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Divided by Design recently took the stage at Bloodstock Open Air festival after securing their spot by winning the Leeds Metal 2 the Masses competition. Here's what RockFlesh had to say about their show. "Divided By Design kicked off their set with a display of instrumental prowess that left the crowd mesmerized. It’s clear to see that they meaningfully craft melodies that transcend the limitations of traditional vocals, while remaining a three-piece allows them to fully explore the depth of the rhythm section in those segments that allow the guitar a break. Their performance was nothing short of a masterclass in progressive metal, pushing the boundaries of what instrumental music can achieve."

Divided by Design is a dynamic and innovative instrumental progressive metal band that pushes the boundaries of musical creativity. Comprising three exceptionally talented members, they have carved their niche in the world of metal music with their extraordinary compositions and mesmerising performances.

Liam Stephenson (@LiamStephens0n), known for his distinctive presence on Instagram and TikTok, is not just a virtuoso guitarist but a digital sensation. His jaw-dropping guitar skills and meme content have garnered him a dedicated online following, showcasing both his breathtaking technical prowess and his unique ability to make the strings sing.

Tom Chambers (@Tomdividedbydesign), equally renowned, mesmerises fans with his mind-bending drumming and viral content. His rhythmic complexity shines on social media, captivating audiences worldwide.

Sam Young, the band's bassist, infuses innovation and musicality into Divided by Design. His intricate bass lines provide a solid foundation, seamlessly complementing Liam and Tom's virtuoso performances.

Inspired by the likes of Dream Theater, Animals as Leaders and Periphery, Divided by Design are not shy to employ the ‘prog’ spirit of early Rush and Coheed and Cambria, and use this to make something they, and others, believe is truly ground breaking. Their debut album, "Stages to Osiris," released in 2020, received critical acclaim, hailed as "undoubtedly one of the best metal albums" (Off the Hook) and a "complex progressive masterpiece" (Angry Wolf Music Reviews). The band's 2022 release, "Irretraceable Steps," also earned praise, with Progressive Rock Central describing it as "an excellent, dynamic, and diverse instrumental prog album."

In 2023, the band released their third studio album, "The Fear of Being Forgotten," hailed by Accidental music reviewer as a "progressive rock tour de force" and a “masterpiece”. Their fourth studio album, "A Canvas for the Universe," was lauded by MyGlobalMind, which noted “This album sounds like it could be a canvas for the universe to me. The ability to seamlessly meld time and space and make sense of it had me on the edge the whole time. I can honestly say that not many albums do that.” 10/10.

In 2024, the band performed at Bloodstock Open Air Festival after winning the Leeds Metal 2 the Masses competition. Rockflesh described their performance as "nothing short of a masterclass in progressive metal, pushing the boundaries of what instrumental music can achieve."

Together, Divided by Design blends their online stardom with otherworldly compositions to create a unique musical experience that resonates with progressive metal enthusiasts worldwide. Their music transcends conventional boundaries, offering an unparalleled auditory journey for those who seek the extraordinary.