Five Suns

Released in 2004 on Cuneiform Records, Five Suns represents the creative peak of Guapo's middle period. The album is a conceptual suite based on the Aztec myth of the five suns, or the five eras of creation. Sonically, it is heavily indebted to the Zeuhl movement pioneered by Magma, characterized by martial rhythms and a dark, operatic intensity, though Guapo strips away the vocals to focus on instrumental density. The core duo of Matt Thompson and Dave Smith, augmented by Daniel O'Sullivan, created a sound that bridged the gap between 70s progressive rock and modern post-rock. Critics, particularly at AllMusic, praised the album for its discipline and its ability to maintain a high level of tension over long durations without resorting to cliché. It stands as one of the most significant avant-prog releases of the 2000s, cementing Guapo's reputation as leaders of the New London Silence and the broader experimental rock community.