The Foo Fighters are reportedly in the midst of recording a new album, but that doesn't mean drummer Taylor Hawkins can't go and found a side project. The Birds of Satan will be a "more toned-down, folk rocky" act, according to Hawkins. Nah, we're just kidding. It's totally a hard rock project.
The band-which includes bassist Wiley Hogden and guitarist Mick Murphy-will release its self-titled debut album on April 15. Dave Grohl and Pat Smear, otherwise known as the guitar section for the Foo Fighters, will also make guest appearances, although Hawkins and co. haven't specified what role Grohl will play. It won't be Hawkins first time starting a side project. Heck, it won't even be his first time launching a side project with Hogden and Murphy. The trio also comprise Chevy Metal, a group focused on classic rock B-sides.
Birds of Satan will be modern hard rock, but that could mean anything. Rolling Stone indicates that prog will provide at least some semblance of influence, as the new album opens with a ten-minute track titled "The Ballad of The Birds of Satan." Hawkins is a reputed fan of the complex subgenre, having played in the band Sylvia, recorded drum tracks for Coheed and Cambria, as well as playing tribute to Rush at the band's Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. On the other hand, there will also be a power ballad titled "Raspberries" and, according to Hawkins, "the first documented recorded Van Halen style guitar solo of this decade" on "Wait Til Tomorrow." Apparently Hawkins was not a fan of Eddie Van Halen's work on A Different Kind of Truth during 2012.
