A Look At The Galactic Cowboys’ New Album | “What Planet Are You From?” Is Here
“It’s here” is just a figure of speech, at least as of this writing. In reality, the Galactic Cowboys’ new album doesn’t yet have a specific, official release date, but its arrival is already palpable in the air—and it’s very possible that by the time you’re reading this, the album will already be officially out, in both physical and digital formats.
Our colleague and friend, Gabriel “Vampiro” Stopper—one of the pioneers in promoting the scene in Argentina—had the opportunity and privilege to listen to “What Planet Are You From?” courtesy of the band, and he shared his impressions with us, which we detail in this article.
Thirty-five years since their inception, Galactic Cowboys deliver a brand-new studio effort. Original members Ben Huggins (lead vocals, guitars), Monty Colvin (bass, vocals), and Dane Sonnier (guitars, vocals) align forces once again, joined by the late Johnny Simmons on drums (R.I.P.—Simmons tragically passed away just a week after completing the rhythm tracking). Together, they deliver 13 tracks running over an hour of music.
(Special thanks to Monty Colvin and Alix Kaufman for providing an advance digital stream of the album).
The self-titled opener sets an explosive sonic tone, anchored by tight drum tempos and Sonnier’s soaring fretwork; it feels tailor-made for sci-fi soundtracks like Altered Carbon or The Expanse. “Out of the Darkness” presents an intriguing contrast: melodious vocal arrangements clash with a heavy, aggressive rhythm section—a crushing low-end topped with lush harmonies, propelled by relentless double-bass drumming. “Superspreader” kicks off with a dense, doom-laden weight before accelerating into a runaway locomotive driven by tuned-down sonorities. Meanwhile, “The Liars” leans into pop-punk and rock sensibilities, seamlessly blending their signature vocal stacks, conversational interludes, violins, and harmonica into a standout finish.
For context, Galactic Cowboys delivered one of the finest progressive metal debuts back in 1991 (averaging an 8.5/10 rating across outlets), famously earning a fan in Mike Portnoy, who brought them on tour with Dream Theater in 1993. Between 1991 and 2000, the band released seven albums, eventually reuniting to drop Long Way Back to the Moon (2017). This latest offering adds a vital new chapter to that legacy.
Track five, “Blinders,” immediately grabs you with a razor-sharp riff. It offers a sonic journey around a black hole—recalling Beatles-esque hooks filtered through heavy progressive metal—with lyrics taking aim at digital media oversaturation. “I Can’t Let Go” hits that sweet spot between fury and restraint, closing with a 90-second instrumental movement. “Love Rehab” impresses right out of the gate: the integration of cello alongside Colvin’s lead vocal evokes the atmosphere of their second record. It is an ethereal, heavy, and emotionally charged prog piece.
“Trainwreck” feels like a lost cut from their debut era—pure political bite backed by distorted bass, biting guitars, and a galloping drum assault. “Mr. Knowitall” opens on Colvin’s bass line before pivoting into psych-rock and indie-leaning experimentation.
Entering the final stretch, “Buried a Friend” channels their Machine Fish era—an accessible, radio-ready track with instant hook appeal. The seven-minute epic “Find Our Way Home” stands out as a high point: a layered arrangement combining elements of Pink Floyd, Pearl Jam, Yes, and The Beatles.
“Bonus Track” turns up the playfulness, featuring sudden tempo shifts, cosmic jams, and planetary humor, before concluding with “Jazzed Odd Horsey Revisited”—a nod to the closing motif of their debut album.
Soundwise, the production is crystalline and well-balanced, allowing every instrument and vocal layer space in the mix. Ultimately, this record sits comfortably alongside their self-titled debut and Space in Your Face, completing an informal trilogy of their finest work.
Tracklist:
Where Planet Are You From (5:30)
Out of the Darkness (4:26)
Superspreader (5:45)
The Liars (5:44)
Blinders (4:08)
I Can’t Let Go (4:43)
Love Rehab (6:49)
Trainwreck (4:17)
Mr. Knowitall (4:40)
Buried a Friend (4:59)
Find Our Way Home (7:12)
Bonus Track (2:55)
Jazzed Odd Horsey Revisited (2:40)
Key Tracks: Love Rehab / Find Our Way Home / The Liars / Where Planet Are You From / Out of the Darkness / Buried a Friend P.S. Johnny Simmons’ performance throughout the album is remarkable; his playing feels entirely natural to the Galactic Cowboys dynamic.
P.S. 2 I’m personally convinced I hail from Planet LV-426.
Anything else to add? Probably not. The Galactic Cowboys are that strange band that doesn’t fit in with anything or anyone, and they’re even capable of appealing to people from different musical genres. “What Planet Are You From?” is a new chapter in their long and crazy adventure. A space journey that began 35 years ago with their debut album and still resonates with those who’ve been following their trail. Thanks to Gabriel “Vampiro” Stopper, we have the privilege of getting a sneak peek at what this amazing album will be like—and trust me on this. Pay attention to what Stopper says; he definitely know what he’s talking about….
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