An energetic blend of new-wave and heavy progressive rock, Four Stroke Baron aspires to bring forth a lively and refreshing new voice to the music scene. Though comprised of only three members — Kirk Witt on guitars and vocals, Matt Vallarino on drums, and Keegan Ferrari on bass — the group manages to craft massive and immersive soundscapes juxtaposed over catchy, pop-like song structures. It is this penchant for blending familiar sounds and styles into something altogether new that has allowed the band to undergo a dramatic metamorphosis from its founding members improvising in a shed outside of Reno, Nevada, to preparing for the debut of their second full-length album, “Planet Silver Screen,” on Prosthetic Records.
While their beginnings were humble in 2011, reactions to the group have always exhibited an air of positivity and excitement. The band’s introductory self-titled EP was released in January of 2014 and nearly flew under the radar, but not before catching the eye of internet-metal extraordinaire Ben Sharp, aka Cloudkicker. After being featured on Cloudkicker’s blog, interest began to grow for a follow-up release and those in Four Stroke Baron began to take matters more seriously. Their next endeavor, a full-length titled “King Radio,” was released December 23rd, 2015 to substantially more fanfare and acclaim. Sputnik Music claimed in an album review, “Simply put, Four Stroke Baron is a band that defies categorization. Their choruses are simultaneously abrasive and soothing, the riffs bring to mind both Mastodon and Rush…,” and, “Four Stroke Baron is weird, and fun, and bizarre, and hooky, and crazy, and they will be on repeat for a very long time.” It was this album that later caught the attention of Prosthetic Records, who swiftly offered an opportunity to join their prestigious roster. The trio did not require much in the way of convincing.
With such a wealth of positivity and encouragement fueling the band, Four Stroke Baron set out to produce their biggest and most ambitious record yet for their label debut. Recorded over the majority of 2017, “Planet Silver Screen” is an amalgamation of all the band has come to represent musically thus far, while also pushing themselves into previously uncharted sonic territories. From having their hardest-hitting riffs to date, having a guest saxophone solo by blackjazz rebel Jørgen Munkeby of Shining (NOR), to having a full-blown stop motion animation music video for their debut single, Four Stroke Baron have truly stepped up their game and show no sign of slowing down.
Kirk Witt – guitars and vocals
Matt Vallarino – drums
Keegan Ferrari – bass
Having cut his teeth with Cynic, Defeated Sanity, and as frontman of the “Death To All” touring tribute to Chuck Shuldiner, it’s safe to say that Max Phelps, founder of Exist, has proven himself a more than capable performer in the progressive death metal world.
Phelps formed Exist back in the late ‘00s releasing the “In Mirrors EP” in 2010 and following it up with the band’s debut full-length, “Sunlight” in 2013 . The began recording new material in 2016 and got in touch with Prosthetic Records, who signed Exist immediately.
So True, So Bound, Exists’ debut album for Prosthetic, is a concept album that takes a look at how language and concrete definitions create societal rules and guidelines. It’s a fitting subject in today’s quick to judge and dismiss world where a lot of communication is done through 140 characters. Phelps comments:
“The lyrics and approach to this album are more direct than our debut, maybe intended to be a bit more of a ‘fuck you’ where-as Sunlight was more esoteric and self-reflective. A critical commentary on humanity’s inability to accept the true lack of absolutes in life. The world isn’t black and white and for every firm belief we hold there’s almost always something that will break the rules we’ve created if we delve deep enough. We’ve included some humorous self-deprecation in there as well as to suggest that we’re maybe just as guilty as those we’re criticizing. Musically I think it’s more direct and concise as well. A little less improvisation and more use out of less ideas. I wouldn’t necessarily say these changes are a ‘new direction’ or a means to an end, it’s just what we did this time.”
Self-produced and mixed by Nolly Getgood (Periphery), So True, So Bound will see a worldwide release date through Prosthetic Records on June 9th. One week prior to release, Exist will kick off a North America tour headlined by Montreal progressive metal giants, Gorguts. Phelps will also be fronting Defeated Sanity on the trek, pulling vocal double duty. No small feat for two such hard hitting bands.
Bassist, Alex Weber, who was a touring member of Jeff Loomis’ solo band for his last touring cycle, along with Matthew Rossa in the second guitar position rounds out the line-up to this Maryland based band. Though not appearing live with the band, Hannes Grossmann (Necrophagist, Obscura) provided drums on the album.
“We were fortunate enough to work with a really great team throughout the entire process.” explains Phelps. “In absence of a drummer, Hannes Grossmann stepped in as our session guy and full delivered. Nolly crushed the mix (as expected) and we were fortunate to find an amazing visual artist, Sebastian Jerke, who wasn’t afraid to jump down the rabbit hole with us, illustrating and adding to some very specific concepts in his own beautiful style of painting. Bobby Koelble also gave us all a schooling with one of his incredible solos.”
LINE UP:
Max Phelps – Guitar, Vocals
Alex Weber – Bass, Vocals
Matthew Rossa – Guitar
