Originating in Boston, MA, Celestial City Symphony Orchestra (CCSO) was conceptualized in 2018 by Michael Burrowes as an outlet for his music: a fusion of progressive power metal, film and game score-inspired orchestrations, and elements of electronic and ambient music. By early 2020, Burrowes began making plans for the project's debut EP, Starfall. He tapped talent from across the progressive metal scene, including Nathan Navarro (Devin Townsend), Poh Hock Kee (ex-Native Construct, Replacire), and Cristian Perez (Dark, Daybreak). Starfall released on December 4, 2020. Burrowes is now beginning work on a full-length album for the project, expected to release late 2021 or early 2022.