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"A great guitar should be inspiring the moment you pick it up, they almost beckon you from across the room to play them, and when I picked up a Strandberg for the first time I knew it was going to be special. As a guitarist for 34 years I’ve had a lot of time to discover what works in the studio and on the road. Strandberg guitars offer a lightweight, ergonomic solution without giving up tone, playability, and most importantly that instant source of inspiration.” - Jake Bowen
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A core creative force behind Periphery's forward-thinking sound, Bowen has helped shape modern progressive metal through a rare combination of technical precision, production fluency, and atmospheric composition. Across eight full-length studio albums, including 2026's A Pale White Dot, his work has pushed the boundaries of heavy music while bridging the worlds of guitar performance, electronic production, and sound design. The partnership marks a natural alignment between Bowen's creative requirements and .strandberg*'s design philosophy: ergonomic instruments built for modern players who move fluidly between stage, studio, and composition.
Bowen's musical path began at an early age, with instruments always within reach and a family that encouraged his creative curiosity. After playing in local bands and immersing himself in progressive music, he found inspirations in artists such as Dream Theater, Devin Townsend, Meshuggah, and SikTh - Influences that helped shape his search for a more forward-thinking sound. That search eventually led him to Misha Mansoor and the early formation of what would become Periphery. Since joining the band, Bowen has become a central part of Periphery's evolution, contributing to a sound that has influenced a generation of progressive metal players.
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With complex rhythmic language, expansive production, and a willingness to experiment beyond genre conventions, Periphery helped bring the "djent" movement to a global audience while continuing to evolve with each release. Bowen has already incorporated a wide range of .strandberg* instruments into his live and studio work, spanning 6, 7, and 8-string models. .strandberg* and Bowen are now working together on future artist-driven projects, with more details to be announced.
In addition to his work with Periphery, Bowen is an accomplished solo artist and producer, releasing electronic and ambient music that highlights his interest in sound design, rhythm, and atmosphere. His solo output showcases a broader compositional range beyond metal, blending experimental textures with meticulous production.
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"Jake is a not only a phenomenal player, but one of the most prolific creative minds I’ve ever worked with. Whether it’s his work in Periphery or his own solo material, his focus on songwriting and creation never relents. It’s the ultimate privilege to get to be in the same sphere as Jake’s level of talent.” - Mark Holcomb (Periphery/Haunted Shores)
"Being friends with Jake has always been incredibly musically inspiring. His guitar playing is on another level — technically brilliant, but always driven by his emotion and his unique ear for melody. We share a lot of the same musical and aesthetic tastes, so I’m excited to see what new tones and custom models he comes up with next." - Kevin Antreassian (Sawtooth Grin/Dillinger Escape Plan/Backroom Studios)
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“On top of being an incredible electronic music composer, Jake Bowen is also the Swiss Army knife guitarist who fills the role of the “glue guy” in Periphery. It takes a special player to seamlessly shift between the front seat and the backseat within the same song. Covering such a wide spectrum is no easy task, but Jake has always done whatever the music demands to achieve the best possible outcome. Just a phenomenal all-around player.” - Elliot Coleman (.strandberg* Artist/Good Tiger/Parasite Tongue)
Pictures by Jesse Korman
Live photography by Zach Balliro
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