POWER TRIP RELEASE ‘PRECINCT 3’ / ‘SCAVENGER’ DOUBLE SINGLE & ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM FOR 2027
PHOTO: SAMANTHA TELLEZ
Power Trip return from what feels like an eternity – today they debut their triumphant and scorching new double single “Precinct 3” / “Scavenger” - the first of many to come. Fans have waited nearly a decade for these new tracks – songs that they thought might never come. And yet somehow, despite an improbable build up and truly unfathomable expectations, Power Trip have managed to deliver, again– this time plotting a new course for the future. The next chapter begins now.
“Precinct 3” / “Scavenger” are the first new recordings of a new era for Power Trip in the wake of the passing of Riley Gale in 2020. And despite the challenge of living up to the legend they created in their rearview, with a decade of hard-fought wins, a succession of hugely-attended and high profile tours, and eventually a Grammy nomination, “Precinct 3” / “Scavenger” charts a bold path forward. Recorded in Carrollton, TX at Empire Sound, the release marks the band’s maiden voyage with uber-producer Jacob Hansen (Arch Enemy, Volbeat, Amon Amarth, The Black Dahlia Murder, etc.), who maintains the grit of their previous work while adding a new sheen to the band’s fresh ideas.
“Recording worked out really well for us because he has the knowledge of making these big records, but also comes from the late 80’s extreme metal underground,” recalls drummer Chris Ulsh. “We're tough to please because we want something that sounds current, but most importantly we want it to sound like us, however that comes out."
“Precinct 3” sees Power Trip roaring back with all of the teeth-gnashing bloodthirst that you’d expect from a newly-untethered feral animal. Anchored by the propulsive drumming of longtime member Chris Ulsh and wildly impressive attack of guitarists Blake Ibanez and Nick Stewart, “Precinct 3” relies on a tremolo-picked riff with jarring start-stops that speeds along at a dizzying 205 BPM, braking for dual riffing and a short bridge section before entering a signature Power Trip half-speed beatdown. The track follows similar lyrical paths as Power Trip’s previously well-read themes, this time examining the dangers of unchecked authority inspired by the current socio-political climate.
“When we were writing this, we wondered what Riley would have wanted to write about,” recalls founding member and guitarist Blake Ibanez. “So once we decided on that approach, it honestly came really easily– the lyrics were flowing and it just felt like the right way to kick off this new chapter and honor him. I think he would have been stoked to see it come to fruition.”
“Scavenger” is a snarling mid-tempo onslaught that fits firmly in Power Trip’s wheelhouse, sitting comfortably side-by-side with other fan favourites like “Soul Sacrifice” and “Crossbreaker.” Opening with a creepy-crawly riff over a strutting drumbeat, “Scavenger” sees Power Trip venturing into new territory with epic mid-choruses, bridge sections that further explore the deliciously evil main riff, and a mid-section breakdown meant to divorce fans from reality. Frontman Seth Gilmore handles the lyrical content with an unchecked rancor, delving into the phenomenon of people who are willing to attach themselves to another’s hard work, reaping rewards without the dedication or due diligence.
“There are people out there that ride along and develop some sort of self-importance from association,” admits Gilmore. “And from there, they wield that in the wrong directions. Or maybe even against the same people they leeched it from.”
“Precinct 3” and “Scavenger” were produced by Jacob Hansen and co-produced by Blake Ibanez. They arrive today via the band’s new label home Blue Grape Music. “Precinct 3” comes with an arresting video directed by Eric Richter. Power Trip have been working diligently in the studio for over a year now and these singles are a preview into what’s to come on their forthcoming studio album due early 2027.
"Precinct 3" / "Scavenger" is out now via Blue Grape Music/Civilians.
