“Let There Be Dark” is TOWER’s third album and the second for Cruz del Sur Music. It is also the darkest and most metal album of the three. How did that come to be?
“The album reflects the darkness and the pain of the world today. Life is truly a non-linear journey and the album mirrors that.”
The first single off the album is “Under The Chapel”. The song was inspired by a Yiddish lullaby your grandmother used to sing to you. Did you change much to the lyrics to make it more contemporary?
““Schlaf mein kind” was a lyric from the lullaby my grandmother would sing to me (which means “sleep my child”). The Eastern European instrumentals of this song reminded me of the lullaby, so I used that as an inspiration. The rest of the lyrics and melodies are a bit different but are still very special to me.”
The two-headed snake on the cover art and in your logo also has a special meaning throughout the album?
“It’s biblical mythology, which mirrors our concept for the album.”
“Let There Be Dark” will be out in Europe on March 21, but the United States have to wait until April 11 to hear the 10 tracks. What’s the reason for that?
“Originally, it was a scramble to get this album together. We are still waiting for a confirmed date for the full record release. It will probably come out on April 11th for the US and Europe. On Friday March 14th, we will be releasing “Iron Clad”, the B-side for the “Under The Chapel” 7” via Invisible Oranges.”
And while we’re making a comparison, the band that comes closest to TOWER in my opinion is Savage Master based on the music and the backing vocals. Even your voice and that of Stacey Savage don’t differ that much.
“I think we have different styles, but Savage Master rules!”
Like you said, album opener “Under The Chapel” was released as a 7” vinyl single with “Iron Clad” on the B-side. That brings me back to the early 80s when I was buying NWOBHM singles. You don’t see often bands doing this anymore.
“Thanks. It’s super catchy! It has a very similar vibe to our last album “Shock To The System”.”
“Holy Water” reminds me of the 70s rock band Babe Ruth with Janita Haan. Is that the sound that TOWER’s trying to approach?
“We love Babe Ruth and listen to Babe Ruth a lot. It wasn’t a direct inspiration but it’s in our blood, I guess!”
One of my favorites on “Let There Be Dark” is the power ballad “And I Cry”. When was the last time that you really burst into tears and what was the occasion?
“I cry a lot, and is my main release for many things. I am a mental health counselor and it is difficult to hold space for others sometimes, especially during this really unpredictable time in the world.”
The absolute stand out track on the album for me though is “Iron Clad”, because that is exactly how heavy metal should sound nowadays. Who wrote this masterpiece?
“James Danzo! Our riff king.”
To wrap things up, you throw in another fabulous guitar driven power ballad, “Don’t You Say”, and the straightforward rocker “The Hammer”. Congratulations, Sarabeth, you and TOWER have created a very versatile album that will find its way to many fans of the heavy metal genre.
“Thank you! It’s been a journey but I think this album really shows our growth.”
Touring has become very expensive for bands, but is there still a chance we can welcome TOWER to Europe? Maybe with Christian Mistress, who are on the same label and have just released an album, “Children Of The Earth”, also?
“Would be awesome to tour with Christian Mistress! We are definitely not opposed to that. We do have plans to return to Europe by the end of the year. Stay tuned.” ■