Alek Darson Released Debut Inner Child Album
The progressive metal project features drummer Matt Garstka and production by Alek Darson.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Metal
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Guitarist Carlos Borges and multi-instrumentalist Alek Darson have launched their debut album for the progressive metal project Inner Child. The record features a collaboration with drummer Matt Garstka, who completed his tracking at East Iris Studios in Nashville.
Why it matters
The project showcases a blend of remote production techniques and high-level instrumentation within the progressive metal genre. It highlights the creative output of Darson, an alumnus of the Berklee College of Music who previously performed on Jordan Rudess' 2019 album Wired for Madness.
The drum tracking for the project was completed over a period of 4 days in Nashville. Darson utilized both 7-string and 8-string WoodGuerilla guitars, which feature scale lengths between 26.5 and 27.5 inches.
The players
Alek Darson
He is a multi-instrumentalist and producer who attended the Berklee College of Music.
Matt Garstka
He is a professional drummer known for his technical contributions to the progressive metal genre.
Carlos Borges
He is a guitarist who serves as the project lead for Inner Child.
Jordan Rudess
He is a well-known musician and keyboardist recognized for his work with the progressive metal band Dream Theater.
The details
The album was assembled remotely by the production team, with Darson handling lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass, keyboards, and programming. He incorporated re-amping through Cubase VST amp simulators to capture specific clean guitar tones.
Timeline
Alek Darson performed on a Jordan Rudess album in 2019.
The article was published on October 9, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This release follows the trend of high-level remote collaboration becoming standard in the progressive metal scene. It reflects a shift where individual artists leverage specialized home production setups alongside professional studio tracking to maintain complex technical standards.
Listeners can expect to engage with the technical complexity of the album, which features custom-scale 7-string and 8-string guitar arrangements. The remote-assembly format ensures the project remains accessible to a global audience interested in progressive music production.
The takeaway
The Inner Child project demonstrates how modern musicians utilize remote recording workflows to integrate professional studio sessions into a singular production. It serves as a case study for artists looking to balance technical precision with the logistical flexibility of the current digital era.
Further reading
Discover more about the evolving landscape of modern Metal artists and their latest production efforts.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Guitarworld.
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