The Blood band photo

POLYPHIA Unleashes Their Most Ambitious Work Yet with 'Be Not Afraid'

By Jason •
The genre-defying instrumental titans dive deep into darkness and light in their upcoming album.

Prepare yourselves, metalheads! POLYPHIA, the audacious architects of instrumental rock, are set to unveil their fifth studio endeavor, 'Be Not Afraid', on October 23 via Rise Records. The electrifying new single, 'Power In The Blood', comes with a captivating music video shot amidst the Baroque splendor of São Francisco da Penitência Church in Rio de Janeiro, directed by the visionary Caleb Young. This visual feast primes us for the sonic journey ahead, showcasing the band’s relentless drive to innovate.

Spanning the creative landscapes of Miami, Los Angeles, and Dallas throughout 2024 and 2025, the band collaborated with co-producer RJ Pasin and guitar virtuoso Spiro Dussias. Guitarist Tim Henson took a bold new approach to songwriting, vocalizing ideas before translating them to guitar, fostering a real-time collaborative environment that was more about shared joy than individual achievement. As the sessions progressed, their musical camaraderie flourished, leading to a record that defies all expectations.

"Instead of going wide on 'Be Not Afraid', we went as deep as we could," Henson asserts, emphasizing the intricate layers that await listeners. This album is not just another collection of tracks; it's a profound exploration that promises to reveal new depths with each listen. Guitarist Scott LePage echoes this sentiment, stating, "We physically can't make the same album twice. Our evolution is relentless," highlighting their commitment to artistic growth.

What emerges from this creative crucible is a breathtaking tapestry that juxtaposes the stark dualities of existence—light and dark, joy and terror. Henson elaborates on this dichotomy, noting that the album navigates through uplifting triumphs and spine-chilling moments, capturing a visceral emotional spectrum that is both beautiful and disturbing. "There are moments on the record that legitimately scare me when I listen to them," he confesses, revealing the raw honesty that permeates their work.

Earlier this year, POLYPHIA ignited excitement with the release of 'Can You Feel It', their first single in over four years, which showcased their daring fusion of metal and dance music. Henson recounts their descent into the darker corners of creativity, confronting unsettling truths about the human experience. 'Be Not Afraid' is their powerful response, a refusal to be paralyzed by the world's ugliness, instead channeling that energy into something strikingly beautiful.

In true POLYPHIA fashion, the band has refused to compromise on their vision for 'Be Not Afraid'. The meticulous crafting of this album has necessitated a shift in their touring schedule, pushing the North American leg of their 2026 world tour to early 2027, with RJ Pasin continuing to support them worldwide. Fans can expect to see LADRONES on North American dates and PERTURBATOR joining for all European shows in late 2026. Tickets for previous dates remain valid, ensuring that no headbanger gets left behind.