Presto Ballet

Presto Ballet is a progressive rock band that channels the spirit of '70s prog giants like Yes, Kansas, and Styx with a modern twist. Founded in the early 2000s by Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, the project emerged as a love letter to retro keyboards, lush harmonies, and intricate songwriting. Vanderhoof—a self-proclaimed prog enthusiast—wanted to explore melodic, synth-driven storytelling outside his metal roots, recruiting vocalist Ronny Munroe and keyboardist Kerry Shacklett to help bring his vintage vision to life.

Their catalog, including albums like *Peace Among the Ruins* (2005) and *The Lost Art of Time Travel* (2016), leans into sci-fi themes, analog warmth, and sprawling instrumental passages. Recent releases like *The Days Between* (2021) and *Love What You’ve Done With the Place* (2022) double down on their throwback ethos, blending Hammond organs and Moog solos with lyrics about cosmic wanderlust and societal reflection. Whether they’re noodling through a 10-minute epic or crafting a tight melodic hook, Presto Ballet remains a cult favorite for prog purists and retro-rock revivalists alike.

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