Sefer Dillan

Origin: Istanbul, Turkey (Based in London, United Kingdom)

Role: Guitarist, Multi-Instrumentalist, Composer, Producer

Genres: Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock, Instrumental Rock, Jazz Fusion, Oriental Metal

Biography

Sefer Dillan is a Turkish-born, London-based progressive rock and metal guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer. Recognized for seamlessly bridging Western progressive metal virtuosity with traditional Anatolian and Middle Eastern microtonal melodies, his style pairs hyper-articulate shred phrasing, sweep picking, and odd-meter riffing with expressive fretless and microtonal guitar work.

After relocating to the United Kingdom to pursue music performance and production, Dillan gained international recognition both as an instrumental solo artist and as the founding guitarist of the UK progressive metal outfit Shattered Skies. Beyond his ensemble work, he has established himself as an active session musician, educator, and solo recording artist—releasing conceptually driven instrumental albums and EPs that showcase rich orchestral layering alongside technical guitar composition.

Bands & Key Lineups

Sefer Dillan (Solo Project)

Sefer Dillan – Electric, Acoustic & Fretless Guitars, Saz / Bağlama, Keyboards, Programming
Notable Studio Collaborators: Has frequently collaborated with session drummers, bassists, and guest soloists across the UK and international progressive scenes.

Shattered Skies (Former Band – Co-Founder & Guitarist)

Sefer Dillan – Guitars, Programming
Ian MacDonald – Vocals
Ross McMahon – Bass
Chris Sharp – Drums

Albums & Discography

Solo Studio Albums & EPs

A New Beginning (2012) – Solo Instrumental EP
The Awakening (2015) – Solo Studio Album
Beyond the Horizon (2018) – Solo Studio Release
Eastern Reflections (2021) – Instrumental EP blending Anatolian motifs and progressive metal

With Shattered Skies

Reanimation (2011) – EP
The World We Used to Know (2015) – Full-Length Studio Album
Muted Neon (2018) – Full-Length Studio Album

Selected Singles & Collaborations

Anatolian Odyssey – Solo Single
Mirage – Solo Single
Guest Soloist & Session Appearances – Featured guitarist across international progressive metal, fusion, and soundtrack releases

I've compiled behind-the-scenes footage from Ibanez's Guitar Day, from the walk to the stage to open Kiko Loureiro's workshop. In the middle of all that, I even forgot the interface font, hahaha. Hope you enjoy it!

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