Band of the Week #298 – Heart Attack Man_Profile in When The Horn Blows
Heart Attack Man, a punk-rock band hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, has recently dropped their latest album, ‘Joy Ride the Pale Horse’, which delves into the themes of life and death in the midst of infectious guitar riffs and unforgettable hooks. Comprising Eric Egan on vocals and guitar, Adam Paduch on drums, and Ty Sickels on guitar, the trio fearlessly confront the mysteries of fate with a grin on their faces as they deliver their fourth LP.
The band members express their pride and excitement about the album finally being out in the world after dedicated time off the road to focus on crafting it. The title, ‘Joy Ride the Pale Horse’, serves as a metaphor for the intricate relationship between life and death and the varying perspectives individuals might have on mortality. Death is an inevitable part of life, but it is the diverse ways in which we approach and interpret it that make the journey fascinating.
The album was recorded in Hopatcong, NJ, with producer Brett Romnes, who has been a long-time collaborator with the band. The band fondly recalls one anecdote from their studio time when they took a planned day off to explore garage sales in the area, stumbling upon a vintage velvet painting of a clown. The members draw inspiration from a range of musical influences for this album, with each track uniquely influenced by different sources. The energy on the album remains consistently high, a deliberate choice to maintain a sense of coherence and narrative throughout the record.
When asked about the potential film the album could soundtrack, a humorous suggestion of the Minecraft Movie was made, reflecting the band’s playful and eclectic approach to their art. One standout lyric from the album, “We’re all suspended in between what life is worth and what it means” from the track ‘Lay Down And Die’, encapsulates the essence of the album for the band. Moving forward, Heart Attack Man looks forward to touring, creating new music, and embracing the chaotic life of musicians on the road.
In a nutshell, Heart Attack Man’s ‘Joy Ride the Pale Horse’ is a cathartic exploration of life’s uncertainties and the inevitability of death, delivered through a lens of high-energy punk rock vibes and introspective lyrics. The band’s commitment to their craft and willingness to delve into profound existential questions set them apart in the music scene, making their latest album a compelling and thought-provoking listen for fans of the genre.