Welcome to the Wild Wild West… Los Angeles shamanistic rockers Blacklist Union unleash new album Slay the Dragon.

Rock Metal Machine
Oct 3
2 min read

Five men pose on red couches, displaying hand gestures. Vibrant background with colored doors and text saying "Love Her Madly." — Photo Credit © Lori Lea

Blacklist Union deliver Slay the Dragon, their explosive sixth studio album and the highly anticipated follow-up to Letters from the Psych Ward, which earned critical acclaim and over two million streams. Produced by Christopher Johnson (Evanescence, Scott Weiland, Josh Todd), the album perfectly encapsulates the band's signature blend of Stone Temple Pilots’ grit, Guns N’ Roses’ swagger, Malfunkshun’s otherworldly vibe, and The Cult’s anthemic power. Slay the dragon follows lead singles Mississippi Moonhound, and Up In Smoke. A third lead single, Dyin' 4 U, drops September 9th, a hard rock anthem for anyone breaking free from toxic ties.

Blacklist Union frontman Tony West was raised in the Bronx on Ramones and Bad Brains before running away to L.A. as a teen, initially collaborating with guitarist Todd Youth (Murphy’s Law/Danzig) and Malfunkshun. In 2006, Tony forged his own path, forming Blacklist Union and releasing their debut album, After the Mourning, the same year. His enduring friendship with Todd led to their co-writing of the 2015 album Back to Momo. Following Todd’s passing, Tony turned to ayahuasca journeys deep in the Amazon jungle for healing and renewal — a process that fuels the intensity of Slay the Dragon.

Tony West explains: “My inspiration primarily comes from insights and healing from going to the Amazon jungle in Peru with the Shipibo Indians. This whole record is about my journeys on ayahuasca and expelling pain from a hideous divorce and breakup. This record runs deep.”

Now managed by industry veteran Paul Crosby (Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum band Saliva), Blacklist Union are operating at the peak of their creative powers. The wait is finally over—Blacklist Union proudly present Slay the Dragon…