Canadian hard rock and melodic metal outfit Boneyard is proud to announce the release of its sophomore album, ‘Black Static‘. Building upon the foundation established by their acclaimed debut ‘Oathbreaker‘, the new record showcases an evolved lineup, expanded songwriting chemistry, and a powerful blend of modern female-fronted hard rock and traditional heavy metal.
Founded in 2015 by singer/guitarist Pamtera and drummer Jefftimus, Boneyard first gained widespread attention with their independently released debut album ‘Oathbreaker‘. The record later caught the attention of Italy’s WormHoleDeath Records, leading to a broader international re-release in 2022, including distribution in Japan. Since then, the band has become a respected force across Western Canada’s rock and metal scene, sharing stages with acts such as 96 Bitter Beings, KingDoom, and Deadwolff while earning praise for their powerful blend of melody, heavy riffs, and meaningful storytelling.
For Boneyard, ‘Black Static‘ represents both a continuation and an evolution.
“‘Black Static‘ is an extension of ‘Oathbreaker‘, featuring another diverse collection of songs while showcasing the unique contributions of Lezzy and Garhardt. The new lineup and album are quite different from ‘Oathbreaker‘, and we’re excited for fans to hear where the band has gone,” explains Jefftimus.
The anticipation surrounding the album has steadily grown thanks to previously released singles ‘Before the Fall‘, ‘Compass Points to War‘, and ‘Hanging Tree‘, each of which introduced a different side of Boneyard‘s musical personality.
According to Jefftimus (drums), local fans have been particularly eager to hear the first full release featuring bassist Lezzy and lead guitarist Garhardt, whose contributions played a significant role in shaping the album’s identity.
Musically, ‘Black Static‘ bridges generations of heavy music, combining influences from traditional ’80s hard rock and heavy metal with elements of ’90s punk and rock.
“We wanted to create something that bridges modern female-fronted hard rock with traditional heavy metal,” adds Jefftimus.
The album’s lyrical themes are equally compelling. Drawing from painful personal experiences and difficult social realities, songs explore toxic relationships, addiction, homelessness, mental health struggles, grief, war, corruption, and human trafficking. Yet throughout the darkness runs a common thread of resilience and hope.
“Pamtera and I often draw inspiration from painful personal experiences as well as difficult collective issues like human trafficking and deteriorating mental health. At the same time, we always try to weave hope and positivity into those stories,” says Lezzy.
Among the album’s standout moments is ‘Left Me To Drown‘, a deeply personal track written from Lezzy‘s experiences with toxic and abusive relationships. Built around a pirate-ship metaphor, the song combines some of the album’s heaviest musical passages with a message of survival, transformation, and empowerment.
Elsewhere, “Not This Way (Joel’s Song)‘ tackles the heartbreaking realities of schizophrenia, addiction, and homelessness, inspired by the true story of a man named Joel and told through the perspective of his grieving mother.
The band’s previously released single ‘Before the Fall‘ confronts global issues including corruption, inequality, war, and exploitation while ultimately delivering a message of unity and hope for future generations. Its accompanying video shines a light on human trafficking and missing and murdered Indigenous persons.
Balancing the album’s heavier themes are adventurous and cinematic tracks such as ‘Hanging Tree‘, a tongue-in-cheek Western metal anthem packed with outlaws, gunfights, and gallows humor, and ‘Compass Points to War‘, an epic maritime battle soundtrack driven by soaring riffs, gang vocals, and pirate warfare.
The album’s striking artwork was once again created by celebrated Calgary artist Tom Bagley, continuing the visual legacy established with ‘Oathbreaker‘ and featuring the band’s mascot, Misty Bone.
“We give Tom a concept involving Misty Bone, and he always hits it out of the park,” adds Jefftimus.
Like the music itself, the artwork balances classic heavy metal tradition with modern creativity.
Beyond the songs, Boneyard continues to stand out through its representation and authenticity. With a Métis drummer and a member of the LGBTQ+ community in its ranks, the band represents a diverse and inclusive face of modern hard rock and metal while remaining firmly rooted in the genre’s timeless spirit.
With ‘Black Static‘, Boneyard has crafted an album that is melodic, heavy, emotional, and empowering, proving that meaningful storytelling and unforgettable hooks can coexist in equal measure.
Recommended for fans of Halestorm, Saxon, Doro, The Pretty Reckless, and Iron Maiden, ‘Black Static‘ is available digitally and on CD, with a vinyl release to be announced later.
Spotify and all digital platforms – here
Videos:
‘Hanging Tree‘, ‘Compass Points to War‘, ‘Before the Fall‘
Track List:
- Met You in a Dream
- Left Me to Drown
- Ready for a Change
- Not this Way (Joel’s Song)
- Blood in the Bond
- Before the Fall
- Hanging Tree
- Compass Points to War
- Before the Fall (Piano Rendition)
Photo Credit – Corrine (Wytchy) Thain
Line-up:
Pamtera – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Lezzy Osbourne – Bass
Jefftimus – Drums
Garhardt – Lead Guitar
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