Valley of the Sun was formed on June 21, 2010 as a four piece by Ferrier, Beagle, Owens, and Boyer. Following a series of early shows the band would get in the studio, quickly releasing the EP twothousandten. Beagle and Owens departed in early 2011. Only Owens was replaced (by Ryan McCallister), forming the power trio format which would continue for the next three years. The band would tour for the first time supporting Truckfighters in July 2011, and following with the release party for The Sayings of The Seers on 4 August 2011 (At Southgate House; with Lo-Pan and Atlantis Becoming.). Valley of The Sun would play a host of gigs through 2012 and 2013 supporting various touring acts, performing in Covington, Newport, Cincinnati and Dayton among other places. In the meantime between shows, work on a debut album would begin with the band ultimately releasing Electric Talons of The Thunderhawk in November 2013 following a successful IndieGogo campaign. The debut album would see positive reception from the likes of Echoes and Dust and The Obelisk among others.
Signing to Fuzzorama Records and following a gig supporting Jucifer, Valley of The Sun would tour Europe for the first time ever alongside Truckfighters and White Miles. McCallister departed after the first European tour. Ferrier and Boyer hired on several friends to fill bass, and subsequently, second guitar roles over the next few tours. Session musicians included Nick Theime Of Mangrenade, Arnaud Merckling of Dot Legacy, and Adam Flaig and Ringo Jones of Mad Anthony. Following an official release party for Electric Talons of The Thunderhawk, the band would return to Europe touring with Monkey3, including appearances at Blue Moon Festival, Sky High Festival and Desertfest Belgium. A follow-up tour of Europe came the next year which included an appearance at Freak Valley Festival.
Valley of The Sun's second album Volume Rock (recorded by Ferrier on guitar, bass, and vocals and Boyer on Drums) would see release on 29 April 2016 to positive reviews and touring of Europe in support of the record. Sometime after this tour the band would take somewhat of a hiatus but would make a return with new bassist Chris Sweeney at Planet Desert Rock weekend on 30 November 2018, sharing the stage with the likes of King Chiefs, War Cloud, House of Broken Promises, The Heavy Eyes and Wino. The band would tour North America for the first time since 2011 that next Spring, with new guitarist Josh Pilot, alongside Bellringer (A new band featuring former Melvins bassist Mark Deutrom.). Old Gods would see release on Fuzzorama Records circa 24 May 2019, with a tour of Europe supporting the record that September and October. November 2019 saw the departure of founding member and drummer Aaron Boyer. He was quickly replaced by Lex Vegas (of Killtones/The Skulx). Valley of The Sun would tour North America in support of Old Gods in 2020 with Truckfighters, the first tour with their Swedish friends in six years.
On 29 December 2021 it would be announced that Valley of The Sun had signed a North American deal with Ripple Music, in conjunction with Fuzzorama. The band would also notably serve as direct support for Stoner and Clutch on New Year's Eve in Cincinnati.
Centaur Rodeo
Valley of the Sun Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Beneath the chaos lies the calm.
I've seen the Seven Mountains.
I've watched them crumble one by one.
Escape is just a metaphor.
We've chosen how we'll be reborn.
Our misdeeds burn in fire.
by gods older and wiser
than that which we could ever name.
I've got the will to conquer all.
Beneath the chaos lies the calm.
I've seen the Seven Mountains.
I've watched them crumble one by one.
Our fate has been recounted.
Our tragedy lies with the Sun.
The lyrics in Valley of the Sun's Centaur Rodeo speak of conquering, rebirth, and fate. The first lines, "I've got the will to conquer all. Beneath the chaos lies the calm," suggest that the singer is a determined individual who is not afraid to embrace the unknown. They understand that in life, there is always chaos, but they see beyond that to find a sense of peace and tranquility. The next two lines, "I've seen the Seven Mountains. I've watched them crumble one by one," are a reference to a mythological story in which the world was created out of a series of mountains which fell apart one by one.
The following lines develop the theme of rebirth or renewal. The singer suggests that escape, in this lyric, is a metaphor for the process of making a major life change. They further suggest that it is within their power to choose how they are reborn, and that through this process, they can leave behind their past mistakes and become a better person. The singer contrasts the power of the gods with the weakness of human beings, acknowledging that while we may never understand or be able to name the deities, their influence on our lives is undeniable. The final verse builds on the idea of fate or destiny, suggesting that our lives are predetermined by our misdeeds and our charity. Ultimately, the tragedy of our existence lies with the sun, a symbol of the inevitability of death and the natural cycles of life.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got the will to conquer all.
The singer is determined to succeed in all their endeavors.
Beneath the chaos lies the calm.
Despite the chaos and turmoil in life, there is still a certain peace that can be found.
I've seen the Seven Mountains.
The singer has experienced and overcome many challenges in life.
I've watched them crumble one by one.
The artist has witnessed their past obstacles slowly diminish and lose their power over them.
Escape is just a metaphor.
Running away from one's problems is not a real solution, but rather a temporary escape from reality.
We've chosen how we'll be reborn.
We have the power to change our lives and become a better version of ourselves, free from negative patterns and habits.
Our misdeeds burn in fire.
The singer acknowledges their past mistakes and understands the consequences that come with them.
Our charity will be reclaimed
Doing good deeds and helping others will eventually be rewarded, possibly by a higher power.
by gods older and wiser
The artist believes that there are beings beyond human comprehension that control the fates of individuals.
than that which we could ever name.
These higher powers are beyond human understanding and cannot be named or defined.
Our fate has been recounted.
The singer believes that their destiny has already been written and that it is predetermined.
Our tragedy lies with the Sun.
The source of the artist's downfall or tragedy is inexplicable and perhaps beyond their control.
Writer(s): Ryan Mcallister, Aaron Michael Boyer, Ryan Eugene Ferrier
Contributed by Lily M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.