The official lyric video for the song "Toast To The Ghost" from BAD WOLVES can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's debut album, which will be released in the spring on Eleven Seven Music. BAD WOLVES, which is managed by Zoltan Bathory of FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH, consists of of vocalist Tommy Vext (ex-DIVINE HERESY, SNOT), drummer John Boecklin (ex-DEVILDRIVER), guitarist Doc Coyle (VAGUS NERVE, ex-GOD FORBID), guitarist Chris Cain (BURY YOUR DEAD) and bassist Kyle Konkiel (ex-IN THIS MOMENT). "We're already fans of the band so it's fantastic to welcome BAD WOLVES to the Eleven Seven label family," says Eleven Seven COO Steve Kline. BAD WOLVES burst on to the scene earlier this year with the independently released debut single "Learn To Live". The Los Angeles-based five-piece is now gearing up for an even bigger 2018 with new music, a new label and new management. "From a creative standpoint, we were very fortunate to garnish the support of not only a friend we trusted as a manager but also respected as an artist and entrepreneur," explains the band of the decision to work with Bathory's management company. "Zoltan's outside-the-box thinking and unique perspective helped broadened the vision of what we hope to accomplish as a band." Adds Bathory: "I knew these guys for many years from their previous bands so I knew they were all exceptional musicians, but when they formed BAD WOLVES and played me the first few songs, I thought, 'Okay... there is fire here, this one has the magical combination.' Hard work and persistence always outstrip talent, and these guys have both." Boecklin previously described BAD WOLVES' style as "a heavy-slightly prog rock band that tunes low and cuts off most of the fat. Watching FAITH NO MORE on the reunion tour made my thought process change," he explained. "I was standing there, and it hit me that I don't want to be in a metal band with screaming all the time. We're heavy, yet from track-to-track, things change quite a bit." "More was revealed, so more was required," added Vext. "The overall tonality and approach resonated with me as an opportunity to challenge myself and grow as a vocalist. I was given a platform to tap into some musical influences I hadn't yet explored in previous bands. All in all, it was some of the most diverse, original material I've gotten to wrap my hands around." In no rush to put together something reminiscent of his musical past, Boecklin quietly wrote over the course of 2015. During summer of 2016, he entered AudioHammer Studios with longtime collaborator Mark Lewis (TRIVIUM, ALL THAT REMAINS) and tracked what would become the group's debut album. "Starting from scratch is never easy," admitted Boecklin. "Many musical roads were traveled before getting to what you hear today — it's trial and error. I kept reminding myself not to do what I've done before. Eventually, we started to hear what we wanted." Album opener "A Toast To The Ghosts" delivers a searing gut-punch punctuated by sharp succinct fretwork, smart-bomb precise percussion, and another searing vocal performance. Everything culminates on the pensive and punishing "Blood And Bones". Vext added: "It's like an open letter to an abusive relationship partner that no longer serves you or the opposing counterpart. It's left open to interpretation." Defined by a push-and-pull between incalculable instrumentation and soaring melodies, BAD WOLVES will keep listeners guessing and thinking on their path to hard rock and metal supremacy. "This is something new for me," Boecklin left off. "It's the most unique drumming I've ever done. Tommy has never sounded so good. The songs are much more diverse than anything from our collective past. I'd love for people to take away some sort of connection emotionally. That's what all of the bands who inspire me do. Everything else doesn't really matter."
Continue reading...
Continue reading...