Leicester rockers Kasabian are taking inspiration from the sci-fi age on their riveting seventh album, and first without Tom Meighan, The Alchemist’s Euphoria.

There was always going to be a tricky path to follow after the band’s decision to expel former frontman Tom Meighan in 2020 as a result of his domestic violence conviction against partner Vikki Ager.

Sergio Pizzorno has since taken over the frontperson duties, with more ballads to pair with his trademark imaginative style. The four-piece – completed by bassist Chris Edwards, drummer Ian Matthews and newcomer Tim Carter on guitar and backing vocals – underwent a profound shift in light of events beyond their control.

“I was down for the count needing healing / All the cuts in my heart they were bleeding,” croons an electrifying Pizzorno on the euphoric rave-tinged opener ‘ALCHEMIST’.

Despite adding a few less stadium rock anthems to the mix, presumably a conscious choice, ‘SCRIPTYRE’ ensures their trademark swagger remains solid. Pulsating rap, swaying synth-inflected orchestral tones and glistening guitar riffs; the Serge soundscapes are on fire.

On the swirling ‘STRICTLY OLD SKOOL’, Serge champions outside-the-box thinkers who can’t be restricted by other people’s expectations: “You’re Dr. Dre / You’re Frida and you’re Kurt.” Dystopian, space-inspired tracks take centre stage, but Kasabian are more introspective than ever before.

Produced by Frasier T. Smith, folk-y track 'Letting Go' nods to the renaissance (not the Beyoncé one) at the core of the album: “Even if your head’s not right, it’ll be alright,” Serge sings softly, “if you just start letting go”.

We've got to admire his determination to continue to deliver for their rabid fanbase following what could have been a career-ending blight outside of the band's control.

"It feels like a rebirth. I think there’s a renewed energy in the band. When you think everything’s all over and then you realise it’s not it's a powerful emotion to feel. This album signals the start of something new.

"The last few years were the toughest of times in so many ways," Sergio told Hot Press' Edwin McFee this week. "There was a time we never thought that making a new album would be possible and it would never happen, so we’re genuinely so thankful we’re in this position and have new music out there."

The bandleader sees music as medicine, and his studio provides the space to process anything negative.

"The studio is my safe haven," he insists. "That’s my weapon to fight back. Of all the doubts that go through your mind and all the things that other people might say, that’s my opportunity to do my talking. It's my playtime."

On whether they considered performing under a new name and start fresh, Pizzorno had a definitive answer.

"Kasabian is my life’s work. Basically the band didn’t want this ride to end."

Stay tuned for the full interview in our September issue of Hot Press with Kasabian.

Listen to The Alchemist’s Euphoria below.