Rock Outfit, This Wild Darkness Drops ‘The Wild Darkness’ Feat. Scotti Hill

Rock Outfit, This Wild Darkness Drops ‘The Wild Darkness’ Feat. Scotti Hill

Supercollab rock outfit This Wild Darkness drops “The Wild Darkness,” the sophomore single from their upcoming five-song concept EP, The Notorious Memphis Rains EP, set for release on October 25. A limited-edition vinyl version will also be available.

Featuring Skid Row’s Scott Hill, best known for his heavy metal skills, he swaps shredding for slide guitar on “The Wild Darkness,” delivering a haunting melody that echoes the feel of a classic Western film.

This Wild Darkness is a rock band with members from Skid Row, Third Eye Blind, Lady A, Wang Chung and Smashing Pumpkins. But the result is not metal thrashing. It’s a concise blend of rock with a southern twist that makes the most of the skills of musicians from platinum selling bands. With powerful vocals from Tommy Marz and the soulful whine of Hill’s slide guitar, “The Wild Darkness” is not just compelling–it’s first rate songwriting. This Wild Darkness came together out of the sheer joy of making music, the kind of music they want. And it shows.

The track places the concept project’s main character, Memphis Rains, at a pivotal crossroads. Lead singer Tommy Marz uses his powerful vocals to express the inner thoughts of Memphis through his decision of which road to take. Skilled guitars fly across the melodies, with soft acoustics juxtaposing the crisp electrics.

“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!”

“The Wild Darkness”

 
Stream the new single HERE

Pre-order the album 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), Scott Hill  (Skid Row), and Slim Gambill  (Lady A), the group has harnessed their vast experiences to produce a powerful and evocative EP.

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.

“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

The project’s title hints at the profound themes explored within the collection, 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 haunting story of the West Memphis Three served as a foundation for Marz as he crafted the character “Memphis Rains,” symbolizing the collective sorrow of these events.

“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 album. “It also explores the consequences of those actions that may not be clear when you are in pursuit.”

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.

“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.” Nashville-based guitarist Slim Gambil, known for his work with country group Lady A shouts: “Finally! I get a rock track sent to me where I get to take the gloves off!”

This Wild Darkness website