Polyphia
Polyphia | |
---|---|
![]() Polyphia performing in 2019 | |
Background information | |
Origin | Plano, Texas, US |
Genres | |
Years active | 2010–present |
Labels |
|
Members | Tim Henson Scott LePage Clay Gober Clay Aeschliman |
Past members | Randy Methe Brandon Burkhalter Lane Duskin |
Website | polyphia |
Polyphia is a primarily instrumental progressive rock band based in Plano, Texas that formed in 2010.
History
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/Polyphia_caracol_2017_11_23.png/220px-Polyphia_caracol_2017_11_23.png)
Polyphia first achieved mainstream success when the guitar play-through of "Impassion", from their EP Inspire, went viral on YouTube. Since then, the band's popularity has grown and they have shared the stage with progressive metalcore artists such as Periphery, Between the Buried and Me, and August Burns Red.[1]
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 came from pop and rap music.[2]
In a 2013 interview, when asked about the name of the band the following answer was given:
It comes from the word, “Polyphony”, meaning “music whose texture is defined by the interweaving of several melodic lines”. Playing off this definition, as a band, we capitalize on musicianship, and that, musically, each member of the band is a cornerstone of our sound. We stray from the idea of a one-dimensional, vocal-centered, or, guitar-centered, or drum-centered group, and let each member of the band play an integral part in the overall product. As a people, all of us have a unique and personal identity that makes us dynamic and purposeful, and our band means to convey this quality within all of us through our music; never diminishing the potential of others, and thriving in unity.[3]
Style and influences
The band was originally known for classical guitar covers on YouTube. Their first EP, Inspire, and first LP, Muse, both show the band's appreciation for pop music [how?]. However, both works employ more progressive metal influences than their later releases.[4] This associated them with the djent movement, although they were characteristically less heavy and more melody-based than their peers. Their second studio album, Renaissance, saw the band diverge further away from metal, into a more progressive rock and math rock-influenced sound. They also began to mix elements of EDM, funk, and hip hop, with the single "LIT", a remix of the song "Light", the second track on Renaissance.[5] This sound was further developed with the release of their second EP, The Most Hated, and third LP, New Levels New Devils, which featured production from hip hop and EDM producers Judge and Y2K.[citation needed]
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."[6]
Band members
Current
- Tim Henson – guitar (2010–present)
- Scott LePage – guitar (2010–present)
- Clay Gober – bass guitar (2012–present)
- Clay Aeschliman – drums (2016–present)
Past
- Brandon Burkhalter – drums (2010–2014; 2015–2016), clean vocals (2010–2011)
- Randy Methe – drums (2014–2015)
- Lane Duskin – vocals (2010–2012)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/timeline/9br2tpxbz561vmo4dyzonn6gyq7p5rk.png)
Gear
Tim Henson is an Ibanez-endorsed artist with a signature guitar, THBB10. The THBB10 has a roasted maple neck, a Gotoh tremolo bridge with locking machine heads, as well as DiMarzio pickups.[7] Additionally, Henson has worked with Neural-DSP to release the "Archetype: Tim Henson" plugin, which contains three simulated amps and Henson's signature "Multivoicer" attachment.[8] Scott LePage also uses an Ibanez signature guitar, the SLM10, which also has a roasted maple neck, a Gotoh tremolo bridge with locking machine heads, and DiMarzio pickups.[9] Clay Aeschliman is endorsed by TAMA Drums and frequently uses Meinl cymbals.[10] Clay Gober uses Ibanez bass guitars, most notably basses in the Ibanez SR series.[11]
Discography
Studio albums
- Muse (2014, re-released in 2015)
- Renaissance (2016)
- New Levels New Devils (2018)
- Remember That You Will Die (2022)[12]
EPs
- Inspire (2013)
- The Most Hated (2017)
Demos
- Resurrect (2011)
- Bach Concerto No. 1 in D Minor (2012)
Singles
- "Envision" (featuring Rick Graham) (2013)
- "LIT" (2017)
- "G.O.A.T" (2018)
- "O.D." (2018)
- "Yas" (featuring Mario Camarena and Erick Hansel) (2018)
- "Look But Don't Touch" (featuring Lewis Grant) (2019)
- "Inferno" (2019)
- "Brand New Day" (ft. Babymetal) (2019)
- "Playing God" (2022)
- "Neurotica" (2022)
- "ABC" (featuring Sophia Black) (2022)
References
- ^ "Polyphia premiere "Aviator" music video featuring Chelsea Grin's Jason Richardson – exclusive", Guitar World, April 27, 2015, retrieved February 28, 2021
- ^ Dunlop Sessions: Polyphia. YouTube. August 17, 2015. Retrieved October 21, 2015.
- ^ "POLYPHIA – ARTIST OF THE WEEK CONTEST / INTERVIEW!". The Circle Pit. June 6, 2013. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
- ^ "Music – Polyphia". Polyphia. Retrieved October 21, 2015.
- ^ "Album Review: Polyphia - 'Renaissance'". New Noise Magazine. March 15, 2016. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
- ^ "Album Review: POLYPHIA Muse – Metal Injection". September 4, 2014. Retrieved September 30, 2015.
- ^ "Tim Henson THBB10 Signature Model". guitarlobby.com. February 12, 2022. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ "Archetype: Tim Henson". neuraldsp.com. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
- ^ "Scott LePage SLM10 Signature Model". geargods.com. June 21, 2019. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ "Clay Aeschliman gear". equipboard.com. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
- ^ "Clay Gober gear". equipboard.com. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
- ^ "Polyphia Release New Track Neurotica from Forthcoming Fourth Album, Remember That You Will Die". musicradar.com. July 18, 2022. Retrieved July 18, 2022.