Fireball Ministry Set Oct. 6 Release for Remember the Story; New Single Streaming
Been waiting a while for this one. Los Angeles heavy rockers Fireball Ministry are gearing up to release their fifth album, Remember the Story, on Oct. 6 via Cleopatra Records. I’ll admit I wasn’t a huge fan of their last record, a 2010 self-titled (review here) that struck as having tipped the balance accessibility that was always there in their sound over to the sacrifice of the classic heavy rock thrust that made earlier outings like 1999’s Où Est la Rock? (discussed here) and 2003’s The Second Great Awakening so righteous, but one piece of the equation that’s never been missing has been songwriting, and as the streaming single “Back on Earth” (not an Ozzy cover) reintroduces that heavier edge — plus cowbell — they continue to live up to the high standard of craft they’ve set over their 18 years together.
You can stream “Back on Earth,” which also marks the studio introduction of bassist Scott Reeder (yup, that’s the one), at the bottom of this post. Fireball Ministry are also set to play Cal Jam ’17 in October, and they were just out in the desert a couple weeks ago to shoot a video for “The Answer” from Remember the Story, so expect more before the album surfaces. Right on.
Here’s word from the label:
FIREBALL MINISTRY – Remember the Story
Remember the Story, the band’s 1st album in nearly seven years, delivers their tried and true signature stomp and fuzzy swing with an even broader scope and deeper emotional range. The album mines the depths of loss, pain, and confusion, exorcising demons with the spirited uplift this kind of music best delivers.
“Remember The Story is about moving forward while staying connected to your past. With this album we’ve reached a new stage of crystallization and prowess in our riffage.” – Emily J Burton
“This is a very personal record to me and was written from down deep. It’s also an honor to be playing alongside Emily (Burton) and John (Oreshnick) for the last 20 years. Having Scott (Reeder) with us along for the ride has made our greatest music to date in my humble opinion.” – James A Rota
The upcoming record was produced/mixed by Paul Fig, the engineer behind important records from Alice In Chains and Ghost. Sabbath soaked rhythms, Priest worshipping melodies, and no-nonsense Thin Lizzy mayhem collide in the Hollywood, California band, a group that has humbly but confidently flown the flag for rock authenticity since the hard-partying year of 1999.
Remember The Story’s cover artwork was created by Caitlin Mattisson and conveys the album’s theme of death and renewal. Speaking about the art, Mattisson says, “the vulture represents renewal and transformation and has connections to many mythologies and cultures, from being descended from Griffins in Greek Mythology to the scientific (Latin) name of Turkey Vulture translating to Golden Purifier, which ties in to Jim’s theme about a 2nd chance at life. Elements inspired by Hildgard of Bingen have been worked into the border shapes, as well as 2 blown out candles on the front. The book on the front is a Fireball Ministry hymnal shooting light. On the back of the album the candles are lit again and the vulture is flying away towards a new moon, new beginning.”
Fireball Ministry will be performing with Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age and more at the Cal Jam 17 Festival on October 7th at Glen Helen Amphitheater and Festival Grounds in San Bernardino, CA. Tickets are available at www.caljamfest.com.
1. End Of Our Truth
2. Everything You Wanted
3. Back On Earth
4. The Answer
5. Dying Win
6. Stop Talking
7. Weavers Dawn
8. Remember the Story
9. All For Naught
10. I Don’t Believe A Word
Fireball Ministry live:
Oct 07 Cal Jam 17 Glen Helen Amphitheater San Bernardino, CA
Fireball Ministry is:
James A. Rota II – Vocals/Guitar
Emily J. Burton – Guitar/Backing Vocals
Scott Reeder – Bass
John Oreshnick – Drums
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