Art of Shock have released their sophomore album, Shine Black Light, earlier this month via Century Media. These LA thrashers have taken an intensified direction since their 2020 debut, Dark Angeles. The record was created during such extreme times from the lockdown period over the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, the band has given each hiccup a positive spin, all embedded into their latest offering. Metal Insider caught up with vocalist/guitarist Art Geezar to discuss their new LP. 

Can you elaborate on the creative process and how the emotions of chaos and frustration influenced the new album, Shine Black Light’s sound and themes?

2020 was a sucker punch from the universe straight to our ugly collective mugs. Even if you were lucky to not end up hooked to a damn ventilator, everybody still got screwed sideways. Good, bad, innocent, guilty, we all got sentenced. In the case of our band, this happened just when we were set to drop our debut album and kick off our first major national tour. Caught up in that smog and with nothing else to do, I dove deep into creating new music, teetering in and out of depression. Maybe that’s why this album has such extreme peaks and valleys; it’s a true snapshot of that moment in time. 

What does the album’s title, Shine Black Light, symbolize for the band, and how does it tie into the record’s overall concept?

UV light, or ‘black light’  used in crime scene investigations can reveal unspeakable horrors in settings that would otherwise look pristine to the naked eye. These markings, once illuminated, provide evidence and tell stories of events that transpired, usually with sinister implications. Now, imagine that there was a special UV light that you could shine not on physical spaces, but into the very recesses of our minds and souls. What would it reveal? Our deepest fears, unspoken desires, past traumas, and the monsters that lurk within us. “Shine Black Light” alludes to this mental exercise, it’s the thread that connects all the songs on the album.

Can you discuss more about the story behind the songs “The Spark” and “The Defeated” and what they represent within the context of the album?

“The Defeated” delves into the challenges and barriers that sometimes seem insurmountable. But rather than a song of surrender, it’s a song about lessons learned. For us, it’s not about dwelling on past failures but understanding and recognizing them as part of our journey to create something new and unique.

 “The Spark ” is about addictive personalities. It paints a picture of someone living on the edge, with behaviors that I like to compare to chain-smoking at a fireworks factory. It’s about the intensity and unpredictability of such characters, those who play with fire both metaphorically and maybe even literally.

Shine Black Light, is mentioned as the new chapter for Art of Shock, can you discuss the changes and developments fans can expect in this next phase of the band’s career?

We’re committed to always pushing forward. The last thing we want is to rehash the past or get stuck in a repetitive cycle. This new album is a reflection of our drive to experiment and push our musical boundaries. The essence of the band remains the same, but there’s a deliberate stride towards uncharted territories. We believe in growth and reinvention, and “Shine Black Light” is just the beginning of this exciting journey. 

Musically, how would you compare the new album to 2020’s debut, Dark Angeles?

We’re still the same band. We have our distinctive sound. However, we believe in evolving and expanding, so with this new album, all we did was add to our musical vocabulary. Our core focus remains unwavering: producing good songs, It’s all about the songs. So while fans will find the essence and roots of our music familiar, they can also expect some new elements and nuances that show our progress in our journey as artists.

What message or feeling do you hope listeners can take away from the new record? 

From the new record, all we want is for people to have a good time. The album is raw and unfiltered, it reflects the realities of our shared experiences, that’s why we’ve steered clear of any fantastical elements more than ever before – there are no dragons, demons, or similar archetypes in our narrative. On the surface, the album might give an impression of bleakness, leaving no room for hope, but I think at its core, the message is one of potential transformation if we somehow become more comfortable opening dialogues around our darkest and most unpleasant issues as individuals and as a society.

What’s the most memorable concert experience you’ve had thus far and how has it impacted your approach to live shows?

Being able to watch some of our heroes work their magic onstage has been a dream come true. It’s provided an invaluable education for us, from the technical aspects to the more ethereal parts. It has helped us grow immensely as a band and has definitely changed the way we approach our shows.

What are your thoughts on the current state of thrash metal, and how do you see Art of Shock contributing to its evolution?

I haven’t been closely following the recent trends in thrash metal, but I’m confident there’s plenty of remarkable work out there. While we draw significant inspiration from many thrash bands, we don’t necessarily think of ourselves as one. Still, it’s flattering when others do. Ultimately, it’s up to listeners to discern the nuances and contributions we might bring to heavy music, whether small or broad. Our musical journey is a deeply personal one and we couldn’t be happier with how things have been unfolding! life is too short to think of legacy, I prefer to enjoy the ride!

Is there anything else you’d like to say or add to your listeners? 

Thank you so much for your support! Don’t forget to check our socials for news and other cool stuff!  See you on the road!