Black Skies
From:
Chapel Hill,
NC,
United States
Last Known Status: Active
Latest Black Skies News
Below is our complete Black Skies news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Black Skies To Release New Album
Black Skies will release new full-length album "Circadian Meditations" on November 19th, 2013. Now the band has posted a track from the release online. Check out "Time Lord" in the Bandcamp player below. The following press release was also issued about the album:
"The album expands on the psychedelic leanings of the band's 2011 release On The Wings Of Time. The group returned to Athens, GA in May to again record with Harvey Milk's Kyle Spence. Joining founding Black Skies members Kevin Clark & Michelle Temple for this session was drummer John Crouch (Caltrop, Solar Halos, Horseback).
"Showcasing experimentation, while not abandoning the heavy elements of their sound, Circadian Meditations displays a musical & spiritual evolution for the band. With careful consideration to the sequencing of the songs, as well as the use of ambient sounds, short acoustic instrumental movements, and drones from an Indian shruti box to create transitions, Circadian Meditations is meant to be listened to as a full, flowing cohesive piece rather than a scattered collection of songs." More...
Black Skies To Tour With Caltrop
Friends through the North Carolina Triangle Area heavy music scene, Black Skies and Caltrop were obvious tour mates as the two both share psychedelic sludge leanings and Southern heavy rock roots.
This November, the two bands will hit the road for a coast-to-coast tour. Black Skies will be touring in support of newest full length release, “On The Wings Of Time” and Caltrop will be touring in support of latest release “Ten Million Years and Eight Minutes.” Dates are as follows:
10.30 The Get Down (Asheville, NC) (Black Skies only)?
10.31 Sidecar (Lexington, KY)?
11.01 Reggie’s Music Joint (Chicago, IL)?
11.02 Gabe’s (Iowa City, IA)?
11.03 The Sandbox (Omaha, NE)?
11.04 Aqualung’s Community Music Space (Denver, CO)?
11.05 Burt’s Tiki Lounge (Salt Lake City, UT)?
11.06 The Shredder (Boise, ID)?
11.07 The Comet (Seattle, WA)?
11.08 Plan B (Portland, OR)?
11.09 Little Red Lion (Eureka, CA)?
11.10 Hemlock Tavern (San Francisco, CA)?
11.11 Blue Cafe (Long Beach, CA)?
11.12 Yucca (Tempe, AZ)?
11.13 Burt’s Tiki Lounge (Albuquerque, NM)?
11.14 The Conservatory (Oklahoma City, OK)?
11.15 Arrow Bar (Texarkana, AR)?
11.16 Buccaneer (Memphis, TN)?
11.17 529 (Atlanta, GA)?
11.18 Chapel Hill Underground (Chapel Hill, NC)
Black Skies Checks In With Tour Recap
Heavy rock trio Black Skies recently returned from a 16-date North American tour. Commented the band in a collective statement:
“Thanks a ton to MAKE & Vaz for joining us on parts of this last run. Getting to play with bands you enjoy not only musically, but also as people really makes the whole experience that much better. Thanks also to all the venues, promoters, and other bands for helping make this such an enjoyable time. Thanks to Mother Nature for being cooperative and allowing us and our friends to travel safely. Most importantly, thanks to all of those who came to the shows and supported us by buying merch, giving us places to stay, etc. You are the reason we can do this.
"This was the last tour we’ll be doing for a while, as we plan to take a break from touring over the next several months to focus on writing and other obligations not related to the band. With that in mind, having a good trip before this break was something very important to us, so thanks again to everyone who made it possible. We’ll see you soon with new songs. Until then, take care and be good to each other!”
Check out some live footage of the band (courtesy of Dan Andrews of Trickledown Productions) below. The band’s recently released "On The Wings Of Time" full-length is currently available on digital download cards included with the purchase of a limited edition, silk-screened poster. A CD version with alternate cover art is also available. You can also check out the record in its entirety at official Black Skies BandCamp page here. More...
Black Skies Checks In From The Road
North Carolina power trio Black Skies has been ravaging the North American masses since November 14th on the band's 2011 Fall tour excursion in support of the recently unleashed "On The Wings Of Time" full-length. The band checks in from the van:
"The tour is going great! We've played some of our favorite venues. hit some new ones and had a great first time playing Canada! The crowd, promoters and venues in Montreal and Toronto were very welcoming and we look forward to going back! We've been playing songs off our new record for the most part including a tune we hadn't really played out live before and a May Blitz cover on some nights. It's been a blast being back out.
"Our friends Make from Chapel Hill were on the first half of the tour with us. It's been great to share the stage with these guys every night. They're an excellent band, and good, fun people to hang with. We joined up with Vaz in Montreal for a string of dates. It's time to take over Easthampton, Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Annandale!"
Remaining dates are as follows:
11/28/2011 JRs - Philadelphia, PA
11/29/2011 Cellar Door - Annandale, VA
"On The Wings Of Time" is currently available at all shows on digital download cards included with the purchase of a limited edition, silk-screened poster. A CD version with alternate cover art is also available. To hear "On The Wings Of Time" in its entirety, visit the Black Skies official Bandcamp page. In addition, you can check out a live recording from the band's first show of the tour at the Get Down in Asheville, North Carolina here.
Black Skies To Play Release Show Tonight
In conjunction with the unleashing of the self-released "On The Wings Of Time" full-length, North Carolina bottom-heavy power trio Black Skies will play a special record release show tonight November 9th, 2011 at King's in Raleigh, North Carolina. The show will serve as a warm-up for the band's upcoming tour set to kick off November 14th in Asheville. More info is available here.
"On The Wings Of Time" is currently available at Black Skies shows on digital download cards included with the purchase of a limited edition, silk-screened poster. A CD version with alternate cover art will also be available at shows throughout the tour. The album will available in downloadable format through various online outlets. You can also check out "On The Wings Of Time" in its entirety at the band's official Bandcamp page.
Upcoming Black Skies tour dates are as follows:
11/09/2011 Kings – Raleigh, NC (special CD release show)
11/14/2011 The Get Down - Asheville, NC*
11/15/2011 Caledonia Lounge - Athens, GA*
11/16/2011 The Pilot Light - Knoxville, TN*
11/17/2011 Crayola House - Harrisonburg, VA*
11/18/2011 31st St Pub - Pittsburgh, PA*
11/19/2011 The Comet - Cincinnati, OH*
11/20/2011 Empty Bottle - Chicago, IL
11/21/2011 Now That's Class - Cleveland, OH
11/22/2011 Carabar - Columbus, OH
11/23/2011 Sneaky Dee's - Toronto, ON
11/24/2011 Casa Del Popolo - Montreal QC**
11/25/2011 The Arm Factory - Portland, ME**
11/26/2011 Flywheel Arts Collective - Easthampton, MA**
11/27/2011 St. Vitus - Brooklyn, NY**
11/28/2011 JRs - Philly, PA**
11/29/2011 Cellar Door - Annandale, VA
* w/ MAKE
** w/ Vaz
Black Skies Announces North American Shows
North Carolina based trio Black Skies will set out on a 16-date tour next month. The short stint, which includes two stops in Canada, will officially begin on November 14th in Asheville. The band will be touring in support of the self-released "On The Wings Of Time" full-length. You can check out "On The Wings Of Time" in its entirety at the band’s official BandCamp page here.
Dates are as follows:
11/09/2011 Kings – Raleigh, NC (special CD release show)
11/14/2011 The Get Down – Asheville, NC*
11/15/2011 Caledonia Lounge – Athens, GA*
11/16/2011 The Pilot Light – Knoxville, TN*
11/17/2011 Crayola House – Harrisonburg, VA*
11/18/2011 31st St Pub – Pittsburgh, PA*
11/19/2011 The Comet – Cincinnati, OH*
11/20/2011 Empty Bottle – Chicago, IL
11/21/2011 Now That’s Class – Cleveland, OH
11/22/2011 Carabar – Columbus, OH
11/23/2011 Hard Luck Bar – Toronto, ON
11/24/2011 Casa Del Popolo – Montreal QC**
11/25/2011 The Arm Factory – Portland, ME**
11/26/2011 Flywheel Arts Collective – Easthampton, MA**
11/27/2011 St. Vitus – Brooklyn, NY**
11/28/2011 JRs – Philly, PA**
11/29/2011 Cellar Door – Annandale, VA
* w/ MAKE
** w/ Vaz
Black Skies Cancels Remaining U.S. Shows
North Carolina psychedelic sludge trio Black Skies, which kicked off a near-four-week U.S. tour last month, was forced to cut the journey short due to a family emergency.
Said the band in a collective statement: "This has been Black Skies' best tour to date. The shows have been consistently awesome and we have been well received everywhere. We owe huge thanks to all the promoters, venues, bands, friends and fans who aided in making this a successful tour. With heavy hearts, we regretfully have to cancel the rest of our tour so that one of our members can tend to a family emergency. The shows will still go on, so please go out and support Caltrop and Royal Thunder, two amazing live bands. We plan to make up any missed shows later in the Fall. More info to come as we find out. Thanks so much for your understanding and support!"
You can witness live footage (courtesy of Crawford Winstead) of Black Skies at Slim's in Raleigh, North Carolina from Friday, May 27th below. Black Skies tracks are also available for streaming through the band's Bandcamp page.
Black Skies Checks In From The Road
North Carolina power trio Black Skies recently kicked off a near-four-week U.S. tour earlier this month. The band so far has ravaged its way through over 13 cities, including two sets in New York City.
Commented Michelle Temple (bass, vocals), from the road: “We’re really excited to be back on the road after spending most of the Fall and Winter recording and mixing the new record. So far all the shows have been great. The promoters and venues have all shown us great hospitality. My favorite so far was a show in Harrisonburg, Virginia at the Crayola House. Check out the band Earthing from there. Very talented guys. We played several dates with our good long time friends, Backwoods Payback and were sad to say goodbye.”
Added John Byrd, an honorary member of Black Skies who helps the band out on tour: “Some things about these trips with Kevin, Michelle and Tim are consistent: The near constant rain for the first week; the regional potato chip comparisons (this time I brought along six bags of Zapps from Louisiana. I’m pretty sure they’re the best) and the daily doings that are the work of touring: driving, loading, waiting, loading, driving, etc. There’s music in there too but that’s their job, not mine.
"The highlights are always meeting new friends in good bands and finding interesting venues we’ve never been to. It doesn’t sound like a decadent rock ‘n’ roll fantasy, I know – but that narrative is strictly for kids I’ve found. [At the time of this writing] we’re in Providence and there’s an old guy doing a jig in front of the venue while the first band sound checks. Such are the things I see on tour from my perspective at the merch table. In fact, if it isn’t painted on the side of a semi going down the interstate or wandering downtown after dark, it wont exist for me. Of things painted on trucks though, we seem to be touring New England at the same time as a group of Christian Evangelicals who were spreading the good news about the end of the world. I’m a bit jealous of their elaborately decorated R.V.s and trying not to covet them.” More...
Black Skies Streaming New Song
North Carolina power trio Black Skies will kick off the band's near-month long U.S. tour today in Charlotte. The trek will rock its way through another 23 cities including a host of East Coast locales the band has yet to play. Black Skies will be joined by USX, Backwoods Payback, Generation of Vipers, Caltrop, Sons Of Tonatiuh, and others.
In celebration of the tour commencement, the fine folks at The Obelisk are currently streaming a new track off Black Skies' soon-to-be-unleashed new full length, "On The Wings Of Time." Check out "Valley Of The Kings" here.
The follow-up to 2008's "Hexagon" EP, "On The Wings Of Time" was recorded, produced, and mastered by Harvey Milk's Kyle Spence at his own RJS studios in Athens, Georgia. The band's upcoming tour dates are as follows:
5/12/2011 The Milestone - Charlotte, NC w/ Trade, Towering Pyre
5/13/2011 The Crayola House - Harrisonburg, VA w/ Backwoods Payback, Earthling, Trade
5/14/2011 Strange Matter - Richmond, VA w/ Backwoods Payback
5/15/2011 Mojo Main - Newark, DE w/ Backwoods Payback, Holy Dirt, Bubonic Bear
5/16/2011 AS220 - Providence, RI w/ Woozy, She Rides, Villainer
5/17/2011 O’Brien’s - Boston, MA w/ Phantom Glue, The Proselyte, Jack Burton vs David Lopan
5/18/2011 Flask Lounge - Portland, ME
5/19/2011 Elm Bar - New Haven, CT w/ Atrina
5/20/2011 St. Vitus - Brooklyn, NY w/ Atomic Bitchwax, Weird Owl, Mirror Queen
5/21/2011 31st Street Pub - Pittsburgh, PA w/ Rogue Vessel, Oktober
5/22/2011 Carabar - Columbus, OH w/ Prosanctus Inferi, Witchaven, Nocturnal, Locusta
5/23/2011 The Green Lantern - Lexington, KY w/ Stampede, Below
5/24/2011 Southgate House - Indianapolis, IN w/ Mala In Se, New Third Worlds
5/25/2011 The Pilot Light - Knoxville, KY w/ US Christmas, Generation of Vipers
5/26/2011 The Get Down - Asheville, NC w/ US Christmas, Generation of Vipers, Caltrop
5/27/2011 King’s - Raleigh, NC w/ US Christmas, Caltrop, Royal Thunder
5/28/2011 Will’s Pub - Orlando, FL w/ Caltrop, Royal Thunder, Druid Lord, Junior Bruce
5/29/2011 C-Level - Panama City Beach w/ Caltrop, Royal Thunder, Death Before Dying
5/30/2011 Siberia - NOLA w/ Caltrop, Royal Thunder
5/31/2011 Hi-Tone - Memphis, TN w/ Caltrop, Royal Thunder
6/01/2011 The Nick - Birmingham, AL w/ Caltrop, Royal Thunder
6/02/2011 529 - Atlanta, GA w/ Caltrop, Royal Thunder, Sons Of Tonatiuh
6/03/2011 Caledonia Lounge - Athens, GA w/ Caltrop
6/04/2011 The Jinx - Savannah, GA w/ Caltrop
Black Skies Announces U.S. Tour Dates
North Carolina trio Black Skies is pleased to announce a near-month long U.S. tour set to commence on May 12th in Charlotte, North Carolina. The trek will steamroll it’s way through 22 cities – including several East Coast locales the band has yet to play — before drawing to a ceremonious close in Savannah, Georgia.
Said guitarist/vocalist Kevin Clark of the upcoming bout of live dates: “We are extremely pleased to be spending some time playing across the Eastern part of the country. The last several tours required us to make our way West as quickly as possible due to time constraints, so we haven’t been to some of the places we will be hitting on this tour in far too long. We are also thrilled to spend a good portion of the trek with some of our favorite bands and people: Backwoods Payback, Caltrop, Royal Thunder, and US Christmas. We hope to have a few more songs ready to go for this trip as well. Tim had just joined the band before the last tour — we literally had four rehearsals together before leaving on tour for a month — so we were limited to the same set pretty much every night. Since then, we’ve had time to rework some of those songs and write a few new ones. This will allow us to keep things fresh and interesting, while also being able to play songs we feel would be more appropriate to the audience’s energy at any given show.”
The band will be touring in support of the soon-to-be-issued new full-length, "On The Wings Of Time." The dates are as follows:
5/12/2011 The Milestone – Charlotte, NC w/ Trade, Towering Pyre
5/13/2011 The Crayola House – Harrisonburg, VA w/ Backwoods Payback, Earthling, Trade
5/14/2011 Strange Matter – Richmond, VA w/ Backwoods Payback
5/15/2011 Mojo Main – Newark, DE w/ Backwoods Payback, Holy Dirt, Bubonic Bear
5/16/2011 AS220 – Providence, RI w/ Woozy, She Rides, Villainer
5/17/2011 O’Brien’s – Boston, MA w/ Phantom Glue, The Proselyte, Jack Burton vs David Lopan
5/18/2011 Flask Lounge – Portland, ME
5/19/2011 Elm Bar – New Haven, CT w/ Atrina
5/20/2011 Acheron – Brooklyn, NY
5/21/2011 31st Street Pub – Pittsburgh, PA w/ Rogue Vessel, Oktober
5/22/2011 Carabar – Columbus, OH w/ Prosanctus Inferi, Witchaven, Nocturnal, Locusta
5/23/2011 The Green Lantern – Lexington, KY w/ Stampede, Below
5/24/2011 Southgate House – Indianapolis, IN w/ Mala In Se, New Third Worlds
5/25/2011 The Pilot Light – Knoxville, KY w/ US Christmas, Generation of Vipers
5/26/2011 The Get Down – Asheville, NC w/ US Christmas, Generation of Vipers, Caltrop
5/27/2011 King’s – Raleigh, NC w/ US Christmas, Caltrop, Royal Thunder
5/28/2011 Will’s Pub – Orlando, FL w/ Caltrop, Royal Thunder, Druid Lord, Junior Bruce
5/29/2011 C-Level – Panama City Beach w/ Caltrop, Royal Thunder, Death Before Dying
5/30/2011 Siberia – NOLA w/ Caltrop, Royal Thunder
5/31/2011 Hi-Tone – Memphis, TN w/ Caltrop, Royal Thunder
6/01/2011 The Nick – Birmingham, AL w/ Caltrop, Royal Thunder
6/02/2011 529 – Atlanta, GA w/ Caltrop, Royal Thunder, Sons Of Tonatiuh
6/03/2011 Caledonia Lounge – Athens, GA w/ Caltrop
6/04/2011 The Jinx – Savannah, GA w/ Caltrop
U.S. Christmas Announces Mini-Tour Dates
Psychedelic, high-volume blues rock ensemble U.S. CHRISTMAS will release their long-anticipated fifth full-length, "Run Thick In The Night," via Neurot Recordings on September 20, 2010. The disc was recorded by Sanford Parker at Fahrenheit Studio in Johnson City, Tennessee, mixed by Parker and USX members Nate Hall, Matt Johnson and Josh Holt at Semaphore Studios in Chicago, IL and mastered by Collin Jordan.
Said Hall of the upcoming release: "This record followed some difficult times for many of us, and I think you can hear that in RTITN. It is not as lyrically dark as ETLD, however it is a continuation of those elements. Run Thick In The Night is rooted in something outside of us, but is driven by a clear and persistent vision. It was necessary for USX to make this album, and it was something I absolutely had to do. I can't really explain it any better than to simply say that it is a very personal, spiritual album for me. ...When I hear the music now I see distinct real places that have, over time, woven into my imagination and become surreal."
"We recorded the entire 13-song album in one weekend in Tennessee, with Sanford Parker at the helm," he continues. "Our friend Travis Kammeyer helped out a lot with studio time and he added some really cool Hammond organ sounds. Minsk drummer Tony Wyioming also played hand drums on a few tracks. Our friend from North Carolina, Hush, did the original artwork, which I think really fits the mood perfectly. Josh Graham from Neurosis/A Storm Of Light did the layout work for us, and it was the perfect finishing touch. I am really proud of RTITN, and really proud of everyone in USX."
As a precursor to the release, the band will embark on three North Carolina shows with fellow NC doom trio BLACK SKIES. In November, the band will play "Run Thick In The Night" in its entirety at The Hideaway in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Here are the latest U.S. CHRISTMAS tour dates:
09/16/2010 Legitimate Business - Greensboro, NC w/ Black Skies
09/17/2010 The Milestone - Charlotte, NC w/ Black Skies
09/18/2010 The Soapbox - Wilmington, NC w/ Black Skies
11/13/2010 The Hideaway - Johnson City, TN [Full "Run Thick In The Night" album set]
Black Skies Issues Tour Update
North Carolina doom metal band BLACK SKIES, who kicked off their US tour July 1st, are currently with a new lineup and new songs. Founding members Kevin Clark and Michelle Temple are joined by recent recruit, ex-Des Ark drummer Tim Herzog.
Said Michelle from the road, "The our is going great! In Pittsburgh, Chicago and Iowa City where we've played before and people have seen the band's various lineups, the new material has been very well-received, some saying it's our best yet! This was our first time as a band to Columbus and Madison. Both shows went really well and we plan to make these regular stops on future tours. We've made new friendships with some great bands as well. My personal favorite so far was Rebreather from Youngstown. Awesome guys and amazing band! We have the night off tonight (July 6th), our only day off during the 24-day tour, so we're going to find a good spot to camp somewhere then it's off to Denver to play with Black Lamb! We're looking forward to getting back at it and playing every night until the tour ends in Nashville. We all feel very grateful for everyone's support and for the ability to be able to do this!" More...
Black Skies Comments On US Tour Dates
North Carolina doom metal band BLACK SKIES kick off their US tour today at The Smiling Moose in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Guitarist Kevin Clark comments of the band's pre-tour kick off show this past weekend before jumping in the van this morning, "We were only able to get in a handful of rehearsals before the show, but Tim has did a fantastic job of being prepared and it showed. Playing with two amazing bands, Hog and Caltrop, we felt a good bit of pressure to step it up... first show or not. The crowd was great... supportive, complimentary...they really seemed into both the new songs and especially with how well Tim's playing fits with the band. Being that this show was in our hometown, there were a good number of people there who've seen all the different incarnations of BLACK SKIES, and it was good to hear how many of them think this is the best yet. It might still be early, but we get that feeling, too. So, we're happy to have that first show behind us and are looking forward to getting several more under our belts over the next few weeks."
BLACK SKIES tour dates July 2010 are as follows:
7/03/2010 Cobra Lounge - Chicago, IL
7/04/2010 The Frequency - Madison, WI
7/05/2010 Blue Moose Tap House - Iowa City
7/06/2010 TBA - NE
7/07/2010 3 Kings Tavern - Denver, CO
7/08/2010 Burt’s Tiki Lounge - Salt Lake City, UT
7/09/2010 Rocky Canyon – Boise, ID
7/10/2010 The Comet - Seattle, WA
7/11/2010 Rotture - Portland, OR
7/12/2010 Jambalaya - Arcata, CA
7/13/2010 The Hemlock Tavern - San Francisco, CA
7/14/2010 The Stork Club - Oakland, CA
7/15/2010 TBA - CA
7/16/2010 Relax Bar - Los Angeles, CA
7/17/2010 The Rogue Bar - Scottsdale, AZ
7/18/2010 Rio Grande Satanical Gardens - Albuquerque, NM
7/19/2010 The Nightmare - Dallas, TX
7/20/2010 Red 7 - Austin, TX
7/21/2010 Checkpoint Charlie's - New Orleans, LA
7/22/2010 The Nick - Birmingham, AL
7/23/2010 The Buccaneer Lounge - Memphis, TN
7/24/2010 Springwater Supper Club - Nashville, TN More...
Black Skies Announces More July US Tour Dates
North Carolina doom metal band BLACK SKIES has added three more dates to their upcoming US tour in July. Following the tour, the band will begin preparations for recording what they hope to be their best release to date.
Guitarist Kevin Clark comments of the upcoming tour, "We've had our share of ups and downs over the past 12 months, but getting out west last year was without a doubt one of the better moments. We are thrilled to be heading out there again this summer, seeing the faces and places that made it such a blast. We played with a lot of great bands and met a lot of awesome souls with a true love and hunger for music. Those people are a big part of the drive for us to continue doing what we love to do, and we are eternally grateful for them."
BLACK SKIES tour dates July 2010 are as follows:
6/27/2010 Local 506 - Chapel Hill, NC (pre-tour kick off show)
7/01/2010 The Smiling Moose - Pittsburgh, PA
7/02/2010 The Summit - Columbus, OH
7/03/2010 Cobra Lounge - Chicago, IL
7/04/2010 The Frequency - Madison, WI
7/05/2010 Blue Moose Tap House - Iowa City
7/06/2010 TBA - NE
7/07/2010 3 Kings Tavern - Denver, CO
7/08/2010 Burt’s Tiki Lounge - Salt Lake City, UT
7/09/2010 Rocky Canyon – Boise, ID
7/10/2010 The Comet - Seattle, WA
7/11/2010 Rotture - Portland, OR
7/12/2010 Jambalaya - Arcata, CA
7/13/2010 The Hemlock Tavern - San Francisco, CA
7/14/2010 The Stork Club - Oakland, CA
7/15/2010 TBA - CA
7/16/2010 Relax Bar - Los Angeles, CA
7/17/2010 The Rogue Bar - Scottsdale, AZ
7/18/2010 Rio Grande Satanical Gardens - Albuquerque, NM
7/19/2010 The Nightmare - Dallas, TX
7/20/2010 Red 7 - Austin, TX
7/21/2010 Checkpoint Charlie's - New Orleans, LA
7/22/2010 The Nick - Birmingham, AL
7/23/2010 The Buccaneer Lounge - Memphis, TN
7/24/2010 Springwater Supper Club - Nashville, TN
Black Skies Announces July US Tour Dates
North Carolina doom metal band BLACK SKIES is set to embark on a US tour throughout the month of July. The tour will commence at The Smiling Moose in Pittsburgh and hit 22 cities before closing in Nashville, TN at Springwater Supper Club. The band will hit the road with a new lineup and new songs. Founding members Kevin Clark and Michelle Temple will be joined by ex-Des Ark drummer Tim Herzog. Former roommates, Kevin and Tim have remained in contact over the years and are looking forward to the opportunity to finally make music together. Following the tour, the band will begin preparations for recording what they hope to be their best release to date.
Guitarist Kevin Clark comments on the upcoming trek, "We've had our share of ups and downs over the past 12 months, but getting out west last year was without a doubt one of the better moments. We are thrilled to be heading out there again this summer, seeing the faces and places that made it such a blast. We played with a lot of great bands and met a lot of awesome souls with a true love and hunger for music. Those people are a big part of the drive for us to continue doing what we love to do, and we are eternally grateful for them." More...
Black Skies Announces New Drummer
North Carolina metal band Black Skies has issued the following update:
"It is with great pleasure that we announce Luke Messick as the newest member of Black Skies. The 26 year old NC native won over our ears, eyes, hearts, and heads with his well rounded drumming abilities and general awesomeness. Luke is everything we've been searching for in a drummer. He doesn't just sound big, he sounds huge. He's such a heavy hitter, we actually have to turn the amps up even more now. A former student at Savannah School of Art & Design, Luke also has the ability to add many different elements to the various creative processes of the band. He's a hard worker who's eager, excited, and has pledged his dedication to rock-n-roll. We look forward to having him with us in our journey to make the best music we can. We've got a ton of new songs in the works, as well as touring & recording plans in the relatively near future. We are very glad to be back, and hopefully better than ever. Thank you for your patience and support!"
"Slow Southern Steel" Documentary In The Works
One of the most comprehensive southern metal documentaries ever made is coming in 2010. Appropriately dubbed "Slow Southern Steel," the 80+ minute film is executive produced by Karim Khan (I'm Better Than Everyone Records) and directed by Rwake vocalist CT and David Lipke with the additional and integral assistance of George Hancock, Alix Petrovich and Beer Wolf guitarist Christian Sweeney (who will be releasing a paperback version of the production) among many others.
"Slow Southern Steel" peers into the world of true southern metal/doom through live footage and personal interviews; CT's devout commitment/knowledge/love of the topic at hand bringing the movie to life in a way few first-time directors can. Said CT about the laborious undertaking: "I knew there were things I could get out of these bands that other film makers could not." Added Khan, "There's just something very appealing to me about taking unyielding heavy songs and adding a strong southern element to them."
At press time, the film was still being shot and thus far, featured bands will include (in alphabetical order): A Hanging, ASG, Baron Grod, Beaten Back To Pure, Beer Wolf, Black Skies, Black Tusk, Blackblood Division, Blood Of The Sun, Collapsar, Colossus, Cough, Dark Castle, Deadbird, Dead-I-On, Dixie Witch, Doomsayer, Eyehategod, Flesh Parade, Haarp, Hawg Jaw, HOD, Hope And Suicide, Hostile Apostle, House Of Lightning, In The Lurch, Jucifer, Ketea, Khann, Kylesa, Mala Suerte, Music Hates You, Parasytic, Queen Beast, Royal Thunder, Rwake, Seahag, SeaWitch, Sourvein, Speedealer, Spickle, Suplecs, Subrig Destroyer, The Devil And The Sea, The Dumps, The Roller, The Unbeheld, Vessel Of The Divine, Weedeater, Withered and Zoroaster.
"Slow Southern Steel" will make its debut at the renowned Little Rock Film Festival in May of 2010 (www.littlerockfilmfestival.org) where many of the bands featured will be in attendance. Additional festival previews will follow.
The DVD edition is slated to be released in 2011 via fast-growing, vinyl-only (and now DVD) Chicago imprint, I'm Better Than Everyone Records.
You can check out a two-minute "Slow Southern Steel" trailer below.
Black Skies Seeking Drummer
Chapel Hill, North Carolina heavy rockers BLACK SKIES are currently searching for a full-time drummer. Here's what they're looking for:
"Must have a positive, professional attitude, and be dedicated to the growth and progression of the band. Also, must be open to and willing to contribute new ideas to promote the band..s musical expansion. Needs to be able to spend ample time touring, recording, rehearsing, etc. and have own reliable equipment, valid drivers license, and ideally a valid passport. Serious inquiries only, please. For more info, contact us at: blackskiesbooking@yahoo.com."
You can check out some of the band's music on their MySpace player.
Black Skies Planning First West Coast Tour Dates
Chapel Hill, NC doom trio BLACK SKIES recently kicked off a string of tour dates in support of their latest EP, "Hexagon," issued as a limited edition 12" via I'm Better Than Everyone Records. This will mark the band’s first time ever playing on the West Coast.
Through hard work BLACK SKIES has been making waves across the eastern half of the United States and continue gaining momentum with tours booked throughout 2009.
Here are the latest BLACK SKIES tour dates: More...