Gallows Soul is a new hard rock project featuring former Project Alcazar guitarist/instrumentalist Chris Steberl hailing out of Columbus, Ohio. The band has supported acts like Tony Macalpine, Greg Howe, Foghat, Steve Vai and Dream Theater. Chris formerly released several instrumental CDs with Lion Music “Reasons for a Decade” and “Chasin’ Voodoo. Chris’s last instrumental release featured ex FATES WARNING and WARLORD drum virtuoso Mark Zonder “Lost in Centralia” with Guitar One Records back in 2020.
This is Chris’ debut vocal release with Finnish singer Markku Kuikka, and Pretty Maids drummer Allan Sorensen. Markku came highly recommended by Lion Music owner Lars Mattson and the chemistry clicked right away. Markku Kuikka is known for his versatile voice and dynamic stage presence. He brings a unique blend of power and emotion to every performance, drawing influence from the classic sounds of the '70s and '80s as well as modern rock. Currently, Markku leads the vocals for the Finnish melodic metal band “Crow's Flight” and the hard rock group “The Ragged Saints”. Markku’s vocal talents can be found on over 20 releases throughout his career to date.
Chris then recruited drummer Allan Sorensen’s from Denmark. Allan’s high energy playing can be found with such groups as “Royal Hunt”, “Cornerstone” with former Yngwie singer Doogie White and most recently he is the driving force behind metal band “Pretty Maids”. Not only is Allan’s timing precise but he is a true joy to watch behind a drum kit. His passion shines through on every song he plays on.
-Interview- (11/12/24)
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? How did the name "Gallows Soul" come about and is there any meaning to it?
I have been doing the instrumental shred stuff since the late 90s with a band called Project Alcazar out of the Columbus, Ohio area. We supported some big name acts like Steve Vai and Dream Theater, won a battle of the bands without a singer and I won the Sam Ash Best in Shred contest as well. I have always been asked to add guitarsolos to other artists vocal projects and now decided it was time to do my own vocal project and see how things turn out. So far its allowed me to focus more time on songwriting and developing meaningful, melodic solos rather than how much technical playing I can squeeze into each song.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
So far it's been hard to compare the bands sound to anyone else out there (not saying there maybe bands that sound like us) but it would be nice for people to not be able to pin us down to sounding like other bands which is tough with so many artists out there.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
Straight ahead hard rock/metal with vocal melodies and harmonies.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Dream Theater would be very cool. Ritchie Kotzen would be another and Kansas.
5. What's your thoughts on AI generated music?
Honestly do not know much about it at all. I am still an old school musician haha.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Rock?
I have always been on the progressive rock/metal side of thing’s which is a small market that has grown a lot since when I first began writing and performing that style of music. These days there are so many artists putting out new music it takes a lot of luck to break out of the pack to become the next big thing.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Ohio?
There are some cool original acts and great musicians in Ohio but it would be great to see clubs and fans support original acts more. There are a few clubs that cater to original indie acts that tour and let local acts support them. It’s just not an easy thing to break into playing your own music anywhere these days.
8. What’s your take on the royalties that streaming services pay out to artists?
Not surprising as musicians have been getting the short end of the stick for years. Then once the Internet and streaming came along it was easier to get your bands name and music out to the masses but of course the streaming profits became just like CD sales – the artist never got their fair share of the profits.
9. What’s next for Gallows Soul?
Right now just finishing up this debut album hopefully to be out this Summer 2025. Release a couple more videos and maybe even manage to do a handful of live shows but only time will tell.
10. Any shoutouts?
All of my friends and fans that have supported my music for years now. I have met so many cool fans from all over the world through my music. As far as recent people Beau @ Beaunovision Video for all his time and work on the video, BJ Davis over at Sonic Lounge Studios in Columbus Ohio for all his time mixing and great ideas production wise. Lars Mattson over at Lion Music for referring me to singer Markku Kuikka as well as drummer Allan Sorensen for delivering the goods as always. Mark Kries for all of his and input as well as using his studio whenever I needed it.
