Cue flashy guitar passages, booming trap beats, and … hyperpop vocals? In September of 2022, progressive rock group Polyphia released “ABC,” the third single off their long-awaited fourth album, “Remember That You Will Die.” “ABC” is an electric sugar rush with an unbelievably fast groove, complete with guitarists Tim Henson and Scottie LePage’s weaving riff work, bassist Clay Gober’s groovy lines, and drummer Clay Aeschliman’s perfect runs. Only this time, they found a hyperpop singer who could sing Henson’s guitar hook note for note, all while reciting the ABCs! It sounds overwhelming, but if there’s any band that creates melody out of a frenzy, it’s Polyphia. Paired with a video boasting kawaii chaos and nostalgic Guitar Hero segments, “ABC” was destined to go viral beyond the band’s growing fanbase. Now, just over a year since the release of RTYWD, Polyphia is selling out shows all over the world, amassing thousands of fans daily through the internet, and partnering with world-class music brands. I had the pleasure of seeing them live in Los Angeles last October on their Playing God tour; let’s just say, they brought the house down. Picture hundreds of people moshing and violently humming each song, note for note. Not bad for a math rock band.

Polyphia is rising outside the metal scene alongside other big TikTok names like Bad Omens and Lorna Shore. Starting off as a high school deathcore act in 2010, Polyphia morphed into what is best described as “stylistic prog” over the last decade while curating an individually virtuosic sound. While albums like “Muse” and “Renaissance” established them as math rock forerunners, Polyphia set themselves apart with their 2017 EP, “The Most Hated.” Delicious blues licks from the track “Goose” and sunny sweep picking of “40 oz” mixed with trap drums and bass took math rock to an entirely new level, but Polyphia didn’t stop there. The single “G.O.A.T.” from their 2018 album “New Levels, New Devils” took the online guitar community by storm for its wildly catchy and sophisticated main riff interlaced with a dark, trap rhythm section. In the sphere of progressive rock, Polyphia had achieved an entirely new sound with this album, prompting listeners from every corner of the music community to tune in. While the band is widely praised for its art of fusing multiple genres, many dismiss their music as cheap and unoriginal and Henson’s composition as soulless and self-indulgent. Progressive rock artists often have a reputation for writing songs with complex music theory at the expense of enjoyability, which can drive people away from the genre. Polyphia, however, doesn’t trade melody for theory or technique, and this is what sets them apart for many fellow musicians and listeners alike. Thanks to Polyphia and other boundary-pushing artists, technical music is shining through and finding a wider audience than ever before.

Thus far, Polyphia has carved out its own niche within progressive rock: the trap guitars. Just give any of their songs a listen, and you’ll hear everything from R&B to bubblegum pop to bossa nova anchored by trap. Interestingly, despite being guitarists coming from rock and metal backgrounds, Henson and LePage listen exclusively to rap, citing Los Angeles rappers and hip-hop producers as heavy inspiration for Polyphia’s style. As an example of his innovation, Henson wrote the “G.O.A.T.” riff to emulate the voice of a rapper. Not only are they integrating different genres, but Polyphia is reviving guitar culture by breaking classic rock and blues stereotypes. Although Henson and LePage idolize guitarists like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Polyphia’s aim isn’t to replicate what’s already been done. Just like Hendrix pioneered distortion on the electric guitar, Polyphia uses the guitar as their singular means to an end — creative expression unbounded by current stylistic norms. So many guitar techniques, from thumping to hybrid picking to harmonics, have been popularized and revamped by Henson and LePage, all in the name of bringing their ideas to life. “Boomer bends” walked so modern spicy riffage could run.

Tim Henson has developed somewhat of a cult following himself. To promote “The Most Hated,” he began building the personal image for which he is known today. Androgynous selfies, arm and neck sleeve tattoos, and his millennial nonchalance contrasted with extraordinary musicianship have cemented Henson as an internet icon. He takes full advantage of his online platforms, staying connected to his audience primarily through YouTube where he posts song playthroughs and even guitar tutorials and breakdowns for his musician audience. In this TikTok age, a 30 second clip can make or break an artist, so Henson and other Polyphia members post quick, impressive highlights to keep their fans hyped. Henson remains humble despite his effusive playing, a quiet yet encouraging inspiration to a new generation of guitarists. As one of the most polarizing musicians of his generation, Tim Henson leads the way for a new wave of guitar culture that emphasizes accessible experimentation. 

While Polyphia will always have its die-hard fans, its ultimate aim is to make good music that everyone can enjoy. 

“If you like music, you’ll like our album [Remember That You Will Die],” Henson said. 

Indeed, RTYWD speaks volumes for the band’s genre versatility. I believe that Polyphia will continue to collaborate with more prominent artists in the future, creating trends and fusing genres in exciting ways as they go. For now, if you love classical, jazz, pop, indie, rap, nu-metal, or even just some good old shredding, Polyphia already has something for you to try.

Song recommendations: Chimera (feat. Lil West), Reverie, The Audacity (feat. Anomalie), Playing God

Image courtesy of Kerrang!