playthrough of the track "Still Winning." This footage, shared online via YouTube and Facebook, garnered attention and helped establish an early online presence for the band. To expand beyond a solo endeavor, Marshall recruited collaborators, starting with drummer Anup Sastry, whom he connected with through Periphery drummer Matt Halpern after sharing the "Still Winning" video; Sastry contributed drum tracks remotely from Maryland despite the geographical distance. For live performances, the lineup was completed with guitarist Lukas Guyader, recommended through a mutual work connection, and bassist Matt De Luca. This initial configuration debuted at a show supporting Periphery during the Frak the Gods Tour in Toronto later that year. The band's first release, the instrumental EP The Space Between, arrived on December 20, 2011, featuring five tracks including "Still Winning," "Duality," and "Sonar," and was self-recorded and produced by Marshall. Building on the momentum, Intervals released their second EP, In Time, on October 30, 2012, which included tracks like "Alchemy," "Mata Hari," and "Epiphany," maintaining the instrumental progressive metal style with intricate guitar work and dynamic rhythms. To promote the EP, the band undertook early tours, including dates with Ever Forthright and Mandroid Echostar, and a support slot for The Contortionist, where Nathan Bulla filled in on drums due to Sastry's commitments. These outings helped solidify Intervals' reputation in the progressive metal scene, emphasizing Marshall's songwriting vision while navigating the challenges of a developing live ensemble.

A Voice Within era and lineup changes (2013–2015)

In late 2013, Intervals transitioned from an instrumental project to incorporating vocals, with bassist Mike Semesky—formerly of The HAARP Machine—taking on the role of lead singer after joining the band on bass earlier that year. Semesky's addition was announced alongside the debut of the single "Ephemeral," marking the band's shift toward a more melodic progressive metal sound while retaining its technical instrumental foundation. Guitarist Aaron Marshall described the decision as a collective evolution, emphasizing Semesky's contributions to the songwriting process. This lineup—featuring Marshall and Lukas Guyader on guitars, Semesky on vocals, Anup Sastry on , and bass duties shared by Marshall and session player Cameron McLellan—recorded Intervals' debut full-length album, A Voice Within. Self-produced by the band alongside engineers Jordan Valeriote and Cameron McLellan, the album was released on March 4, 2014, through in and self-released in . The nine-track effort blended rhythms, soaring guitar leads, and Semesky's clean, emotive vocals, earning praise for its ambitious production and thematic exploration of personal introspection. Tensions arose during the band's 2014 tour supporting A Voice Within alongside acts like , leading to Semesky's departure on November 25, 2014. The split was described as amicable but stemmed from creative differences, with Marshall noting it occurred at a "" for the group's direction; the band initially sought a replacement vocalist through open auditions. In response, Intervals released an instrumental version of A Voice Within on on March 3, 2015, stripping the vocals to revisit the band's original aesthetic. Further lineup instability followed in early 2015, after Marshall underwent heart surgery in . Discussions with Guyader and Sastry revealed diverging visions for the band's future, resulting in their amicable exits by mid-year. Marshall announced the changes on June 23, 2015, via , confirming the trio's departure and Intervals' return to an all-instrumental format with new collaborators, including McLellan on bass and drummer Travis Orbin. This period marked a pivotal reset, allowing Marshall to refocus the project as his primary creative outlet.

Instrumental transition and The Shape of Colour (2015–2017)

In early 2015, Intervals founder and guitarist Aaron Marshall underwent heart surgery, which he later described as a pivotal and challenging experience that refocused his creative energies. Amid recovery, the band released an all-instrumental re-recording of their 2014 album A Voice Within on March 3, 2015, signaling an early shift away from the vocal-driven sound of the original release. This instrumental version, featuring reimagined tracks without vocalist Mike Semesky, highlighted Marshall's guitar work and marked a return to the project's roots as a primarily instrumental outlet. By June 2015, significant lineup changes occurred when vocalist Mike Semesky, guitarist Lukas Guyader, and drummer Anup Sastry departed the band. Marshall cited creative differences—particularly over whether to pursue a vocal or instrumental direction—as a key factor, alongside communication breakdowns and tensions during prior tours. With these exits, Marshall became the sole remaining member, effectively transforming Intervals into his personal creative vehicle for guitar-centric music. To support the upcoming album, he enlisted bassist Cameron McLellan of Protest the Hero and drummer Travis Orbin, formerly of Darkest Hour and Periphery, as session contributors. This transition culminated in the release of Intervals' second full-length album, The Shape of Colour, on December 4, 2015, as a self-released instrumental progressive metal record. The eight-track album expanded on the band's djent and progressive influences, incorporating elements of jazz, fusion, and ambient textures, with Marshall handling primary composition, guitar, bass, and production. Notable guest appearances included saxophonist Leland Whitty of BadBadNotGood on "Fable" and guitarist Nick Johnston on "Slight of Hand," adding melodic depth to the intricate arrangements. Mixed at Sunset Division Studios, the record was praised for its technical precision and emotional range, with reviewers noting its departure from vocal metal toward a more exploratory, guitar-led sound. For instance, MetalSucks highlighted its "fantastic figure" and instrumental focus, comparing it favorably to the band's early EPs, while AllMusic awarded it high marks for its sophisticated songwriting. Following the album's release, Intervals resumed touring in 2016 with a new live lineup supporting Marshall, including Mike Semesky (no relation to the former vocalist) and bassist Jacob Butler. The band joined Australian guitarist for the co-billed "Plintervals" tour across , blending sets and mutual guest appearances that showcased their shared progressive style. This momentum continued into 2017, with a headline European tour alongside and Nick Johnston, and additional n dates, solidifying Intervals' presence in the instrumental prog metal scene. These performances emphasized the album's material, such as "I'm Awake" and "Meridian," and helped build anticipation for future releases.

The Way Forward and Circadian (2018–2021)

Following the instrumental shift established on The Shape of Colour, Intervals entered 2018 with a focus on promoting their third studio album, The Way Forward, which had been self-released on December 1, 2017. The record emphasized upbeat, nostalgic melodies and polyrhythmic structures, drawing inspiration from 1990s and hip-hop grooves while maintaining progressive metal's technical edge. Aaron Marshall, the band's founder and primary composer, described the album as a playful departure, incorporating "head-bopping riffs" that blended accessibility with intricate guitar work recorded using Audio Axe-FX units re-amped through Suhr and amplifiers. To support the album, Intervals embarked on an extensive North American headlining tour in early 2018, joined by Jason Richardson, Nick Johnston, and Night Verses for a run of over 60 shows from January to December. The tour highlighted the band's evolving live lineup, featuring Marshall on lead guitar alongside second guitarist Sam Jacobs, drummer Nathan Bulla, and bassist Jacob Umansky, who prepared through intensive bootcamps to refine their performance of the new material. This period solidified Intervals' reputation in the instrumental prog-metal scene, with performances emphasizing dynamic interplay and crowd-engaging energy, as seen in sets at venues like The Orpheum in Tampa and The Opera House in Toronto. By 2020, amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, Intervals released their fourth studio album, Circadian, on November 13, self-produced in part to qualify for Canadian arts grants and recorded primarily in Ontario. The concept-driven record delved into humanity's intrinsic connection to rhythm as a metaphor for perpetual striving and emotional cycles, linking tracks through recurring motifs like those in "5-HTP" and "D.O.S.E." Marshall collaborated with producer Sam Guaiana—known for work with Silverstein—for the first time on an instrumental project, resulting in a cohesive eight-track effort that featured guest guitarist Joshua De La Victoria on "Lock & Key" and Marco Sfogli on "Earthing." Lacking live tours due to restrictions, the band documented the recording process in a studio film by Wyatt Clough and Mike DeMellia, which captured the challenges of remote collaboration and rising streaming interest, with pre-orders and Spotify plays surging despite the hiatus.

Memory Palace and recent developments (2022–present)

In the years following the release of Circadian in 2020, Intervals maintained an active touring schedule to build anticipation for their next project. In 2022, the band supported Animals as Leaders on their North American Parrhesia Tour, performing at venues such as The Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac, Michigan, on April 6. This run highlighted the band's instrumental prowess alongside prominent acts in the progressive metal scene. By late 2023, Intervals announced a co-headlining spring 2024 tour with Hail The Sun, which included dates across North America and served as an outlet to preview material from their forthcoming album. Building on this momentum, Intervals unveiled their fifth studio album, memory palace, on May 17, 2024, via self-release through their label, Createscape. The record, produced by Aaron Marshall and Sam Guaiana, explores themes of memory, cognition, and neural processes, drawing inspiration from the human brain's architecture—hence the titular "memory palace" mnemonic technique. It features contributions from the core lineup of Marshall on guitars, Jacob Umansky on bass, Nathan Bulla on drums, and Travis LeVrier on guitars, with eight tracks blending intricate progressive metal riffs, electronic elements, and atmospheric textures. Leading up to the release, the band issued singles including "mnemonic" on October 5, 2023, "neurogenesis" (featuring KOAN Sound) on March 7, 2024, and "nootropic" on April 12, 2024, each accompanied by visualizers or playthroughs to showcase the album's technical and melodic depth. The album received positive reception for its evolution in sound, with critics praising its balance of aggression and melody, as well as Marshall's signature guitar work integrated with Umansky's dynamic bass lines. In support of memory palace, Intervals embarked on a U.S. headlining tour in spring 2024, followed by a larger North American run announced in October 2024, featuring support from Vola and Arch Echo from March 6 to April 5, 2025, starting at The Roxy in Cleveland, Ohio, and concluding at Union Transfer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (with David Maxim Micic originally announced but replaced due to personal commitments). The band also scheduled a European and UK headline tour for October 2025, including stops at Backstage By The Mill in Paris on October 3 and Legend Club in Milan on October 8, ahead of which they released a live music video for "mnemonic" compiled from 2025 tour footage. As of late 2025, no lineup changes have been reported, with the band continuing to focus on live performances and potential future releases.

Musical style and influences

Core elements and evolution

Intervals, founded in 2011 by guitarist and composer Aaron Marshall in Toronto, Ontario, emerged as a progressive metal project rooted in technical and instrumental guitar-oriented music, initially blending djent-style rhythms with post-rock ambience. Early works like the debut EP The Space Between (2011) featured extended compositions emphasizing technical guitar work, polyrhythms, and atmospheric elements, drawing from influences such as TesseracT's One and Devin Townsend's Deconstruction. The band's core sound centered on infectious melodies and engaging grooves, avoiding repetitive structures in favor of thematic motifs and dynamic ebbs and flows. Intervals briefly incorporated vocals with the 2014 album A Voice Within, but following lineup changes and personal health challenges—including heart surgery—in 2015, the project returned to a fully instrumental format, solidifying its identity as a solo-driven endeavor under Marshall's direction. This shift prioritized ambient soundscapes and progressive structures that appealed to listeners across metal, hip-hop, EDM, and hard rock. The 2015 album The Shape of Colour represented a pivotal evolution, crafted entirely by Marshall after these challenges and the band dissolution, incorporating lush ambient textures and mainstream crossover elements while retaining technical riffs and "happy melodies." As Marshall noted, this era allowed him to retreat into a familiar solo workflow, emphasizing tonal precision through tools like the Fractal Audio Axe-FX. Subsequent albums further broadened the band's palette, embracing a "grey area" in progressive metal that integrated diverse influences beyond traditional genre boundaries. The Way Forward (2017) highlighted a move toward fuller production with real amp chains and outboard gear, enhancing rhythmic complexity and melodic accessibility. By Circadian (2020), Intervals incorporated video game-style compositions and emotional depth, reflecting Marshall's maturation in songwriting. The latest release, Memory Palace (2024), which won the Juno Award for Instrumental Album of the Year in 2025, exemplifies this ongoing evolution with larger soundscapes, neuroplasticity-themed motifs, and versatile tempos—from fast-paced technical passages to slowed-down explorations—prioritizing nuanced, honest artistry over technical perfection. Marshall has emphasized "selfishness" in creation, allowing influences like Bollywood production and global artists to infuse the music with forward-thinking innovation while maintaining progressive metal's core technicality and instrumental focus.

Key influences and comparisons

Intervals draws from a wide array of musical traditions, reflecting founder Aaron Marshall's eclectic tastes that span , rock, , and contemporary genres like pop and EDM. Early influences include pioneers such as , , and , which shaped Marshall's approach to composition and melodic phrasing on guitar. These elements contribute to the band's use of complex harmonies and fluid solos, evident in tracks that blend with structured progressions. In the progressive metal realm, Marshall cites , , Chon, and as key inspirations, particularly for their innovative guitar work and rhythmic . He also draws from traditional guitar virtuosos like , , , , and , incorporating shred techniques and neoclassical flair into Intervals' sound. More recent favorites include instrumental guitarists Marco Sfogli, , and , admired for their melodic storytelling and dynamic phrasing, which inform Marshall's emphasis on emotional delivery over mere technical display. Beyond metal and rock, Marshall incorporates broader contemporary influences from pop, RnB, hip-hop, and EDM, creating infectious grooves and head-bopping riffs that appeal to diverse audiences. This genre-blending is highlighted in the band's polyrhythmic structures and happy-sounding melodies, often layered with djent-inspired heaviness and jazz-infused subtlety. Comparisons frequently position Intervals alongside modern instrumental progressive acts like Animals as Leaders and Plini, due to shared elements of technical proficiency, angular riffs, and genre fusion. However, Intervals stands out for its focus on concise song structures and accessible melodies, distinguishing it from more abstract or riff-heavy peers in the prog metal scene. Critics and peers, including Wolfgang Van Halen, have praised Marshall's melodic sensibility as reminiscent of Eddie Van Halen's emotive style, setting Intervals apart in an era dominated by aggressive, mode-shifting prog.

Band members

Current members

The current lineup of Intervals features Aaron Marshall as the primary guitarist and founder, alongside Travis LeVrier on guitar, Jacob Umansky on bass, and Nathan Bulla on . This configuration has supported the band's live performances since 2019, while recordings primarily feature the core trio of Marshall, Umansky, and Bulla, emphasizing their instrumental sound. Aaron Marshall – lead guitar, production (2011–present)
Marshall, the band's creator, handles the majority of composition and multi-instrumental recording, drawing from his background in progressive metal to shape Intervals' melodic and technical style. He remains the central creative force, as evidenced by his ongoing role in recent tours and releases. Travis LeVrier – guitar (2019–present)
LeVrier, formerly of Scale the Summit and Entheos, joined as a touring guitarist, contributing to the band's dual-guitar dynamics during live shows. His addition has enhanced Intervals' intricate riffing and progressive elements on stage. Jacob Umansky – bass (2017–present)
A Berklee College of Music graduate, Umansky provides the rhythmic foundation with his precise and dynamic bass lines, supporting tours across Europe and North America. He joined post-graduation and has been integral to the band's evolution toward a solidified instrumental trio-plus format. Nathan Bulla – drums (2016–present)
Bulla, known for his work with Auras, delivers the propulsive and complex drumming that underpins Intervals' energetic performances. He has been a fixture in the live lineup since the mid-2010s, contributing to albums such as The Way Forward and subsequent tours.

Former members

Intervals experienced significant lineup changes in its early years, transitioning from a full band to a project primarily led by founder Aaron Marshall. The original core members departed between 2012 and 2015, leading to the recruitment of session and touring musicians for subsequent releases and performances. The band's first , Matt De Luca, was part of the initial lineup that recorded the debut EP in and the follow-up in , contributing to the foundational progressive metal sound before leaving in 2012. Vocalist Mike Semesky joined in 2013 as a touring before becoming the frontman for the full-length album A Voice Within, adding clean and screamed vocals to the band's evolving style; however, creative differences led to his departure in November 2014. Rhythm guitarist Lukas Guyader, an original member since 2011, co-wrote and performed on the early EPs and A Voice Within, providing layered guitar arrangements and programming elements until his exit in June 2015 amid the band's shift back to instrumental music. Drummer Anup Sastry rounded out the early rhythm section from 2011 to 2015, delivering intricate progressive drumming on the initial releases including A Voice Within, but parted ways with the band in June 2015 to pursue other projects.
NameRole(s)Active Years
Matt De LucaBass2011–2012
Mike SemeskyVocals, touring bass2013–2014
Lukas GuyaderGuitars, programming2011–2015
Anup SastryDrums, percussion2011–2015

Timeline

Intervals was founded in 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, by guitarist Aaron Marshall as a solo project following the dissolution of his previous band, Speak of the Devil. Initially, it expanded into a full band with the addition of drummer Anup Sastry, guitarist Lukas Guyader, and bassist Matt De Luca. In late 2013, Mike Semesky joined initially as a touring bassist before transitioning to lead vocals for the album A Voice Within, replacing De Luca on bass duties during that period. On November 25, 2014, the band parted ways with vocalist Mike Semesky due to creative differences, returning to an instrumental format. Significant turnover occurred on June 23, 2015, when Lukas Guyader and Anup Sastry departed, leaving Marshall as the sole core member. For the subsequent album The Shape of Colour (released December 4, 2015), session musicians Cameron McLellan (bass, from ) and Travis Orbin (drums, from and Periphery) contributed. McLellan returned for bass on the 2017 album The Way Forward, while drummer Nathan Bulla joined as a touring and recording member starting in 2016. Bassist Jacob Umansky, a Berklee College of Music graduate, became a permanent touring member in 2017, contributing to live performances and later recordings. In 2019, guitarist Travis LeVrier (formerly of Scale the Summit and Entheos) joined as a touring guitarist to support live shows, enhancing the band's stage presence. The current live lineup as of 2025 consists of Aaron Marshall (guitars), Nathan Bulla (drums), Jacob Umansky (bass), and Travis LeVrier (guitars), with Marshall remaining the primary composer throughout the band's history.
PeriodCore/Recording MembersKey Changes/Notes
2011–2013Aaron Marshall (guitars), Anup Sastry (drums), Lukas Guyader (guitars), Matt De Luca (bass)Formation and early EPs like In Time.
2013–2014Aaron Marshall (guitars), Anup Sastry (drums), Lukas Guyader (guitars), Mike Semesky (vocals/bass)Semesky joins for A Voice Within; De Luca departs.
2015Aaron Marshall (guitars), Cameron McLellan (bass), Travis Orbin (drums)Guyader and Sastry leave; instrumental shift with session players for The Shape of Colour.
2016–2017Aaron Marshall (guitars), Nathan Bulla (drums, touring/recording), Cameron McLellan (bass, recording)Bulla joins for touring; McLellan on The Way Forward.
2017–presentAaron Marshall (guitars), Nathan Bulla (drums), Jacob Umansky (bass)Umansky joins as permanent bassist.
2019–presentAaron Marshall (guitars), Nathan Bulla (drums), Jacob Umansky (bass), Travis LeVrier (guitars, touring)LeVrier added for live performances; supports albums like Circadian (2020) and Memory Palace (2024).

Discography

Studio albums

Intervals has released five studio albums since its formation in 2011, transitioning from a vocal-led progressive metal debut to fully instrumental works characterized by intricate guitar work, djent influences, and ambient textures. These albums showcase the band's evolution under the creative direction of guitarist Aaron Marshall, with production often handled in-house or through collaborations with studios like Sweetwater.
No.TitleRelease dateLabelNotes
1A Voice WithinMarch 4, 2014Self-releasedDebut album featuring vocals by Mike Semesky on select tracks; 7 songs, 50 minutes.
2The Shape of ColourDecember 4, 2015Self-releasedInstrumental follow-up; 8 tracks emphasizing melodic prog metal.
3The Way ForwardDecember 1, 2017Self-releasedThird album with expanded production; 8 tracks, 42 minutes.
4CircadianNovember 13, 2020Sheet Happens PublishingFeatures guest artists including Joshua Dela Victoria; 8 tracks exploring rhythmic complexity.
5memory palaceMay 17, 2024Self-releasedLatest release with bass by Jacob Umansky and drums by Nathan Bulla; 8 tracks, produced by Sam Guaiana and Aaron Marshall.

Extended plays

Intervals released two extended plays early in their career, both instrumental works that helped define their progressive metal style blending djent rhythms with melodic elements. The band's debut EP, The Space Between, was self-released on December 20, 2011, through Bandcamp. It consists of five tracks: "Begin" (2:25), "Still Winning" (2:20), "Duality" (3:44), "Sonar" (4:39), and "Inertia" (6:49). The EP was recorded in the basement studio of guitarist and founder Aaron Marshall. Clocking in at approximately 20 minutes, it showcases syncopated guitar work and atmospheric builds characteristic of the band's early sound. Their follow-up EP, In Time, arrived on October 30, 2012, also self-released via Bandcamp. Featuring five tracks—"Alchemy" (2:14), "Mata Hari" (4:49), "Tapestry" (5:18), "Momento" (4:23), and "Epiphany" (5:58)—it totals about 22 minutes. This release expanded on the debut's technical prowess with more intricate progressions and guest contributions, including guitar work from Olly Steele of Monuments. In Time received positive attention for its polished production and dynamic song structures within the djent and progressive metal genres.

Singles

Intervals, the Canadian instrumental band, has primarily released singles as promotional tracks ahead of album launches, often accompanied by music videos, visualizers, or official audio streams to highlight Aaron Marshall's signature guitar-driven compositions. These singles typically showcase the band's evolution from djent-influenced instrumentals to more atmospheric and collaborative works, blending technical precision with melodic hooks. Early efforts focused on building buzz for EPs and debut albums, while recent releases incorporate guest artists and electronic elements, reflecting broader genre explorations. The band's inaugural single, "Epiphany," arrived in 2013 from the In Time EP, featuring an official music video that emphasized its soaring guitar leads and rhythmic complexity. Following the 2014 release of A Voice Within, Intervals issued "Moment Marauder" as the lead single, with a video premiere underscoring its aggressive yet melodic structure. "The Escape" followed shortly after as the second single, streamed via official channels to preview the album's dynamic shifts. "Siren Sound" rounded out promotions for the record with a guitar playthrough video, highlighting intricate riffing and production. In support of 2015's The Shape of Colour, "I'm Awake" emerged as a key single, streamed with an official video that captured the album's brighter, more expansive tone. "Libra," featuring guest guitar from Plini, gained traction as a standout track though not formally singled out initially, later amplified by its viral playthroughs and fan reception. Transitioning to The Way Forward in 2017, "Touch and Go" served as the opener and lead single, praised for its groovy, anthemic vibe in official audio releases. The album's closing track, "Leave No Stone," received an official music video in 2019, extending its promotional life with visuals of live energy and technical prowess. The 2020 album Circadian saw less traditional single releases, with tracks like "5-HTP" and "Vantablack" promoted via official audios rather than standalone singles, maintaining momentum through streaming platforms. Building toward Memory Palace, Intervals dropped "Mnemonic" in 2023 as a standalone single and visualizer, teasing the album's memory-themed motifs with groovy, riff-heavy instrumentation. In 2024, pre-release singles included "Neurogenesis" featuring KOAN Sound, blending prog metal with electronic breaks in an official video; "Nootropic," noted for its cerebral, driving rhythms; and "Circuit Bender," which incorporated glitchy elements in its visualizer. These tracks established the album's innovative sound upon its May release. In 2025, Intervals collaborated on "Divide" with PhaseOne and vocalist Micah Martin, released as a single from PhaseOne's Terranova album, fusing metalcore intensity with electronic production. An acoustic version followed later that year, offering a stripped-down reinterpretation. This marked the band's continued push into hybrid genres. A remix of "Divide" by Virtual Riot was released in November 2025.
TitleYearAlbum/EPNotes
Epiphany2013In TimeOfficial music video
Moment Marauder2014A Voice WithinVideo premiere
The Escape2014A Voice WithinOfficial stream
Siren Sound2014A Voice WithinGuitar playthrough video
I'm Awake2015The Shape of ColourOfficial music video
Touch and Go2017The Way ForwardLead single, official audio
Leave No Stone2019The Way ForwardOfficial music video
Mnemonic2023Standalone/Memory PalaceVisualizer
Neurogenesis (feat. KOAN Sound)2024Memory PalaceOfficial video
Nootropic2024Memory PalaceVisualizer
Circuit Bender2024Memory PalaceOfficial visualizer
Divide (with PhaseOne & Micah Martin)2025Terranova (PhaseOne)Collaboration single
Divide (Acoustic) (with PhaseOne & Micah Martin)2025StandaloneAcoustic version
Divide (Virtual Riot Remix) (with PhaseOne, Virtual Riot & Micah Martin)2025Terranova (PhaseOne remixes)Remix single

Music videos

The band has released the following official music videos:
  • "Epiphany" (2013)
  • "Moment Marauder" (2014)
  • "The Escape" (2014)
  • "Siren Sound" (2014)
  • "I'm Awake" (2016)
  • "Touch and Go" (2019)
  • "Leave No Stone" (2019)
  • "Neurogenesis" (2024)
  • "Mnemonic" (live music video) (2025)

References

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  6. https://www.jacksonguitars.com/pages/travis-levrier-bio
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  33. https://www.instagram.com/p/C0wd4gqu3Ho/
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  37. https://www.facebook.com/SummitDen/videos/intervals-new-album-memory-palace-drops-on-517-check-out-the-first-single-titled/414547284288809/
  38. https://ghostcultmag.com/intervals-share-their-single-nootropic-new-album-memory-palace-out-soon/
  39. https://lambgoat.com/news/44370/intervals-announce-2025-us-headliner-with-support-from-vola-david-maxim-micic/
  40. https://metalinjection.net/tour-dates/intervals-vola-david-maxim-micic-announce-2025-us-tour
  41. https://www.reddit.com/r/progmetal/comments/1i7ebrj/david_maxim_micic_is_backing_off_from_intervals/
  42. https://www.ticketmaster.com/intervals-tickets/artist/1787508
  43. https://distortedsoundmag.com/intervals-release-new-music-video-for-mnemonic/
  44. https://knotfest.com/blogs/the-down-beat/virtuoso-aaron-marshall-recounts-the-evolution-of-intervals-on-the-downbeat
  45. https://metalinjection.net/news/intervals-guitarist-reveals-he-had-heart-surgery-hints-at-band-going-instrumental-again
  46. https://www.loudersound.com/news/marshall-is-last-man-standing-in-intervals
  47. https://theindianmusicdiaries.com/be-as-selfish-with-your-art-as-possible-in-conversation-with-aaron-marshall-of-intervals/
  48. https://www.theprp.com/2025/03/30/news/intervals-anciients-win-at-2025-juno-awards/
  49. https://www.guitarworld.com/features/intervals-i-wanted-to-bring-the-more-angular-and-aggressive-riff-centric-parts-back-its-an-itch-i-wanted-to-scratch
  50. https://www.guitarworld.com/features/intervals-aaron-marshall-instrumental-guitar
  51. https://www.premierguitar.com/videos/rig-rundown/intervals-2022
  52. https://geargods.net/interviews/namm-2015-intervals-aaron-marshall-interview-at-prs-booth/
  53. https://www.truthinshredding.com/2025/09/aaron-marhsall-euro-tour-and-uk-tour.html
  54. https://www.bodeganottingham.com/gigs/intervals/
  55. https://gruvgear.com/blogs/artist-family/jacob-umansky
  56. https://www.sonor.com/drums/artists/artists-detail/nathan-bulla
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  83. https://www.loudersound.com/news/intervals-stream-i-m-awake-video
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  85. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ3_AKdQY_8
  86. https://metalinjection.net/new-music/intervals-streams-groovy-new-single-mnemonic
  87. https://lambgoat.com/news/41979/intervals-collab-with-koan-sound-on-new-single-neurogenesis/
  88. https://www.theprp.com/2024/05/09/news/intervals-stream-new-single-circuit-bender/
  89. https://dancingastronaut.com/2025/05/phaseone-releases-new-concept-driven-album-terranova/
  90. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXiG2lzIlVI
  91. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ipv_l7KoSI
  92. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZay7xCZ-Uo
  93. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Var6j5gD2qM
  94. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmZOwoBbxiw
  95. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOSS270QnHs
  96. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAUKePuL4dQ
  97. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sABulEwihis
  98. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsnMP5cEEGw
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