St. Louis band Torchlight Parade, formed in 2017 by brothers Matt and Doug Engel, has been making waves in the metal scene. Matt, a mortician, and Doug, a hearse driver, draw inspiration from their day jobs to create music that is both eerie and captivating. The band’s name, Torchlight Parade, originated from a phrase Matt stumbled upon during mortuary college, and it has since become synonymous with their unique brand of macabre music.
With the recent release of their third album, “Children of the Night,” Torchlight Parade has solidified its place in the metal genre. The album pays homage to classic horror films, featuring tracks like “Haddonfield’s Revenge” and “Frankenstein of Death.” Despite the dark themes, the band aims to provide a sense of escapism and entertainment through their music, offering a reprieve from the somber realities of their profession.
For the Engels, music has always been a family affair. Doug’s son, Sam Engel, and their friend Gavin Martin round out the band’s lineup, infusing their performances with youthful energy and talent. Sam’s involvement in arranging music for Torchlight Parade has been a rewarding experience, allowing him to explore the intricacies of heavy metal composition.
Keyboardist and vocalist Teddy “ZigZag” Andreadis, known for his work with iconic acts like Guns N’ Roses and Alice Cooper, has also joined forces with Torchlight Parade. His seasoned expertise adds a layer of depth and sophistication to the band’s sound, elevating their performances to new heights.
While the band’s stage presence is theatrical and campy, their music delves into profound themes surrounding death and mortality. Tracks like “She’s Gone” from their album “Never Laugh when a Hearse Rolls By” evoke strong emotions in listeners, resonating with those who have experienced loss.
Despite the somber subject matter, Torchlight Parade’s music serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and death. Drawing from personal experiences and encounters with mortality, the band members approach the concept of death with a unique perspective, unafraid to explore its complexities through their music.
For Torchlight Parade, creating music inspired by death is not just a creative outlet but a way to confront and embrace the inevitable. Through their art, they navigate the delicate balance between life and death, infusing their music with a sense of dark beauty and introspection that resonates with audiences who dare to explore the shadows.
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