Twisted Illusion

Expect colossal prog epics and punchy pop rock notes with Manchester’s DIY contrarians.

“I don’t see us as a metal band or a rock band, even a prog-rock band,” insists Matt Jones, guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, leader and self-confessed “contrarian” of the Mancunian outfit Twisted Illusion. “I like poppy songs. I want to be in a band that can sound like Rumours-era Fleetwood Mac one minute and the next be playing a thirty-minute prog epic.”

Despite forming eight years ago, in mainstream terms Twisted Illusion (completed by guitarist/vocalist Saxon Davids, drummer Phil Shacklady, Andy Gotteri on keys and Chris Jones on bass) have flown beneath the radar, racking up 300 gigs and an appearance at Bloodstock, but as Jones points out proudly: “So far we haven’t really been too concerned about the industry. Twisted Illusion is a DIY thing.”

This situation changes with a re-recording of their five-year-old debut, Temple Of Artifice – a colourful metal fusion with proggy overtones. It’s the first of four releases set to be unveiled over the coming 18 months, and those are just the high profile examples.

“There will be ‘A’ and ‘B’ releases,” he clarifies. “In lockdown I’ve been recording an album a month as digital downloads for Bandcamp, but of course I don’t consider those comparable to

Temple Of Artifice which was made with a great producer in a really great studio. For me, the whole reason to create music is legacy

– leaving a mark. In twenty years’ time I want a hundred albums in my discography, a broad spectrum that covers everything. I don’t want to be one of those bands that makes just five albums.”

Next will come a trilogy of records entitled Excite The Light.“Excite The Light is everything we’re capable of, presented in three parts. Its conclusion is two thirty-minute songs presented side by side. The overriding theme

[of the trilogy] is my battle with mental health. I had a severe breakdown in 2017 but thanks to the Twisted Illusion fans I came out the other side.”

Critics have made comparisons to Queen, Rush, Toto and Dio, though the group’s dedication to storytelling suggests a kinship with Coheed And Cambria. “I’m massively into that band, and it hugely flatters me when people make the comparison,” he smiles. “We don’t sound like them, but they’re definitely an influence.”

With its venting about modern communication and mankind’s need to conform, Temple… is perhaps an unrepresentative entry point for a prospective Twisted Illusion fan. “It’s definitely our heaviest recording,” Matt agrees. “Most of our lyrics tend to be insular, but TOA deals with issues such as the absurdity of social media.”

Given that habit of writing about himself, does Jones get accused of having a massive ego? “Of course!” he laughs. “C’mon, I’m releasing a trilogy as an independent band. Everyone gives me shit, but I really don’t care.”

Temple Of Artifice is available via www.twistedillusion.co.uk

“In twenty years’ time I want a hundred albums in my discography.”