Photo by Samantha Tellez

First and foremost, let’s acknowledge the obvious: Riley Gale was a singular force of nature whose being is synonymous with POWER TRIP. The band’s impact across the modern day hardcore and metal scene does not exist without him in the equation, and for that reason, we’re left with the discomfort of figuring how to proceed with the version of POWER TRIP left in his passing that still has all of the working muscle and bone behind it even though his voice has left a huge void in its heartbeat.

The Power Trip of 2026 — now fronted by Seth Gilman of the POWER TRIP-adjacent FUGITIVE and Skourge — isn’t necessarily looking to move on from that era as if that specter isn’t hanging over their head, but rather start anew without abandoning what Gale previously wrought. It’s giving Neurosis in 2026 vibes (very complimentary) without trying to fuck with fans or tarnish legacy for a cheap cash grab. That’s at least evident on “Precinct 3”, one half of a new double single marking their full return to recording since Gale passed in 2020.

Here, we’re given more than a fair amount of tempering to our emotional warfare on the above subject with something through mayhem worthy of coexisting alongside Power Trip’s fast-thrash legacy while crashing through expectations for new blood. That’s visible in its shine over its extreme metal parts, chugging along at 205 BPM and doubling down on the riffs in well-oiled fashion. For Gilman’s part, he and the band are doing their most to honor Gale’s spirit in holding the powers that be to the flame. “Flooding the streets / Disrupting the order / Your future is cast / Strike up the match / On with the slaughter.” And on with the next life for POWER TRIP, too.

Directed by: Eric Richter

Power Trip’s “Precinct 3” / “Scavenger” single is available now on Blue Grape Music.