Much like Terror Management Theory, the supergroup’s widely-anticipated follow-up centers on mortality. In Mayan culture, the titular tree is considered sacred for its connection to the earth, heaven and the underworld. “We love how the image of the Ceiba connects to the overarching theme of loss”, Tejeida explains. As depicted by the album’s lush cover art, it opens like a crack of lightning. Heavy with loss and without any foreseeable hope on the horizon, “Ashes” rains down one thunderous riff after another, only for the dark clouds to lift like a veil amidst its rousing chorus.

“Though I’m broken, my will still remains”. While digging deep, Klemp never fails to hit the high notes. “Finding strength that resides within the pain”.

Like a root, loss possesses a deep hold over Ceiba. “I have experienced lots of personal losses, along with everyone else”, Tejeida says. “Though we don’t often talk about them with each other, loss is so universal that it will always be a natural part of our lives, like a tree”. Whether it’s the loss of a friendship, a romantic relationship, a loved one or your sense of self, so too does the album take many different forms. “Casting Stone” turns a hopeful relationship contentious with a fiery volley between djent, hard rock and electronics. Meanwhile, fragile ballad “Broken” mourns the end of a codependent relationship while accompanied by little more than ghostly synths.

“Prog can be too concerned with being clever, but ‘Broken’ is just an honest song”, Tejeida says. “The song pretty much has stayed the same since we wrote it: raw and to the point”.

No matter how deep Ceiba digs into philosophical terrain, TEMIC continue to branch out in all directions both literally and figuratively. The album treats loss not as an end but as one more step along life’s path. “Your soul will never die”, assures lead single “Cease to Be”, which crosses between prog’s technical sorcery and pop’s divine melodies with relative ease thanks to shrewd guidance from the group’s newest member and bassist Miguel Pereira (Withem, Big City). Supported by swaying leads, towering cleans and firm groove, 10-minute closer “As Long As We Last” promises to stay with us long after its final epic solo.

“We wrote this album together with contributions from all five members”, the band says. “We allowed ourselves to explore the songs and really extend ourselves while always keeping the emotions at the front of our minds”.

With Ceiba, TEMIC return with a thunderous ode of prog.