If you have the misfortune of dying in St. Louis, Missouri, there is a good chance you will soon become acquainted with local metal band TORCHLIGHT PARADE. Formed in the halls of a local funeral parlor by morticians, TORCHLIGHT PARADE produce a heavy and high spirited sound.
The band comments:
“Three fifths of our band is morticians by day. Both our band name and first album definitely made references to our morbid professions, but we thought we would go full tilt into the funeral theme for our second album. It tells the story of a gothic funeral ceremony with classic old school metal. In keeping with this theme, we even brought on board former GUNS-N-ROSES and ALICE COOPER keyboardist Teddy “Zig Zag” Andreadis. We home listeners enjoy the Rock n Soul Ceremony!”
The lead guitarist Doug Engel is a hearse driver, the lead singer Matt “Torch” Engel, is an embalmer and the drummer Greg Umfleet is a funeral director. TORCHLIGHT PARADEalso include their non-mortician bass player Larry Hunter and guitarist Danny Nichols. The band’s name is meant to invoke the image of an ancient funeral procession. Brought to life in their renowned live shows, the funeral motif is an integral element which regularly sees the vocalist Matt Engel emerging from a coffin, a full compliment of bagpipers, torches and even an appearance by Michael Myers of Halloween fame. Thematically, TORCHLIGHT’ssongs frequently consist of messages of death and the afterlife.
Their sound can best be described as classic heavy metal, heavily steeped in the 70s foundations of the genre, with a strong nod to the 80s era where the guitar solo was king. While a unique take on old styles, one can hear elements of bands such as TWISTED SISTER, JUDAS PRIEST, BLACK SABBATH, KISS, WASP and ALICE COOPER in their music. Torchlight Parade released their self titled debut album in 2020. Their second album, due out on June 6, 2022, “Never Laugh When a Hearse Rolls By” leans even more into the funeral theme. It is a concept album that tells the story of a funeral, from death to ceremony, to mourning and finally afterlife.
To help them tell this story they have added two superstar musicians to their ranks. “Never Laugh When a Hearse Rolls By” features keyboardist Teddy Andreadis, formerly of both GUNS-N-ROSES and ALICE COOPER. Also appearing on the album is FASTER PUSSYCAT guitarist Sam Bam Koltun.
Line-up:
Matt Engel: Vocals
Doug Engel: Lead Guitar
Larry Hunter: Bass Guitar
Greg Umfleet: Drums
Danny Nichols: Rhythm Guitar
Teddy Andreadis (GUNS-N-ROSES and ALICE COOPER): Keyboards
Sam Bam Koltun (FASTER PUSSYCAT): Guest Solo
