Mark Sugar’s new band BLACK SITES conjures burly proto metal riffs and vibey grooves, whiplash thrash, moody ambience, and the stately expanse of modern and classic prog. The Chicago-based hard rock quartet’s debut, “In Monochrome”, out 17th February via Mascot Records, thrills with unexpected twists and turns, and tuneful song craft that never sacrifices heft for hooks.

Mark Sugar about the track:

“Lyrically, the song has something to do with time and the purpose of life. But more importantly, it has really cool drumming and dueling guitars. On a record with a lot of influences, ‘Burning Away The Day’ has both our old-school and modern-era reference points proudly on display. We hope you enjoy it!”

An aura of mystique surrounds Black Sites. The band is a super group of sorts, featuring some of Chicago’s finest players from the underground metal scene. The band features former Trials-members Mark Sugar (vocals/guitar) and Ryan Bruchert (guitar), plus John Picillo from Without Waves and Immortal Birds on bass, and Chris Avgerin, formerly of Autonomy and Lost Dog, on drums. The four-piece band draws inspiration from a panoramic pedigree of classic and modern metal and hard rock influences including Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, 1970s Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Fates Warning, Motörhead, Queensrÿche, Voivod, Hammers Of Misfortune, and Dawnbringer.

Tracklisting:
1. M Fisto Waltz
2. Dead Languages
3. Monochrome
4. Burning Away The Day
5. Hunter Gatherer
6. Watching You Fall
7. Locked Out – Shut Down
8. In The Woods
9. The Tides

Black Sites 2016 (L-R): John Picillo, Mark Sugar, Ryan Bruchert, Chris Avgerin

In 2015, revered metal guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Mark Sugar had a creative breakthrough that led him to leave behind a modern metal legacy to bravely forge a new one. Now, one of underground metal’s most uncompromising visionaries returns with a new band and an invigorating heavy-with-melody aesthetic.

His new band, BLACK SITES conjures burly proto metal riffs and vibey grooves, whiplash thrash, moody ambience, and the stately expanse of modern and classic prog. The Chicago-based hard rock quartet’s debut, In Monochrome (Mascot Records), thrills with unexpected twists and turns, and tuneful song craft that never sacrifices heft for hooks.

Listen to Monochrome here:

Mark Sugar on Monochrome:

“Besides being the title track (sort of), “Monochrome” is the centrepiece of our new record, containing many of the elements that make up the Black Sites sound. We hope you enjoy hearing this track as much as we enjoy playing it.”

Black Sites made their live debut at Chicago’s Livewire Lounge 11th February and on 17th February sees the release of debut album In Monochrome via Mascot Label Group/Mascot Records.