Brought up on bands like Sonic Youth, The Jesus Lizard or My Bloody Valentine, Bordeaux-based outfit MARS RED SKY had no idea that they were about to become French stoner scene cornerstones when they founded the band in 2007. Yet the heavy psychedelic trio already share many similarities and obvious connections with the “heavy and slow” community. Free from any musical genre consideration, the musicians build their very own style on the tracks of the underground pioneers. Julien Pras’ ethereal and melodic voice emerges from a thick and complex rhythm, carried by sci-fi literature’s lyricism. Almost cinematic, MARS RED SKY’s sounding has a peculiar and unique flavor, standing out within the heavy rock scene.
Hypnotic, exhilarating, heavy, their self-titled debut album conquered the very select heavy family and brought the trio to the biggest international rock and metal stages (SXSW, Hellfest, Desertfest, Roadburn). On stage, they manage to recreate their sophisticated studio atmospheres and to deliver the special sonic touch that characterises them. Their live shows absorb the listener, lose him into a visual and vibrant limbo and take him into another dimension.
A series of EP releases follow, including a split with post-metal sextet Year Of No Light in 2012. In 2014, MARS RED SKY begin a collaboration with French label Listenable Records and welcome their new drummer Matgaz to replace Benoît Busser who decides to leave the band. Together they complete the albums “Stranded In Arcadia” (2014), “Apex III (Praise For The Burning Soul)” (2016) and “The Task Eternal” (2019). Matgaz’s vision and musicianship create depth in the trio’s personality, which take a darker and more massive turn throughout these three productions.
The band’s latest EP (out April 2023 on Mrs Red Sound & Vicious Circle) features dark folk artist Queen Of The Meadow. The power of psychedelic heavy meets the depth of dark folk harmonies in a complex and exhilarating flavor. The daring combination opens up the genres to a whole new dimension.
New album ‘Dawn Of The Dusk’ is set to be released on December 8th 2023 on both record labels Mrs Red Sound and Vicious Circle Records.
Press quotes about their latest EP with Queen Of The Meadow & tour dates below
“Un savoureux mélange entre une musique toujours aussi lourde et inspirée, et la voix toute en délicatesse de la chanteuse franco-américaine” – METALOBS MAGAZINE
“[…]celui-ci rouvre les portes de l’univers à nul autre pareil des Français, dont Helen s’approprie les lignes vocales si caractéristiques avec brio.” – ROCK HARD FRANCE
“En résulte trois titres à la beauté abyssale durant lesquels le rock psyché tendance heavy du trio français prend une nouvelle dimension. Tout simplement magique !” – GUITAR PART MAGAZINE
“The collaboration between Ferguson and Mars Red Sky has resulted in something special beyond what one might’ve expected of the elements involved, and it is a release that demands to be heard no less than it demands a follow-up.”
– THE OBELISK
“The two tracks combined tell a magnificent story with every kind of color, movement, and greatness… Mars Red Sky & Queen of The Meadow, a match made in fire!” – STONERHIVE
“The vocals from both Helen and Julien have a sense of warmth and respect for each other.” – OUTLAWS OF THE SUN
“Mars Red Sky is adept at creating walls of tremendous riffs with opiate grooves. In that way, these songs fit neatly into their catalog, and for my ears, at the top. These tracks push them forward.” – MUSIPEDIA OF METAL
“It’s been a thoroughly enthralling little ride and one that I would be happy to experience time and time again.”
– THE SLEEPING SHAMAN
“An absolute highlight for lovers of sophisticated and cross-genre music!” – BLUES ROCK BLOGSPOT
“The band’s form continues to sharpen nuances to their personal trademark, which here enters a halo of dark beauty, taking their more recognisable density to new atmospheric dimensions.” – LA HABITACION 235
“This way the band play with the intrinsic melancholy of their songs obtaining a result that is equally fascinating and stimulating.” – DENPAFUZZ
“A magical, high class EP, the result of a blissful psychotropic effect grafted onto dark folk harmonies” – ROCK HARD ITALY
“Enchanting folk female vocals (Queen Of The Meadow) dancing to heavy rhythms, enveloped in an ancient magic that enraptures you.” – RUMORE MAGAZINE
