Magellan

The Profile

Magellan was an American progressive rock/progressive metal band formed by brothers Trent and Wayne Gardner. Active from the mid‑1980s through 2016 and frequently associated with Magna Carta Records, the duo blended keyboard-driven prog, hard-prog guitars, and occasional trombone. Early releases used programmed drums before moving to live kits.

Formed by Trent and Wayne Gardner in the United States; active 1985–2016; key albums include Hour of Restoration (1991), Impending Ascension (1993), Test of Wills (1997); released multiple albums on Magna Carta Records; early records featured drum machines; Wayne Gardner died in 2014; Trent Gardner died in 2016.

Three DeBaser reviews chart Magellan’s evolution from keyboard-heavy, drum-machine prog to a harder, guitar-forward sound. The Gardner brothers’ project blends prog, metal, 80s pop-funk colors, tribal touches, and even trombone. Highlights cited include suites like Magna Carta and the adventurous Impending Ascension era. Overall verdict: underrated, richly arranged, and inventive.