Violent Days

The song "Violent Days" by RTZ, featured on their 1998 album Lost, carries a raw energy that reflects the band's knack for blending hard-hitting rock with melodic undertones. While specific interviews or quotes about "Violent Days" are scarce, the album itself was a collection of tracks from earlier recording sessions that didn’t make it onto their debut, Return to Zero. According to information from thirdstage.ca, the Lost album was released after RTZ parted ways with their original label, Giant Records, and found a new home with MTM Records. This suggests "Violent Days" was a track that had been shelved for years, capturing a moment of the band’s creative output that almost didn’t see the light of day. Fans on platforms like Rate Your Music have noted the song’s intense lyrical imagery, with lines like “Was it me you were gunning for / I looked around for the sound as I hit the floor,” hinting at themes of betrayal or conflict, though no direct commentary from the band confirms this interpretation.

RTZ, short for Return to Zero, was formed in 1989 as a collaboration between former Boston members Brad Delp and Barry Goudreau. As detailed on Barry Goudreau’s official website, the two had stayed in close contact after Goudreau’s departure from Boston, with Delp contributing to Goudreau’s solo work and the Orion the Hunter album. During a hiatus from Boston, Delp sought to reignite his songwriting spark and reached out to Goudreau. They recruited keyboardist Brian Maes, drummer Dave Stefanelli, and bassist Tim Archibald, forming a lineup that blended seasoned musicianship with a fresh creative drive. Their debut album, Return to Zero, released in 1991 under Giant Records, spawned the hit single “Until Your Love Comes Back Around,” which reached the Top 30, as noted on Apple Music. Despite this success, the band felt neglected by their label, leading to their eventual split and Delp’s return to Boston.

RTZ’s journey wasn’t without challenges, as their music struggled to find a consistent home. After Delp’s departure, the remaining members deemed him irreplaceable, and the band dissolved until the release of Lost in 1998. The band’s official online presence is limited, but fans can explore Barry Goudreau’s website for updates and historical context, including a downloadable demo of “Face the Music” from 1987. Social media accounts specifically for RTZ are sparse, with no verified Facebook, Instagram, or X pages dedicated to the band. However, fans can connect with related content through Boston and Brad Delp Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories and discuss RTZ’s contributions. Fan-driven sites like thirdstage.ca offer detailed band histories, while Last.fm provides community insights and listening trends, keeping the Zoo Freaks’ love for RTZ alive.