Into Black

The Zoo Crew is spinning the raw, blues-infused track Into Black by The Cold Stares from their 2019 album Ways, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling the vibe. This song, a standout from the album, is a gritty slice of blues rock with a thundering riff that captures the band’s signature intensity. According to a 2019 interview with Louder, the band recorded Ways in a vintage Memphis studio using analog gear, which gave the album, including Into Black, its authentic, raw edge. The recording process wasn’t without its challenges—vintage equipment, some over 70 years old, led to technical hiccups, stretching what was meant to be a few days of recording into over a month of back-and-forth trips. The band embraced the chaos, with frontman Chris Tapp singing into Howlin’ Wolf’s old microphone, infusing tracks like Into Black with a haunting, historical resonance. The song’s music video, described as possibly haunted, adds a layer of mystique, with its dark, moody visuals complementing the track’s heavy energy.

Delving deeper into Into Black, the song’s release as the third single from Ways marked a high point for the band, with the album racking up over a million streams and hitting the top spot on Amazon’s Hard Rock Best Sellers list. In a social media post on The Cold Stares’ Facebook in 2019, the band shared that the track was born from late-night jam sessions, with drummer Brian Mullins laying down a relentless beat that drove the song’s creation. Fans on Instagram have noted the song’s emotional weight, with one commenter calling it “a journey through darkness and redemption,” a sentiment echoed in fan discussions on the The Cold Stares Fan Club group. The track’s raw power also earned it a spot in Louder’s Tracks of the Week, cementing its place as a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks tuning in.

The Cold Stares, hailing from Indiana, began as a duo in 2008, with Chris Tapp on vocals and guitar and Brian Mullins on drums. According to their bio on their official website, the two met through a mutual love of blues and classic rock, bonding over influences like Led Zeppelin, Muddy Waters, and The Black Keys. Tapp, who grew up in a musical family, started playing guitar at a young age, while Mullins, a self-taught drummer, brought a hard-hitting style shaped by years of gigging in local bands. They began jamming in Tapp’s basement, crafting a sound that blended blues, rock, and Southern grit. Their early years were marked by relentless gigging across the Midwest, building a loyal following through sweaty, high-energy shows. By 2014, their debut album A Cold Wet Night caught the attention of indie labels, setting the stage for their rise.

The band’s breakthrough came with 2017’s Head Bent, which showcased their ability to fuse raw blues with modern rock sensibilities. Now a trio with bassist Bryce Klueh, The Cold Stares have continued to evolve, with their 2024 album The Southern earning praise for its bold, expansive sound. Their journey from basement jams to international stages, including a spot on Joe Bonamassa’s blues cruise, reflects their DIY ethos and dedication to their craft. Fans can connect with the band on their X account, where they share tour updates and behind-the-scenes moments, or join discussions in fan spaces like the The Cold Stares Fan Club on Facebook. For the latest news, merch, and tour dates, their official website is the go-to hub for Zoo Freaks and beyond.