Black Smoke Rising

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying track "Black Smoke Rising" by Greta Van Fleet from their double EP From The Fires, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the retro rock vibes. This song, first released on the band’s debut EP Black Smoke Rising in 2017, is a powerful anthem that dives into themes of political rebellion, corruption, and war. According to annotations on Genius, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of leaders in a metaphorical “tower,” scheming to control the masses, while calling for unity to resist oppression. The song’s raw energy, driven by Jake Kiszka’s gritty guitar riffs and Josh Kiszka’s husky vocals, earned it a nomination for Best Rock Song at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. It also briefly charted on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs, despite not being an official single.

One fascinating story behind "Black Smoke Rising" comes from the band’s own reflections on its creation. The song’s cover art and title were inspired by childhood memories of summer nights at Yankee Springs, where the band members’ families and friends gathered around campfires to play music and share tales. Josh Kiszka shared in an interview that these moments felt like ancient tribal gatherings, with elders passing down stories of wisdom and courage. This imagery shaped the song’s evocative storytelling, blending a sense of timeless rebellion with modern rock flair. Critics lauded its throwback sound, with Billboard ranking it the 15th best rock song of 2017 and PopMatters’ William Nesbit calling it the year’s top rock track.

Social media buzz amplified the song’s impact. On August 17, 2017, Greta Van Fleet’s X account celebrated the Black Smoke Rising EP hitting #1 on the iTunes Rock chart, thanking fans for their support. Later, on November 10, 2024, they marked the seventh anniversary of From The Fires on Instagram, expressing gratitude to fans for keeping the flame alive. Fans on Reddit’s r/gretavanfleet have also shared their love, with one user describing the song’s fantasy-like quality, evoking a hero facing a tyrant king. Another fan noted their young son’s love for the band’s “good stories,” highlighting the song’s narrative depth that resonates across generations.

Greta Van Fleet formed in 2012 in Frankenmuth, Michigan, a small town known for its Bavarian charm. The band consists of twin brothers Josh Kiszka (vocals) and Jake Kiszka (guitar), younger brother Sam Kiszka (bass/keys), and longtime family friend Danny Wagner (drums). Growing up in a musical family, the Kiszka brothers were steeped in classic rock influences like Led Zeppelin, with their father playing multiple instruments. Josh and Jake, born April 23, 1996, and Sam began performing at high school functions, honing their craft early. Inspired by 1970s rock, they started jamming together as teens, with Josh’s powerful voice and Jake’s guitar prowess shaping their sound. By 2012, they officially formed Greta Van Fleet, named after a local resident, Gretna Van Fleet, whose name they adapted with her blessing.

The band’s big break came in 2017 when they signed with Lava Records. Just a month later, they dropped their debut EP Black Smoke Rising, recorded in a whirlwind three days at Rustbelt Studios in Royal Oak, Michigan. The lead single, “Highway Tune,” soared to #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock and Active Rock charts for four weeks, propelling them into the spotlight. Their rapid rise continued with From The Fires in 2018, which won a Grammy for Best Rock Album in 2019. The band’s commitment to spreading “peace, love, and unity” through their music, as noted on Genius, has built a passionate fanbase, evident in communities like the Greta Van Fleet Fan Club on Facebook.

You can stay connected with Greta Van Fleet through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest updates, tour dates, and behind-the-scenes content. Fans can also join discussions and share their love for the band on the Greta Van Fleet Fan Club on Facebook or the r/gretavanfleet subreddit, where Zoo Freaks can dive deeper into the band’s music and lore.