They Take It Black

By TUTAKI, Denise

CYCLOTRODE X heads to the Basement for its CD release party this weekend. Formerly known as Vampire Empire, the New Plymouth band says its music is more accessible than Demon Nation label-mate Horror Story.

While it shares some of the same band members, singer Von Toxic says there are differences. Elements of Danzig, AFI and the Misfits define the Cyclotrode X sound, and Von Toxic has been learning to sing in the dark, melodic style of Davey Havoc, from AFI, and Danzig.

“Having two guitarists fattens up our sound a bit more, and we cover all the elements of punk, metal and hard rock, except we have more of a black take on things. Our appeal is broader, too. We find that we not only attract fans of Horror Story, but fans of bands like Agent should also dig our sound,” Von Toxic says.

It doesn’t have the kitsch element of Horror Story, or its penchant for ’50s B-grade horror movies. However, the band does glean its name from ’50s TV series The Crimson Ghost, whose doomsday weapon was a Cyclotrode X.

“We don’t depict the horror element except for portraying through our music the horror of life that we deal with every day.”

The band, which was formed at the end of 2006, lost its drummer Craig Psycho this year, delaying the release of its first, partially finished album.

With new drummer Jackal Mayhem on board, new recordings were decided on for its debut release, Slaughterhouse Heart.

“Our new album, for all intents and purposes, is our second album. We decided Jack sounded so good, we went back and recorded more songs, so what we almost have is two mini albums on one CD. It’s some of our best-quality stuff. Jack does a lot of session work – when he’s not being a super villain, he drums for just everyone else,” vocalist Von Toxic says.

The band plays with Horror Story, Black Chrome and First Floor Riot on Saturday.

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