Epic Symphonic Metal Project WHEEL OF TIME Unleashes Their Ambitious Debut Album Asymmetry

Nov 12, 2025

WHEEL OF TIME, the brainchild of Beijing-based multi-instrumentalist and composer Jimmie Hong, has now unleashed their debut full-length album, Asymmetry. Named after one of Hong’s favorite fantasy novels, WHEEL OF TIME blends the technical precision of progressive metal with melodic power metal, symphonic grandeur, and subtle Eastern melodic elements. The album was composed entirely by Hong, produced and engineered by Tom MacLean (ex-HAKEN), and recorded in collaboration with an international lineup of musicians.

Hong launched the project in 2022 while participating in the mentorship program of ex-MEGADETH guitarist Kiko Loureiro. Inspired by the collaborative spirit of projects like TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA, Hong envisioned a progressive power metal project that would bring together top musicians from around the world, working remotely across continents and time zones. The band draws from influences such as METALLICA, DREAM THEATER, STRATOVARIUS, PINK FLOYD, LED ZEPPELIN, LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT, OPETH, and SYMPHONY X, while forging a sound uniquely its own.

Throughout the process, Hong was guided by a philosophy of narrative-driven songwriting, using technical mastery and emotional depth to explore themes of time, destiny, and the self. He titled the album Asymmetry because life, music, and creation are rarely symmetrical; and that is where their beauty lies. Hong worked with musicians across five continents and more than ten time zones, while independently writing, arranging, and producing the entire album from his home studio in Beijing. Notably, WHEEL OF TIME will be used as a case study at the Institute of Popular Music at the University of Liverpool in 2025, highlighting new models of high-quality independent album production.

With Asymmetry, WHEEL OF TIME delivers one of the year’s most ambitious and emotionally resonant progressive metal releases. This is a sonic journey that transcends borders, genres, and expectations.

Watch the lyric video for “Blind Sight” HERE: https://youtu.be/R5hvc0lwfMs?si=ZMhhzZgUEtPYT5C7

Listen to Asymmetry HERE: https://ditto.fm/asymmetry_8c85bdcb

About WHEEL OF TIME:

WHEEL OF TIME is a progressive power metal project founded by Beijing-based composer and multi-instrumentalist Jimmie Hong. Blending the technical precision of progressive metal with the melodic strength of power metal and symphonic elements, WHEEL OF TIME creates expansive, narrative-driven music that crosses genres and borders. The project features collaborations with world-renowned musicians including Derek Sherinian, Tony MacAlpine, Michele Luppi, and Timo Tolkki. With a truly international lineup and a sound that integrates subtle Eastern melodic influences, WHEEL OF TIME explores themes of time, destiny, and self-discovery. The debut full-length album Asymmetry releases November 12, 2025.

Asymmetry Track List:

  1. “Grand Cosmos” (ft. Derek Sherinian) – 06:40
  2. “Freedom Day” (ft. Derek Sherinian & Michele Luppi) – 05:40
  3. “Blind Sight” (ft. Alexandre Aposan) – 06:52
  4. “Addicted!… ” (ft. Derek Sherinian & Timo Tolkki) – 04:45
  5. “… To the Awakening” (ft. Tom MacLean) – 07:12
  6. “The Night of Eternity” (ft. Derek Sherinian) – 07:38
  7. “China Moon” – 05:03
  8. “2063” (ft. Tony MacAlpine) – 06:44

Asymmetry Credits:

  • Executive Producer: Jimmie Hong
  • Producer: Tom MacLean
  • Recording Studio: Twelve-tone Studio
  • Engineer: Tom MacLean
  • Mixing: Tom MacLean
  • Mastering: Tom MacLean
  • Album Cover Artist: Aleh
  • Orchestration Composer: Marcos Barilari

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