Sunrunner (Portland, Maine, USA) creates a fusion of prog rock and 70s/ 80s-style metal with an eclectic and exotic twist. On their self-released first album, 2011’s Eyes of the Master the band’s style was more in the vein of prog rock with heavy metal leanings. The subtle exploration of ethnic music can be heard throughout most of their music, while additional use of acoustic guitars, flute, violin and percussion, add worldly textures to the heavy music. Lyrically exploring the themes of nature, the cosmos, time travel, history and adventure.

With their self-released second album, 2013’s Time in Stone, they delve more into their roots of traditional heavy metal with prog rock influences. The addition of a second guitar opened up dueling harmonies, rounding out the overall sound. “Is it metal? Is it prog? Or some sort of new hybrid?” (The Portland Press wrote about Time in Stone.)

Signed by Minotauro Records in 2014, the band set to work on their third full-length album.  Heliodromus is set for release in September 2015 and is their most ambitious to date. The disc explores themes of the Mithraic Mysteries and the rebirth of the Sunrunner creature for a tour through the cosmos. As usual there are inspirations credited to Black Sabbath, Rush, and Iron Maiden. This time get ready for additions of power and doom metal and a lush arrangement of vocal harmonies.  The CD contains a full booklet with lyrics, art and a new cover painting by fantasy/sci-fi artist Jan Barlow of Lewiston, ME (USA).