OÏKOUMEN is a human-centered orchestral progressive symphonic project. It shares visceral emotions, often dark, always committed, through intense, embodied music, where the orchestra serves emotion. The project is led by Élie Veux on composition and guitar, Laura Mazard on lyrics, vocals and artistic direction, and Yaël Febvray on bass and synthesizers. The first album “Dystopia” was released in 2022, marking the true beginning of the project.

Oikoumen evolves within orchestral progressive metal, on the borders of symphonic metal without fully adopting its conventions. The music is epic and energetic, driven by groove, and claims a strong, embodied and committed identity.

Musically, Oikoumen draws from the legacy of Nightwish, Stratovarius, Iron Maiden, and Pink Floyd, while embracing a more modern and progressive approach akin to Leprous, Meshuggah, Dream Theater, or Jinjer. The melodies and orchestrations are inspired by 19th-century Romanticism, notably Ernest Chausson, Pablo de Sarasate, and Claude Debussy, enriched by more ethereal influences such as Kate Bush, Andreas Vollenweider, and Loreena McKennitt.

The band has already released a music video for “Reign of Idiocy” from their upcoming album, which is scheduled for release on April 17, 2026.

BAND SOCIAL MEDIA

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