Denver-based blackened thrash metal band NECROPANTHER have unveiled their new single ‘The Thing From Another World’ ahead of the November 13 release of their fifth full-length album, “The Book Of Change”. Premiered via No Clean Singing, the track expands the band’s thrash-driven sound with an elaborate, multi-part melodic middle section.

Guitarist Joe Johnson describes the song as an expansive composition positioned midway through the album. Following its straightforward blackened thrash opening, the track moves into an orchestrated melodic passage where Johnson and guitarist/vocalist Paul Anop perform harmonized guitar parts together. Johnson then takes the spotlight with a solo. According to the guitarist, the influence of Thin Lizzy and Helloween-style melodic metal becomes particularly apparent here, while the harmonic changes make the solo technically challenging to navigate.

The narrative behind ‘The Thing From Another World’ is also tied to the album’s overarching concept. Johnson approaches the shape-shifting creature at the heart of the song as a modern embodiment of the supernatural consequences of past misdeeds and bargains. The ideas behind this interpretation draw on works such as Shakespeare’s The Tempest and Goethe’s Faust.

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“The Book Of Change” revolves around the theme of transformation, drawing inspiration from classic science fiction, horror literature, and popular culture. Alongside works such as The Tempest, The Thing, The Fly, and Faust, the video game Rampage also features among the album’s inspirations. According to Johnson, the band explores physical transformation, evolution, body horror, and the strangeness of the unknown through both its lyrics and compositions.

The album’s production also involves several notable names. Produced by NECROPANTHER, the record was engineered by Felipe Patino at Green Door Recordings in Denver. Mixing was handled by Kurt Ballou, known for his work with Converge, Isis, and Mastodon, at GodCity Studio, while Alan Douches took care of mastering at West West Side Music. The artwork was created by Max Sherman.

“The Book Of Change” comprises 13 tracks and will be released on November 13 in CD and digital formats. Pre-orders are available through Bandcamp, where the previously released first single, ‘The Tempest’, is also available to stream.

NECROPANTHER lineup:

  • Paul Anop – Guitar, vocals

  • Marcus Corich – Bass, vocals

  • Joe Johnson – Guitar

  • Adam Frost – Drums

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https://necropanther.bandcamp.com