Cepheidae Variable shares Carving a Dragon debut single video playthrough

Cepheidae Variable, the one-man progressive metal project helmed by guitarist and composer Ryan Koepke, has officially unveiled its debut single, “Carving a Dragon”, accompanied by a playthrough video. The track serves as the first glimpse into Cepheidae Variable’s upcoming debut full-length instrumental album, “Primordial Reverie”, set for release on November 7th, 2025.

Originally conceived as a personal exploration of musical growth, Cepheidae Variable evolved into a deeply emotional and ambitious endeavour following Koepke’s father’s cancer diagnosis and the news of his own impending fatherhood.

“I stopped waiting around and created something I’d be proud of. This album became a reflection of emotional turbulence, hope, and transformation,”

shares Koepke.

“Carving a Dragon” was the first track written for the album, and one of the most challenging. Inspired by Robin Hobb’s Assassin’s Quest, the song symbolizes pouring one’s soul into creation and marks the beginning of Koepke’s journey as a solo recording artist. With its energetic, uplifting fantasy feel, it stands in contrast to the moodier, sci-fi-themed tracks that follow.

“There were many times during the writing process I considered scrapping this song. The result is something that has stuck with me and has a lot of meaning to not only myself, but also friends and family who supported me.”

says Koepke.

Check out the brand new playthrough video for “Carving a Dragon” right here:

The album itself is a genre-defying instrumental narrative, weaving through symphonic fantasy, sci-fi textures, and progressive complexity. Koepke describes the sound as “spacey, weird, melodic, melancholic, happy,” and cites influences ranging from Dream Theater and Haken to Wintersun and Caligula’s Horse. Divided into three distinct acts, “Primordial Reverie” challenges listeners to experience the full arc of its story, with recurring motifs and evolving themes that reward repeat listens.

The album artwork, created by renowned collage artist Alex Eckman-Lawn, evokes feelings of loneliness, wonder, and cosmic mystery, mirroring the tonal shift that occurs midway through the album.

“I especially enjoyed this artwork because of the amount of interpretation it allows from the viewer. It was a heavy influence on the tonal shift this album undergoes.”

Koepke notes.

Ryan Koepke