Black Cross Hotel reveals new album and debuts new song

Chicago’s Black Cross Hotel, a collective formed during the pandemic by Andrew Ragin of The Atlas Moth and Marcus Eliopulos of Stabbing Westward, recently announced their upcoming album titled Songs for Switches, set to be released on October 31 via Someoddpilot Records. The band has also revealed the music video for the album’s lead single, “The House God Doesn’t Visit,” directed by John Scott.

The project, which started as a horror-inspired side project, has expanded to include drummer Mike Miczek, producer Sanford Parker, and vocalist DeEmme. The album was recorded at Chicago’s Electrical Audio and finished at Parker’s Hypercube studio.

Offering insight into the album, DeEmme shared that Songs for Switches is more than just a collection of salacious fantasies. It also delves into practical aspects of maintaining a well-run subculture and serves as a compilation of lessons learned in various aspects of life and relationships. Ragin added that the band draws inspiration from horror movies, which often serve as the backdrop for their songs. These songs, he explained, usually start as alternate movie scores and evolve into a blend of metal, dark wave, punk, ’90s alternative, and even hair metal, creating a unique fusion of styles and themes.

The tracklist for the album includes songs like “Eyes From Nowhere,” “Rot Together,” “Song for Switches,” “Blood Dance,” “Church Basement,” and more. Along with the album announcement, Black Cross Hotel has also scheduled tour dates in various cities, starting on October 29th in Chicago and running through November 3rd in Baltimore, Maryland. The band will be joined by Blood Lemon for most of the tour dates, creating an eclectic and dynamic musical experience for fans.

Black Cross Hotel’s blend of influences and themes promises a one-of-a-kind musical journey for listeners, drawing from horror, metal, punk, and various other genres to create a unique and eclectic sound. With their upcoming album and tour, the band is set to captivate audiences with their dark and spooky aesthetic and their innovative approach to music that transcends traditional genre boundaries.