In the raw, unapologetic landscape of late 1980s New York City, a Detroit-born visionary named Kory Clarke made a bold bet: he’d form a band and get signed within a year. True to his word, Clarke stepped out from behind the drum kit and assembled Warrior Soul, a band that would soon become the soundtrack to my youth and beyond.
Warrior Soul’s debut album, “Last Decade Dead Century,” hit the streets in 1990, and it was like nothing I’d ever heard. Clarke’s distinctive voice, coupled with politically charged lyrics and a sound that fused hard rock, punk, and heavy metal, spoke to a generation of disillusioned youth. Songs like “We Cry Out” and “The Losers” became anthems for the voiceless, and I was hooked.
As a young musician myself, Warrior Soul’s influence was profound. In 1992, my band Silent Cry played at Club 367 in St. Louis, the very same stage where I’d witness Warrior Soul’s electrifying live show that year. The experience was surreal, to say the least.
But it was “Salutations from the Ghetto Nation” that truly captured my heart. I’d drive around for hours, the album on repeat, lost in the raw energy and catchy-as-hell choruses. Little did I know, the best was yet to come.
In 1994, Warrior Soul released “The Space Age Playboys,” an album that not only invented the genre of Acid Punk but also became a favourite of Metallica’s Lars Ulrich. It was ranked No. 323 in Rock Hard magazine’s “The 500 Greatest Rock & Metal Albums Of All Time.” Ulrich’s praise for the album echoed my own sentiments:
“This record changed everything for me… Every song on this record is a standout. It is a top five all-time record for me, maybe even number one.”
Fast forward to 2016, my first week living in London. In a tiny venue called the Barfly in Camden Town, I found myself face-to-face with my musical heroes. Armed with a fisheye lens, I captured a moment that would change everything. That photo, a split-second of Kory Clark’s bell-bottom jeans swiping past my ear, ended up on the back cover of their new record. It was a full-circle moment I never saw coming.
But the best was STILL to come. Earlier this year, Warrior Soul announced their 30th anniversary tour of the UK. I made it to two shows during my birthday week and even attended Kory’s art showcase in London. There I was, spending my birthday week with my all-time favourite artist, listening to my all-time favourite record twice. It was a dream come true. (Special shout to my wife Tricia for spending her birthday at one of those shows with me!)
Looking back, Kory Clarke and Warrior Soul’s impact on the music world is undeniable. They proved that rock could be a powerful force for activism and change. Their unwavering commitment to challenging the status quo and empowering the voiceless has ensured their lasting legacy.
From those gritty New York streets to sold-out shows in London, Warrior Soul’s journey has been one of relentless passion and uncompromising vision. And as a fan, I’ve been fortunate enough to witness and be part of this incredible ride. It’s a testament to the enduring power of music to connect, inspire, and transform lives across decades and continents.
