KILL THE LIGHTS Drummer Michael "Moose" Thomas and THE GEMS guitarist/bassist Mona Lindgren join us on this week's edition of The Loaded Radio Podcast
KILL THE LIGHTS is the band featuring former BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE bassist Jason "Jay" James and drummer Michael "Moose" Thomas, alongside former members of THROW THE FIGHT, THREAT SIGNAL, and STILL REMAINS.
The group made waves with their debut album, "The Sinner," released in 2020 under Fearless Records. Praised for its "statement songs" (Distorted Sound) and technical prowess, it garnered acclaim for its expansive sound and precise execution (Sonic Perspectives).
After piling up millions of streams and earning acclaim from the likes of KERRANG! and Metal Hammer, a sense of unwavering unity drives their second full-length offering, "Death Melodies", which arrives March 8 via Fearless Records.
"The best stuff comes when we're together," states Moose. "We'll joke around for hours, have a few drinks, and the songs write themselves. We're so connected in this way. There's no path. We're not trying to follow anybody. This is the first album that really sounds like Kill The Lights."
In December 2017, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE announced the departure of Thomas, replaced by Jason Bowld (PITCHSHIFTER, AXEWOUND). Bowld had been touring with the band since November 2015, filling in for Thomas, who had taken time off for family reasons.
Prior to that, bassist Jason James' departure from BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE was announced in February 2015, during the recording of the band's fifth album, "Venom." Jamie Mathias was brought in as his replacement in May of the same year.
In the podcast, "Moose" talks about his stepping away from BFMV, how he came to join KILL THE LIGHTS with his ex-bandmate and plans for the immediate future behind the kit.
The second portion of the show features THE GEMS guitarist/bassist Mona Lindgren.
Emerging from the remnants, Swedish rock newcomers THE GEMS, comprising former THUNDERMOTHER members vocalist Guernica Mancini, drummer Emlee Johansson, and guitarist/bassist Mona "Demona" Lindgren, announce their debut album, "Phoenix," which arrived on January 26, 2024, via Napalm Records.
THE GEMS' potential was swiftly validated with the release of their inaugural standalone single, "Like A Phoenix," in the summer of 2023. This debut single soared to the No. 2 position on the German Rock Radio Airplay Charts, catching the attention of rock enthusiasts worldwide.
The album's captivating opener, "Aurora," sets the stage, allowing Mancini's distinctive, powerful, and bluesy vocals to shine. Following this, the infectious rock anthem "Queens" celebrates feminine strength and resilience. Themes of empowerment and perseverance echo throughout "Phoenix," exemplified by tracks like the standout "Send Me To The Wolves," advocating for self-assertion and triumph over adversity.
In the show, Mona discusses what exactly happened with THUNDERMOTHER, the formation of THE GEMS, the crushing new album "Phoenix" and tons more.
