POWER TRIP Roars Back with Scorching Double Single "Precinct 3" / "Scavenger"
The metal gods have smiled once again upon the Lone Star State as POWER TRIP surfaces from the shadows with their fiery new double single, "Precinct 3" and "Scavenger." Fans have been left parched for new material, having waited nearly a decade since the band last dropped a sonic bomb, a period that felt like an eternity. However, against the odds, the Texas thrash titans have returned, and they’re not just revisiting the glory days; they’re charting a ferocious new course into the future.
These tracks signal the dawn of a new era for POWER TRIP, emerging in the wake of the tragic loss of their charismatic frontman, Riley Gale, in 2020. With the weight of high expectations and a legacy carved from relentless touring and a Grammy nomination, the band has unleashed a sound that is both familiar and fresh. Recorded at Empire Sound in Carrollton, Texas, this release marks their first collaboration with renowned producer Jacob Hansen, known for his work with heavyweights like ARCH ENEMY and VOLBEAT. Hansen’s touch retains the raw power of their previous sessions while injecting a polished edge to their bold new ideas.
In a twist of fate, Seth Gilmore, a long-time ally of the band and a staple in the Texas hardcore and punk scenes, takes the reigns on vocals. Gilmore, who fronts the thrash outfit FUGITIVE, formed with guitarist Blake Ibanez, steps into a role that demands both reverence and ferocity. As POWER TRIP's drummer Chris Ulsh puts it, "Recording worked out really well for us because [Jacob] has the knowledge of making these big records, but also comes from the late '80s extreme metal underground." The band demanded a sound that was current yet unmistakably their own, and they’ve certainly delivered on that front.
The single "Precinct 3" bursts forth with a primal energy that embodies the spirit of a beast unleashed. Fueled by the relentless drumming of Ulsh and the fierce guitar work of Ibanez and Nick Stewart, the track races along at a blistering 205 BPM, punctuated by signature half-speed beatdowns. Lyrically, it explores themes of unchecked authority, echoing the socio-political turmoil of today, and serves as a powerful homage to Gale’s memory. "When we were writing this, we wondered what Riley would have wanted to write about," reflects Ibanez, capturing the essence of their creative process.
The second offering, "Scavenger," is a mid-tempo juggernaut that fits seamlessly into the POWER TRIP canon, standing shoulder to shoulder with fan classics. With a sinister riff that crawls over a confident rhythm, the song ventures into new terrain with dynamic mid-choruses and gut-punch breakdowns. Gilmore’s lyrics, steeped in disdain for those who exploit others’ hard work, tap into a raw, unfiltered rage that fans have come to expect from the band.
"Precinct 3" and "Scavenger" not only showcase the band’s evolution but also signal the impending arrival of their highly anticipated studio album slated for spring 2027. Released through the newly minted Blue Grape Music, both tracks are available across all digital platforms, with a limited edition seven-inch single available for those who appreciate the tactile experience of vinyl. Additionally, fans can look forward to an exclusive Record Store Day release featuring alternate artwork. As POWER TRIP gears up for an electrifying series of live performances, including a nod to Slayer's 40th Anniversary, one thing is clear: the thrash titans are back, and they’re here to claim what’s rightfully theirs.