Godbless Thee, Mooseheart - Official

Originally a solo project for frontman Brent Vallefuoco (also a member of black metal group Xanthochroid, the band has since expanded to include guitarist/keyboardist Sam Corrigan, bassist Humberto Jiminez, and drummer John Klawitter. Mooseheart's story begins in 2009, with a 14-year-old Vallefuoco, youthfully infatuated with 90's PC games, Stanley Kubrick, and The Dark Side Of The Moon, channeling his creative energy into what would eventually become 2011's Higher. He opted to play all of the records parts himself while handling production in his garage as well. The album wears its influences strongly, echoing Rush, Pink Floyd, and sci-fi soundtracks throughout. However, some of its slower songs act as a precursor to the confessional songwriting of the projects future works. “Hope In Desperation” is a prime example of this, dealing with Vallefuoco's grief over his stillborn brother. The album was praise by music critic Mike Korn as a “...strong debut... on a much more advanced level than most self-released music.” Ultimately, Higher's sits nicely in Mooseheart's discography as a strong tribute to Vallefuoco's artistic idols while doubling as a rough blueprint for what the project would eventually become. 2012's The Prison, Pt. I, released when Vallefuoco was just 17, brings Mooseheart into more experimental territory. Comprised of four 10-17 minute compositions spread across 16 continuous tracks, the work features frequent shifts in mood and style, each track representing a paradigm shift in its overall sound to create an experience that is as cinematic and otherworldly. The Offering Metal Magazine And Webzine notes that it shifts “...from the bizarre to the atmospheric, from the gently acoustic to the ragingly heavy...”. In contrast to the science-fiction lyrics of Higher, The Prison, Pt. I is a concept album inspired by Vallefuoco's depression following the life of a disgruntled youth. Feverishly angsty and emotionally conflicted, these songs serve as a faithful portrait of misguided teenage rebellion. The record was praised by Stereo Killer, writing that it showcased “...a ton of talent that shines through from beginning to end....” This sentiment was mirrored by Mario's Metal Mania, who wrote that “...[Vallefuoco's] ambitions at [17] are simply amazing.” Brent's continuing struggle with depression lead to 2015's The Prison, Pt. II. Aiming to directly contrast what Vallefuoco felt was an emotionally immature record overly focused on anger, this sequel work is a refined attempt at the same goals as its predecessor. The album, meticulously crafted over two-and-a-half years, sees the culmination of the project's genre-bending approach, featuring more mature songwriting, cohesive form, crisper-than-ever production, and deeply personal lyrics. While the tracks work individually, they flow seamlessly into each other as parts of an exploration of the human condition. The record still follows Vallefuoco's battles with his deepest traumas, yet rather than portraying him as a victim of an unfair life, depicts him as a victim only to his own inability to take full responsibility for the improvement. Building upon the strengths of The Prison, Pt. I, Pt. II is a worthy shadow to its predecessor that shows Godbless Thee, Mooseheart growing into its own and finding its sound. Near the end of its completion, Vallefuoco began recruiting his fellow bandmates to perform the album's music together, planning to push the project into a more collaborative environment. They performed their first show at Recess Studios in Santa Ana on December 19th, 2014. The record was initially planned to be released as a multimedia package with a meticulously planned 75-page art book, similar to Have A Nice Life’s Deathconsciousness. As it evolved into something more personal, the decision was made to package the album in an inverse fashion. Each package is assembled by hand, with the album logo stamped on and the cover art manually placed over a blank sleeve. The CD includes a handwritten latter, a lyric book, and a photo book including photos selected by Vallefuoco that are meant to convey the bittersweet nostalgia inspiring the record. The Prison, Pt. II is slated for release on Erthe & Axen Record on July 21st on CD and Digital via the band’s Bandcamp page, as well as iTunes, CD Baby, and multiple other music services. Purchase/stream the third full-length LP "The Prison, Pt. II" today on Bandcamp! https://mooseheart.bandcamp.com/album/the-prison-pt-ii