Photo Credit – Solo artist: Ryan Koepke – Guitar, Bass, Composition, Production
Solo progressive metal project Cepheidae Variable releases its electrifying new single and playthrough video “The Waiting Storm”, offering fans a thunderous preview of the upcoming debut album “Primordial Reverie”, arriving November 7th, 2025.
Created by guitarist and composer Ryan Koepke, Cepheidae Variable began as a personal exploration of musical growth. Initially casual, the project took on a deeper meaning following Koepke’s father’s cancer diagnosis and the news that he himself would soon become a father. These life-altering events infused the music with emotional depth and urgency, transforming the album into a cathartic journey through sound.
“The Waiting Storm was the easiest song to name. It’s the action scene of the album: dark clouds, lightning, and movement. It’s also my favorite to play. It’s accessible, energetic, and gets me moving every time,” shares Koepke.
As the third track on “Primordial Reverie,” “The Waiting Storm” delivers relentless momentum. With a catchy main riff and explosive chorus sections, the song is designed to energize. Aside from a brief reprieve in the center, it never lets up, making it one of Koepke’s favorite tracks to perform. It serves as a powerful prelude to the album’s first epic, “Zephyr of Ouroboros”, and showcases Cepheidae Variable’s signature blend of spacey, melodic, and melancholic tones.
Listen to “The Waiting Storm” at the following links:
Playthrough – https://youtu.be/ohvtVeir32g
Add to your Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/
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“Primordial Reverie” is a fully instrumental concept album that unfolds across three distinct acts. From the uplifting fantasy of “Carving a Dragon” to the sci-fi complexity of “Singularity”, each track builds upon recurring motifs and evolving themes. The album’s structure mirrors a visual narrative, inviting listeners to craft their own story through the music.
“I wanted to release an album that felt like a journey. Something that builds and shifts, with each song having its own identity. It’s a reflection of my life, my growth, and the emotional turbulence I experienced while writing,” explains Koepke.
Through rich orchestration, immersive synths, and intricate guitar work, “Primordial Reverie” transcends genre boundaries and invites deep, intentional listening. Merging the power of progressive metal with cinematic ambiance, Cepheidae Variable draws inspiration from Dream Theater, Haken, Intervals, Wintersun, and Caligula’s Horse to craft a profoundly personal instrumental odyssey.
Digital Album pre-save (out Nov 7th) “Primordial Reverie” – https://distrokid.com/
CD Album pre-order – https://cepheidaevariable.
Album Teaser – https://youtu.be/vsnRt_hK57k
Playthrough – “Carving a Dragon” – https://youtu.be/qhp5qvAn2Pk
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Track Listing:
1. Overture (3:11)
2. Carving a Dragon (4:04)
3. The Waiting Storm (3:13)
4. Zephyr of Ouroboros (9:15)
5. Encounter (5:53)
6. The Conduit (6:03)
7. Chromatic Haven (5:11)
8. Entropic Harvester (10:27)
9. Singularity (11:32)
Album Length: 58:53
For more info: https://cepheidaevariable.com/
“This was a solid album to listen to. Without vocals, the artist has to work harder to convey his feelings and emotions in his music, and Ryan did that well. Many of the melodies you can hum or sing along with, and that’s a testament to the instrumental album.” – Metal Temple
“Combining symphonic textures, sci-fi ambience, and progressive intricacy, Primordial Reverie explores the balance between chaos and melody, emotion and evolution. Through layers of orchestral arrangements, synths, and guitar-driven storytelling, Ryan invites listeners to experience a sonic voyage through creation, transformation, and reflection.” – Crannk
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