Hailing from just outside of Detroit, MI, BAT ON FIRE blends hard rock, progressive metal, and classical music theory with original stories based on human history to create a truly unique musical experience. Compared to revered artists such as Avenged Sevenfold, Mastodon, Tool, Pantera, Iron Maiden, System Of A Down, The Mars Volta, and many more, this intelligent gang electrifies every crowd, every time.
Formed in June 2006 by music producer/engineer and session drummer John Kowaleski and hip-hop vocalist Karlos Kowaleski, BAT ON FIRE began as a way for the two brothers to just enjoy working together after years of pursuing different musical paths. BOF (as they are commonly known) grew into something bigger than imagined after adding guitarist virtuoso and singer-songwriter Michael Hopper and session and funk bassist John "Wolf " Abel of the 2011 Detroit Music Awards People's Choice winners, The Infatuations. "John and I had been wanting to play and write with each other for years, and the timing was just right," says Wolf, "But the final piece of the puzzle was Joe." Wolf refers to Joe Allen, BAT ON FIRE's soft spoken guitarist and the glue of the rhythm section who says, "I love being around great musicians, and working with these guys is nothing short of amazing."
BAT ON FIRE have financed and released two full-length albums The Death Of Solomon Scarlett [2007] and Escape From Hades [2009], plus an EP The Raft Of The Medusa [2010], entirely DIY with the support of their fans, friends, and family. With each new release, the band goes deeper musically and lyrically; they demand your attention, but they don't require it. Detroit fans gather in the hundreds at a BOF live event because they know they are guaranteed two things: non-stop energy and undeniable talent. "Everything for me culminated when we headlined the Crofoot Ballroom [Pontiac , MI] in August 2010. Mastodon sold it out just one year previous, and now we did it, too, " says Karlos Kowaleski. "I knew then that anything is possible."
Rachel May, music columnist for the Detroit Free Press says of the Crofoot Ballroom show "The show was outstanding; the band sounded great. Aside from how great the band was, I was really impressed with the amount of work that went into the show. I could tell BAT ON FIRE put a lot of thought into the whole presentation and put a lot of effort in to make it an awesome show and I respect that. From the first song to the last, it was a flawless performance. I could see the excitement in their faces, and I loved seeing that. There's a lot of arrogance in Detroit; guys get up on stage and expect a reaction but BAT ON FIRE didn't do that and got the reaction anyway. It's very nice to see. I'm a fan and a believer in what BAT ON FIRE are doing right now and I wish them all the success in the world."
BAT ON FIRE is currently in the final writing and recording process for their upcoming full-length album based on Jack The Ripper, and will be booking regional tours in support of its release. The album is scheduled for release this year, but the band is reticent to commit to a date at this time. When asked about his feelings regarding the overwhelming anticipation from fans for BAT ON FIRE's newest offering, drummer John Kowaleski simply pauses and replies, "You can't rush greatness."
To book BAT ON FIRE at your venue and for all other inquiries, please email: batonfirebooking@gmail.com.
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PRESS REVIEWS:
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"The show was outstanding. The band sounded great. Guitar tones were defined between the two players, vocals were on point and the rhythm section killed it. .Nice harmonies. Aside from how great the band was, I was really impressed with the amount of work that went into the show. I could tell [Bat On Fire] put a lot of thought into the whole presentation and put a lot of effort in to make it an awesome show and I respect that. From the first song to the last, it was a flawless performance. I could see the excitement in [the band members'] faces, and I loved seeing that. There's a lot of arrogance in [Detroit], guys get up on stage and expect a reaction but [Bat On Fire] didn't do that and.got the reaction anyway. It's very nice to see. I'm a fan and a believer in what [Bat On Fire] are doing right now and I wish [them] all the success in the world." - Rachel May/Detroit Free Press (August 2010)
"Playing metal can be done in several fashions. Instead of choosing the easy way out, Bat On Fire focuses in on progression with harmonizing guitars and not-so-average song structure." - Real Detroit Weekly Magazine (June 2009)
"Kinda has a Mastodon vibe to it.not as dirty. Nothing really like this in [Detroit] right now." - Jay Hudson (88.7 FM Music Director and host of "The 89X Homeboy Show")
"Bat On Fire is pretty much just gonna destroy the world one day. If all of a sudden you hear dead air after ["Broken Trident"] is played, it melted the station." - Dave M. and Phil K. on Static Noise Radio WXOU 88.3 FM
"If you haven't seen Bat On Fire live yet, go. They are worth the price of admission alone." - Tiny (manager of Rack N Roll music venue, Detroit)
"Bat On Fire not only produce some of the area's best concept albums, but literally take their show to the next level. Unsatisfied with an ordinary local show, BOF promotes their Events as a happening in which their fans dare not miss. Assembling some of the cities finest talent is no easy task, especially when you set yourself up to follow each one of them, yet, BOF thrives amongst the giants of the city, welcoming the challenge that so many artists out there shy from. .BOF brought in 7 of the best to share the stage, opting to hit the stage as the night's final act, and pulled it off as if they were headlining Coachella. BOF lit the Crofoot on fire, taming the large stage with audio and visual effects not usually seen at the local level.!! A genuine "Event" to say the least, and worth every moment we've waited, we'll be first in line to see these guys again, and you should be too!" - Detroit Rock Review (August 2010)
"[Bat On Fire] have gone to great lengths to create a completely original and entertaining production. It's obvious these guys put a lot into their albums, but it's their shows where it all comes to life. Their stage show is passionate, energetic, encompassing, and not to mention an incredibly theatric epic that will leave spectators inspired and drained. … Get to a BOF show soon and experience it for yourself." - Detroit Live Magazine (January 2010)
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ALBUM RELEASES:
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Bat On Fire's debut album, The Death Of Solomon Scarlett - [2007], follows the aforementioned young pirate hopeful, Solomon, from new recruit to mutinous leader. When an accidental explosion of the requisitioned ship "Queen Anne's Revenge" occurs, young Scarlett washes up on the shore of the Island Of Souls and must battle his own soul to the death!
Nominated at the 2010 Detroit Music Awards for "Outstanding Rock/Pop Recording", Escape From Hades - [2009] is a modern allegory for faith and perseverance in Greek mythological form. Our un-named hero, must escape hell in an attempt to beg Zeus for forgiveness. Why, you ask? Our hero wishes to return to the land of mortals to rejoin his beloved wife. Along his adventure the fallen warrior is pitted against gods and temptation.he must defeat both.
Bat On Fire released an EP entitled The Raft Of The Medusa, based on the infamous painting of the same name by 19th century artist Théodore Géricault at the band's 4th Annual Xmas Party in December 2010. As the artist completes the work, the oily canvas cracks into beams of light and Géricault falls into his masterpiece! Landing in the trailing red water, he must swim to the raft in the distance and climb aboard the mammoth barge, joining the perilous group of survivors in an effort to get home.
Bat On Fire is currently writing and recording material for their next full-length epic masterpiece, which at this time is untitled. The subject matter is without a doubt the most brutal and gruesome they will research in their career: Jack The Ripper. Bat On Fire debuted unheard material from this new album to a great reception at their 4th Annual Xmas Party in December 2010.
