Stabbing Westward sign to COP International, announce new LP ‘Wasteland’

Illinois industrial rockers Stabbing Westward have inked a deal with COP International for the release of their new full-length album, ‘Wasteland,’ which marks the band’s first record in nearly 20 years. You can also expect to hear a new single in 2020.

Here’s more info from the official announcement:

To recapture that early chemistry, the band—featuring original founding members Christopher Hall (vocals/guitar) and Walter Flakus (keyboards/programming) as well as longtime bandmate Carlton Bost (bass) and newest member Bobby Amaro (drums)—has again recruited their original producer, the legendary John Fryer for the upcoming Wasteland release. It will be the first LP from the band since 2001. Fryer, whose production credits include Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, 4AD, Cocteau Twins and Love and Rockets, was behind the boards on Stabbing Westward’s seminal early albums Ungod (1994) and Wither Blister Burn + Peel (1996).

Fryer comments:

It’s grand to be working with Stabbing Westward again. The first two albums we made together were some of my finest work as a producer.

Hall adds:

I was so excited to have the opportunity to go back to the very roots of Stabbing Westward by working with John again. John really helped us develop our sound on our first album and then helped us take a huge leap forward with our second album. Even though this is our fifth full length, after such a long break it feels like a new beginning and it’s very cool to have John at the helm once again.

Flakus states:

I couldn’t be more excited to be working with John again. The creativity we found on the first two records continues to drive where we want to take Stabbing Westward in the years to come. I’m so happy to rekindle that flame.

Finally, a statement from founder of COP International, Christian Petke, reads as follows:

We wanted to put the dream team of Stabbing Westward and John Fryer back together again. First and foremost we are fans. We truly appreciate the talent and skill of the musicians that entrust us with their creations and we will do whatever it takes to help them to create their best work on their own terms. What is of utmost importance to us is to give our artists a boutique experience. We want to create a partnership that is probably closer to a management deal than a traditional record contract.

Stay tuned for more news coming soon.

Photo credit: @Pharmadiver/Kim Hansen Photography