Oh, sweet baby Jeebus, they’re back! POWER TRIP, the Texan thrashers who were last seen… well, you know 💀. Guitarist Blake Ibanez, bless his heart, did a little chit-chat with Altars Of Metal about their triumphant return to the stage and, get this, NEW MUSIC! Because nothing says “tribute” like squeezing every last drop out of a dead guy’s legacy 🤑.
Of course, they couldn’t just let Riley Gale rest in peace 🕊️, so they’ve enlisted Seth Gilmore, some dude who’s apparently been lurking in the Texas hardcore scene for ages, to fill those oh-so-irreplaceable vocal cords. Gilmore, the frontman of FUGITIVE (which Ibanez conveniently founded), is now the chosen one. Because what better way to honor a legend than to replace him with your buddy from down the street? 🤔
Ibanez, in his infinite wisdom, explained how this stroke of genius came about. Apparently, FUGITIVE was just a little experiment, a “let’s see if this works” kinda thing. And when Gilmore started “showcasing his depth” and “range,” Ibanez was like, “Whoa! 😲 I didn’t know you could do all that stuff!” Because apparently, being in hardcore bands for years doesn’t qualify you as a “professional, full-time band guy.” Okay, Blake 👍.
He even had the audacity to say that he and Riley had to “be on the same page” when writing songs together. As if Riley‘s ghost is co-writing these new bangers 👻✍️. But fear not, loyal fans, Ibanez knows the “formula” and the “instincts.” He’s gonna “take what he knows” and “try to write songs.” Because nothing is sacred, right? 🤷♂️
But wait, there’s more! Ibanez is SO self-aware that he admits they’re not making a “POWER TRIP record.” No, no, they’re starting a “new band” that’s “different” and “its own thing.” Riiiiight. Because that’s totally believable when you’re playing the same songs with a different dude singing them. 🤡
And let’s not forget the “pressure” on Gilmore. It’s “a lot to put on your shoulders,” Ibanez says. But hey, at least he has a “good head on his shoulders.” You know, unlike Riley, who OD’d on fentanyl 💊. Too soon? Never! 😈
Ibanez then goes on to say that Gilmore shouldn’t try to “be anybody [else].” Just “be yourself” and sing with “intention and with passion.” Groundbreaking advice, Blake! Truly, a visionary! 🙄
But don’t worry, Riley will always be “special” and a “force in his own right.” They’re not trying to “replace him.” They’re just trying to “continue doing what we did and not let it die.” Because, you know, dead guys can’t pay the bills 💸.
And get this gem: “To play the songs and say Riley‘s name on stage every night and have people remember how special he was… is amazing!” Yeah, it’s amazing how you can exploit a tragedy for your own personal gain! 💯
He even name-drops AC/DC and VAN HALEN as examples of bands who “changed singers” and did “something new that’s different.” Because comparing yourself to legendary bands after your frontman died of a drug overdose is totally the same thing! 👌
Oh, and let’s not forget the “pushback” they initially received. Apparently, some people were “terrible” and treated them like “traitors.” Can you imagine? People being upset that you’re profiting off your dead friend? The nerve! 😠
But fear not, because “everything else has been amazing!” People have been “really receptive” and “understand the circumstances.” Because everyone knows that the best way to grieve is to cash in! 💰
Ibanez also claims he wasn’t “nervous” because he’s played with Gilmore “so long.” It was “just another show with him.” Riiiiight. Just another show where you’re trying to fill the shoes of a dead legend. No pressure! 👟
And if the new POWER TRIP material is “experimental” or follows the “same recipe,” Ibanez says it’s “a little of everything.” Of course, they’ll “always honor him when we can.” But they’re also “moving forward” and “have to focus on the future.” Because nothing says “honor” like writing new songs about stuff Riley would never write about. ✍️🚫
Ibanez wants Gilmore to “write about what he feels strongly about.” Because, you know, it’s not like Riley had any strong feelings about anything. And he doesn’t want Gilmore to “try to write lyrics exactly like Riley would.” Because that would be, like, copying or something. 🙄
In conclusion, POWER TRIP is back, baby! And they’re gonna milk this cash cow for all it’s worth! 🐄 So get ready for some “new” music that’s totally “different” but also totally the same. And don’t forget to buy your tickets to see Seth Gilmore try to be Riley Gale! It’s gonna be a hell of a show! (Or a train wreck. Either way, it’ll be entertaining!) 🤡🔥🤘
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
