Vatican of Sorrows

When you first hear the melodic dark rock sound of Vatican of Sorrows, don't be surprised if it touches a nerve. And that's no accident. "We each try to take apart our soul, implanting it into the core of the music, until it becomes a life force all its own," says guitar player/songwriter Alex Zandretta. "Emotionally, this band holds nothing back."

Vatican of Sorrows came into being when Zandretta met vocalist/songwriter Luna Jade. "I was searching the globe for a vocalist," Alex says, "looking for somebody unique. Somebody with punch, elegance and style; somebody whose voice could rip through metal when needed, without losing its femininity. That's where Luna comes in. When I came across Luna, I heard this amazing voice that just screamed creativity." Luna was searching too; seeking a writing partner who shared her musical vision. After first hearing Alex's music, Luna says, "Alex has a wonderfully unique and creative mind. The combination of his playing, production concepts, and the complexity and otherworldly quality of his writing drew me in."

Together the two created Vatican of Sorrows, weaving darkly lush musical tapestries that explore the outer reaches of the psyche. Influenced by a wide ranging collection of artists such as Powerman 5000, Marilyn Manson, Sevendust, Nine Inch Nails, and Evanescence, Vatican of Sorrows has carved out their own sonic space, crafting a potent combination of musical artistry and lyrical imagery.

Musically, the crunching guitars and pounding drums create hypnotic rhythms and memorable melodies that haunt you long after the song is over. "We can't help but be influenced by the music we love," says Luna, "but that covers such a diverse range, we're not worried about sounding like anybody else."

Lyrically, the band explores dark themes about relationships, despair, and self-loathing. "The point is we live in dark times," says Alex, "and all of us at one time or other have lived through pain - that's something everyone can relate to. Yet there's always a little light at the end of the tunnel, although sometimes you need someone to smack you with a mallet before you can see that light."

Alex sums it up. "We're telling a story. But it's a story that's open to interpretation. So the listener can always get something different from each song, or maybe even from repeated listening to the same song."

Vatican of Sorrows has evolved its sound in new ways, while retaining its unmistakable power and vision. As Bass player Hare Butler puts it "Vatican is ready to kick some ass on this planet."

and they do just that.