Wicked Stone Biography
Joe Hawx – Vocals
Dave Austin – Lead Guitar
Joe Davies – Rhythm Guitar
Tom Lane – Bass Guitar
Olly Smith – Drums
Wicked Stone are back with their second album, ‘Synergy’ – released worldwide on physical and digital formats through Hard to Stay Quiet Records! Wicked Stone have taken their core sound and rigged it to explode with heavier, harder-hitting riffs, soaring anthemic choruses, and blistering guitar solos. ‘Synergy’ delivers it’s stadium-sized, hard-rock anthems with power, energy, and excitement.
Wicked Stone blasted onto the British hard rock scene in 2015, releasing their debut album ‘Ain’t No Rest’ in 2017. Loaded with chunky riffs, cheeky hooks and catchy choruses, their debut referenced touchstones of classic rock but with an unmistakable modern edge – a hugely melodic yet hard-hitting statement of intent from a band ready to make their mark. 2019 saw the release of a brand new 5-track EP ‘Devil in Me’, showcasing an evolution in the band’s sound. Lead single ‘Unchained’ racked up tens of thousands of listens on Spotify, quickly becoming a fan favourite with its soaring vocals and crushing riffs.
Wicked Stone’s live performances have established the band as one of the UK’s hottest upcoming acts. Mixing solid, powerful performances with a good time, rock’n’roll swagger ensures their live shows are fun, exhilarating, and unforgettable. Their ability to win over audiences exemplified in their acclaimed appearances at ‘Ramblin’ Man Fair’, ‘Hard Rock Hell’ and ‘Winters End’ festivals. Not forgetting a recently lauded opening slot for Steve Harris’ British Lion.
Wicked Stone’s sound is built around the edgy, melodic, and soaring vocals of Joe Hawx, under-pinned by hard-hitting drummer Olly Smith – a drummer that has spent time touring the world, opening for Iron Maiden as a member of the Lauren Harris band alongside Judas Priest guitarist Richie Faulkner. A line-up change in 2019 saw original Wicked Stone members Joe and Olly collide with lead guitarist Dave Austin, and the monster one-two combo of Joe Davies’ crunching guitars and Tom Lane’s gargantuan bass. The new collaboration created a sum bigger than its parts, inspiring the album-title ‘Synergy’.
The new album grabs the listener from the outset with lead single ‘Say Goodbye to Yesterday’, a blistering rocker with a chorus likely to be stuck in your head for weeks. Joe Hawx sounds huge on this new record, having clearly matured and evolved vocally and lyrically. He is found at his best on the anthemic and contemplative, ‘Now You’re Gone’ – musically a departure for the band yet a fan favourite. Dave Austin brings the fire with rip-roaring guitar solos and fierce twin guitar harmonies on songs such as ‘It’s Not Enough’ and ‘Going Wild’. Joe Davies and Tom Lane bring the thunder on ‘Not Alone’, and new live favourite, ‘Going Wild’. Olly bulldozes through the album like a mechanised behemoth, a formidable driving force in ‘Reclaim the Crown’ yet restrained and musical on the emotive, ‘The Fires Burn’.
‘Synergy’ drops like an anvil crashing through your living room ceiling, make sure to catch the band on tour and experience the live juggernaut that is Wicked Stone!
