Power Trip Reflect on 'Best Tour Ever' Supporting Panthera

Power Trip guitarist Blake Ibanez has hailed the band's early 2025 European run as a pivotal moment for the Texas outfit. Speaking on the "100 Songs That Define Heavy Metal" podcast hosted by Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel, Ibanez described the stint as the "best tour ever," noting that supporting Panthera provided a massive surge of confidence for the band following their reunion.

Ibanez revealed that the group hadn't initially planned on touring, opting instead to focus on honouring the legacy of late frontman Riley Gale. However, the demand from fans and the opportunity to play in arenas prior to the Panthera set became an undeniable catalyst. "It was really, really important," Ibanez explained, noting that the experience proved they could hold their own on large stages and connect with massive crowds.

It showed us, like, 'Oh, we can actually do this and play to a lot of people. And things are working for us.'

The guitarist spoke warmly of the camaraderie with the Panthera camp, including guitarist Charlie Benante and bassist Rex Brown. For a band from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, performing alongside a local institution was a point of pride. While acknowledging the complexities of Panthera's current touring lineup, Ibanez maintained that the enduring demand for those iconic songs remains a vital part of the metal landscape. The current Power Trip roster features Ibanez, alongside vocalists Seth Gilmore and Nick Stewart, drummer Chris Ulsh, and bassist Chris Whetzel.