On the radar: Power Trip

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Conviction, craft and killer riffs

Amid the ‘kitchen sink’ technique so prevalent in metal, Texan thrashers Power Trip are innovating with simplicity.

We want to be the best - and we really don’t want to sound like anyone else right now

Their sound is an enthralling blend of menacing samples, classic thrash songcraft and Lamb Of God punch - not to mention a blasé attitude to the metal rulebook.

Guitarists Nick Stewart and Blake Ibanez favour an ESP EX-401 and Jackson RR-1, respectively and rely on little tonal trickery.

Lacing up

“We use Lace Drop & Gain pickups,” explains Nick. “then I have an ENGL Ritchie Blackmore and I play through a Mesa cabinet. No effects pedals - I like stuff that kicks ass.” This conviction runs deep within Power Trip.

“Sometimes we’re too simple for technical metal heads,” reflects Blake. “But we’re just trying to write good riffs and songs… We want to be the best - and we really don’t want to sound like anyone else right now.”

(Image credit: Josh Andrade)
  • For fans of: Lamb Of God, Slayer
  • Hear: Firing Squad
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Matt Parker
Matt Parker

Matt is a freelance journalist who has spent the last decade interviewing musicians for the likes of Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, MusicRadar, NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound. In 2020, he launched CreativeMoney.co.uk, which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.