The prog rock innovators return with a 12-track record that pushes their genre-bending sound into darker territory.
Polyphia have released BE NOT AFRAID, their first studio album since 2022’s Remember That You Will Die, marking a new chapter for the Texas instrumental rock band.
Released on October 23 via Rise Records, the 12-track album blends the group’s signature technical guitar work with progressive metal, electronic production and heavier riffs. Guitarists Tim Henson and Scott LePage lead the band’s exploration of a darker sonic landscape, balancing intricate melodies with aggressive textures.
The record explores the contrast between beauty and fear, transforming unsettling themes into elaborate musical compositions. The band also embraced a more collaborative songwriting process, developing material together during sessions in Miami, Los Angeles and Dallas.
Polyphia previewed the album with three singles: “CAN YOU FEEL IT,” “POWER IN THE BLOOD” and “WITH EYES TO SEE.” Each track offered a glimpse into the record’s heavier atmosphere and experimental direction.
The release follows the success of Remember That You Will Die, which helped expand Polyphia’s audience beyond traditional guitar and metal circles through their fusion of instrumental virtuosity, hip-hop influences and electronic sounds.
With BE NOT AFRAID, Polyphia aims to move beyond technical showmanship. The band’s next challenge will be bringing the new material to the stage, with North American tour dates rescheduled for early 2027.
An entity of flesh and bones in pursuit of becoming a higher being. A connoisseur of the mystic arts and everything musical. His origins are unknown, and so are his true motives.
