The Last Night On Earth

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with Crossbone Skully’s "The Last Night On Earth" from the album Evil World Machine, spinning now on THE ZOO! This track is a rich, 80’s-style power ballad with slick production, crystal-clear guitars, and a strong, supportive rhythm section, perfect for those late-night, lights-out moments where you just let the music take over. Reviewers have noted its melancholic undertone and Def Leppard-esque choirs, making it a standout on the album. Frontman Tommy Henriksen, in a track-by-track guide, shared that the song is about cherishing every moment with loved ones in the face of finality, adding a deep emotional layer to its soaring melodies. The song’s lyrical depth is further highlighted on Genius, where lines like “You don’t sleep when the lights go out / Salvation in the dark” evoke a sense of urgency and preciousness, resonating with the album’s overarching narrative of an avenging superhero fighting to save humanity.

Another cool tidbit about "The Last Night On Earth" ties to the album’s larger concept, which is brought to life through a graphic novel and animated film called “Thing #1.” The song fits into the story of Crossbone Skully, a superhero from outer space, returning to Earth to reconnect with his lost love Piper and his son Kyd. This narrative, inspired by dystopian visions like David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust, adds a cinematic quality to the track, making it feel like part of a grand, cosmic love story. Social media buzz, like a 2022 post on X from @JerrieDepp, hyped the album’s debut single and its star-studded voiceovers, including Johnny Depp as “The Evil Sorcerer,” hinting at the epic scope of the project. Fans on Bandcamp have also raved about the album’s fierce hard rock vibe, with some calling it a “bammer” that “rides the beast,” showing how tracks like this one ignite the Crossbone Skully fanbase.

Crossbone Skully, the brainchild of Tommy Henriksen, has roots that trace back to a serendipitous moment during a soundcheck. Henriksen, a veteran rock session bassist and guitarist, was singing like AC/DC’s Bon Scott and Brian Johnson when Alice Cooper’s lighting man, a former AC/DC crew member, suggested he build a solo project around that raw energy. This spark led to the creation of Evil World Machine, a rock concept album blending influences from AC/DC, Alice Cooper, KISS, and Iron Maiden. Henriksen’s musical journey began earlier, with stints in the German metal band Warlock alongside Doro Pesch and his own punk-rock outfit POL (Parade of Losers) under the alias Da Skunk. Beyond performing, he carved out a successful career as a producer, mixer, and songwriter for artists like Lady Gaga, Meat Loaf, Lou Reed, Halestorm, Kesha, and Daughtry. His collaboration with legendary producer Mutt Lange, who came out of retirement for this project, was a dream come true, as Henriksen noted in interviews, calling it an “amazing journey” working with “the greatest producer who ever lived.”

Henriksen’s vision for Crossbone Skully goes beyond music, embracing a multidimensional world with comic book-inspired visuals and a larger-than-life persona. The project’s name draws inspiration from a song, “Crossbones Scully,” recorded by folk singer Aunt Molly Jackson for the Library of Congress, adding a nod to protest music’s legacy. Living in Zurich, Switzerland, with his wife Sandra and son Finn, Henriksen has spent the last decade honing his craft, often connecting with collaborators like Lange via FaceTime. His work with Alice Cooper’s band and the Hollywood Vampires, alongside Johnny Depp and Joe Perry, further shaped his bold, theatrical approach to Crossbone Skully.

Connect with Crossbone Skully and join the Zoo Freaks in celebrating this epic project! Check out their official website, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and get immersed in their universe. Fans are also buzzing on platforms like Bandcamp, where you can stream and purchase Evil World Machine. While there aren’t specific fan-run websites or Facebook groups widely documented, the community on Facebook and X is active, sharing updates and celebrating the band’s cosmic, hard-rock mission. Keep spinning those records, Zoo Crew, and let’s keep the Crossbone Skully vibe alive!