Chimp Spanner

Chimp Spanner

Chimp Spanner is the solo progressive metal project of Paul Antonio Ortiz, based in the United Kingdom. It begins as a one-man, multi-instrumental act and first appears with the independent release of Imperium Vorago in 2004.

Recorded work

Chimp Spanner becomes associated with the international online prog/tech djent scene and releases further records through Basick Records. At The Dream's Edge is released in 2010 and is performed, recorded, produced and mixed entirely by Ortiz. The record spans several styles of progressive rock and metal, with a cinematic sound and modern production. All Roads Lead Here follows and continues the project’s mixture of retro and futuristic influences. It includes six progressive tracks built around the three-part piece “Mobius”, which combines themes of time, space and personal reflection.

Live activity

From 2010 onwards, Chimp Spanner also performs as a live touring band. The project has toured the UK and Europe in support of TesseracT and Cynic, and later tours North America with 7 Horns 7 Eyes, Jeff Loomis and The Contortionist. It also appears at Euroblast Festival in Germany, headlines shows in Moscow, and plays the first UK Tech Fest.