Enigmatic Sound Machines – Divided By One

Canadian electronic progressive rock collective, Enigmatic Sound Machines, returns with their highly anticipated fourth studio album, Divided By One, set for release on June 5th, 2026 via Progrock.com’s Essentials. The Montreal-based project, founded by lifelong friends Jeremie Arrobas and Thomas Szirmay, continues to push creative boundaries with the release of their new nine-tracker album.

Divided By One is without a doubt band’s boldest and most intense release to date, shifting them from a synth-driven studio duo into a hardened, full-fledged progressive rock quartet. It undoubtedly marks a significant evolution in Enigmatic Sound Machines’s sound; building on a 2023 debut Telepathic Waves, where they introduced a synth-driven sensibility, before the collective shifted into more contemplative territory with 2024′ sophomore album, Hierarchies of Angels and Imperfect Silence (2025).

The line-up of musicians who participated in the creation of this new opus, alongside the aforementioned Jeremie Arrobas (lead vocals, synth guitars, keyboards and sound machines) and Thomas Szirmay (enigmatic voice and sound machines), is comprised of; Alain Bellaiche (guitars and backing vocals), Hansford Rowe (bass and backing vocals), with guest artists; Steve Bonino (guitars), Roland Buhlmann (guitars), Anna Arrobas (backing vocals) and Laura Piazzai (lead vocals on a track considered a structural anchor of the album, “Inviolate Fields”).

First thing noticeable is the tone of the Divided By One, being a noticeably darker, heavier and more cinematic. Thus, on an hour long Divided By One, these high-class musicians are blending various cinematic textures, with driving rhythms and richly layered melodies. Lyrically, the album explores themes of tension, resilience and transformation, balancing shadowy atmospheres with moments of melodic clarity. Apart from driving rhythms, we can also hear some edgy and driving guitars (with a massive & driving rhythm section), deep and intricate bass lines, numerous retro-electronic elements and a bit more aggressive rock sounds, and the drums which are heavily present in the mix.

Stand-out songs and highlights include the cinematic title track “Divided by One” (listen below), for setting the dark, introspective, and sprawling progressive tone for the record. Then the following “Chaos Dreaming” beaing over nine minutes long, this track highlights the band’s instrumental ambition and progressive rock roots. Finally, the album closer and the album’s lead single, which is a bold and minimalist reinterpretation of Gary Numan’s 1979 synth-pop classic “Are Friends Electric?”, and a statement of intent; loud, supercharged, and a natural and unmistakably hauntingly beautiful fit for Enigmatic Sound Machines’ aesthetic.

The cover artwork is quite fascinating too, with the central imagery showcases a human profile split or fractured by geometric lines, visually representing the literal and thematic concept of being ‘divided’. The visual aesthetic directly complements the record’s underlying themes of humanity’s cyclical conflicts, fractured societies, and collective disillusionment.

In summary; three albums in three years is no small feat, and Divided By One shows no signs of the project running out of momentum. Divided By One is an excellent addition for fans of cinematic, synth-infused progressive rock. For additional information, on this highly productive and maximum efficient cinematic progressive rock project, visit its bandcamp and/or pre-order the new album from Progrock Essentials.