Belgian post-metal trio Psychonaut have established themselves as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary heavy music. Their 2020 debut Unfold the God Man and 2022’s Violate Consensus Reality earned acclaim for their compositional depth and philosophical scope, while live performances at festivals such as Alcatraz, Soulcrusher, and Roadburn cemented their reputation alongside peers like Amenra, Brutus, and The Ocean.
Their new album, World Maker, marks a profound shift. Conceived after guitarist/vocalist Stefan De Graef learned he would become a father, the record moves away from abstract metaphysical themes toward intimate reflections—life lessons and a legacy of love for his unborn son. This hope infuses the music with unusual warmth, from Rhodes organ and free-jazz guitar passages to global influences like tabla and the contributions of Dutch multi-instrumentalist Anthe Huybrechts.
Yet World Maker still carries Psychonaut’s towering riffs, punishing rhythms, and feral vocals, now balanced with delicate and vulnerable dynamics. The joy of new life was shadowed by grief, as both De Graef’s and bassist Thomas Michiels’ fathers faced advanced cancers, grounding the album in immediacy. Tracks like “Endless Currents,” “Stargazer,” and “And You Came With Searing Light” embody this collision of euphoria and anguish.
The result is Psychonaut’s most direct, human work: a father welcoming his son while bidding farewell to his own.
