Alberto Rigoni Announces Tim Alexander (ex Primus) as Special Guest Drummer on the Upcoming Instrumental Prog Rock Album Dystopia - Two Tracks Now Available for Streaming publicly
Italian bassist and composer Alberto Rigoni is proud to announce that legendary drummer Tim "Herb" Alexander — best known as the iconic former drummer of Primus — will appear as a special guest on Dystopia, an innovative instrumental progressive rock album that explores new sonic worlds and features a dream-team
trio of bass icons: Alberto Rigoni, Michael Manring, and Stuart Hamm. Celebrated for his unmistakable touch, polyrhythmic inventiveness, and deeply characterful drum sound, Tim "Herb" Alexander brings a truly singular rhythmic perspective to the project. Alexander also collaborated with Michael Manring on the acclaimed 1994 album Thonk, a recording renowned for its experimental, forward- thinking musicianship.
His contribution to Dystopia has proven transformative: his playing and sonic identity have added an extraordinary new dimension to the album. The album's mastering is now complete, and two tracks are already available for streaming on Bandcamp, where listeners can also pre-order the full album. Dystopia, which features nine instrumental progressive rock tracks, will be released worldwide on February 27, 2026, and will be distributed by Melodic Revolution Records and Musea Records.
About Dystopia
Dystopia is an ambitious, bass-driven progressive rock album featuring three world-
renowned bassists:
Alberto Rigoni (Italy) - bassist, composer, and producer known for his eclectic style and strong melodic identity. With more than a dozen solo albums and collaborations with internationally renowned musicians such as Jordan Rudess, Marco Minnemann, and Gavin Harrison, Rigoni has established himself as one of the most active and versatile Italian bassists on the international scene. He is co-producer of the Vivaldi Metal Project, former member of Twinspirits, current member of BAD AS, and the newly appointed bassist of the historic metal band Burning Black. His artistic vision and production leadership were essential in shaping Dystopia, bringing together three world-class bassists to explore the instrument's full expressive
potential.
Michael Manring (USA) - widely considered one of the most innovative and expressive electric bassists of all time. A former student of Jaco Pastorius and long- time collaborator of guitar legend Michael Hedges, Manring has pushed the boundaries of the instrument through altered tunings, expressive fretless techniques, and real-time mechanical detuners. His influential releases on Windham Hill and his pioneering approach have made him a central figure in the evolution of modern solo bass.
Stuart Hamm (USA) — a true bass legend and one of the most technically influential players of the last four decades. Known for redefining electric bass vocabulary, Hamm was among the first to integrate advanced tapping, slapping, and contrapuntal techniques into rock and fusion. His groundbreaking solo albums (Radio Free Albemuth, Kings of Sleep, The Urge) set new standards for instrumental bass. He is internationally recognized for his collaborations with Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Frank Gambale, as well as for his role as an educator and
clinician shaping generations of bassists.
Together, these three bassists weave a uniquely rich sonic tapestry. Their tones and styles are distinct yet perfectly complementary, interlocking with precision and individuality. The album showcases the bass guitar at its highest expressive potential - from warm, melodic passages to aggressive, distorted textures. Drummer David Menoudakis performs on three tracks, providing groove, intensity, and prog-oriented precision. The addition of Tim "Herb" Alexander as a special guest further expands the project's artistic depth, broadening its rhythmic palette with his unmistakable, character-rich drumming.
Release & Availability Streaming: Two tracks available now on Alberto's Bandcamp
Pre-orders: Open on Bandcamp
Formats: Digipack CD, Vinyl LP "33, High-Quality Digital Download
Official release date: February 27, 2026
Labels / distribution: Melodic Revolution Records & Musea Records
More News Coming Soon Further announcements, previews, and behind-the-scenes updates will be revealed in the coming weeks. Dystopia continues to evolve into one of the most unique and
ambitious bass-driven progressive albums of the decade.