Feature Photo: Steve Knight, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Sons of Apollo represent the convergence of some of the most talented musicians in modern progressive metal. Formed in 2017, the band is an international supergroup with roots spanning the United States and abroad. The origins of Sons of Apollo trace back to conversations between drummer Mike Portnoy and keyboardist Derek Sherinian, both former members of Dream Theater. Their shared vision was to build a powerhouse act that would push the boundaries of hard rock and progressive metal, assembling a lineup that included Billy Sheehan on bass, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal on guitar, and Jeff Scott Soto on vocals. Each member brought decades of experience, industry acclaim, and technical virtuosity to the project, making Sons of Apollo a band defined by its pedigree as much as its bold sound.
The band’s debut album, Psychotic Symphony, was released on October 20, 2017. This record quickly established Sons of Apollo’s reputation for intricate musicianship and intense, melodic songwriting. Produced by Portnoy and Sherinian, the album displayed a fusion of progressive structures, heavy riffs, and soaring vocals. Tracks like “Coming Home” and “Signs of the Time” demonstrated the band’s ability to balance complex arrangements with undeniable hooks, earning them attention from fans of both classic progressive rock and modern metal. Critics noted the chemistry between the members, whose backgrounds with acts such as Dream Theater, Mr. Big, Guns N’ Roses, and Journey gave the band instant credibility.
Following the critical and commercial success of their debut, Sons of Apollo embarked on extensive world tours, headlining venues across Europe, North America, and South America. Their high-energy performances showcased not only their technical skills but also their ability to connect with audiences, making each show an immersive experience for progressive rock fans. The band released a live album and Blu-ray, Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony, in August 2019. Recorded at the Ancient Roman Theatre in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, the performance featured the band backed by a full orchestra and choir, further cementing their reputation for ambitious, theatrical stage shows.
In January 2020, Sons of Apollo released their second studio album, MMXX. The title, representing the year 2020 in Roman numerals, was a statement of intent—pushing the band’s sound further while embracing contemporary themes. The album featured tracks like “Goodbye Divinity,” “Desolate July,” and “Fall to Ascend,” with lyrics reflecting personal loss, resilience, and hope. MMXX was met with praise for its songwriting depth and production quality, and tracks from the album quickly became fan favorites at live shows. The band’s relentless work ethic and commitment to innovation earned them a dedicated international following.
Individually, the members of Sons of Apollo have been celebrated for their achievements in the music industry. Mike Portnoy is a Grammy Award-winning drummer, best known for his work with Dream Theater, while Derek Sherinian is recognized as one of the top keyboardists in rock, also having played with Alice Cooper and Billy Idol. Billy Sheehan is a legendary bassist, with credits in bands such as Mr. Big and The Winery Dogs. Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal is acclaimed for his years in Guns N’ Roses and as a solo artist. Jeff Scott Soto’s vocals have powered acts including Journey, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Their collective list of awards, honors, and best-selling records is extensive, spanning gold and platinum albums, magazine reader’s polls, and industry accolades.
Complete List Of Sons of Apollo Songs From A to Z
- Alive – Psychotic Symphony – 2017
- Alive – Alive / Tengo Vida – 2018
- Alive – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019
- Alive (Acoustic Version) – Alive / Tengo Vida – 2018
- Alive (Radio Edit) – Alive / Tengo Vida – 2018
- And the Cradle Will Rock… – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019 (originally by Van Halen)
- Asphyxiation – MMXX – 2020
- Billy Sheehan Bass Solo – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019
- Bumblefoot Guitar Solo – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019
- Coming Home – Psychotic Symphony – 2017
- Coming Home – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019
- Comfortably Numb – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019 (originally by Pink Floyd)
- Derek Sherinian Keyboard Solo – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019
- Desolate July – MMXX – 2020
- Diary of a Madman – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019 (originally by Ozzy Osbourne)
- Divine Addiction – Psychotic Symphony – 2017
- Divine Addiction – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019
- Dream On – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019 (originally by Aerosmith)
- Fall to Ascend – MMXX – 2020
- Figaro’s Whore – Psychotic Symphony – 2017
- Gates of Babylon – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019 (originally by Rainbow)
- God of the Sun – Psychotic Symphony – 2017
- God of the Sun – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019
- Goodbye Divinity – MMXX – 2020
- Hell’s Kitchen – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019 (originally by Dream Theater)
- Jeff Scott Soto Spot (The Prophet’s Song / Save Me) – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019 (originally by Queen)
- Just Let Me Breathe – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019 (originally by Dream Theater)
- Kashmir – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019 (originally by Led Zeppelin)
- King of Delusion – MMXX – 2020
- Labyrinth – Psychotic Symphony – 2017
- Labyrinth – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019
- Lines in the Sand – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019 (originally by Dream Theater)
- Lost in Oblivion – Psychotic Symphony – 2017
- Lost in Oblivion – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019
- New World Today – MMXX – 2020
- Opus Maximus – Psychotic Symphony – 2017
- Opus Maximus – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019
- Resurrection Day – MMXX – 2020
- Signs of the Time – Psychotic Symphony – 2017
- Signs of the Time – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019
- Tengo Vida (“Alive” Spanish Version) – Alive / Tengo Vida – 2018
- Tengo Vida (“Alive” Spanish Acoustic Version) – Alive / Tengo Vida – 2018
- Tengo Vida (“Alive” Spanish Version – Radio Edit) – Alive / Tengo Vida – 2018
- That Metal Show Theme – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019
- The Pink Panther Theme – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019
- The Show Must Go On – Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony – 2019 (originally by Queen)
- Wither to Black – MMXX – 2020
Albums
Psychotic Symphony (2017): 9 songs
Alive / Tengo Vida (2018): 6 songs
Live with the Plovdiv Psychotic Symphony (2019): 24 songs
MMXX (2020): 8 songs
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