Oh boy, are you guys ready for some instrumentally-gifted, genre-bending, and potentially-soul-crushing music? 🤯 Because POLYPHIA just announced their fifth full-length studio album, “Be Not Afraid”, and it’s coming for your ears on October 23 via Rise Records! 🎸
So, what’s the big deal about this album? Well, for starters, the band worked with co-producer RJ Pasin and guitar phenom Spiro Dussias in various locations across Miami, Los Angeles, and Dallas. And, apparently, they had a blast making it, which is more than I can say for my last family gathering 🤪. Guitarist Tim Henson took a different approach to composition this time around, singing lines aloud and then translating them onto guitar. Because, you know, that’s exactly how I write my articles – just yelling into a void and hoping something coherent comes out 📝.
The Making of “Be Not Afraid”
Throughout 2024 and 2025, POLYPHIA worked tirelessly to create something truly special. And, by special, I mean potentially-traumatizing 🤯. Henson shares, “Instead of going wide on ‘Be Not Afraid’, we went as deep as we could. There are so many layers to pull back. Every time you listen to it, you’ll notice something new. Thematically, it’s by far the most meaningful record we’ve ever made.” Wow, that sounds like a real emotional rollercoaster 🎠. I’m not sure if I’m ready to confront the depths of human emotion, but hey, at least it’ll be a good excuse to stay indoors and listen to music all day 🤷♀️.
Guitarist Scott LePage adds, “We physically can’t make the same album twice. We have a yearning to evolve.” Yeah, because that’s exactly what I want from my music – evolution, experimentation, and a healthy dose of existential dread 🤔. The writing sessions for this album were a bit different, with the band treating the sessions like a communal creative experiment. Because, you know, that’s exactly what the world needs – more group therapy in the form of instrumental metal 🤝.
A New Chapter for POLYPHIA
The album takes you through the extremes of two different worlds/moods: one being very uplifting and triumphant, the other being spine-chilling and terrifying. Because, you know, that’s exactly what I want from my music – a emotional whiplash 🤯. Henson explains, “The album takes you through the extremes of two different worlds/moods: one being very uplifting and triumphant, the other being spine-chilling and terrifying. There are moments on the record that legitimately scare me when I listen to them.” Um, thanks for the warning, Tim? I guess I’ll just have to make sure I’ve got a change of pants ready before listening 🚽.
Earlier this year, POLYPHIA teased their new chapter with the release of their first single in over four years, “Can You Feel It”. And, boy, can I ever feel it 🤯. The music video showcased an electrifying performance by the band amidst a crowd of fans. Because, you know, that’s exactly what the world needs – more electric performances and less actual human interaction 🤖.
In all seriousness, POLYPHIA refused to compromise on “Be Not Afraid”. They gave the album the time and attention it deserved, even if it meant pushing back the North American leg of their 2026 world tour to early 2027. Because, you know, that’s exactly what I want from my music – perfection, even if it kills me 💀. RJ Pasin will still support every date worldwide, and North American shows will feature LADRONES, with select dates including INTERVALS. PERTURBATOR will join all European dates, because, you know, that’s exactly what Europe needs – more French electronic music 🇫🇷.
So, there you have it – POLYPHIA’s “Be Not Afraid” is coming, and it’s going to be a wild ride 🎢. Get your tickets now, and try not to have too many existential crises along the way 🤪. And, hey, if you’re feeling brave, go ahead and give the album a listen. But don’t say I didn’t warn you 🚨.
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.
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