Rachel Bolan discusses first solo album “Gargoyle of the Garden State”, future of Skid Row

After more than four decades as the driving force behind Skid Row, Rachel Bolan is stepping into a completely new phase of his career. Known as a bassist and songwriter, Bolan is now releasing his first-ever solo album under the name BOLAN, with “Gargoyle of the Garden State” set to arrive on June 12th.

Chaoszine caught up with Bolan via Zoom just a day prior to this interview being published. During the conversation, we discussed the deeply personal nature of the album, its creative process, and what it feels like to step forward under his own name after decades in a band setting.

A deeply personal record rooted in New Jersey

“Gargoyle of the Garden State” is far from a side project – it stands as one of the most personal works of Bolan’s career. The album draws heavily from his New Jersey roots, channeling the grit, attitude, and storytelling spirit of the region into a cohesive and distinctive sonic identity.

The record began in a relatively simple way, as Bolan started working on material alongside producer Nick Raskulinecz. What started as a casual collaboration between friends quickly evolved into a full-length album that ultimately reflects Bolan’s entire musical journey and influences.

A diverse sound and an all-star lineup of guests

Musically, the album moves seamlessly between punk energy, glam influences, Britpop melodies, and new wave textures. The result is a collection of hook-driven, anthemic songs that combine Bolan’s recognizable style with a more liberated and personal approach.

Notably, Bolan performs the majority of instruments on the album himself, building the record from the ground up. At the same time, the album is enriched by an impressive lineup of guest musicians, including Corey Taylor, Danko Jones, and Nuno Bettencourt.

One of the album’s most intriguing moments is also a reimagined version of “Rock And Roll Star“, which takes on a completely new character through Bolan’s interpretation.

A fresh beginning after a long career

While Bolan has remained a central figure in rock music for decades, “Gargoyle of the Garden State” clearly marks a new beginning. It is an album where he steps outside the framework of a band and allows his music to speak entirely in his own voice.

In the following interview, Bolan dives deeper into the creation of the album, its themes, and how pursuing a solo career differs from life within a band. You can check the entire video interview here:

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You can check out the first single released from “Gargoyle of the Garden State” album titled “At War with Myself” featuring Danko Jones below: