Five Horse Johnson's new album, The Taking of Black Heart is due for release via Small Stone Records in January 2013. It is the band's first full-length record since 2006's The Mystery Spot, which saw Five Horse Johnson, with the help of Clutch's Jean Paul Gaster helming the drums, create its strongest album up to that point.

That record saw Gaster and Steve Smith provide more power than a Super Hemi. Brad Coffin's guitar never sounded lither and his voice never stronger. Eric Oblander's harp, meanwhile, is as sharp as a tailfin, his gravelly vocal delivery a growling, howling counterpoint to Coffin's gruff style. Other collaborators on The Mystery Spot included Roadsaw/Antler's Craig Riggs and Big Chief's Phil Durr and Mark Dancey. Durr is now an official member of the band.

The Five Horse Johnson lineup for the album is Eric Oblander (vox/harp), Brad Coffin (vox/ guitar), Steve Smith (bass) and Phil Dürr (guitar). The album also includes a special guest appearance from Robin Zander of Cheap Trick, who contributes vocals on the song 'You're My Girl (I Don't Want To Talk About It)'.

The Taking of Black Heart was recorded at the Magpie Cage in Baltimore, MD. The vocals were recorded at Kozy's Chop Shop at Sunroom Studio in Detroit, MI by Bill Kozy and Erik Maluchnik. 'You're My Girl (I Don't Want To Talk About It)' was produced by Bill Kozy. The album was mastered by Chris Goosman at Baseline Audio Labs in Ann Arbor, MI. Fine arts are by Mark Dancey, and textiles are by Vince Williams at Creative Print in Warren, MI. Executive producer is Scott Hamilton. Robin Zander appears courtesy of Cheap Trick.

Additional Details

Label: Small Stone Records

Genre: Metal

Run Time: 60 mins

Release Date: 01/29/13

UPC: 709764113529