Everyone's On Dope

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious track "Everyone's On Dope" by Crossbone Skully, from their debut album Evil World Machine, and the Zoo Freaks are loving every riff. This anthemic song, released on July 19, 2024, channels a raw, AC/DC-inspired energy with a modern twist, addressing societal excess and escapism. In a track-by-track guide, frontman Tommy Henriksen described the song as a reflection of a world where people are "numbed out" by distractions, with its pounding rhythm and gritty vocals designed to wake listeners up. The music video, featuring the band’s live lineup, premiered alongside the single and showcases Henriksen’s theatrical flair, with visuals that amplify the song’s rebellious spirit. Fun fact: the song’s production carries the signature touch of legendary producer Mutt Lange, who came out of retirement to work on the album, calling it a project that reignited his passion for rock.

Another layer of intrigue comes from the song’s place in the broader Evil World Machine concept, a rock opera about an avenging superhero from outer space. "Everyone’s On Dope" fits into this narrative as a critique of a corrupted world, with Henriksen’s vocals—processed through a vocal app to sound otherworldly—adding to the character of Crossbone Skully. The track has racked up significant streams, contributing to the album’s over one million plays across platforms, as noted in a BraveWords article. Fans on Facebook have called it a “party anthem with a message,” while a post on X from the band’s account hyped its release with a call to “crank it loud and join the misfits.” The song’s blend of classic rock swagger and sci-fi storytelling makes it a standout for both headbangers and comic book nerds.

Crossbone Skully is the brainchild of Tommy Henriksen, a veteran rocker whose career spans decades and genres. Henriksen’s journey began in the 1980s with the German metal band Warlock, fronted by Doro Pesch, where he played bass and honed his stage presence. He later formed his own punk-rock outfit, POL (Parade of Losers), under the alias Da Skunk, showcasing his rebellious edge. His big break came when he joined Alice Cooper’s band as a guitarist and musical director, a role that led to his involvement with the Hollywood Vampires alongside Johnny Depp and Joe Perry. The idea for Crossbone Skully sparked during a soundcheck when Alice Cooper’s lighting tech, a former AC/DC crew member, heard Henriksen mimicking Bon Scott and Brian Johnson. This inspired him to create a solo project that evolved into the theatrical, hard-rocking Evil World Machine, as detailed in a Better Noise Music profile.

Henriksen’s vision for Crossbone Skully goes beyond music, incorporating a graphic novel and animated film, “Thing #1,” which premiered at Fan Expo in 2023. His knack for collaboration shines through, with contributions from rock icons like Nikki Sixx, Phil Collen, and Johnny Depp, who voices “The Evil Sorcerer” in the project. Living in Zurich, Switzerland, with his wife Sandra and son Finn, Henriksen has balanced family life with his global rock career, even working with Mutt Lange via FaceTime. His official website, crossboneskully.com, is the hub for all things Skully, offering merch, videos, and updates on the band’s cosmic saga. Fans can connect on Facebook, Instagram, and X, where the band shares behind-the-scenes content and interacts with their “Misfits of the Universe.”

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, the Crossbone Skully Facebook page is a vibrant community where fans share memes, concert photos, and theories about the band’s sci-fi storyline. There’s also a dedicated fan group, Crossbone Skully’s Misfits of the Universe, where enthusiasts discuss everything from favorite tracks to the graphic novel’s plot. On Instagram, the band posts vibrant artwork by Mark Wilkinson, known for his work with Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, which ties into the album’s comic-book aesthetic. While no standalone fan websites have popped up yet, the band’s official website and socials are the go-to spots for joining the intergalactic rock revolution. So, crank up "Everyone’s On Dope" and let Crossbone Skully take you to the stars.