Avenged Sevenfold have unexpectedly released Statica, a four-track EP that continues the band’s recent move towards more experimental and progressive music. The release matters because it marks another sharp departure from the classic rock and 1980s metal influences associated with some of their most popular earlier albums.

The EP contains Lights, Statica, Rejoice and Ashes, runs for 18 minutes and seven seconds, and arrived without prior announcement. Louder describes it as a futuristic, space-themed record built around robotic vocals, science-fiction synthesizers and electronic dance beats, drawing comparisons with Daft Punk, Slift and Muse at their most psychedelic.