The Guildmaster emerged as a pan-European project after conversations between Kimmo Pörsti (The Samurai of Prog, Paidarion, Mist Season) and Rafael Pacha (collaborator with TSOP, Last Knight, Circle Project and Manoel Macía) as a result of the collaboration in the Kimmo’s latest solo album Wayfarer. The idea was to work with the languages of different Folk traditions in a progressive context.
John Giordano TPA (The Progressive Aspect): “International progsters The Samurai Of Prog are a busy bunch. In addition to the TSOP concern, there are any number of offshoots featuring drummer Kimmo Pörsti and/or bassist Marco Bernard. One of those extracurricular bands is The Guildmaster, featuring the enormous talents of guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Rafael Pacha. The first album, released in 2020, featured Kayak keyboardist Ton Scherpenzeel, replaced in 2022 by Mad Crayon/Inner Prospekt’s Alessandro Di Benedetti. The second line-up remains intact for the group’s latest offering, Gathering Of Souls. Spoiler alert: this is already one of my favourite albums of the year. (…)
If you are a fan of adventurous music, both past and present, I cannot recommend Gathering Of Souls strongly enough. The instrumentals transport the listener to a place, time and mood as easily as those vocal songs which spell it out for you. The blend of styles on display is skillfully presented by virtuoso musicians and songwriters who make it all seem effortless. This is truly progressive music which weaves a spell and takes you where it will. It has never been far from my CD player since arriving. Shortlisted for my best of 2025 list.”
