WILDERUN
From Massachusetts, United States
Wilderun is a progressive and symphonic metal band based in Boston, Massachusetts, originally founded by vocalist and guitarist Evan Berry. Drawing from progressive and melodic death metal, orchestral music and traditional folk influences, the band has developed a sound that balances weight and nuance, combining dense arrangements with strong melodic foundations. Folk elements and acoustic passages are not treated as ornamentation, but as integral parts of the songwriting.
Earlier in their career, Wilderun established key elements of their identity with Sleep at the Edge of the Earth (2015), an album that leans more openly into folk and acoustic influences. The band gained widespread recognition with Veil of Imagination (2019), an album frequently cited as a modern benchmark for symphonic and progressive metal. Critics highlighted its ambitious scope, careful pacing and emotional range, as well as its ability to remain grounded and coherent despite its scale. Rather than relying on sheer bombast, the album focuses on contrast, letting softer moments, orchestral themes and extreme metal elements coexist naturally. This approach positioned Wilderun at the forefront of a new generation of progressive metal bands willing to push the genre’s boundaries while respecting its core principles.
Wilderun continued their evolution with Epigone (2022), a restrained and introspective release defined by somber moods and subtle orchestration. Exploring themes of loss and disillusionment with clarity and restraint, the album further solidified the band’s willingness to evolve toward quieter, more reflective territory.
Beyond the studio, Wilderun has established itself as a strong live act on the international circuit. The band has performed at major events such as ProgPower Europe and ProgPower USA, and completed extensive touring, including North American tours with Swallow the Sun, Insomnium and Omnium Gatherum, as well as a European run with Soilwork and Kataklysm. These experiences have reinforced their reputation as a band capable of translating complex, layered material to the stage with conviction and precision. Today, Wilderun is widely regarded as one of the most fully realized voices in contemporary progressive and symphonic metal.