(PR) Certainly one of the most electrifying performers of any decade, Sebastian Bach is set to release "Angel Down" on November 20, his first solo album in eight years. The 14-song "Angel Down" was produced by Roy Z (Bruce Dickinson, Rob Halford, Judas Priest), and recorded in July and August at Sound City Studios in Hollywood, CA. The CD will be released via a joint-venture between Merovingian Music, Ltd. (MRV) and Bach's Get Off My Bach Productions, and distributed worldwide through Caroline/EMI Music Group.Joining Bach in the studio for "Angel Down" were guitarists "Metal" Mike Chlasciak and Johnny Chromatic, and Bobby Jarzombek on drums, all long-time members of Bach's touring band, as well as Rob DeLuca on bass, who will join Bach and company on the road next summer.
Nine of the 14 songs on "Angel Down" were written or co-written by Bach including the first radio track, "(Love Is) A Bitchslap" (co-written with Roy Z). While more than two weeks away from its official "add" date (September 4), "Bitchslap" is already being played at powerhouse rock radio stations like KUPD in Phoenix and Boston's WAAF. Bach and Roy Z also co-wrote "You Don't Understand," "By Your Side," and "Our Love Is A Lie," while Bach teamed with Desmond Child for "Falling Into You." In addition, the band covered the Steven Tyler/Joe Perry classic "Back In The Saddle." Other tracks include "Stabbin' Daggers," "Take You Down with Me" Negative Light," "Live & Die," "American Metalhead," "Stuck Inside," and "You Bring Me Down."
The cover art for "Angel Down" is an original painting by Bach's late father, the celebrated Canadian artist David Bierk who died in 2002. The painting, entitled "David's Watching," was the last piece of art Bierk created before his passing, so was an emotional choice for Bach. Bierk also created the cover artwork for Skid Row's 1991 album "Slave To The Grind," which Rolling Stone voted one of the top 5 album covers of the year. His paintings have been exhibited in art galleries all over North America.
"Angel Down" also represents a reunion of sorts - 20 years ago, Jack Ponti (then a successful songwriter and record producer, now MRV's CEO) worked with Jason Flom (then A&R rep at Atlantic Records, now Chairman and CEO of Capitol Music Group) who signed the Sebastian Bach-fronted Skid Row to Atlantic Records. With MRV dedicated to supporting and developing artist-owned, management-owned and independent labels, and Flom calling the shots from EMI, a dynamic triumvirate has realigned.