Last December, Texas crossover unit Power Trip took to the stage for the first time since the tragic passing of beloved frontman and activist, Riley Gale. The impromptu performance set in motion the band's official return, with the confirmation of their appearance for the inaugural No Values Festival announced the following February. 

Coupling a pair of important headlining sets around their June 8th festival set which saw the band billed among the likes of Turnstile, The Dillinger Escape Plan, The Original Misfits, Social Distortion and more, Power Trip completed a trifecta of Southern California dates which underscored the rabid appetite for the band's return.

Taking on The Glass House in Pomona prior to No Values, crushing the Garey Ave. stage at the festival, then completing the victory lap with a finale at The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday - it became evident that not only had the band remerged stronger, but the legacy of RIley Gale had continued to reach new fans through the convincing quality and enduring shelf-life of the music. 

With Seth Gilmore of Skourge and Blake Ibanez-led Fugitive taking on vocals for the stint, their was an obvious reverence for Riley that added real significance to these shows. While the tone was far from somber, Power Trip's live return was emphatic, undeniable and cathartic in way that honored Gale by carrying on in a way he would have - with a full head of steam. 

Compiling a set list that reached back as far as the band's 2011 self-titled EP with cuts like "Divine Apprehension" and "Suffer No Fool", Power Trip seemed to consider their most die-hard fans first when it came to finalizing the song selection. Asserting the band's crossover thrash DNA, Power Trip threw caution to the wind in a set that saw one of their biggest songs land a knockout blow early - with "Executioner's Tax (Swing of the Axe)" going second and inciting pandemonium on the floor of the Fonda. 

Sourcing a healthy combination of essentials from both 2013's Manifest Decimation as well as 2017's breakout Nightmare Logic, fans were quickly reminded just why the band was on such a skyrocketing trajectory before they were forced to collectively hit pause. Fans were also reminded of just how durable Power Trip was built - showcasing the classic aggression of crossover thrash that has always been an integral to the identity of the band. 

Equal parts celebration of Gale's legacy and an auspicious hint at the band's future, Power Trip's Southern California takeover proved to be one of the highlights of heavy music's calendar year.

Check the gallery of images from the band's sold out Fonda Theatre show, captured by photographer Maurice Nunez. 

POWER TRIP