Sixx: A.M. Release Anthemic New Song ‘Barbarians (Prayers for the Blessed)’
While 2016 is winding down, Sixx: A.M. are continuing to ramp things up! With Prayers for the Damned, Vol. 1 released back in April, they'll be dropping the album's counterpart, Prayers for the Blessed, Vol. 2 on Nov. 18 through Eleven Seven Music. Having already declared "We Will Not go Quietly," they've released another new song, "Barbarians (Prayers for the Blessed)," which can be heard above.
The song opens the 11 track album, starting with a suffocated series of pulsating electronic effects and layered shouts before a digital voice comes in, promptly followed by a catchy, sinister sounding guitar lick. With a sudden thud, a sliding rhythm takes over, segueing into a push and pull verse. The tension is relieved when the chorus comes in and singer James Michael's soaring lines mirror the uplifting chord progression.
DJ Ashba's puts on a clinic during his solo, opening with a flurry of notes over a stunted, thumping rhythm, slowing things down with searing sustain and more melodic runs that positively shine with a glimmering lead tone.
"We really found ourselves onstage and it's influencing the way we write," bassist Nikki Sixx explained. "We started focusing on our music not only as songwriters and lyricists but also stayed conscious of what would transfer over live to the audience.”
The first installment of the double album, Prayers for the Damned, debuted at No. 19 on the Billboard 200 chart, netting Sixx: A.M. their second-highest chart position of their career. This Is Gonna Hurt, the band's sophomore effort, was the only album to land higher, ascending to No. 10.
Pre-orders for Prayers for the Blessed, Vol. 2 can be placed here. Sixx: A.M. are currently on the road supporting co-headliners Five Finger Death Punch and Shinedown through Dec. 10. To see the remaining stops on the tour, head to our 2016 Guide to Rock + Metal Tours.
See Sixx: A.M.'s Prayers for the Damned, Vol. 1 + More of the Best Rock Albums of 2016 (So Far)
See Nikki Sixx in 10 Unforgettable Motley Crue Moments