TRUE CROWN FOUNDATION SONGS

Audentes Fortuna Juvat – The Story Of The Lucky Nine

 

“Society as I see it is on a collision course with its own morals. This is essentially an evolutionary step that we must transcend to achieve perhaps greater things, or perhaps our own downfall. The ark is very much being steered by unseen forces and these songs relate to that process and its governing body, a cabal that consider themselves to be the true rulers of society by divine right. The True Crown Foundation is my own name for these ideals.’ – Daniel Carter

 

The Lucky Nine is not just a band, and certainly not a ‘side project’, it’s a concept, a calling, perhaps even a mission. Born of years of philosophical research, musical obsession and frustration with the ignorance of the world to its own processes, founder Daniel Carter sees it not just as music but as a whole artistic aesthetic concept – weaving elements of Satanic teachings and Futurism together with occult and Masonic imagery and a sound that fuses the blistering intensity of contemporary metal to the groove and discipline of classic progressive hardcore. The band name comes from the connotations of the number 9 in many cultures – it often signifies fortune and progression from the old to the new, except in Japan, where the number’s phonetic sound is ‘Ku’ – the same as the word for suffering.

 

In order to create a multi-media manifesto, Carter needed not only the very best musicians, but people in tune with his thoughts and ambitions. Richie Mills, powerhouse drummer of Sunna and UK alt-rock kings Cable and Ben Doyle – former guitarist of hardcore crew Above All – were first on board. After exploring vocal options it became clear that Colin Doran of Hundred Reasons not only had the gutsy delivery required but also connected with Carter’s ideals and was perfect for the band. To complete the line-up, Justin Rowe of London post-hardcore band Iodine took up bass duties. “I chose to work with these people not only because I knew that they were more than proficient, but also because I knew they were great people, whom I loved dearly and that they could all add their own thoughts and ideas on what this band should, could and will be,” saysCarter.

 

A tour with Hell Is For Heroes and further live appearances at the likes of the Give It A Name festival and in support of The Used at Brixton Academy proved that together, these five experienced players form a water-tight unit – unleashing short-sharp-shock sets of violent rock. And now, with their debut album ‘True Crown Foundation Songs: Hymns Of History And Hidden Ritual’, they’re out to spread their message to the world and subvert the mainstream from within. It’s a concept record, but not one with a need to decorate its story with musical self indulgence. Put simply, it’s twelve songs of devastating other-worldly rock riffing and twilight melodies that will ram-raid your consciousness.

 

From the muscular, electronica-laced statement of intent that is ‘Vessel And Vine’ and the rampaging ‘The Program’, to the groove-led power-rock of ‘A Lucky Hit’, the multi-layered vocal howls of ‘Lone Pine Mall’, the tense and release fury of previous single ‘Hibernate’ and through to the ‘we will not goquietly’ finale of Lake Placid, the album is relentless. Initial reference points

include Refused, Deftones and Quicksand, but dig deeper into ‘Sweet Dreams, Lilac…’ and ‘Washington Geometry’ and echoes of Tool also come to the fore. One thing’s for sure, this is no exercise in meaningless corporate fashion-core, but neither is it a nostalgic rehashing of ‘90s underground rock.“The bands that move me and influence me were a couple of generations before what is getting exposure these days,” says Carter. “But I don’t have much time for misguided musical snobbery, it’s just that I know what works for me and this band is an amalgam of our creative will and that will has developed an aesthetic over many years.”

 

So, from a collection of ideas in Daniel Carter’s head, The Lucky Nine has grown into a living, breathing, five-headed beast – fusing influences, attitudes and dark spirituality to create its own design for life. And from here, anything seems possible. Carter has relinquished his initial full control of the band to allow its members to bring ideas to the table, but, he says, there is still work to be done.“I understand that the band is now a democratic body,” he says. “But I still see that this is a ship that can be steered into dark waters and new things are waiting to be found, contacted and channeled. Fortune does indeed favour the bold.”

You have been warned.

The Lucky Nine are:
Colin Doran – vocals
Richie Mills – drums
Ben Doyle – guitar
Justin David Rowe – bass
Daniel P. Carter – guitar

 

www.theluckynine.com