Rock Supergroup THIS WILD DARKNESS Release Concept EP Today

 SUPERCOLLAB ROCK GROUP
THIS WILD DARKNESS
RELEASE FIVE-TRACK CONCEPT EP
THE NOTORIOUS MEMPHIS RAINS
TODAY

FOCUS TRACK 
“PHANTOM MOON”
FEATURES CAPTIVATING VOCALS FROM 
JACK HUES OF WANG CHUNG
AND GUITAR MASTERY FROM 
SLIM GAMBILL OF LADY A

FEATURING: 
ARION SALAZAR, CHUCK BARTELS, JACK HUES, JEFF SCHROEDER
SCOTTI HILL, SLIM GAMBILL AND TOMMY MARZ

Above: ‘The Notorious Memphis Rains’ EP artwork; Credit: Judi Perkins

NASHVILLE, TN (October 25, 2024) — Today, supercollab rock outfit THIS WILD DARKNESS releases their 5-song concept EP, THE NOTORIOUS MEMPHIS RAINS, available across all DSPs alongside a limited edition vinyl release.

STREAM THE NOTORIOUS MEMPHIS RAINS HERE.
LIMITED-EDITION VINYL AVAILABLE HERE.

The project explores a raw, deeply emotional story drawing inspiration from the historic tragedies of Memphis, TN, and West Memphis, AR. The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the death of Elvis Presley, and the tragic tale of the West Memphis Three became the backbone for lead singer TOMMY MARZ as he shaped the character “Memphis Rains,” embodying the collective grief tied to these events.

The project’s standout track, “Phantom Moon,” highlights infectious melodies from JACK HUES, founding member of the chart-topping new wave band Wang Chung. Adding to the fire is a scorching guitar solo from Nashville-based guitarist SLIM GAMBILL, renowned for his work with country group Lady A. GAMBILL exclaims, “Finally! I get a rock track where I can take the gloves off!”

LISTEN TO “PHANTOM MOON” HERE.

United in a moment of musical brilliance, THIS WILD DARKNESS, led by musical alchemist TOMMY MARZ, is a collective born from the pure joy of creation, where legendary musicians from diverse backgrounds converge to craft something poignant and dynamic. With a lineup boasting ARION SALAZAR (Third Eye Blind), CHUCK BARTELS (Sturgill Simpson), JACK HUES (Wang Chung), JEFF SCHROEDER (The Smashing Pumpkins), SCOTTI HILL (Skid Row), and SLIM GAMBILL (Lady A), the group has harnessed their vast experiences to produce a powerful and evocative EP. 

Sophomore single “The Wild Darkness” was added to Apple Music’s “Breaking Rock” and “New in Rock” playlists. Featuring Skid Row’s SCOTTI HILL, who is best known for his heavy metal skills, the track has him swapping shredding for slide guitar on a haunting melody that echoes the feel of a classic Western film. “I couldn't have been more flattered when Tommy asked me to contribute to this record and project,” HILL shares. “It’s been so much fun!”

WATCH “THE WILD DARKNESS” VISUALIZER BELOW:

With support from Guitar World, the EP’s lead single “Dawn Rider” debuted on September 18, offering a first look into the story of Memphis Rains. The track features a stunning guitar solo from longtime Smashing Pumpkins guitarist (2007–2023) JEFF SCHROEDER, and earned a place on Apple Music’s “Breaking Hard Rock” playlist.

“Dawn Rider represents the ride and realization of Memphis’s actions and mistakes. This is him trying to make a run for it but uncertain that he’ll be able to escape,” MARZ explains.

STREAM “DAWN RIDER” HERE. 
WATCH / SHARE “DAWN RIDER” VISUALIZER BELOW:

“The entirety of this project is a concept based on searching for something that you want and being willing to do whatever it takes to get it,” says MARZ, who also produced the EP. “It also explores the consequences of those actions that may not be clear when you are in pursuit.”

“Tommy made it easy to be relaxed and creative,” says BARTELS as he reflects on the collaborative process. “I felt like nothing was off the table, part-wise.” 

Beginning at a charity show, “For The Crew,” — covered by Rolling Stone, Guitar World and others — to raise money for Sweet Relief Musicians Fund in 2021, SCHROEDER, HILL, and MARZ ended the evening with a rousing jam of “Cold Gin” by KISS. This event — which raised over $15,000 for out-of-work road crew members affected by the pandemic — also highlighted collaboration between SCHROEDER and SALAZAR, as well as HUES and MARZ. These moments laid the foundation for a group that would reunite and create together over the years. MARZ and SCHROEDER have since collaborated on several tracks, charting four times on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Mainstream Radio Airplay and Digital Sales charts.

Tracklisting for The Notorious Memphis Rains:
“The Wild Darkness” 
“Dawn Rider” 
“Phantom Moon” 
“Night Drive Rx” 
“The Wild Darkness (Reprise)”