Build And Destroy

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Build And Destroy" by Styx from their album Circling From Above for all the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This track, the lead single from the band’s 18th studio album, is a melodic, prog-flavored rock anthem that sets the tone for the record’s themes of human ambition, technology, and reflection. In a live interview on TalkShop.live, keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan shared that “Build And Destroy” was the second-to-last song completed for the album, yet it felt like “a quick way into the album’s overall theme,” tying into the concept of creation and loss inspired by abandoned satellites. The song features contributions from all seven current members, delivering a kinetic energy that’s got fans buzzing.

Fans and the band alike have hyped the track online. A post on X from a user praised “Build And Destroy” as a “groovy prog boogie,” highlighting Styx’s signature vocal harmonies and rich instrumentation, a sentiment echoed across fan discussions. Guitarist/vocalist Tommy Shaw, in a statement from the album announcement, connected the song to the album’s concept, noting, “When they were shot up into space, these satellites were somebody’s dream and ambition. They served their purpose and they were cast aside.” This idea of building with love only to see it discarded resonates in the lyrics, as shared in an X post: “Tear it down and start all over / Find the path to hope and joy / Are we destined forever / To build and destroy?” The Jay Ziebarth-directed music video, released alongside the single, uses AI-generated visuals to amplify this cosmic narrative.

Styx, the iconic American rock band, formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1972, blending melodic hard rock, acoustic guitar, and synth-driven prog elements. The journey began when brothers Chuck and John Panozzo, on bass and drums, teamed up with vocalist/keyboardist Dennis DeYoung in a basement on the city’s south side, initially calling themselves The Tradewinds. Guitarist/vocalist James “JY” Young joined soon after, and by 1972, with the addition of guitarist John Curulewski, they became Styx, signing with Wooden Nickel Records. Their early albums—Styx (1972), Styx II (1973), The Serpent Is Rising (1973), and Man of Miracles (1974)—built a regional following, with “Lady” from Styx II becoming a breakout hit after a slow climb, pushing them toward a deal with A&M Records in 1975.

With Tommy Shaw joining in 1975, Styx hit their stride, delivering classics like Crystal Ball (1976) and The Grand Illusion (1977), cementing their legacy with hits such as “Come Sail Away” and “Fooling Yourself.” Over decades, they’ve released 18 studio albums, evolving with members like Lawrence Gowan and Will Evankovich. Follow their journey at their official website, check Facebook for updates, see pics on Instagram, and catch posts on X. Fans rally at sites like Styx Collector for memorabilia and history, and the Styx Fans Facebook group is a lively spot for Zoo Freaks and others to share their love for the band’s enduring sound.