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Power Trip

AmericasUnited StatesThrash Metal
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Upcoming Events

Aftershock Festival 2025
Aftershock Festival 2025

2025 10-03 on stage

Get ready to witness the West Coast's ultimate rock, punk, and metal pilgrimage as Aftershock Festival returns to Sacramento's iconic Discovery Park from October 2nd to 5th, 2025. Now in its 13th year, Aftershock has cemented its reputation as a must-attend event, drawing over 160,000 music fans from all 50 states and over 30 countries in previous years. This four-day destination festival consistently delivers a powerhouse lineup of genre titans and rising stars, promising an unparalleled experience for every headbanger and music enthusiast. Aftershock 2025 is set to be bigger and bolder than ever, featuring an impressive roster of over 115 bands performing across four stages. Headliners like Blink-182, Deftones (playing a special hometown show), Korn, and Bring Me The Horizon are poised to ignite the crowds with their electrifying performances. Beyond the main acts, the festival boasts an incredible depth of talent, including highly anticipated reunions like The Dillinger Escape Plan and Chiodos, rare performances, and a strong showing of California's own vibrant rock and metal scene. Whether you're a die-hard fan of classic anthems, the raw power of nu-metal, or the cutting edge of genre-blending rock, Aftershock's meticulously curated lineup ensures there's something to fuel every passion. Beyond the stages, Aftershock Festival offers a complete immersive experience. Set against the scenic backdrop of Discovery Park where the American River meets the Sacramento River, attendees can expect a lively atmosphere filled with a diverse array of food and drink options, engaging art installations, and various other entertainment. The festival has become a significant cultural and economic driver for Sacramento, bringing an estimated $30 million economic impact to the region. With its commitment to showcasing the best in rock, punk, and metal, Aftershock 2025 is not just a festival; it's a celebration of a vibrant global community and a testament to the enduring power of heavy music.

Band Timeline

2008

Formation of Power Trip in Dallas, Texas

Power Trip was formed in 2008 in Dallas, Texas, establishing themselves in the crossover thrash genre. The band originally included Riley Gale on lead vocals and Had an initial lineup which began their journey in the metal music scene. Their early work laid the foundation for what would become a significant presence in thrash metal.
2013

First studio album and signing with Southern Lord Records

In 2013, Power Trip signed with Southern Lord Records, marking a major step in their professional career. That same year, they released their debut studio album, Manifest Decimation. This album introduced their aggressive style and social-conscious lyrics to a wider audience, helping them gain recognition within the thrash metal community and begin touring more extensively.
2017

Release of Nightmare Logic and critical acclaim

Nightmare Logic, Power Trip's second studio album, was released in 2017 to critical acclaim. The album was praised for its intense thrash metal sound and socially charged lyrics penned by vocalist Riley Gale, focusing on themes of social inequality and activism. Nightmare Logic helped solidify the band's reputation, entering the Billboard charts and expanding their fanbase significantly. Their success led to shares stages with legendary metal bands such as Ozzy Osbourne and Anthrax, elevating their status in the metal scene.
2018

Compilation album Opening Fire: 2008–2014 released

To compile their early work and extra tracks, Power Trip released Opening Fire: 2008–2014 in 2018. This compilation album gave both new and existing fans access to the band's formative songs and rare tracks, showcasing their development over the years. It served as a retrospective collection highlighting the band's roots and musical evolution during their early career.
2019

Announcement of work on third album

In late 2019, Power Trip announced they were working on their third studio album, signaling continued creative momentum. This announcement was met with anticipation from fans and critics alike, eager to see how the band would evolve their sound following the acclaim of Nightmare Logic. The band had been building upon their strong foundation in crossover thrash, preparing to release new material that could further define their legacy.
2020

Death of vocalist Riley Gale and impact on the band

On August 24, 2020, Power Trip's lead vocalist Riley Gale passed away at the age of 34. His death was announced by the band the following day and deeply impacted fans and the metal community. Gale was known for his powerful voice and socially aware lyrics that defined much of the band's work. His passing halted the band's momentum, especially as they were preparing for a European tour with Lamb of God and Kreator, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and further delayed following Gale's death.
2021

Cause of Riley Gale's death revealed

In May 2021, the Dallas County medical examiner ruled that Riley Gale's death was caused by an accidental overdose due to the toxic effects of fentanyl. The report detailed that Gale had a history of depression and drug abuse, and was found unresponsive at home. This tragic news brought greater awareness to mental health and substance abuse issues within the music industry, highlighting the challenges faced by artists despite their success.
2023

Seth Gilmore joins as new lead vocalist

Following a period of mourning and uncertainty after Riley Gale's death, Power Trip introduced Seth Gilmore as their new lead vocalist in 2023, marking a new chapter for the band. Gilmore's addition promised continuity while aiming to honor Gale's legacy. The change was significant for fans and the band alike, representing resilience and a commitment to keeping the band active in the thrash metal scene.

Albums

power-trip_1st_album
Manifest Decimation
8 tracks
2013
power-trip_2nd_album
Nightmare Logic
8 tracks
2017
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Blake Ibanez

2008

Electric guitar

Chris Whetzel

2008

Electric bass guitar

Nick Stewart

2008

Electric guitar

Chris Ulsh

2011

Drums (drum set)

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Riley Gale

2008
2020

Lead vocals

Chris Ulsh

2014
2015

Electric guitar

Marcus Johnson

2008
2011

Drums (drum set)

Story of Power Trip

Power Trip, the Dallas, Texas crossover thrash titans, exploded onto the scene in 2008. Their 2020 lineup featured Riley Gale (vocals), Blake Ibanez (lead guitar), Nick Stewart (rhythm guitar), Chris Whetzel (bass), and Chris Ulsh (drums), the latter replacing Marcus Johnson in 2009. Following the tragic passing of Gale in 2020, Seth Gilmore took the reins as vocalist in 2023.

The band left an undeniable mark on the 2010s thrash metal landscape. Their two studio albums, Manifest Decimation (2013) and the critically acclaimed Nightmare Logic (2017) – the latter charting on Billboard – cemented their status. They also released a compilation of early material and a live album. Their impact extended to prestigious awards, with a live performance of "Executioner's Tax (Swing of the Axe)" earning a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance.

History:

Power Trip signed with Southern Lord Records in 2013, unleashing Manifest Decimation upon the world. Their follow-up, Nightmare Logic (2017), garnered widespread praise. The Guardian highlighted Riley Gale's lyrics as tackling "social inequality and activism," with Gale himself describing the album as exploring "this waking nightmare… trying to find optimism…realising that the 99% of us have more in common than we think." The band's legacy continues to resonate within the metal community.

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