The Midnight Ghost Train

The Midnight Ghost Train was an American rock band from Topeka, Kansas, United States.[4] The band's line-up consists of Steve Moss (guitar/vocals), Brandon Burghart (drums), and Mike Boyne (bass). The trio has been categorized as hard rock, stoner rock, and heavy blues.[5] TMGT consistently toured the U.S. and Europe from their formation in 2008 to their separation in 2018, with their energetic live show being the staple of the band. They were signed to the Austrian based label, Napalm Records.

The Midnight Ghost Train
Performing at Le Hangar, Ivry sur Seine
Performing at Le Hangar, Ivry sur Seine
Background information
OriginBuffalo, New York United States
GenresStoner rock, hard rock, blues rock,[1] Southern rock,[2] heavy metal[3]
Years active2008–2018, 2022
LabelsNapalm Records, Karate Body Records
MembersSteve Moss
Brandon Burghart
Mike Boyne
Past membersAlfred Jordan III
Tyler Harper
David Kimmell
Websitethemidnightghosttrain.bandcamp.com

History

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The Midnight Ghost Train was originally formed by Steve Moss in Buffalo, New York. The band's name came partially from a Hank William's song lyric in I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry.[6] TMGT's first release was "Johnny Boy EP" in 2008, and in 2009 they self-released their first full-length album which was self-titled. The album was self-recorded in their home studio after the band relocated to Kansas.[5] They followed up with their 2012 album "Buffalo", released on Karate Body Records. It was recorded entirely analog by Dave Barbe in Athens, Georgia.[7] Displaying the band's delta blues influences, the album features a Lead Belly cover of Cotton Fields done a cappella.[7] In 2013, TMGT performed at the Roadburn Festival in Tilburg, Netherlands, and released "Live at Roadburn 2013" shortly thereafter.[8] After losing their previous bass player, they went through several lineup changes before finding permanent bassist Mike Boyne. In 2014, TMGT signed with the Austrian-based metal label, Napalm Records, which released TMGT's "Cold Was The Ground" on February 28, 2015. The album had a much faster tempo than previous releases, with more emphasis on song construction. The release boosted their popularity allowing them to appear at major festivals such as Hellfest and Graspop Metal Meeting. Napalm released their fourth full-length album "Cypress Ave." on July 28, 2017. Once again progressing into a more mature sound with a wide array of genres, including a hip hop track featuring Sonny Cheeba from Camp Lo.[9] TMGT has been most commonly described as hard rock, and related to bands like Kyuss, Black Sabbath, and Clutch.[10] The band built the majority of their fan base from consistent touring, and exciting live performances.[1] In 2018, TMGT went on an open ended hiatus to focus more on family life. Currently, they are seen playing shows every now and then.

Members

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  • Steve Moss – vocals, guitar
  • Brandon Burghart – drums
  • Mike Boyne – bass
Former members
  • Alfred Jordan III – bass (2012, 2017)
  • Tyler Harper – bass (2018)
  • David Kimmell – bass (2010–2012)

Discography

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  • The Johnny Boy EP (2008)
  • The Midnight Ghost Train (2009)
  • Buffalo (2012)
  • Live at Roadburn 2013 (2013)
  • Cold Was the Ground (2015)
  • Cypress Ave. (2017)

References

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  1. ^ a b "THE MIDNIGHT GHOST TRAIN 'Live At Roadburn 2013' Free Download; Pre-Orders For Vinyl & CD Now Available". Thesleepingshaman.com. 15 August 2013. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  2. ^ [1] [dead link]
  3. ^ Octavio Ramos (February 19, 2015). "An Interview with The Midnight Ghost Train". AXS TV. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  4. ^ [2] [dead link]
  5. ^ a b "The Midnight Ghost Train Archives". The Obelisk. Retrieved 2020-09-04.
  6. ^ "The Sludgelord: 20 Questions w/ The Midnight Ghost Train". Thesludgelord.blogspot.com. 15 September 2012. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  7. ^ a b "The Obelisk: REVIEW: The Midnight Ghost Train, Buffalo". The Obelisk. 2012-05-17. Retrieved 2020-09-04.
  8. ^ "NEWS: The Midnight Ghost Train Release Live at Roadburn 2013". The Obelisk. 2013-08-16. Retrieved 2020-09-04.
  9. ^ "Topeka Archives". The Obelisk. Retrieved 2020-09-04.
  10. ^ "The Elevens: Tonight: The Midnight Ghost Train // Problem With Dragons // Crescent Hill // Krakatoa". Musicattheelevens.blogspot.com. 13 February 2013. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
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