In recent years, progressive instrumental rock and metal has captured the imagination of young musicians and fans around the world. Among these musicians, Lucian Lee stands out with his unique style and voice. his latest single, abyssshowcases his technical mastery and compositional vision while provoking discussion about the balance of technology, emotion, and commercialization in progressive music.
title abyss And that single artwork recalls images of dark, unfathomable depths drawn from ancient outer space, where the abyss is seen as the origin of the chaos of all things. Much like these primordial realms, the song projects a sense of both desolation and creation. In this way, abyss It becomes a metaphorical exploration of creation and chaos, a space where disparate influences come together and evolve into something entirely new.
Lucien Li – Abyss (feat. Lzery)
As a progressive rock musician, comparisons to Polyphia are almost inevitable due to the genre’s emphasis on technical guitar work and electronic music. However, unlike bands like Polyphia, Lucian Lee works as an independent solo artist. This difference naturally affects certain aspects of his music, such as the dynamics of drum and bass performance. abyss The majority of the songs are programmed rather than recorded live, which makes them stand out in a notable way. Although this can make the music less “human” when compared to live band recordings, abyss The focus is on creating clean, electronic-influenced sounds. Lucian Lee creates a sound that differs from traditional rock bands by employing synthesizers and electronic music production.
For example, instead of using traditional drum and bass, abyss Uses an 808 bass tone commonly found in electronic and trap music. Lucian Lee takes this idea even further by having his 808 bassline span three octaves rather than restricting it to one. The bassline begins in the lowest octave in the introduction and changes to harmonize with the guitar at mid-range frequencies, sometimes incorporating slides into higher octaves. These details add dynamics to the low end and compensate for the absence of live instruments. This choice contributes to a cleaner, more holistic aesthetic that differs from the “organic” feel of live band recordings.
structure of abyss It also deviates from the traditional verse-chorus arrangement. Instead, the middle section contains a quieter transition, featuring an interlude (featuring Lzery) that contrasts a clean tone followed by an overdriven guitar motif. The evolving complexity of the interlude and the return of Lucian Lee’s guitar part add an element of surprise and excitement to this track. While this approach may lack the emotional highs and climaxes found in traditional music, the transition from soft clean tones to heavier overdriven guitars creates a dynamic contrast.
one criticism abyss Its uncertainty lies in its perceived fusion of rock music with elements of hip-hop and electronic music. To some extent, this may leave listeners feeling that the track sits precariously between mainstream accessibility and technological exploration. Due to the heavy use of pop music elements and the lack of traditional guitar techniques such as string bending, some guitarists and traditional rock music audiences concluded that the piece lacked emotion. may be attached. As a guitarist, his choice to borrow elements from pop music culture is controversial. Does it reflect a compromise for marketing and promotion, or does it represent his true aesthetic vision? Either way, this blend demonstrates a careful balance between complexity and accessibility. I am. This proves that progressive music is complex and comprehensive.
Lucien Li’s current work reflects deliberate choices about when to simplify and when to emphasize complexity. As an accomplished guitarist and composer, he has the ability to further experiment with music. However, if Lucien pushes his music to the limits of complexity, it may not match the type of music he wants to deliver. in abysshe succeeded in finding the ideal balance between mainstream appeal and experimentation, creating a form of progressive rock that appealed to and resonated with a wider audience rather than catering only to professional musicians.
We interviewed Lucian Lee to discuss his approach as a progressive music artist, his creative process, and how he sees himself in the future.
What is your creative process like when composing music?
Lucian Lee: It usually starts with an idea of what kind of music I want to create for the piece. for abysselements of trap music guided the entire process. First, I created a track with a synth sound and wrote an arpeggio and chord progression. Then I moved on to backing tracks and full production expansion. I also spend a lot of time programming the rhythm section before taking out my guitar and playing along to the track. Finally, edit the production details to match your guitar configuration.
You’ve been compared to Polyphia, especially because of the technical nature of the genre. What do you think of these comparisons?
Lucien Li: I always looked up to them, so I took that as a compliment. However, I also aim to develop my own style. Unlike a full band, I work independently, which gives me freedom, but also comes with challenges, especially when it comes to dynamics. abyss In fact, this is an essential part of my endeavor in developing my own genre.
when you were writing abyssdid you sacrifice your true ideas and aesthetics because you thought more people should hear them?
Lucian Lee: No, not at all. It’s just ringing in my head. I just wrote out what already existed. When I write songs, I don’t necessarily consider what people will like or not. No matter what music I’m writing, it’s always my music and the message I want to convey.
How do you think your music will evolve in the future?
Lucian Lee: I think my music will continue to combine influences from different genres like jazz and math rock, but I’m also interested in exploring more live elements like piano and bass. While I enjoy the precision of programming and electronic production, there’s something special about the possibilities of live performance that I hope to capture in future projects.
