Shaft of Steel

We had a great time playing at TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM! Thank you to the great crowd who turned out on a Monday night, the superb in-house sound engineer and the other bands on the bill.

A special mention goes to Shaft of Steel super-fan Robert Coston for taking these photos. You rock Rob!

We’re looking forward to hitting the stage again on Monday at TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to, courtesy of A. Smith Photography, who provided these excellent live shots from our last gig in Camden.

Grab your tickets from https://www.tickettailor.com/events/quietvictories/985275

Some more photos from our headline show last month at The Fiddler’s Elbow in Camden, London. Don’t forget our next gig is Tunbridge Wells Forum on 13th November. Tickets are available through Songkick.

📷: John Coster Photography

It was so great being back on stage a few weeks ago in Camden. Thank you Amelie Yasmin Photography for capturing the moment! Our next show is Tunbridge Wells Forum on 13th November.

We are pleased to announce our next gig at TUNBRIDGE WELLS FORUM on Monday 13th November. We filmed our music video for “I’ve Never Been Alone (With a Girl Like You Before)” at this venue, so we’re looking forward to being back there! Tickets are available at the link below. There are other bands on the bill, so please make sure you select Shaft of Steel when you buy your tickets. See you in less than a month!

Buy tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/quietvictories/985275

We want to thank each and every one of you who came to our headline gig at The Fiddler’s Elbow in London last Friday.

It was our first gig in six years, so to say we had some hurdles to overcome on the way would be an understatement. We never thought way back in late 2019, when our debut album was picked up by a label, that we’d have to wait until 2023 to play our new material, but finally we did it - and with three more new songs in the set!

We are quite frankly amazed at how far some of you travelled to see us. Times are tough and not everyone can afford to go to gigs as often as they used to. The fact that you chose to spend your hard earned money on Shaft of Steel means more to us than any magazine review or radio play ever could.

We’d like to say a special thank you to Anthem, ColdHarbour UK and Camden Metal Asylum. You guys rock and we had an unforgettable night.

Chris was not able to join us for this gig, but he will be back in the new year. In the meantime, stay tuned for more photos and an important announcement…

We had loads of fun chatting to Power Metal Ranger. Check out the full ONE HOUR interview where we talk at length about the history of the band, our new direction, our songwriting process, influences and more!

SHAFT OF STEEL On Their Extensive History, New Direction, And Biscuit-Cutter Music (RANGER TALK!!!) SHAFT OF STEELhttp://shaftofsteel.com/https://www.facebook.com/shaftofsteel/https://shaftofsteel.bandcamp.com/https://twitter.com/shaftofsteel?lang=enhttps:/...

Shaft of Steel will play a headline show at Camden Metal Asylum at The Fiddler’s Elbow in London on Friday 6th October.

Get your tickets NOW from https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/camden-metal-asylum-tickets-669338829457

We can’t wait to get back on the stage! 🎉🤘🏻⚡️

Another fantastic reaction video from Iridium heavy rock and metal music reviews for our new single "A Thousand Nights" Thank you Leigh!

Shaft of Steel - A thousand nights REACTION my reaction to a thousand nights

"A Thousand Nights" has hit over 1000 views on YouTube in a week, which is a great achievement for an independent release. Check out the animated visualiser video if you haven't already!

Shaft of Steel - A Thousand Nights (Visualiser) Shaft of Steel reveal their second new single of 2023, “A Thousand Nights”.After the viral success of their state-of-the-art music video for “Back to Me”, th...

Thank you Power Metal Ranger for this fantastic reaction video. It's great to see "A Thousand Nights" getting such a warm reception from so many people!

Shaft Of Steel - A Thousand Nights (REACTION!!!) Link to original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rJe-MfPaL8Link to band's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/ me...Instagr...

Boom, that's some fine-looking artwork right there!

As promised, a brand-new single from Shaft of Steel is incoming, titled “A Thousand Nights".

Release date Friday 7/7/23

A Thousand Nights fully embraces the synthwave/metalwave genre, with drum machines and vocoders combining with Funeral for a Friend-style post-hardcore metal riffs and a big Bon Jovi-esque chorus. We think it’s one of the strongest things we’ve ever done and this is just the beginning of our new direction! We can't wait for you all to hear it! 😁

Pre-save at https://shaftofsteel.ffm.to/athousandnights

Credits:

Robert Fenning - Lead vocals
Alex Markham - Guitars and backing vocals
Dominic Swords - Bass and backing vocals
Adam Carruthers - Guitars
Chris Smurthwaite - Keyboards
Michael Levy - Drums

Additional synthesizers by Alex Markham

Music written by Alex Markham
Lyrics written by Robert Fenning
Produced, mixed and mastered by Alex Markham

Backing vocals are integral to our sound, especially in our upcoming release!

We hope you love listening to them as much as we love recording them! 🤘

Update coming this Friday! Let the countdown begin!

Starting the week off on a positive note!

A surprise new Shaft of Steel track is incoming!
Watch this space!

It's an emotional rollercoaster 😉🍺

We finish our Q&A with bassist Dominic Swords, who also sings backing vocals in the band.

How long have you been with Shaft of Steel?

“Since 2016, but I actually grew up across the street from Alex (Kendal Boys). When I was 17, way back in 2007, I saw Alex and Adam were advertising on MySpace for a new bassist for their band at the time. I was a little younger than them and quite nervous about approaching lads in their 20s. “Can I please be in your band? I really like metal music….” I auditioned, playing the Blue Peter theme on bass. [😅]

“After a few great years together, we kind of went our separate ways to focus on career stuff/studies. So when Alex approached me in 2016 about standing in as bassist for a gig, I was ecstatic at the opportunity to work with them again. I think after a few shows with them, the lads agreed it was a good fit going forward!”

What has been the highlight so far?

“I guess I’ve taken on more of a logistical role with the band in recent years, the grizzly s**t underneath that the outside world doesn’t see. I actually really enjoy the challenge and networking aspect of it. This led to the music video for “Back to Me”, which I was really proud of; the concept, video wall and lighting were organised by me, and we had a fantastic day working with some very talented people behind the scenes.

“But it makes all the blood, sweat and tears worth it when you get the kind of reception we had off the back of the release.

“I guess on a more personal note, another highlight is how much the band have helped me develop as a musician; Alex, Rob and Chris have all really helped me develop vocally over the years, which is something I used to get really flustered with when it came to backing vocals!”

Who is your biggest musical influence?

“Ville Valo and H.I.M. have the biggest musical influence for me. I was totally blown away the first time I heard them - the perfect combo of Bon Jovi-style pop with the metal riffs. I actually bought a Gibson SG and grew dreadlocks to look like Linde! Proper fan-boy moment.”

Who are your top 3 bands?

“This changes all the time, except number one, but currently, I would say:

H.I.M
Iron Maiden
H.E.A.T

“I would have to give a special shout-out to One Desire here too. Massive fan of theirs.”

Finally, what is your favourite Shaft of Steel song?

“Man, I dunno; we certainly have a few contenders here… Probably “Back to Me” highlights our new direction, but I have to mention “Spinning Vortex of Love” too… My girlfriend Daisy pretty much plays this one on repeat in the flat! Not that I’m complaining!”

Our keyboard player Chris Smurthwaite is next in line for a grilling with the all-important questions.

How long have you been in the band, Chris?

"I’ve been in the band since the early days, about 12 years ago. Alex and I were friends at college and we had played in previous bands and enjoyed some gigs together. The band formed a few years later and now here we are!"

What has been the highlight so far?

"It’s difficult to pinpoint a highlight – we’ve had some great gigs and they’ve all been fun. I think the highlight for me is how we’ve developed musically over the years to where we are now, with a great sound and line-up."

And the lowest point?

"It has to be Covid – I can’t imagine many artists give a different response - it had such a negative impact on everything like promoting new music and getting heard. Thankfully it’s over now and we can get back out there!"

Who are your biggest musical inspirations?

"I have a very varied musical taste. I am classically trained and have always been inspired by romantic period classical such as Rachmaninov. My main contemporary influences are Dream Theater and Genesis – both represent a pinnacle for me of songwriting and musicianship, where the keyboards are front and centre rather than just in the background."

Who are your top 3 bands?

"Well maybe unsurprisingly I’ll draw from my musical inspirations – Dream Theater and Genesis are always played a lot. The 3rd choice is difficult, as I’m not one for ‘favourites’ but I suppose next on the list are Rush or Frost*, who probably tie in 3rd place"

What is your favourite Shaft of Steel song?

"My favourite song is yet to be released (stay tuned for future updates!)."

The weekend is here but there’s no rest for Dom, who is recording his bass and backing vocals for our next single. YES, there’s another one coming!

Now it’s the turn of drummer Michael Levy to introduce himself. Here he is rocking out on a behind-the-scenes shot from our latest music video, “Back to Me”.

Hi Mike, how long have you been with Shaft of Steel?

“I joined in December 2017 and had my first photoshoot with the band shortly after.”

How did you first get involved with the band?

“I met Rob and Alex in 2004 whilst studying music at uni. At the time, we’d formed our own bands with other musicians from the course.

“Alex formed a modified version of his previous band from home with Rob on vocals and some other like-minded guys, whilst I was drumming in a band with a couple of people from my hometown and others from my course.

“Alex’s band now formed the basis of Shaft of Steel and I would go and see the guys play whenever I could!! I loved them. The music was epic and the talent of the lads was inspiring. I was honoured to fill in for a gig when their drummer at the time Garth was unavailable, and it was so much fun.

“Fast forward to 2017 and having kept in touch with Alex and Rob on social media, I saw a post informing people Garth had decided to leave the band and a search for a drummer was on! I had to throw my hat into the ring! I chatted on the phone with Alex and he shared his vision for the band and I really liked what I heard. He sent me over some rough mixes of the Steel Heartbeat album to learn and one Saturday afternoon, with my snare, double kick pedal, cymbals and sticks I headed to a rehearsal room in King’s Cross for an audition. I think I did OK as everyone seemed happy with my performance. The lads were great and welcoming and after a post rehearsal pint, I was officially part of the Steel!!”

What has been the highlight so far?

“Releasing our album, having a physical copy of it in my hands and knowing that people all over the world were listening to it and supporting our music.”

And the lowest point?

“The pandemic putting an end to all the plans we had for after the album release. I’m still waiting to play my first show with the band. But when I do… that will be my highlight for sure!!”

Who are your favourite bands and biggest musical influences?

“This seems to constantly change, but these are the bands I would drum to as a kid, who made me want to be in a band… Metallica, Korn, Iron Maiden and Genesis.

“Oh and anything that Dave Grohl drums on - he’s my inspiration for becoming a drummer!”

Finally, what is your favourite Shaft of Steel song?

“Drive”.

Now we turn the spotlight on lead vocalist Robert Fenning in our ‘who’s who’ of Shaft of Steel.

Hello Rob, can you tell us what has been the biggest challenge you've faced as a band so far and how you overcame it?

“I think we would all agree it’s been COVID and lockdown. It came at a really hard time for us after building momentum, getting signed and releasing our first album. Then, being unable to tour it for almost 2 years was a really difficult situation.”

How did you first get into music, and when did you know you wanted to be a singer?

“As a child there was always music playing in the house. As I got older, I started learning guitar, piano and drums but for me, nothing beats singing. It’s the most nerve-wracking, exposing thing you can do in front of an audience. But the feeling of getting a take just right or fronting a great band is the best!”

How did you develop your singing voice, and who are your biggest vocal influences?

“I always wanted to sound like Geoff Tate or James LaBrie and sing in that genre. They have influenced my sound, but more recently I’ve been trying to embrace my natural voice by writing parts for my range and trying not to emulate my favourite singers.”

What's your process for preparing for a live show, both vocally and physically?

“Staying in shape helps. Regular cardio and lots of warming up. I’m a teacher so I use my voice a lot. Just resting my voice for a few days really helps before a show or recording.”

You've collaborated with some other musicians and artists in the past. Is there anyone you would love to work with in the future, either in or outside of your genre?

“As a band we are all getting a lot more into the synthwave scene. It would be cool to work with LeBrock or The Midnight. Saxophone is a big deal in the genre, so if we could get Kenny G to play on a track that would make me very happy indeed!”

Next up in our 'meet the band' feature is guitarist Adam Carruthers.

Hello Adam, how long have you been in Shaft of Steel?

"I’ve been in the band for around 12 years now. Got a call one day from Alex asking if I wanted to play guitar in Shaft of Steel, and the rest is history!"

What has been the highlight so far?

"The biggest highlight for me is when we got to play at The Underworld in Camden! Always wanted to play in our nation’s capital, and being able to do that in such an iconic venue was amazing!"

Who are your musical inspirations?

"The biggest musical inspiration for me is John Petrucci of Dream Theater. His level of playing and songwriting ability is something that inspires me to practice and continually push myself."

Who are your top 3 bands/artists?

"My top three favourite bands have to be Dream Theater, Lamb of God and Children of Bodom 🤘"

What is your favourite Shaft of Steel song?

"It has to be a tie between 'Release The Lion Within' and 'Lucky Girl.' Both are great songs to play live and have some great harmonies with both guitars and keyboard!"

With the “Back to Me” video now over the 3000 views mark (in less than two weeks), we’re in celebration mode! 🎉

We’re also kicking off a ‘who’s who’ of Shaft of Steel, where we learn more about the faces behind the music. We begin with guitarist and producer Alex Markham.

How long have you been with Shaft of Steel?

“A very, very long time... Me and Rob formed the band at uni with some other lads on our degree course and the lineup has changed quite a bit since then.”

What has been the highlight so far?

“I think the biggest highlight of our career as a band has been the music video that we’ve just released for “Back to Me”. We had a really fun day making the video and it’s turned out so well!”

Who are your musical inspirations?

“As a guitarist, Adrian Smith from Iron Maiden is easily my biggest influence. Maiden are my favourite band and Somewhere in Time is my favourite album of theirs. Adrian’s contribution was huge on that album. The guitar tone and guitar synths they used still sound amazing and futuristic today.

“As a songwriter, I’m more influenced by artists like Peter Gabriel and Bruce Hornsby. All of our songs start life on a keyboard and I tend to favour the chord progressions used by artists like them in their 80s heyday.”

Who are your top 3 bands/artists?

“This has changed a lot over the years, with the exception of number one, but currently I would say Iron Maiden, Babymetal and The Midnight.”

What is your favourite Shaft of Steel song?

“Well the best is yet to come obviously 😉, but Release the Lion Within is still the most fun song to play live. I love the harmonised guitar and keyboard solo before the last chorus.”

Thanks Alex, have a nice weekend!

“I will.”

Lots of you have been asking about our stylish new logo, so we want to give a shout-out to the designer, Hamza Ansari - on Instagram.

"Hamza is hugely passionate about synthwave music, so we knew he’d be the right guy for the job when we decided to change direction," says guitarist and producer Alex Markham. "He designed another awesome logo for my solo project a few years ago, along with visualisers for two of my singles, so it was an easy decision.

"The new logo perfectly represents our metal and synth influences in visual form. Hamza was also the person who suggested that we should call our style of music ‘metalwave’! We look forward to working with him for many years to come."

One week later and it’s safe to say that our new music video and single “Back to Me” has gone down well! With over 2000 views on YouTube already, we’ve got a bunch of people to thank.

First of all the director, Kieran Gallop at GLKmedia who truly brought our vision to life.

TS Lighting for the incredible lighting design. Harry Carver, our top-class video wall technician and Pharos Architectural Controls and Carallon Limited for providing the lighting equipment and filming location.

Oh and did we mention Reinlove Clothing, as modelled by our very own Dominic Swords in the video?

You guys are the best. Please keep sharing the video and streaming the song on all the usual platforms to help us get this song heard far and wide!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who has been streaming "Back to Me" since its release on Friday! We've been blown away by the response. If you haven't checked out the video yet, what are you waiting for?! Head over to YouTube to watch in 4K - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhWshFDrSLY