CROSSBONE SKULLY has joined forces with MÖTLEY CRÜE bassist and founding member Nikki Sixx on the new track “High On You,” an anthem celebrating romantic obsession with a soaring chorus. The song’s artwork, created by Mark Wilkinson (known for his work with IRON MAIDEN and JUDAS PRIEST), reflects the narrative of “Crossbone Skully,” the central character in a parallel mythology crafted by band founder and frontman Tommy Henriksen. This story unfolds in CROSSBONE SKULLY’s upcoming debut album, “Evil World Machine,” set to release on November 22 via Better Noise Music. The narrative will also expand through a graphic novel and animated film titled “Thing #1,” which is scheduled for 2025 and features voiceovers by Sixx.
Nikki Sixx praised the project, stating, “CROSSBONE SKULLY is doing something visually unique while blending kickass riffs and great songwriting. I’m excited for them and can’t wait for everyone to experience it.”
Tommy Henriksen, who is also the guitarist and musical director for Alice Cooper and a member of HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES, described “High On You” as capturing the essence of youthful, intoxicating love, likening it to “an everlasting drug.”
The album, executive produced by the legendary Robert John “Mutt” Lange—who came out of retirement specifically for this project—is a rock concept album that draws inspiration from dystopian themes, similar to David Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust” and “Diamond Dogs.”
Henriksen collaborated with a stellar lineup of musicians for the album, including guitarist Tommy Denander, keyboardist Jamie Muhoberac (MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, JOHN MAYER), bassist Chris Wyse (HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES, OZZY OSBOURNE), and drummer Glen Sobel (ALICE COOPER). The late UFO bassist Pete Way, mixer Olle Romo (MUSE, BRYAN ADAMS), and producer/mixer Mike Plotnikoff (AC/DC, AEROSMITH) also contributed.
The album features spoken-word contributions from notable figures, including Johnny Depp as “The Sorcerer,” Alice Cooper as “The Bringer Of Light,” Joe Perry as “Big Bad Bone Crusher,” Nikki Sixx as “The Crooked Crow,” and Kane Roberts as “Alpha Watchman.”
Track Listing for “Evil World Machine”:
- Evil World Machine
- The Boom Went The Boom (feat. Phil Collen of DEF LEPPARD)
- Money Sex Or God
- Flip The Bird
- Everyone’s On Dope
- The Sin Eater
- Ima Bone Machine
- Let’s Bust The Trust
- High On You (feat. Nikki Sixx of MÖTLEY CRÜE)
- I Am The Wolf
- I’m Unbreakable
- The Last Night On Earth
- Misfits Of The Universe
