BONEYARD Ramps Up With "Black Static" Set To Drop October 23rd

Edmonton metal band BONEYARD is continuing the rollout for its second album, Black Static, with “Compass Points to War,” a riff-heavy track built around a full-scale pirate battle.

The album arrives Oct. 23 and marks the band’s first full-length release with bassist Lezzy Osbourne and lead guitarist Garhardt fully established in the lineup alongside vocalist-guitarist Pamtera and drummer Jefftimus.

“Compass Points to War” leans into the more cinematic side of BONEYARD’s sound, pairing traditional heavy metal guitar work with layered harmonies, gang vocals and a melodic solo. The song’s storyline follows two ships moving toward battle before cannon fire, boarding parties and a final victory bring the conflict to its conclusion.

Pamtera said the arrangement was designed to follow the action of the story.

“As the battle between ships comes into being, the guitars create mood and pacing that work together to amplify the song’s message of struggle and forward motion toward conflict,” she said. “A blend of harmony guitars ensues as the ships clash, cannons are fired, and pirates board to take over the losing ship and its gold. In the end, they win the war and leave the ship downed with its crew.”

The band also released a performance video for the track created by BONEYARD and Richard Pearce.

Black Static follows BONEYARD’s 2020 debut, Oathbreaker, which was later reissued internationally through WormHoleDeath Records and mastered by engineer Maor Appelbaum.

According to the band, the personnel changes between the two records played a major role in shaping the new material.

Drummer Jefftimus described the album as an extension of Oathbreaker while emphasizing that the current lineup pushed the music into broader territory.

“Black Static is quite different — more diverse, more melodic and more emotionally charged,” he said.

The nine-song record moves through hard rock, traditional metal and punk-driven material while also incorporating more narrative-focused songwriting. Its lyrical themes include trauma, addiction, grief, mental health struggles and human trafficking, with the band also emphasizing resilience and personal recovery throughout the album.

Artist Tom Bagley returned to handle the visual presentation for the release, once again featuring BONEYARD mascot Misty Bone in the artwork.

BONEYARD formed in Edmonton in 2015 and has since appeared at Canadian events including Decimate Metalfest, Pembina River Nights and Metisfest.

The band will mark the release of Black Static with an Oct. 23 performance at The Rec Room in Edmonton with Daniel Martin & The Infamous. A second show is scheduled for Dec. 5 at Border Crossing Pub in Calgary.

Black Static track listing

1. Met You in a Dream

2. Left Me to Drown

3. Ready for a Change

4. Not This Way (Joel’s Song)

5. Blood in the Bond

6. Before the Fall

7. Hanging Tree

8. Compass Points to War

9. Before the Fall (Piano Rendition)

BONEYARD is Pamtera on vocals and guitar, Lezzy Osbourne on bass, Jefftimus on drums and Garhardt on lead guitar.