Doomed Confessionary: Aaron Peltz (Jupiter Cyclops)
Phoenix, Arizona based hard rock supergroup Jupiter Cyclops just released their debut album »Age Of The UFOnaut« on July 19th, 2024 via Rockshots Records. Exploring UFO sightings, conspiracy theories, interstellar demons, and the hidden parts of your mind, this is an album full of groove sludgy riffs, and a fresh take of blending stoner rock, classic heavy, and 70’s proto-metal.
Jupiter Cyclops is an electrifying blend of energy, rockin riffs, catchy powerful vocal melodies, and contagious grooves. Featuring scene veterans Aaron Peltz (Downthesun, On A Pale Horse) on vocals, guitarist Dustin Lyon (Opiate For The Masses), bassist Jake Melius (Big Wheel Stunt Show), and drummer Kyle Eades (Old Fashion Assassin), the quartet’s influences of classic rock and NWOBHM is sure to please fans of Clutch, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and more.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are a traditional 4 piece metal and hard rock band rooted in the 70’s, 80’s and even 90’s at times. We aren’t really looking for a specific genre to fit into, just playing what feels right for us. The band started as a doom band in 2019, but morphed into a more classic metal band when new members came on board. The concept is really trying to capture some of the essence of early proto-metal and nwobhm bands. So really focusing on the years 1971-1981, but we have other elements that might slip in there.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Covid was a real bastard since we started around that time. Just getting off of the ground in this new world was really weird especially with shows and vax cards. We just kept at it though and focused on writing.
What can you be most proud of so far?
I’m really proud of the way the album turned out both song writing and recording wise because it was almost all DIY. We recorded everything but drums at Dustin’s (guitar)house. Now, we are super stoked to be able let people around the world hear it and that’s also extremely gratifying.
What was your biggest regret?
No regrets, but if I had the chance to do something over again, it would have been some band member changes that didn’t go well and ended up losing a friend. That’s always a bummer. The old cliche that bands are like girlfriends is totally true and that kind of stuff sucks.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Our best show we have played was with the band Earthless because it was a packed house and we have so much respect for what they do. No tours under our belt yet, but we would love to get on the festival circuit.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The importance of social media is huge and it might seem like an obvious thing for most people, but for me it’s been a challenge because I am late to the party. Just using Instagram makes me think I need some kind of ancient codex because I can’t figure out how to do things haha. I’m getting better at it though.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Mercyful Fate, Iron Maiden, Angel Witch, Demon, Sabbath, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Scorpions. Pretty much all classic stuff.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Don’t try and sound like anyone. Be inspired, but not so influenced that you become a parody. Be yourself and play what you believe in. Be authentic.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Oh man, Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, and other old R&B. That shits fire and funky as hell.
Can you say something more about the music scene in Phoenix, Arizona?
We are from Phoenix, Arizona and death metal and nu-metal are very big here. There are good scenes for certain genres. The doom and stoner scene here is small, but lots of cool bands and good people. Also, Cyclops isn’t a stoner or doom band, but that’s the scene that accepts our classic metal-ness. That’s why I love this scene so much, it’s just very accepting of the classics.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We would love to get out to some festivals in Europe and South America. As far as a tour, we need booking agent and legit ones are hard to get just like getting a record deal so it’s a work in progress.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We are done writing our new EP that we will start recording in December. We are really excited to get started recording because we feel it’s our best tunes yet. The goal is to release it before July of next year so we can have two albums out this year.
How can people best support your band?
Check out our tunes on Spotify or another streaming site and if you are into it head on over to Bandcamp where it will be available or pick up a CD at your local store. It’s the best way for bands to make money off their music.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We are stoked you are listening and hope we can play for you soon. Spread the word!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well