Explore the sacred domains

De Souza Project is a progressive metal project from Lima founded in 2016 by bassist and composer Jorge De Souza, known for his past work in Dominium. The project stands out in the Peruvian scene for its blend of progressive metal, Andean folk elements, and openly atheistic themes, explored through conceptual storytelling and meticulous composition.

The project remains independent, releasing music digitally and contributing to Peruvian underground compilations such as Cuero Negro: Compilatorio Peruano (2021).

Identity and artistic direction

De Souza Project is built around a fusion of:

• progressive metal structures
• Andean wind instruments (quena, zampoña)
• philosophical and atheistic themes
• conceptual narratives

Reviews describe the project as “progressive metal with Andean winds” and highlight its unusual combination of technical metal with folkloric textures. One reviewer notes that the music is “a conceptual journey with Andean elements that fit perfectly into the narrative”

Jorge De Souza’s background as a sociologist and folklore teacher is reflected in the project’s thematic depth and cultural references. According to Resistencia Metal Zine, the EP Paradigma is a conceptual work that “narrates the conversion of a Roman Catholic into an atheist”, using two vocal characters to dramatize the internal conflict

Discography and evolution

Libre Albedrío (Single, 2019)

The project’s first release, introducing its progressive metal foundation and philosophical themes.

En el Ocaso (Single, 2020)

A continuation of the project’s introspective and atmospheric direction.

Paradigma (EP, 2020)

The central work of De Souza Project so far.
Reviews describe it as:

• a conceptual EP of six tracks,
• progressive metal with Andean winds,
• a narrative about faith, doubt, and atheism,
• a blend of metal, folklore, and philosophical dialogue.

The EP opens with Hanaq Pachaq, a traditional Andean hymn, and transitions into a narrative where two voices—one Catholic, one atheist—debate belief and identity. Critics praised its composition, originality, and cultural integration

Duerme (Single, 2022)

A more atmospheric and introspective track, showing the project’s evolution toward a cleaner, more melodic sound.

Musical and thematic identity

De Souza Project’s music is defined by:

• complex progressive arrangements
• Andean folk instrumentation woven into metal
• philosophical and atheistic narratives
• a strong conceptual focus

The EP Paradigma in particular has been praised for its “excellent compositional work” and its ability to merge metal, folklore, and intellectual themes into a cohesive artistic statement

Position in the Peruvian metal scene

Within Peru’s diverse metal landscape, De Souza Project occupies a unique niche:

• one of the few progressive metal acts with Andean folk integration,
• one of the rare projects exploring explicitly atheistic themes,
• a concept-driven project with academic and cultural depth,
• praised by Peruvian underground media for its originality and ambition.

Its inclusion in the Cuero Negro compilation further solidified its presence in the national scene.

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