Exist

Exist is a progressive metal band from Maryland led by guitarist and vocalist Max Phelps, best known as the current voice of Death To All, the official touring tribute featuring members of Death and Testament. Alongside his work with Death To All, Phelps has also performed with Cynic and Defeated Sanity, solidifying his place among the most versatile musicians in progressive death metal. The band also includes bassist Alex Weber (Revocation, Svengahli), drummer Brody Taylor Smith (Invent Animate) and guitarist Charlie Eron (WAIT), forming one of the most skilled and dynamic lineups in the modern progressive metal scene.

Formed in the late 2000s, Exist introduced their sound through the In Mirrors EP and their debut album Sunlight, blending atmospheric progressive metal with technical precision and jazz influenced harmony. After signing with Prosthetic Records, the band released So True, So Bound, a concept album exploring how language and definitions shape human perception. Self produced and mixed by Nolly Getgood, it marked a sharper and more direct evolution of their sound.

Their later releases, Egoiista and Hijacking the Zeitgeist, push Exist into heavier and more groove driven territory while preserving the melodic clarity and introspective atmosphere that define the project.

With their blend of technical finesse, emotional depth and forward thinking songwriting, Exist stands as one of the most intriguing and forward moving acts in today’s progressive metal landscape.