Galactic Cowboys was a heavy metal band based in Houston, Texas. They combined progressive metal with a style of vocals influenced by The Beatles and the heavy playing style of thrash bands such as Anthrax. They have been described as "possibly the most melodic metal band ever to exist in Christian or general markets.
Galactic Cowboys was formed in 1989 in Houston, Texas by bassist Monty Colvin and singer drummer Alan Doss, after being together in The Awful Truth. After that band broke up, they added singer Ben Huggins and guitarist Dane Sonnier.
In 1990, the band was signed to DGC and released their eponymous debut album in 1991. Despite some favorable criticism, the band was ignored by the label due to the success of Nirvana's Nevermind during that same time. After poor sales and some touring, they returned to the studio and released Space In Your Face in 1993. Space was the band's break into the general market.[1] The album garnered some minor hits for the band with "If I Were A Killer" and "I Do What I Do", both of which received regular airplay at MTV and the now-defunct radio station ZROCK respectively. At this point, the band was dropped from DGC, parted ways with manager Sam Taylor, and guitarist Dane Sonnier left the band.
After briefly breaking up, the band reorganized with Wally Farkas on guitars and a new deal with Metal Blade Records, and released their third album, Machine Fish, in 1996. That same year they also released an EP titled Feel The Rage that included some original songs, two covers and two live tracks. In 1997, they followed with The Horse That Bud Bought which was a minor departure into a toned-down style.[1]
At this point, the band recorded what many fans regard as their masterpiece, At The End Of The Day in 1998. This album marked a return to the heavier style featured in previous releases.[1] However, two weeks before the album's release Alan Doss decided to leave the band. Erick Tatuaka was hired to fill in for Doss during their subsequent tour, but was not a member of the band.
In 2000 the band announced the release of their last album titled Let It Go. The album included lead vocal contributions from all members. Most of the drumming duties were handled by Jerry Gaskill (King's X), a good friend of the band.[1]
As of 2007, the former members of the band continue to be active in the music scene.