Australian progressive guitar visionary, James Norbert Ivanyi, returns with new album
‘The Phantasm Cozenage‘ on August 19
For more than a decade, Sydney guitarist and composer James Ivanyi has quietly built one of the most respected catalogues in Australia’s instrumental music scene. While much of the modern progressive world has chased technicality for technicality’s sake, Ivanyi has carved out his own lane, blending progressive metal, psych-rock, cinematic textures and old-school guitar hero experimentation into an incredible body of work that now spans nine full-length albums.
The impending release of ‘The Phantasm Cozenage’, sees James evolve from underground cult favourite to one of Australia’s most recognised independent instrumental artists.
The new album saw Ivanyi step completely outside his established sound. In 2022 he surprised fans with the acoustic ‘Sigil‘ and the keyboard driven ‘The Sine Intimation‘, proving that his reputation extends far beyond progressive metal and technical guitar performance. ‘The Phantasm Cozenage’ brings some of those elements back and across ten tracks, the album continues to blur the lines between progressive metal precision, trippy atmosphere and vast, cinematic storytelling, delivering his most ambitious album yet!
The release also follows a milestone year for the guitarist. As of January 2026, James has three signature signature model guitars with Suhr Guitars & JST Technologies! Long recognised by guitar players worldwide for his distinctive style and tone, Ivanyi’s growing relationship with one of the world’s most respected guitar manufacturers further cements his standing within the international guitar community.
Despite multiple international performances including annual appearances at NAMM, signature instruments, educational releases through Jam Track Central and a discography that continues to attract critical acclaim, Ivanyi remains fiercely independent. Every album, tour and creative decision has been built on his own terms, earning a dedicated global audience along the way.
Over the years he has shared stages with artists including Haken, Katatonia, Soilwork, Caligula’s Horse and I Built The Sky, performed at events including Progfest, UK Tech-Fest and The Melbourne Guitar Show, and established himself as one of Australia’s leading instrumental exports.
With ‘The Phantasm Cozenage’, Ivanyi continues to demonstrate that instrumental music can be every bit as compelling, adventurous and emotionally engaging as any vocal-driven release.
‘The Phantasm Cozenage’ is released August 19.
Pre orders arriving soon.
To celebrate the upcoming release of “The Phantasm Cozenage” Suhr Guitars and James have teamed up to hold the biggest giveaway of the year and are giving one lucky person the chance to take home a brand new Suhr James Norbert Ivanyi Signature Antique Modern.
The ‘Suhr Ivanyi Contest‘ will be runs until August 19th and open to entrants worldwide.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of James’ playing or you’re just looking for an excuse to create something awesome, we’d love to hear your take.
Here’s how to enter:
Download James’ official backing track:
https://jamesnorbertivanyi.wixsite.com/suhrivanyicontest
Record yourself performing over the track.
The backing track must be used exactly as provided—no edits.
Post your performance on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, or Threads and include #SUHRIVANYICONTEST
Entries Close: August 19, 2026 – 11:59 PM PST
One entry per person.
James will personally watch every qualifying submission and select the winner, which will be announced on August 24, 2026 across Suhr’s social media channels.
Prize
A 2026 Suhr James Norbert Ivanyi Signature Modern featuring:
• Alder body (Vintage Yellow or Russet Brown)
• Roasted Maple neck
• Ebony fingerboard
• Suhr SSH & SSV pickups
• Preset Blower Switch
• Stainless Steel Jumbo frets
• Black hardware
• Suhr Travel Pro Premium Case
This is your chance to share your creativity with the world, be seen by James, and possibly take home an incredible instrument.
We can’t wait to hear! Good luck, and have fun!
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Full rules and official terms:
https://jamesnorbertivanyi.wixsite.com/suhrivanyicontest
https://www.instagram.com/p/DaQzMV2it5a
#SUHRIVANYICONTEST
