Electronic Press Kit
Bio
Emerging from British Columbia, Canada and Stockholm, Sweden, Cepheidae Variable is a progressive metal band known for blending technical precision with cinematic atmosphere and narrative-driven composition. Founded by guitarist and composer Ryan Koepke, the project began as a vehicle for complex rhythmic ideas, melodic lead work, and expansive sound design rooted in modern progressive metal.
As the project evolved, Cepheidae Variable expanded beyond its original solo framework into a collaborative band entity. The addition of vocalist Chad Bernatchez marked a significant evolution in the project’s sound, allowing the music to grow in scale, emotional range, and narrative depth.
Drawing influence from Haken, Dream Theater, Opeth, Devin Townsend, and Ayreon, the band balances heavy, riff-driven passages with ambient textures, orchestral elements, and dynamic arrangements. With new material currently in development, Cepheidae Variable continues to refine its sound as a focused and evolving voice within modern progressive metal.
“Genuinely exciting” Prog Magazine
“Pure poetry” Rock Hard Italy
“The musicianship is undeniable” Metalized Magazine
Contact
Media Inquiries
Curtis Dewar: [email protected]
Sofia Frasz: [email protected]
General Inquiries
[email protected]
Press Assets
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Releases
LP · 07.11.2025
Primordial Reverie
Primordial Reverie is a fully instrumental concept record built around evolving biomes and acts in the absence of lyrics, combining recurring motifs, layered orchestration, synth textures, and guitar-driven themes into a cohesive narrative arc.
Blending technical, riff-driven writing with melodic leads, odd time signatures, orchestral arrangements, and evocative soundscapes, the album focuses on atmosphere, emotional contrast, and cinematic progression.
A vocal reimagining of the album is currently in development, expanding upon the original material through new lyrical themes.
Press
“Primordial Reverie is a heavy, earnest dose of modern instrumental prog/symphonic metal. Towering guitar workouts like Carving A Dragon, Zephyr Of Ourobouros and the genuinely exciting Entropic Harvester showcase some serious chops.”
Prog Magazine
“The harmony of sounds and atmospheres that emerges hits the mark perfectly, offering moments of pure poetry: a mix of technique and inspiration pushed to decidedly high-quality levels, confirming the compositional and interpretative talents of an artist of substance.”
Rock Hard Italy
“Ryan Koepke does an excellent job maintaining poignancy throughout Primordial Reverie’s hour-ish run time. This album does feel like a singular journey that takes the listener into different emotional headspaces as the music unfolds.”
Metal Utopia
“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
“The musicianship is undeniable, with Koepke proving himself a highly capable guitarist.”
Metalized Magazine