Doomed Confessionary: Jorge Fraguas (Ciconia)
Photo by Paxky Martínez
Ciconia is a dynamic instrumental progressive/post-metal band founded in 2014 by bassist Jorge Fraguas in Valladolid, Spain. Known for their intricate variations, elaborate guitar riffs, and powerful compositions, Ciconia’s music captivates listeners with its complexity and quality.
The current lineup includes Jorge on bass, Dani Dean on guitar, and Sergio “Shaolin” Jiménez on drums. Together, they create a potent and evolving sound that has garnered them a dedicated following.
The band recently released new single and music video »Grey Almost Black« taken from their fifth studio album, »Synaesthetic Garbage«, out on March 14th, 2025 through Art Gates Records.
Ciconia has toured Europe multiple times and performed at prestigious music festivals, showcasing their talent and solidifying their reputation in the metal scene.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Ciconia is an instrumental metal band from Spain, known for blending elements of progressive metal, post-rock, and djent. Since our formation in 2014, we have stood out for creating an immersive and technical sound that combines powerful riffs with atmospheric passages. Without the need for lyrics, our music tries to tell stories through complex melodic structures and tempo changes. We try to manage to forge our own identity within the European progressive metal scene.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
The challenge has always been constant since we started: lineup changes, self-produced tours – every step we take is always tough, but we believe that hard work should be the only constant motivation to keep growing as a band.
What can you be most proud of so far?
We believe that the albums we’ve made (with the fifth one set to be released in this upcoming year, 2025), our constant touring across Europe, participating in genre festivals, and attracting more and more people to our music, make us proud of these ten years of hard work and experiences.
What was your biggest regret?
There are certainly many things along the way that could have turned out better, but you have to learn from mistakes. Perhaps having people in the band who weren’t up to the task, and not realizing it in time, has sometimes led us to lose energy and miss opportunities.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Overall, all the band’s tours have had their ups and downs, but in terms of experience, the last one in 2023 was perhaps the most enriching on a personal level, even though it was also the longest and most exhausting we’ve ever done (97 shows in 9 months). However, we believe the best is yet to come – we have no limits.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
There were definitely a few moments a while ago, like when I discovered Meshuggah – it blew my mind. Bands like Animals As Leaders, Leprous, Igorr… maybe also Sleep Token. Honestly, it’s been a while since something has really surprised me, unfortunately, so I try to seek out new music outside of metal that can inspire me to keep growing.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
As I mentioned before, I’m looking more into Scandinavian folk, Eastern European music… I’m not very interested in what’s happening in metal today, although I obviously have my classics like everyone else. But we could say that my capacity to be surprised is currently leaning in other directions. However, I try to pour all those influences into the music we create in Ciconia.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Of course, work hard on your instrument and your knowledge as a musician, and don’t set limits for yourself. Always try to work with people who play better than you and from whom you can learn. On the business side, surround yourself with serious and professional people, and don’t be afraid to invest money in your project. But most importantly, know very well where you put that money, because unfortunately – and this might be the best advice I’ve ever been given – if you don’t invest time and money, don’t expect results.
What are your guilty pleasures?
ABBA hahahaha, I love them.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Spain?
There are some good bands doing interesting things in Spain, like Lampr3a, Bloodhunter, Heleven, Tottengot, Noah Hysteria, Syberia, Exxasens – they’re active, putting out interesting albums… and I’m sure there are many more that I’m forgetting. On the other hand, I think there are too many bands doing the same thing and not taking enough risks, but that’s their problem, not mine.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We are working on a European tour that will go through most countries, we are still making the booking and preparing all the logistics for it. As soon as possible we will announce it.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Yeah, release the new album of course and as I mentioned to play in the most places as possible, We are releasing new singles and music in these weeks
How can people best support your band?
Well, by following us on social media and listening to our music, and of course, going to our concerts if we pass through any city, telling others about our band, buying merchandise…you know.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thanks for listening and supporting Ciconia!!!!!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well