Album Notes

Captains of Industry, the new album by Return To Earth, is the aggressive hard rock debut from the Jersey-based trio of Scalzo, guitarist Brett Aveni, and former Dillinger Escape Plan drummer Chris Pennie (now on tour as the newest member of Coheed and Cambria). Highlighted by the awe-inspiring precision of Pennie’s backbeat, Aveni’s catchy rock hooks, and Scalzo’s passionate, harmony-heavy vocals, Return To Earth promises not to disappoint when it comes to providing rock & metal fans with that trademark “Big Rock” that Scalzo refers to.

All three members of RTE sport impressive musical resumes - Pennie, in particular, hones his craft as one of the most heralded drummers working today. His groundbreaking drum style provides the backbone for RTE’s aggressive brand of rock. Pennie also wrote a lot of the material & contributed in the form of synth & loop programming. “Brett & I have been itching to work with Chris for years,” admits Scalzo. “He’s one of those prodigies that make the rest of wonder why we even bother trying to make music.”

“I think we all just wanted to make a heavy rock record together,” says Scalzo. “Personally, I was psyched to actually sing over heavy guitars & blast beats for once – it was a challenge & I’d like to think the quality of the music brought out the best in our performances.” Scalzo’s melodic style is reminiscent of Mike Patton and Trent Reznor, and the layered, lush vocal lines in most of the RTE choruses recall bands like Muse and Queen.

Fans of Pennie’s previous project, The Dillinger Escape Plan, shouldn’t be disappointed by Return To Earth’s “mainstream” style, either. The relentless “math rock” rhythm of DEP is evident in songs like “South 20th Street Riot” & the title track, while songs like “I’m Alive and Well” & “Get Your Knife” showcase the restrained ferocity of Aveni’s guitar playing.

“We’re all passionate about music, and have a shared affinity for bad 80s metal & newer rock with lush production – bands like Radiohead & The Mars Volta,” Scalzo explains. “We’re three guys with three different perspectives – but you can hear the influences in our own tunes, loud & clear.” As with all great bands, when Return To Earth make music together, the disparate influences and personalities coalesce into a single vision.

Captains of Industry is that vision – a barrage of cutting-edge “Big Rock” sure to put Return To Earth on the map.