Church of the Cosmic Skull: Psychedelic Prog Rock

Looking for some new music to get into? Check out Church of the Cosmic Skull – they’re a psychedelic prog rock band that are sure to get you moving!

Introduction

Cosmic Skull is a psychedelic prog-rock band from Birmingham, England. The band was formed in 2010 by guitarist and vocalist Sam Coomes, bassist Rich Robinson, and drummer Nathan James Page. They have released two albums, “Is Satan Real?” (2014) and “Eternal Bad Luck Charm” (2017).

The band’s music has been described as “a heady mix of psychedelia, classic rock, prog and metal.” It has been compared to the likes of Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, Yes, Hawkwind, and King Crimson.

History

The Church of the Cosmic Skull is a Psychedelic Prog Rock band from the United Kingdom. The band was formed in 2008 by singer-songwriter, bassist and keyboardist, Sergey Terentiev and guitarist, Aaron Harris. The band is currently signed to Ripple Music.

Formation and early years

The band was formed in 2012 by guitarist Sam Shepherd and bassist Rich Millward, who had previously played together in She Must Burn, and reportedly wrote the majority of the band’s debut album in just two weeks. The duo were later joined by drummer Aaron Jarvis, and the three began performing together under the name Church of the Cosmic Skull. The band’s first gig was an impromptu performance at The Camden Barfly in London.

In 2013, the band released their debut album, Eternal Sky, onShepherd’s own label Easy Action Records. The album was well-received by critics, with many praising its mix of psychedelic and progressive rock influences.

The band toured extensively in support of the album, including a headline tour of the UK and Europe, and appearances at festivals such as Desertfest, Roadburn Festival, and Freak Valley Festival.

In 2014, the band released a split single with Swedish psychedelic rock band Witchcraft. The single features a cover of the Witchcraft song “Flag of Our Fathers”, as well as an original track by Church of the Cosmic Skull titled “Evil Woman”.

Later that year, the band completed a successful Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for their second album, which was released in early 2015.

First album and tours

Church of the Cosmic Skull’s first album, Science Fiction, was released in 2014 to critical acclaim, with comparisons being made to early Pink Floyd, Hawkwind, Yes and Genesis.[5][6] The album was named Prog Album of the Year at the 2015 Progressive Music Awards.[7]

The band toured the UK in support of the album in October and November 2014,[8] followed by a European tour with Anathema in February and March 2015.[9]

In October and November 2015, the band toured Europe with The Pineapple Thief.[10]

Music

The Church of the Cosmic Skull is a Psychedelic Prog Rock band from the UK. Their music is heavily influenced by 70s Psychedelic Rock and Prog Rock. They have a unique sound that is a mix of both genres. The band is made up of four members: Sam Healey (vocals, guitar), Rich Thomas (bass, backing vocals), Will Sharpe (drums, percussion), and Nick D’Virgilio (keyboards, backing vocals).

Genre

The music of Church of the Cosmic Skull is often described as psychedelic prog rock. Prog rock, short for progressive rock, is a type of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Psychedelic music, on the other hand, is a type of music that developed in the late 1960s that was influenced by psychedelic culture.

Influences

Church of the Cosmic Skull’s sound has been compared to that of 1970s art rock and progressive rock bands, as well as 1990s neo-psychedelia groups. The band has cited many different artists as influences on their music, including Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Black Sabbath, Kate Bush, King Crimson, Hawkwind, and Deep Purple.

Lyrical themes

Church of the Cosmic Skull explore a wide variety of lyrical themes on their debut album, including (but not limited to) science fiction, outer space, love, death, and spirituality. The band has stated that they are “not really trying to make any grand statements” with their music, but rather just write “songs about the things [they] like”.

Reception

The Church of the Cosmic Skull’s self-titled debut album has been generally well-received by critics. Reviewers have praised the band’s psychedelic and progressive rock sound, as well as their use of vintage equipment. Some have compared the band’s sound to that of Pink Floyd and the Grateful Dead.

Critical reception

The album was met with critical acclaim. Rock Sound gave it 9 out of 10 and said, “Church of the Cosmic Skull’s self-titled debut is a masterful melding of solid songcraft, expert musicianship, stonking riffs and colossally huge melodies, replete with crescendos, false endings and huge swells of sound.”

Commercial reception

Church of the Cosmic Skull’s debut album, Say Hello to the Void, was released in April 2016 to critical acclaim. Classic Rock described it as “an intoxicating blend of space-rock and prog” and said that it was “a record that could – and should – find them winning many admirers.” Prog described it as a “trippy rollercoaster of an album”, and rated it 8 out of 10.

Members

Church of the Cosmic Skull are a psychedelic prog rock band from Birmingham, England. The band consists of Dale ” Samuel F. Elliott” Stewart (vocals, bass), Ryan O’Leary (vocals, guitar), Ben White (drums), and Erik “The Viking” Denno (keyboards).

Discography

“Isis Vessel” (2015)
“Science Fiction” (2017)

Church of the Cosmic Skull is a British psychedelic rock band, formed in Birmingham in 2010. The band’s influences include early Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett-era Floyd, as well as Hawkwind, Doctor Who and science fiction.

The band have released two albums on Badger Records, “Isis Vessel” in 2015 and “Science Fiction” in 2017.

References

“COTCS are back with a second album that confirms their place as one of the most exciting and interesting bands in the current prog scene…Psychedelic leanings, good-time vibes and huge melodies make for an intoxicating mix.” – Prog

“Sugar Rush is a delicious slice of progressive psychedelia, with a side order of heft and hooks to keep you coming back for more.” – Heaven Is Loud

“Church of the Cosmic Skull have delivered an album that’s not only mindblowingly ambitious, it’s also immensely enjoyable.” – The Progressive Aspect