Denver-based NECROPANTHER have unveiled ‘The Tempest’, the lead single from their fifth full-length album, “The Book Of Change”, due out digitally on November 13. Blending thrash, death, and black metal, the album explores transformation through a range of classic science fiction and horror works, as well as Shakespeare’s play The Tempest.

Guitarist Joe Johnson traces the album’s inspiration to classic science fiction, horror, and literary works, alongside the video game Rampage. Drawing on works such as The Thing, The Fly, and Faust, “The Book Of Change” revolves around physical transformation, evolution, body horror, and the fascination with the unknown.

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The album’s lead single, ‘The Tempest’, takes its name from Shakespeare’s play of the same title. According to Johnson, the track draws partial inspiration from the opening scene, in which a ship is caught in a magically induced storm. Having explored maritime themes in their previous work, NECROPANTHER use the storm as an entry point into the album’s narrative. The play’s inspiration in a failed expedition to Bermuda also ties into the band’s broader thematic focus on change, transformation, and the unexpected consequences of ambition.

Bassist and vocalist Marcus Corich says the track reflects the band’s approach to the new album. In his view, ‘The Tempest’ combines a more stripped-down arrangement with a fast, aggressive, heavy sound without sacrificing musical sophistication. Corich adds that the band continues to hone its self-production skills, describing the track as an example of the direct, no-filler songwriting they aim to emphasize.

Listen to ‘The Tempest’ here.

For the album’s production, the band recorded with Felipe Patino at Green Door Recordings in Denver, Colorado. Kurt Ballou, known for his work with CONVERGE, ISIS, and MASTODON, handled the mix, while Alan Douches, whose credits include CONVERGE, THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, and CHELSEA WOLFE, took care of mastering. The album artwork was created by Max Sherman.

The 13-track “The Book Of Change” features titles referencing characters from Shakespeare’s play, including ‘Caliban’, ‘Ariel’s Song’, and ‘Prospero’, alongside ‘Faust’ and ‘Mephistopheles’. ‘Chopin Rediscovered Waltz - Found In New York, 2024’ and ‘Transmogrification’ are among the album’s instrumental tracks. Digital preorders are available through NECROPANTHER’s Bandcamp page.

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