THE ASTRAL PROPHETS have released “Power of the Rift,” a new single accompanied by a lyric video and taken from their forthcoming debut album, Invasion. Due October 30, the eight-track record expands the Calgary band's science-fiction setting, with the latest song connecting that backdrop to vocalist Staci Allen's memories of joy and personal connection.
The song began during pandemic lockdowns as an experiment in chord-driven writing. According to the announcement supplied by Asher Media Relations, its combination of riffs, melodies, synthesizers and sound effects became a blueprint for the sound the band calls “Power Groove.”
“'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,” says guitarist AJ Bergin.
Allen's lyrical inspiration places personal experiences within the band's intergalactic framework. The announcement describes cherished memories and feelings of connection as the starting point for a narrative about “loving at the speed of light.” Across Invasion, the wider subject matter includes anger, retribution, madness, love and longing, expressed through the band's science-fiction mythology.
The album follows the 2023 EP Anywhere But Here. The band describes the new material as a return to heavier roots while developing the symphonic elements and layered arrangements introduced through its earlier work. Its stated musical approach combines groove metal, power metal and hard rock.
“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. The riffs are stronger. The leads are melodic and smooth. The drums are driving, and Staci's singing is more ballsy. Every song is amazing in its own right, and we couldn't be prouder of them,” Bergin says.
THE ASTRAL PROPHETS formed in 2019 following Calgary progressive folk metal band Scythia. Guitarist AJ Bergin, bassist Terry Savage and drummer Celine Derval founded the group around a heavier musical direction and stories involving alien invasions, advanced civilizations and dystopian futures. Savage remains the chief songwriter. The current lineup comprises Allen on lead vocals, Kyle Summers on drums, Bergin and Harley D'Orazio on guitars and vocals, and Savage on bass and vocals.
“Power of the Rift” follows the previously introduced singles “Into Nothing” and “Invasion.” 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 band photograph supplied with the announcement is credited to Brad, YYC Visual Media.
