Interviews About Albums: Cepheidae Variable - Primordial Reverie Ascendant (2026)

In this new interview, we sat down with the Canadian Progressive Metal band Cepheidae Variable to ask questions about their album, "Primordial Reverie Ascendant".

1. What can you say about this new EP/CD?

Primordial Reverie Ascendant is a concept album about a character with a deep longing for something more. It explores the character's emotional and physical journey throughout. Thematically, we dive into topics such as existentialism, disillusionment, and xenophobia.

Instrumentally, it's very cinematic, taking inspiration from video games, film scores, and many different genres of music. It has also been a vessel for advancing both technical and compositional abilities. That being said, it's always been very important for me that the album flows with a strong narrative arc. It's meant to be listened to as a complete piece. Each song acts as though it is a chapter in a book.

2. What is the meaning of the EP/CD name?

Primordial Reverie Ascendant has multiple meanings. It speaks directly of the protagonist's lifelong dream of travelling the stars, but it also symbolizes our passion for creating music, and that being a lifelong pursuit. The Ascendant qualifier was chosen to offer a more interesting take on releasing a vocal reimagining of our debut album. It describes this as the album's final form, but also adds a bit to the story. It's a journey about our character's search for greater meaning. In her mind, she will transcend her current form if she can somehow reach the destination from her visions.

3. Which one is the composer of the CD/EP?

I wrote and arranged the instrumentation, and Chad Bernatchez wrote the lyrics. The story concept existed even when this was an instrumental project; it was heavily expanded upon by Chad to reach its final form.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

I would probably pick The Conduit. It's the only song on the album I would never want to change a thing about. It's also the most meaningful song to the overarching narrative of the Cepheidae Variable universe.

Chad would probably have a different pick depending on the day. I know The Waiting Storm holds a special place in his heart. I remember when it was completed, and he heard the final mix, his response was something like "I'm so proud of this, I need to show my mom"

5. Is there a special message in this EP/CD? If there is what it is?

I think the strongest message here is that running away, expecting something in yourself to change, is rarely the answer. Pursue your passions and give life meaning to yourself.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

The chorus of The Conduit is one of my favorite pieces:

Break me down, then build me up

I let go of what I was

Overwrite the code I wore

Reignite my celestial core

I surrender every part of me

For just one taste of your divinity

I will become the infinite

A universal conduit

It represents the culmination of our character's delusion. They are willing to sacrifice everything, not understanding what that means, what they have lost, or having a clear picture of how this journey will make things better.

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank especially?

Musically, Chad and I both share a deep love for Devin Townsend and Haken. I would say the strongest influence, though, is just playing a lot of fantasy and sci-fi video games and reading a lot of novels. A hidden gem of a band that influenced me quite a bit is Khonsu.

I'd like to give a shout-out to Matthew Mills. Who has been helping me tremendously to polish my abilities on the guitar? This is by far the most challenging material I've written or attempted to play, and he's been a great resource and friend throughout. I expect future releases to be even more ridiculous. He constantly shows me what's possible on the instrument, which I find incredibly inspiring.

I also want to thank everyone who has listened and helped give this project exposure. It might sound a bit cliché, but it is extremely meaningful to me to have people who enjoy this music enough to continue listening.

8. Something to add?

Expect lots more music from us in the future. Our follow-up album is in the writing stage, and we're always keeping busy. Hope everyone enjoys the release, and we're an open book if anyone just wants to talk music.

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