SUN DONT SHINE: Where Heavy Meets Haunting
SUN DONT SHINE, the supergroup featuring Kirk Windstein (CROWBAR, DOWN, KINGDOM OF SORROW), former TYPE O NEGATIVE members Kenny Hickey and Johnny Kelly, and Todd Strange (CROWBAR, DOWN), has released a captivating music video for their new single, “The Promise Song.”
Windstein,speaking in a November 2024 interview with cult San Antonio video show Robbs MetalWorks,revealed glimpses into the band’s plans.”We’re actually gonna go to Europe for about a ten-day, two-week little tour, play a few festivals. And it’ll be our first time playing live. Fuck, we haven’t even actually played a complete song in a room together. It was kind of a get-together-and-writing-type thing, and we have a seven-song EP coming out. So, I’ll be busy with that.”
They’ve carved out a unique sound that transcends the expectations that might arise from combining members of CROWBAR and TYPE O NEGATIVE. “we like to think, us four guys, that it’s not what people think when you’ve got half of the original CROWBAR and half of TYPE O NEGATIVE. It doesn’t sound like either band, so it’s its own thing, which I’m very proud of,” Windstein explains.
Hickey takes the lead vocal reins in most instances, with windstein contributing call-and-response moments and vibrant harmonies. Windstein shares,”when I heard his voice,I’m like,‘Dude,you’re the singer.’ We do some call-and-answer,and we do a lot of vocal harmonies. I told him I’m more nervous about trying to harmonize right with my gravelly voice, and he’s got this high, clean, powerful voice. And he’s like, ‘Oh, you’re gravelly voice blends good with mine. It’ll be great.’ Yeah, he’s got an amazing voice—he really does. A great sense of melody. It’s really great stuff.”
Previously known as EYE AM,SUN DONT SHINE dropped two singles – “dreams Always Die With The Sun” in June 2023 and “Cryptomnesia” in November 2023 – via Corpse Paint Records. Both singles were accompanied by compelling music videos directed by Mike Holderbeast at OCD Recording And Production.
The band’s magic lies in the masterful blend of elements. Windstein’s earth-shaking riffs collide with Hickey’s evocative, frequently enough ethereal melodies, creating a captivating balance between heavy and haunting.Kelly’s drumming keeps the music pulsing, while Strange’s bass lines provide a solid foundation.
But SUN DONT SHINE’s true essence lies in the palpable chemistry among its members. It’s a raw, unfiltered energy that emanates from their shared history, their highs, and their lows. Their music is a testament to the power of embracing imperfections and transforming them into something unusual. it’s messy, visceral, and undeniably real.
SUN DONT SHINE is more than just a band; they are storytellers. Drawing influence from diverse sources, like BLACK SABBATH and THE BEATLES, they weave narratives of resilience, reflection, and catharsis. their music is a journey, guiding listeners through a landscape of emotions and experiences.
A Supergroup Forged from Friendship: SUN DON’T SHINE’s Unexpected Genesis
SUN DON’T SHINE, the heavy music supergroup comprised of veteran musicians from TYPE O NEGATIVE, CROWBAR, and DANZIG, wasn’t born from a calculated industry move. It was a genuine collision of longstanding friendships and a shared hunger for creative expression.
The seeds were sown by Andrew Spaulding,a former DANZIG merchandiser who later became a close friend of both TYPE O NEGATIVE’s Peter Steele and the SUN DON’T SHINE members.After Steele’s passing, Spaulding launched his own indie label and proposed a unique collaboration: TYPE O NEGATIVE drummer Johnny kelly, CROWBAR frontman Kirk Windstein, and CROWBAR bassist Todd Strange.
“That was started with Andrew Spaulding,” Kelly saeid, recounting the group’s unlikely beginnings. “We’ve all been friends — I’ve known Kirk and Todd for, like, 30 years at this point. So we’ve always been friends and we’ve always crossed paths and hung out and this and that but never really had the possibility to get in a room and play together.” Spaulding facilitated a meeting in Florida, where the magic happened.
The initial spark ignited quickly.They convened in a rehearsal space, hammered out their debut song, and recorded it the very next day. “Drew literally picked me up from the airport and drove me to rehearsal,” Kelly recalled. “And the guys were in the room. And I just put my suitcase over to the side, set up the kit and we started working on the song… And then the next morning we went to the recording studio, tracked all the drums. And then I was on a plane.”
The result? “Dreams Always Die With The Sun,” a testament to their natural chemistry and collaborative prowess.Windstein expressed his delight at the experience, comparing it to the formation of VELVET REVOLVER, a supergroup known for its formidable blend of hard rock and grunge influences. “It’s a cool song,” Windstein said. “I really wasn’t sure what to expect. You take these people from these bands and you put ’em together and you have a certain expectation of it…But I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was and how much fun it was to work with everybody.”
Speed and synergy were key elements. Veteran musicians Kelly and Hickey had already forged a strong bond years before TYPE O NEGATIVE formed, honing their skills in a local thrash band. “I’ve been working with Johnny long before TYPE O,” Hickey shared.”We got better at it. Dude, you do something for 35 years, I hope you’re getting better at it.”
SUN DON’T SHINE’s story underscores how powerful friendship and shared passion can be in creating something truly special.
Kirk Windstein, a powerhouse figure in the heavy metal scene, is renowned for his distinct voice and commanding stage presence. Beyond his work as lead vocalist for the acclaimed sludge metal band Crowbar, Windstein boasts an expansive musical journey. He also lends his talents to the New Orleans supergroup DOWN, where he continues to push the boundaries of heavy music.
Windstein’s musical versatility shines through his collaborations. He has forged a memorable partnership with Jamey Jasta, the vocalist of HATEBREED, forming the project KINGDOM OF SORROW. together, they released two impactful albums that showcase their shared passion for raw, uncompromising metal.
In 2020, Windstein took a notable step forward by releasing his highly anticipated debut solo album, “Dream In Motion.” This release marked a new chapter in his career, highlighting his artistic evolution and compelling songwriting abilities.
To truly experience the sonic depth of Kirk Windstein’s artistry, we encourage you to delve into his discography.
