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Cowboys & Aliens started their musical career way back in 1996. At
that time the band performed a different kind of music (more alternative
rock) in a slightly different line-up. They recorded a debut album and
played lots of gigs. Looking back at these beginning years, the bands
considers this time more as a sort of learning process, in preparation
for the bigger work they had in mind. But let us not talk about the
past. Today, Cowboys & Aliens is one of these bands that can create
a real buzz, purely out of live-performances. Several half-legendary
Belgian bands had to break up to make this happen. The current and more
steady line up makes the chemistry work as one can hear on 2 superb
albums released on Buzzville Records.
Singer Henk V. has a powerful, yet clear and very emotional voice that
makes an exciting contrast with the band's sound. Without any doubt,
this vocalist is one of the best rocksingers Belgium has ever had. Henk
is a classic rocksinger in the vein of John Garcia and even Robert Plant.
Guitar player John P. can be seen as the musical brain of the band,
writing songs and producing layer upon layer of low, heavy & rhythmic
guitar spawns, which makes the band's sound so unique. Yet Cowboys &
Aliens would not be the same without the driving-force of Kris V (bass)
and Peter G (drums), the solid rhythm section. Both musicians find their
roots in the 70 pre-metal bands like Black Sabbath & Co. They add a
certain good old heavy swing to the more metal driven riffs. This is
definitely what you call "groove at it's best".
Talking influences, one can name anything between Sabbath & John Spencer.
Cool classic rock with a groove driven sound. 2000 release "A Trip To
The Stonehenge Colony" was recorded at The Hype Studios and produced
by D.J., known for his work in the legendary 80's band La Muerte. D.J.
has done a very good job, giving this album the right spirit and the
wonderful groovy heavy sound which will make Cowboys & Aliens to be
considered as one of the best Belgian bands of this era.
Early 2002 Cowboys & Aliens are celebrating the release of yet
another groove driven piece of rock entitled "Love, Sex, Volume".
Under the moto 'never change a winning team' again the album was recorded
at The Hype Studios, produced by DJ (of La Muerte fame) and mastered
by Alan Ward.
In September 2003 long time drummer Peter V. leaves
the band due to musical differences. His decision came as a shock for
the three remaining bandmembers but they decide to go on and start
auditions for a new, suitable candidate for the vacant drumseat. Very
soon drummer Johan VDS joins the band and leaves again after only a few months of rockin' out with
the boys.
In October 2004 local drummer Thailonius Monster joins
the band. For some reason, after only one show, Thailonius thinks he
can't live up to the expectations and in good old Spinal Tap
tradition ... decides to leave.
In the meantime Cowboys & Aliens starts writing
new songs for the next album and late 2004 the band enters the studio to
record "Language Of Superstars" with super-drummer Mario
Goosens (of Hooverphonic & Triggerfinger fame) as a studio musician
and Peter Iterbeke (Channel Zero / Feed) as producer.
The search for a suitable drummer continues when all
of sudden studio-musician Mario Goosens sees the light and, impressed as
he is with the new material decides to join the band permanently as
the new drummer. Around the same time producer Peter Iterbeke realises
this is the band he wanted all along and joins in as second guitarist.
Along the road Cowboys & Aliens changes from the
Buzzville to the Apache Productions label.
The new album "Language Of Superstars" is
set for a may 2005 release so be prepared for THE rock album of the
decade which will definitely change the face of Belgian rock forever
!
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