Shane Christopher Neal recently spoke with Dave Wanless, singer of Canadian band Sven Gali. They talk about the band’s beginnings in the early 90s, the importance of great physical and mental health, the first record, playing at MuchMusic, the new album Bombs and Battlescars, the recording of the great Triumph tune Spellbound, and drummers!
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
PRESS RELEASE:
Sven Gali Return With Explosive Comeback Album Bombs and Battlescars, Out Now In Canada; International Release Set For February
Sven Gali‘s trademark blend of heavy riffs, gritty vocals, and anthemic melodies span decades. Cutting their teeth in the bar circuit of Southern Ontario, Canada in the late 80’s, Sven Gali’s live show was a full on circus of sex, drugs and rock n’ roll.
Emerging with a record deal with BMG, Sven Gali released their debut self-titled release in 1992. From the first chord of “Under The Influence” Sven Gali made their mark. Follow up singles “Tie Dyed Skies” and “In My Garden” paved the way for the ballad number 6 CanCon song of 1993 that also went Top 10 nationwide, “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore.” As the album went Gold, Sven Gali won the MuchMusic Best Metal Video Award in 1993 for “Under The Influence” and was nominated for two Junos. With a worldwide release, Sven Gali toured with the likes of Def Leppard, Foreigner and April Wine.
Sven Gali’s follow-up, Inwire, was partly recorded in in Seattle with producer Kelly Gray and saw the band take on a more alternative experimental tone. The band broke up soon after the album’s release and played sporadic shows before solidifying a new lineup with original members Dave Wanless (vocals), Andy Frank (guitar) and TT (bass) bringing in guitarist Sean Williamson and drummer Dan Fila from former BMG labelmates Varga.
Sven Gali’s new release, Bombs And Battlescars, released through Canadian label Music In Motion Ent, combines the best of both Sven
Gali eras. The album contains five new originals. “One Gun” is a relentless driver that sets the battlefield ablaze with its blistering guitar work and commanding vocals. The massive groove of “Coming Home” and fierce anthem “Monster” showcase Sven Gali’s unapologetic attitude while the sonic prowess of “Life Inside” stands side by side with any current alternative metal peers. Closer “Nothing New” showcases the melodic side of the band with a catchy acoustic groove.
Bombs And Battlescars also brings the band full circle with a cover of Triumph’s “Spellbound.” Recorded at Toronto’s Metalworks studio where many of Sven Gali’s early songs were recorded and demoed, acclaimed Coney Hatch frontman Andy Curran produced the track bringing the song into the modern age. Triumph drummer Gil Moore also appears in the video. The album is filled out with three remastered unreleased tracks from the band’s 90’s recording vault.
Sven Gali celebrated the Canadian release of Bombs And Battlescars on Friday, October 13, for both physical and streaming. Videos for “One Gun” and “Monster” can be viewed on their YouTube channel. The band’s third single, “Coming Home,” is set to coincide with the international release of Bombs and Battlescars on February 2, 2024. This date will also feature the debut of “Coming Home” mixed in Dolby Atmos (courtesy of Iguana Studios in Toronto ON) along with a new video for the single.
Bombs And Battlescars on CD and limited edition army green vinyl are available through retail. Signed CDs and LPs are available through their web store.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE
