The power metal group Prehistoria step into this week’s Meet The Band spotlight. Their debut full-length is Cryptic Halo. Vocalist Alonso Donoso, guitarist Shaun Cothron and bassist Ian Bender introduce us to their band.
Chad Bowar: Give us a brief history of Prehistoria.
Shaun Cothron: In late 2020, Ian (bass), Cody (drums), and myself were recording an album with a previous band of ours. Some personal life situations caused a few members to move and put things on hold so that band sort of fizzled out. We were left with the four songs I had written for the album. So we just picked up the pieces, called Max (guitar), an old friend of mine, and found Alonso (vocals) and started Prehistoria.
Describe the songwriting process for Cryptic Halo.
Shaun: Pretty straightforward. We live a few hours away from each other so a lot of it was sending demos to each other and editing things as each member added their own ideas. Got together a few times and jammed the songs live to make sure everything felt natural and that was it. We tend to all be more into a traditional power metal sound so everything comes from a good riff.
What will be your strongest memory of the recording of the album?
Alonso Donoso: Working with Dan in the studio for three days creating harmonies I didn’t think I could perform. He pushed me to explore different melodies and guided me through the process. So thank you Dan “stunt double” Wagoner.
Sean: We always love working with Dan Wagoner and working the first time with Simone at Domination Studios was amazing. Aside from that I think just remembering where the songs started with a very basic idea in my room and then watching them become full songs on an album. It feels a bit like watching your child grow.
What was the biggest challenge in its creation?
Sean: The distance between us creates a natural challenge, but fortunately technology makes that a bit easier. Also we’re not young kids anymore. We all have families and jobs so keeping everything focused can be a challenge.
Ian Bender: Putting out an album is generally just a lot of work – writing and refining the tunes, finding people you trust for tracking, mixing, artwork, etc. Then, after all of that, are the administrative things to do – finding a label, packaging, promotion, scheduling releases. So huge kudos to all of the bands out there making it all happen.
How would you characterize its style/sound?
Sean: Traditional riff based power metal is probably the closest. But we’re all fans of heavy metal, black metal, death metal, thrash etc. So I think all of that bleeds into the music at some point.
What lyrical topics do you cover?
Alonso: Although Cryptic Halo isn’t a concept album, it touches on a similar concept. The concept focuses on the idea of self-realization. It represents the understanding that we all have the power to change our reality and the way we live. It symbolizes liberation and challenges the belief that an external force will show you the way or provide guidance for change. Instead, it emphasizes that true change comes from within ourselves.
What inspired the album title?
Alonso: To me the definition of Cryptic Halo is the self-realization that we alone have the ability to change. It is almost like an awakening to the power of self. So those who have deciphered the Cryptic Halo will be able to find a way to achieve what they seek.
Ian: The phrase “Cryptic Halo” is taken directly from a line in one of the songs as well, so it was related, sounded like a cool album name, and was good inspiration for the cover art.
How did you come to sign with StormSpell and Alone Records?
Sean: Being in the underground scene for years you learn to trust certain labels and Stormspell is one of them, always putting out consistent material. We contacted them once the album was done and sent them the songs and they liked it enough to want to work with us. Alone Records contacted us shortly after wanting a vinyl release which we were fully on board for!
What are your goals and expectations for the album?
Sean: Hopefully we can reach some new fans and continue to grow and spread the music. Get some cool shows and keep up the momentum to do it again.
Ian: I think we’re pretty realistic about our expectations as a power metal band based in the middle of the U.S. It would be great to find ourselves playing at some festivals or as an opener for some national tours. But, if not, at least we get to share something we enjoy doing with the world.
What has been your most memorable Prehistoria live show?
Sean: Probably the very first one which was Legions Of Metal in Chicago. Aside from the honor of getting to play that festival and share the stage with so many great bands, it was a sense of accomplishment considering this band started from another falling apart.
Alonso: Our first show for sure (Legions of Metal) considering that we had never rehearsed as a full band before. We got together a few hours prior to a show in a jam space for the first time and banged the entire set twice before going on stage that same night.
What are your upcoming show/tour plans?
Sean: We do booking ourselves so we have a few smaller runs planned in the summer. Hopefully this album will reach a few new promoters who will invite us to join them this year.
Who are your all time top 5 power metal bands?
Blind Guardian, Helloween, Heavenly, Lost Horizon and Fifth place is probably a tie between Gamma Ray, Angra, and Symphony X.
What are some of your non-musical interests and hobbies?
Sean: That is pretty varied between members but I think horror movies, cooking, hiking, woodworking, and reading would cover most of it.
What’s currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Sean: We actually put together a playlist on our Spotify of our favorite releases from 2024 so anyone can go check that out. Aside from that I think the classics are always on rotation. Maidens and Priest, etc.
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Sean: If you’re a fan of heavy metal, check out the new album and if you’re so inclined pick up a copy from us or Stormspell. If you like vinyl, Alone Records in Greece has you covered and they ship worldwide. Thank you to anyone who checks us out. We know there is a ton of music out there and everyone has so much to worry about these days, we just really appreciate you giving us a few minutes of your time. Feel free to hit us up on any social media platform – we love to chat.
(interview published February 15, 2025)
Watch Prehistoria – “Everlasting Legacy” Lyric Video
