Polyphia’s Musical Evolution
Tim Henson, the powerhouse guitarist of Polyphia, captivated crowds at the Rock Am Ring festival in Nuerburg, Germany, on June 9, 2024.
Riding high on the success of their fourth album, “Remember That You Will Die,” which thrust the Texas-based instrumental group into the spotlight in 2022, Polyphia is gearing up for an electrifying new chapter in their musical journey.
Their previous work showcased collaborations with iconic artists, including Steve Vai, Chino Moreno from Deftones, and the dynamic rappers Snot and Lil West, blending genres in a way that resonated with fans.
In an exclusive chat with Guitar World, Henson shared insights about the band’s next project.
He highlighted a more concentrated approach, aiming to elevate their signature hyper-shred sound to an even wider audience.
During NAMM 2025, Henson expressed his excitement for this new venture, emphasizing that they will explore heavier themes and sounds designed to resonate with festival audiences.
New Collaborations and Live Performances
After a successful run through major European festivals like Pinkpop and Hellfest, Polyphia is poised to enhance the electric atmosphere they bring to live performances.
Henson is committed to retaining the technical prowess that fans love while crafting music that feels impactful on larger stages.
This might mean stepping back from some softer, nylon-string elements that may not engage huge crowds as effectively.
Henson also discussed their evolving use of instruments, noting the exploration of new sonic frontiers.
The band plans to incorporate more distortion and experiment with extended-range guitars, even hinting at the creation of unique Ibanez signature models tailored to their sound.
He playfully suggested that listening to their latest tracks might inspire fans to snag these guitars, offering an experience reminiscent of their renowned song “Playing God. ” Henson emphasized that this shift in instrumentation aligns with their desire to push boundaries and connect deeper with their audience.
He encouraged fans to check out the upcoming ‘squid’s album cowards review,’ where he teased that the new sound would receive a fresh perspective.
As the band dives into these innovative endeavors, they hope to create a sonic landscape that resonates with both long-time listeners and newcomers alike.
A Unified Musical Direction
In addition to their heavier sound, Polyphia is keen to maintain their trademark genre-blending production style.
Recently, Henson’s sessions with acclaimed producer Mike Dean, known for his collaborations with Kanye West, have sparked fresh ideas and heightened interest in sound design for their next endeavor.
Fans can expect a star-studded album featuring unexpected yet thrilling collaborations.
The band has previously teamed up with Serj Tankian from System of a Down and is set to collaborate once more with Babymetal for both bands’ forthcoming projects.
In an exciting lineup, they will also support System of a Down on a stadium tour alongside fellow heavyweights Korn, Avenged Sevenfold, and Deftones this summer.
Between these major shows, the band will continue to refine their album in studio sessions while exploring additional guest collaborations.
Polyphia dreams of collaborating with a versatile array of artists, from Zakk Wylde to Thundercat, eager to see how these partnerships might influence their sound.
This time around, the focus will be on a more unified musical direction.
Henson reflected on the extensive range showcased in their last album, from J-pop influences to heavy tracks with Chino Moreno, but now they aim to create a more cohesive sound that does not stretch them across too many styles.
With such thrilling developments on the horizon, anticipation among music fans is palpable.
There’s hope that Henson’s much-discussed signature eight-string guitar could finally materialize.
The future looks brilliant for Polyphia, promising a powerful and unified sound that will challenge boundaries and captivate listeners.