THE ASTRAL PROPHETS preview their debut album Invasion with “Power of the Rift,” a new single combining melodic vocals, groove-driven riffs and cinematic synths. Due October 30, the eight-track album follows the Calgary band's 2023 EP Anywhere But Here and brings heavier arrangements into their science-fiction setting.
In the announcement supplied by Asher Media Relations, the band describe the album as a development of their early groove-oriented material, incorporating symphonic elements and more layered arrangements. Its themes encompass anger, retribution, madness, love and longing, connected through the band's mythology of alien invasions, advanced civilizations and dystopian futures.
Guitarist AJ Bergin places that heavier direction at the center of the transition from EP to full-length: “We wanted to bring an album that improves upon our already unique style. During our EP, we started to dial in our sound, but now we are delivering an LP in our full form. We brought the music back to our heavier roots.” He also points to stronger riffs, melodic leads, driving drums and a more forceful vocal performance from Staci Allen.
“Power of the Rift” began during the pandemic lockdowns as an experiment in chord-driven songwriting. According to the announcement, its combination of riffs, melodies, atmospheric synthesizers and sound effects became a blueprint for the band's self-described “Power Groove.” A lyric video accompanies the single.
“'Power of the Rift' is the song that screams our made-up genre, 'Power Groove.' Epic, dancy, and powerful. It's right there in the name,” Bergin says. Allen's lyrical inspiration draws on cherished memories, joy and connection, placing those personal feelings within the song's intergalactic backdrop.
THE ASTRAL PROPHETS formed in 2019 through guitarist AJ Bergin, bassist Terry Savage and drummer Celine Derval, emerging from Calgary progressive folk metal band Scythia. Their current lineup features Allen on lead vocals, Kyle Summers on drums, Bergin and Harley D'Orazio on guitars and vocals, and Savage on bass and vocals. Savage remains the band's chief songwriter. Their stated musical approach brings together groove metal, power metal and hard rock with science-fiction storytelling.
The album's running order is “Target Locked” (4:24), “Power of the Rift” (4:08), “Invasion” featuring Jeff Black (4:06), “Into Nothing” (4:46), “A Trail of Broken Stars” (4:46), “World Eater” (4:35), “Hyperdrive” (4:47) and “Inside the Hyperdrive” (3:37). The title track and “Into Nothing” were previously introduced as singles.
The promotional band photograph supplied with the announcement is credited to Brad, YYC Visual Media.