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Rachel Bolan Announces Debut Solo Album "Gargoyle Of The Garden State" for June 12, 2026
Rachel Bolan, the bassist and chief songwriter of the American heavy‑metal band Skid Row, has announced his first solo album, "Gargoyle Of The Garden State," which will be released on June 12, 2026. The record is distributed by earMUSIC, a label of Edel Music & Entertainment GmbH, under an exclusive license to the artist.
The album, released under the BOLAN banner, contains eleven tracks that blend punk‑rock energy with elements of classic power rock. The opening single, "Anything But You," was made available ahead of the full release and showcases Bolan’s vocal style, which critics describe as gritty and straightforward. A second single, "At War With Myself," features Canadian rocker Danko Jones and highlights the album’s hard‑edge sound.
"Gargoyle Of The Garden State" includes collaborations with a range of musicians. The track "See You On The Other Side" features Snake Sabo, while "Bridges" brings in vocalist Steve Conte. The guitar work of Nuno Bettencourt appears on "Jet Black Universe," and Corey Taylor of Slipknot lends his voice to "Big Stick." Damon Johnson joins Bolan on "Walk Away," and the album’s cover of Oasis’s "Rock And Roll Star" is performed with Scotti Hill.
The album’s production was handled by Nick Raskulinecz, who has worked with high‑profile acts such as Foo Fighters and Rush. Raskulinecz’s involvement signals a polished yet aggressive sound that aligns with Bolan’s long‑standing reputation for driving Skid Row’s songwriting.
Bolan’s decision to step away from the Skid Row brand for a solo project follows the band’s 2022 release, "The Gang's All Here," which marked the return of Skid Row after a long hiatus. In a March 25, 2026 interview on the "Rockstrap" podcast, Bolan noted that the new material “doesn't sound like Skid Row,” underscoring a distinct musical direction.
The track listing is as follows: 1. Anything But You 2. At War With Myself (feat. Danko Jones) 3. Memory 4. See You On The Other Side (feat. Snake Sabo) 5. Bridges (feat. Steve Conte) 6. Jet Black Universe (feat. Nuno Bettencourt) 7. Big Stick (feat. Corey Taylor) 8. Pretty Hell 9. Rock And Roll Star (OASIS cover feat. Scotti Hill) 10. Devil In The White 11. Walk Away (feat. Damon Johnson)
The album’s style draws from punk influences such as The Clash, Hanoi Rocks, and Rancid, while also incorporating 1980s power‑rock elements. The cover of Oasis’s "Rock And Roll Star" demonstrates Bolan’s willingness to reinterpret well‑known songs within a rock‑centric framework.
"Gargoyle Of The Garden State" will be available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, as well as in physical formats through earMUSIC’s distribution network. The release follows a promotional cycle that began with the announcement on March 25, 2026, and the subsequent release of the two singles.
The album represents a broader trend of established metal musicians exploring solo ventures, offering fans a more personal glimpse into their creative output. Bolan’s move adds to the catalog of solo projects that have emerged from members of long‑running bands.
As of now, no tour or live performance dates have been announced to support the album. Fans can anticipate the full release on June 12, 2026, and will be able to stream the record across all major platforms.
The release of "Gargoyle Of The Garden State" marks a significant milestone in Bolan’s career, expanding his legacy beyond Skid Row and into the broader rock and punk landscape.
The album, released under the BOLAN banner, contains eleven tracks that blend punk‑rock energy with elements of classic power rock. The opening single, "Anything But You," was made available ahead of the full release and showcases Bolan’s vocal style, which critics describe as gritty and straightforward. A second single, "At War With Myself," features Canadian rocker Danko Jones and highlights the album’s hard‑edge sound.
"Gargoyle Of The Garden State" includes collaborations with a range of musicians. The track "See You On The Other Side" features Snake Sabo, while "Bridges" brings in vocalist Steve Conte. The guitar work of Nuno Bettencourt appears on "Jet Black Universe," and Corey Taylor of Slipknot lends his voice to "Big Stick." Damon Johnson joins Bolan on "Walk Away," and the album’s cover of Oasis’s "Rock And Roll Star" is performed with Scotti Hill.
The album’s production was handled by Nick Raskulinecz, who has worked with high‑profile acts such as Foo Fighters and Rush. Raskulinecz’s involvement signals a polished yet aggressive sound that aligns with Bolan’s long‑standing reputation for driving Skid Row’s songwriting.
Bolan’s decision to step away from the Skid Row brand for a solo project follows the band’s 2022 release, "The Gang's All Here," which marked the return of Skid Row after a long hiatus. In a March 25, 2026 interview on the "Rockstrap" podcast, Bolan noted that the new material “doesn't sound like Skid Row,” underscoring a distinct musical direction.
The track listing is as follows: 1. Anything But You 2. At War With Myself (feat. Danko Jones) 3. Memory 4. See You On The Other Side (feat. Snake Sabo) 5. Bridges (feat. Steve Conte) 6. Jet Black Universe (feat. Nuno Bettencourt) 7. Big Stick (feat. Corey Taylor) 8. Pretty Hell 9. Rock And Roll Star (OASIS cover feat. Scotti Hill) 10. Devil In The White 11. Walk Away (feat. Damon Johnson)
The album’s style draws from punk influences such as The Clash, Hanoi Rocks, and Rancid, while also incorporating 1980s power‑rock elements. The cover of Oasis’s "Rock And Roll Star" demonstrates Bolan’s willingness to reinterpret well‑known songs within a rock‑centric framework.
"Gargoyle Of The Garden State" will be available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, as well as in physical formats through earMUSIC’s distribution network. The release follows a promotional cycle that began with the announcement on March 25, 2026, and the subsequent release of the two singles.
The album represents a broader trend of established metal musicians exploring solo ventures, offering fans a more personal glimpse into their creative output. Bolan’s move adds to the catalog of solo projects that have emerged from members of long‑running bands.
As of now, no tour or live performance dates have been announced to support the album. Fans can anticipate the full release on June 12, 2026, and will be able to stream the record across all major platforms.
The release of "Gargoyle Of The Garden State" marks a significant milestone in Bolan’s career, expanding his legacy beyond Skid Row and into the broader rock and punk landscape.
