Primordial Reverie Debut Concept Album metal artist Cepheidae Variable

Carving a Dragon · 10.21.2026

“Carving a Dragon” introduces the narrative that runs through Primordial Reverie Ascendant. “The protagonist is gripped by recurring dreams; an unshakable pull toward the stars.” CEPHEIDAE VARIABLE explains. “As the track progresses, that tension shifts into determination. Longing gives way to resolve. ‘Carving a Dragon’ becomes a metaphor for self-growth.

Beyond the album’s narrative, the lyrics also reflect the underlying motivation behind the project itself. A longstanding drive to create and release music, culminating in the formation of CEPHEIDAE VARIABLE.”

Musically, “Carving a Dragon” evokes the feeling of embarking on a new journey. Opening with a driving riff, this memorable motif provides momentum and movement. Orchestral strings inject a cinematic touch to the atmosphere while synthesizer textures enhance the sound and the track’s theme.

Written by Ryan Koepke
Lyrics by Chad Bernatchez
Mixed by Ryan Koepke
Mastered by Ryan Koepke
Artwork by Ryan Koepke

Primordial Reverie
Album · 11.07.2025

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.

“Genuinely exciting.”
– Prog Magazine

“The harmony of sounds and atmosphere that emerge hit the mark perfectly, delivering moments of pure poetry: a blend of technique and inspiration pushed to decidedly high qualitative levels, confirming the compositional and interpretive skills of an artist of real substance.”
– Rock Hard Italy

“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

“It’s easy for instrumental metal, and for progressive metal, to lose their emotional punch in a pile of clever passages. 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

“The musicianship is undeniable, with Koepke proving himself a highly capable guitarist.”
– Metalized Magazine

Written by Ryan Koepke
Mixed by Ryan Koepke
Mastered by Cole Millward
Artwork by Alex Eckman-Lawn