Decibrity Playlist: Royal Thunder

While Royal Thunder‘s sophomore effort may be an early contender for album of the year, it’s way too early to tell if Crooked Doors will forever change lives. Why the hyperbole? Well, RT guitarist Josh Weaver was kind enough to tell us about some records that changed him forever. “I’m sure I’ll be kicking myself thinking of other albums after I submit this,” explains the axeman. “[But] these bands and albums played a huge role in influencing the music that I write and play today. I am forever thankful for these albums and hope they have as big of an impact on you as they did to me!” In the meantime, we’ll continue to be grateful for the musical stew that this recipe has created in the form of the Atlanta quartet.

You can pick up a copy of Crooked Doors here (bandcamp) or here (physical) and be sure to catch the band on tour in a city near you in the very near future (dates below).

Nirvana–Nevermind (1991)

This is the album that got me playing music! I’m so thankful that I was 12 years old when this came out. I wanted to be a part of what they were doing! Put a fire under my ass and gave me a reason to be punk!

The Cult–Sonic Temple (1989)

The name of the album says it all! The tones and songwriting on this record are nothing less than a sonic temple. Dark and sexy rock ‘n’ roll at its absolute best!

Smashing Pumpkins–Siamese Dream (1993)

This record is so great and well rounded. I really consider [it to be] a masterpiece. The guitar tones! I got to see them on the Siamese Dream tour when I was little Josh, with my big brother Ryan. Life changing!

The Cure–Disintegration (1989)

This album really showed me how creative a band could be. It is such a deep, heavy record. I listened to this album in the dark with candles and incense when I was in middle school a lot. One of the most creative bands ever!

Adolescents–Adolescents (1981)

Punk rock at its finest! It was a standout album to me in my punk phase! Such a melodic, dark punk album. Summer time album.

His Hero Is Gone–Fifteen Counts Of Arson (1996)

In my “punk phase”, I went to a warehouse and saw this band play. I left the show with this album. I was blown away seeing them play! Really, really, really heavy music with the pulse of punk! I have yet to hear a band as “heavy” as this one.

Slowdive–Just For A Day (1991)

It’s really hard to even put into words how to describe this album. This is a record that has to be experienced. Very heavy. Like waves of sound, washing you away.

The Sisters Of Mercy–First And Last And Always (1985)

One of the most vibe-filled, dark, emotional albums I’ve ever heard. The songwriting on this album….I could talk about this for hours. Only to be experienced in cold weather!

Pavement–Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain (1994)

This album was a great break in my dark music obsession! Such creative, honest and heartfelt music. Great summertime music.

Type O Negative–October Rust (1996)

RIP Peter Steele! There will never be a band that sounds like Type O. This album showcases what Type O Negative is all about! Masterpiece songwriting from beginning to end of the album. Obvious fall and winter album. Not to be listened to in the warm spring or summer.

The Beatles–Abbey Road (1969)

This is an album and band I got into later on in life. This record is like a roller coaster, much like life. It’s always an inspiration to me to be unique and creative. It really shows you how limitless music is!

Led Zeppelin–Led Zeppelin IV (1971)

Raw and magical is how I describe this album. Led Zeppelin is another band that I got into later in life. I found a cassette copy of Led Zeppelin IV and put it in my car. I literally wore the tape out. I’m pretty sure this is the best rock album of all time. Oh, and I got to meet Jimmy Page! Delightful man!

*Pick up a copy of Crooked Doors here (bandcamp) or here (physical)

**Royal Thunder tour dates:

  • May 28 New Orleans, LA Siberia
  • May 29 Houston, TX Fitzgerald’s
  • May 30 Dallas, TX Club Dada
  • May 31 Austin, TX Holy Mountain
  • June 2 Phoenix, AZ Rebel Lounge
  • June 3 San Diego, CA The Hideout
  • June 5 Anaheim, CA The Grove
  • June 6 San Francisco, CA The Regency Ballroom
  • June 8 Portland, OR Roseland Theater
  • June 9 Seattle, WA Showbox SoDo
  • June 10 Boise, ID Revolution Center
  • June 12 Missoula, MT Wilma Theatre
  • June 13 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory
  • June 14 Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom
  • June 16 Billings, MT Pub Station
  • June 18 Salt Lake City, UT Crucial Fest
  • June 19 Denver, CO Larimer Lounge
  • June 20 Kansas City, MO The Record Bar
  • June 21 Minneapolis, MN The Nether Bar
  • June 22 Chicago, IL Beat Kitchen
  • June 23 Grand Rapids, MI The Pyramid Scheme
  • June 25 Brooklyn, NY Saint Vitus
  • June 26 Boston, MA Great Scott
  • June 27 Providence, RI The Parlour
  • June 28 Philadelphia, PA Kung Fu Neck Tie
  • June 30 Baltimore, MD Metro Gallery
  • July 1 Richmond, VA The Camel
  • July 2 Charlotte, NC The Chop Shop
  • July 3 Atlanta, GA The Earl
  • June 5 to 14 w/Halestorm