Atomic Opera
It's nearly impossible to discuss Atomic Opera without also
mentioning
King's X
or
Galactic Cowboys
in the same breath, as all three hail from the same city, all
were originally mentored/produced by Sam Taylor,
and all three specialize in rather unconventional hard rock
with a noticeable emphasis on vocal harmonies.
The road to the present for Atomic Opera was not an easy
one.
Immediately after releasing the critically acclaimed
For Madmen Only in 1994, the record label (a subsidiary of Giant)
folded, leaving the band in the lurch, and prompting the
departure of two of the three members that comprised the band
at that time.
The remaining member, vocalist/guitarist John Hart,
kept on going, recording
Penguin Dust essentially as a solo
project, then recruiting a new lineup and eventually attracting
the interest of
Metal Blade
Records, who signed them in 2000.
That year's
Gospel Cola is perhaps the most eclectic release of
the aforementioned trio of bands, as it retains the vocal
trademarks but is decidely less mainstream-sounding.
Lyrically, the band is squarely in the Christian camp, though
for some reason the band is reluctant to assume the tag of
"Christian metal band".
This band is not for everyone, as their style definitely takes some
getting used to, but they are quite intriguing.
Though there was talk of a new album, and they did reunite for an
anniversary gig in 2014, they are likely done as a formal band.
Last Lineup
Frank Hart
guitars/vocals
Kemper Crabb
mandolin/vocals
Former Members/Guests
Jonathan Marshall
guitars/backing vocals
Jonas Velasco
bass/backing vocals
Ryan Birsinger
bass/backing vocals
Mark Poindexter
drums/backing vocals
John Simmons
drums
Discography
For Madmen Only
1994
Giant
|
- Joyride
- Justice
- Achilles' Heel
- I Know Better
- All Fall Down
- War Drum
- Blackness
- December
- This Side Of The Rainbow
- New Dreams
|
-
Frank Hart
-
Jonathan Marshall
-
Jonas Velasco
-
Mark Poindexter
|
|
Penguin Dust
1997
self-released
|
- Make A God
- Stop the Rain
- Fade
- Thirst
- God Of Hate
- Spirit Of the Age
- November
- FreakShow
- WaterGrave
- FeverDream
|
-
Frank Hart
-
Kemper Crabb
-
Mark Poindexter
|
|
Alpha & Oranges (pre-1st album tracks)
1999
self-released
|
- RainParade
- For Madmen Only
- All These Things
- FeverDream #1
- Magic Castle
- Love In Grey
- Meaningless Word
- Paper Tiger
- Spinning
- Let Go
|
-
Frank Hart
-
Kemper Crabb
-
Jonathan Marshall
-
Jonas Velasco
-
Mark Poindexter
|
|
Gospel Cola
2000
Metal Blade
|
- The Circle is Closed
- Doxology
- Jesus Junk
- Love is as Strong as Death
- Malediction
- Muse
- My Head
- October
- Reiah
- Silence
- Stop My Heart
- WinterLand
|
-
Frank Hart
-
Kemper Crabb
-
Ryan Birsinger
-
John Simmons
|
|