Southern California’s Gygax—featuring former and current members of Gypsyhawk, Skeletonwitch, Sorcerer, Huntress, Warbringer, Mantic Ritual, Pentagram and more—has announced its sophomore LP release, “Second Edition,” due out March 16 via Creator-Destructor Records. The album will be unleashed while the band is storming the West Coast on tour in support of its release.
“The Lascivious Underdark,” the first single from “Second Edition,” is available for streaming now.
“The song takes place in the dangerous wilds of the Underdark, from the perspective of a mind flayer,” said vocalist/bassist Eric Harris.” It calls to its female prey through the lustful thoughts within its predatory mind, luring her with promises of a better life. All the while, dominance and subjugation are its end objective.”
Picking up where the band’s 2016-released “Critical Hits” debut left off, the eight tracks that comprise “Second Edition” showcase Gygax’s tendency to create anthemic rock ‘n’ roll hits, full of hip shakin’ grooves and twin guitar explosions that would make Thin Lizzy shed a tear of pride. “Second Edition” was recorded in November 2017 with Scott Goodrich at Nu-Tone Studios in Pittsburgh, California, and features the artwork of Fares Maese.
“It is with happy hearts that we bring you our second collection of songs for your eager ears,” Harris said. “Recording at Nu-Tone Studios was an experience of highest honor and we humbly thank Scotch The Scribe for his tireless efforts and mastered skills. We hope that you enjoy it as much as we do. And as always, we are ever in debt to the kind and gracious lords of Creator-Destructor Records. Your unending support is ever appreciated, adventurers. We will soon see you.”
Based out of Ventura, California, Gygax features a four-piece lineup of musicians who are no strangers to the world of heavy metal—Harris, formerly of Gypsyhawk, Skeletonwitch and Sorcerer (and currently also filling bass duties in Huntress); his Gypsyhawk partner-in-crime, guitarist Bryant Throckmorton; Jeff Potts, previously of Warbringer and Mantic Ritual, on guitar; and current Pentagram drummer Peter Campbell.
“Second Edition” sees the band carrying on its unique blend of unadulterated vintage hard rock and gamer-centric imagery. Named after Gary Gygax (and blessed and approved by Gary Gygax Jr.), the band continues to showcase its love for “Dungeons & Dragons,” Thin Lizzy and ‘70s boogie-fueled metal and classic rock.
After rapidly creating buzz with their local live performances, Gygax released its debut LP, “Critical Hits,” in January 2016, garnering stellar reviews worldwide. The band completed a two-week U.S. run in summer 2016, which included a headline appearance at the first-ever Magic & Metal Festival at the Majestic Theater in Gygax’s hometown. In 2018, Gygax is eager to embark on yet another successful chapter in its critical conquest, starting with a headlining West Coast tour in mid-March.
Tour dates:
3/08/2018 Golden Bull – Oakland, CA w/ Glitter Wizard, Wilderness Dream
3/09/2018 Tonic Lounge – Portland, OR
3/10/2018 The Highline – Seattle, WA w/ T-Rox
3/11/2018 Blue Lamp – Sacramento, CA w/ Wilderness Dream
3/13/2018 Full Circle Brewery – Fresno, CA w/ Glacier Eater
3/15/2018 Shea’s Tavern – Tahoe, CA
3/16/2018 Cooper’s Alesworth – Nevada City, CA
3/17/2018 5 Star Bar – Los Angeles, CA
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