New York Progressive Metal Act OCTOBER THORNS Pays Tribute to Bassist David Z with “Circle Game” Single, Out Today
Long-Awaited Official Album Featuring Remixed and Remastered Demos Set for Release Next Year via Divebomb Records
More than two decades since forming, Brooklyn-based progressive rockers OCTOBER THORNS (featuring the late David Z on bass) have released “Circle Game,” the first single from the group’s long-awaited album, Circle Game, due out next year via Divebomb Records.
“After all these years, we are excited to finally be able to share these remixed and remastered songs with fans around the world,” says vocalist Paul LaPlaca. “‘Circle Game’ was the first OCTOBER THORNS track I sang on, so it means a lot to me to have this particular song act as an introduction to the band for many people.” “Circle Game” is available today via all major digital providers: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/octoberthorns/circle-game-2
Formed in 1999, OCTOBER THORNS quickly became a mainstay at Brooklyn’s “Rock Capital of the World,” L’Amour, and found themselves trekking from state to state to take part in every metal festival on the continent. Despite numerous lineup changes, the group held strong and began receiving praise internationally from the likes of Holland’s Aardshock and Germany‘s Heavy Oder Vas? with the release of their one and only six-song demo.
By 2001, interpersonal problems, disagreements over musical direction, business decisions and presentation had taken their toll and OCTOBER THORNS disbanded, playing just two reunion shows in New York City in the years that followed.
LaPlaca went on to play with Chris Caffery (Savatage/Trans-Siberian Orchestra), Ted Poley (Danger Danger), Carnivore AD and currently plays with Drift Into Black, while David Z went on to make a name for himself with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Joan Jett, Jeff Scott Soto, and his own band, ZO2. On July 14, 2017, David Z was tragically killed in a vehicle crash while on tour with Adrenaline Mob. The news sent shockwaves through his extended community of friends and family, and the David Z Foundation was created in his memory to continue the work of music education through school programs and scholarships at the School of Rock and Brooklyn College.
Over the past 20 years, interest in releasing OCTOBER THORNS’ only official output has remained consistent. Now, with the assistance of Icefish keyboardist and engineer Alex Argento, these early recordings have been elevated to modern production standards and are ready for release. In addition to “Circle Game,” the full album will include unreleased mixes of the songs “Leviathan” and “Sounds of Life,” as well as unheard demo tracks.
“As much as we want this release to cement the legacy of OCTOBER THORNS, it is equally important that it serves as a tribute to Dave,” LaPlaca says. “He was an immeasurable talent that was taken far too soon, and this is a showcase of his remarkable skills and abilities.”
