Following the recent announcement of their forthcoming album The Phoenix, Grey Daze, the band who introduced the world to Chester Bennington, today reveals plans for a new documentary series Grey Daze – Creation of The Phoenix. The 4 part series tells the story of the band through the experience of creating the album and Episode 1 is out now on Grey Daze’s Youtube and available to view below.
From their teenage days in Phoenix, Arizona, to taking on the challenge of finishing Chester’s dream; to the album’s reworking and selecting the album title and cover art; Grey Daze – Creation of The Phoenix is story of brotherhood among a band, dealing with changes, and recognising how full circle life and art can be. The series will roll out episodically this Spring in the lead up to their new album’s release date.
“Amends was more emotional and reflective,” explains drummer and songwriter Sean Dowdellof the different mood and feel displayed on The Phoenix, which also sees contributions from Dave Navarro, Richard Patrick and Bennington’s daughters, Lily and Lila Bennington. “We felt sad when we were writing it. Now that we’re a couple of years removed, it’s very clear what we were going through. We were at a different stage of grief. We went through the shock and the sadness. Now, we’re back to gratitude. So, The Phoenix is more of a celebration of our friend, his talent, and the music. It captures Chester’s angst and energy that people fell in love with. It’s much more aggressive. If you love Chester’s scream, you’ll love this record.”
Over the course of Grey Daze’s first incarnation, which ran 1993 to 1998, the group recorded and released two albums. It is those albums that serve as a foundation for both Amends and The Phoenix. Prior to Bennington’s passing he publicly announced the Grey Daze’s return, which included re-recording the band’s largely undiscovered discography. With Talinda Bennington’s blessing, and working with Producer Esjay Jones, the surviving band members: Dowdell, bass player Mace Beyers, and guitar player Cristin Davis, moved forward, as both a way to pay tribute to their fallen brother and bandmate, but also to expose his fans to another dimension of the dynamic singer. Amends arrived in 2020, with Rolling Stone, Revolver, Billboard, and Kerrang! praising the once-in-a-lifetime collection. NME summed it up best as “a great modern rock record fronted by one of the best vocalists in the game.” In late 2020, the trio reconvened with Jones re-recording, and re-working the remaining 10 tracks that would become The Phoenix.
Saturation (Strange Love)
Starting To Fly
Be Your Man
Holding You (featuring Dave Navarro)
Hole
Drag
Believe Me (featuring Richard Patrick)
Anything Anything
Spin
Wake Me
Pre-orders for the album are available via the following link.
Almost Anything Music 