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The Smashing Pumpkins unveiled a rumbling new rocker, “Knights of Malta,” from their upcoming album Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun, out November 16th via Billy Corgan’s label, Martha’s Music.
“Knights of Malta” finds the Pumpkins embracing their orchestral leanings yet again, interweaving the chug of drums, guitar and bass with piano, strings and choral vocals. Corgan gives his lyrics a mystic edge – “A serpent for your fist/ And a scarab for your mouth” – as he puts a vivid spin on the evergreen rock trope of breaking free: “We’re gonna make this happen,” he sings during the chorus, “I’m gonna fly forever/ We’re gonna ride that rainbow/ I’m gonna fly forever.”
“Knights of Malta” marks the third offering from Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1, following “Solara” and “Silvery Sometimes (Ghosts).” Shiny and Oh So Bright notably marks the first Smashing Pumpkins record in almost two decades to feature founding members Corgan, James Iha and Jimmy Chamberlin, along with guitarist Jeff Schroeder. The band recorded the album with Rick Rubin at his Shangri La Studios.
The Smashing Pumpkins will embark on another leg of their 30th anniversary reunion tour November 28th in Madison, Wisconsin.
