Polyphia

Polyphia is an American instrumental progressive metal band based in Dallas, Texas,^[1] formed in 2010.

History

Polyphia first achieved mainstream success when the guitar play-through of "Impassion", from the EP, Inspire, went viral on YouTube. The band continues to grow in popularity and have gone on several national tours sharing the stage with the likes of other progressive metal giants such as Periphery, Between the Buried and Me, and August Burns Red.^[2]

Polyphia has featured guitarists such as Jason Richardson (Chelsea Grin, Born of Osiris, and All Shall Perish), Aaron Marshall (Intervals), Mario Camarena (Chon), Erick Hansel (Chon), Rick Graham, Nick Johnston, and Jakub Żytecki.^[3]

The band states that their influences come from artists of all genres. The group started out with a heavier shred-oriented sound but has since matured into a more melodic-focused band. When describing the album, Muse, Timothy Henson says that the primary inspiration comes from pop and rap music as to not draw influence from other artists of their genre.^[4]

Style and influences

Polyphia is known for their melodic and progressive sound which employs heavy use of technical lead guitar harmonies, yet catchy riff writing. They can be considered a member of the djent movement, even though they, unlike their contemporaries, are not as characteristically heavy.^[5] The band consists of guitarists Tim Henson and Scott LePage, and bassist Clay Gober.

Polyphia released their first EP, Inspire, in 2013,^[6] followed by their debut studio album, Muse, on April 21, 2015. Their second studio album, Renaissance, was released on March 11, 2016.

Current members

• Timothy Henson – guitar (2010–present)
• Scott LePage – guitar (2010–present)
• Clay Gober – bass guitar (2012–present)

Touring members

• Clay Aeschliman - drums (2016–present)

Past members

• Brandon Burkhalter – drums (2010–2014; 2015–2016)
• Randy Methe – drums (2014–2015)
• Lane Duskin – vocals (2010-2012)
• Hunter Avant – vocals (2012)

Reception

Metal Injection wrote in their review of Muse: "Basically, if you're looking for some really great instrumental music that stays away from the pitfalls of modern instrumental metal and will not be leaving your rotation anytime soon, grab Muse. Or if you're looking for a few songs to hum madly to yourself throughout your daily life because they simply will not leave your head...again, this album right here. Get it." ^[7]

Discography

Studio albums

• Muse (2014, Re-release 2015) Equal Vision
• Renaissance (2016) Equal Vision

EPs

• Inspire (2013)

Demos

• Resurrect (2011)

References