LA Hard Rockers SUNFLOWER DEAD have released the video for “VICTIM”, the first single from their upcoming third album C O M A, in stores 10/19 from EMP LABEL GROUP. The video, directed by Matt “Lord” Zane, is the first to feature the updated lineup, and look, of the band, including bassist Christian Olde Wolbers (Ex-Fear Factory, Powerflo) and former Starset drummer Brian “Brett” Weir.
Says vocalist Michael Del Pizzo, “Victim”, the song itself, is an extension of the pummeling out of my frustration and finally letting go of unwanted people, situations and feelings that I can no longer keep and still retain a positive outlook on life. As far as the video, I told Matt I wanted something raw, dirty and ferocious, kinda like Pantera’s “I’m Broken” video, to get the song’s meaning across and show SFD in a no bullshit manner. He delivered, and gave us a phenomenal look to reintroduce Sunflower Dead to the world.”
The album, produced by Dave Fortman (Slipknot, Evanescence) features an updated lineup of the band, including founding members Vocalist (and Accordion player) Michael Del Pizzo, Guitarist Jaboo, and Jamie Teissere (Droid), rounded out by Powerflo/Former Fear Factory bassist Christian Olde Wolbers, and Brian “Brett” Weir, formerly of Starset, on drums.
The follow up to 2015’s It’s Time To Get Weird, which featured the Active Rock Top 40 hit, and title track, “It’s Time To Get Weird”, featuring Jonathan Davis of Korn, C O M A is a stripped down, raw beast of a modern hard rock record, to match the band’s recently stripped down image. Starting life, and continuing through 2 records with intricate costumes and heavy, zombie-esque, stage makeup, C O M A sees the band step out from behind the image, and put the focus on the songs.
Says vocalist Del Pizzo, “Though we are extremely proud of what we have accomplished on our own with the more theatrical version of the band, SFD has grown considerably. The entire process of writing and recording this album was fueled by a sense of aggression unlike anything in our previous output. It was clear to everyone involved that this was the moment to strip off the makeup, sign with a label and let the music speak for itself. So we did. And when it came down to it, EMP was definitely the right place.”
He adds, “We have known Thom (Hazaert) forever. He actually helped launch SFD’s first album and got us our first national tour back in 2012. Combine that with having David Ellefson on our side, and this was an easy decision.”
Adds guitarist Jaboo, “The music on C O M A is more focused, vicious and emotionally dialed-in than any of our previous work. This record is like the rebirth of the band similar to what Christopher Nolan did with the Batman saga. That rebirth is that much stronger with the addition of Christian Olde Wolbers (Fear Factory, Poweflo) on bass and Brian “Brett” Weir (Downplay, Starset) on drums.”
Says EMP’s Thom Hazaert, “Sunflower Dead is one of the hardest working bands I’ve ever known, and I go back over 20 years with most of the guys in the band from the Hollywood scene, long before there ever was a Sunflower Dead. I actually helped them release their first record as well, so it’s great to get to jump down in the trenches with them, roll up my sleeves, and get weird. C O M A, is an incredible album, and the reaction from fans so far has been amazing. David and I are both extremely excited to welcome them to the family.”
Sunflower Dead spent the last 3 years on the road supporting Weird including dates with SNOT and KORN in the UK, both legs of IN THIS MOMENT’s “Hellpop” Tour, as well as runs supporting AVATAR, HELLYEAH, and MUSHROOMHEAD. The band will hit the road again in the Fall to support C O M A.
C O M A is also available for pre-order now from EMP on CD and Limited Edition Double Colored Vinyl HERE.
