Motionless In White frontman Chris Motionless has opened up about his evolving musical tastes. He revealed that he once despised two of rock’s most iconic bands. Growing up, he hated Led Zeppelin largely because his father constantly played classic rock around the house. While he appreciated some of their work, many of their songs simply didn’t resonate with him as a young listener.
His admission about AC/DC was equally surprising. He couldn’t get into the Australian rock legends either, despite their massive cultural footprint. When asked about the greatest album by another artist that he didn’t like at first but now loves, he chose AC/DC’s landmark 1980 album “Back in Black.” He described his initial hatred for the record, “I hated Led Zeppelin growing up, because my dad listened to classic rock. I liked a lot of them, and I hated many more of them.”
“And for whatever reason, dude, Led Zeppelin I just could not get down with as a kid. And then equally, AC/DC. So just to make it easy, I’m gonna go with Back in Black from AC/DC. Because I hated it,” he added. “And now, later in life, I’m like, ‘This is incredible.’ There’s clearly a reasoning why this is the most massive rock band to ever exist. So, let’s go with Back in Black.”
This candid revelation speaks to the broader journey of musical discovery that many artists experience throughout their careers. What once seemed unappealing or derivative can reveal hidden depths and artistic merit upon revisiting. Listeners often develop more nuanced perspectives on music history and composition as they mature.
Motionless In White recently marked a major milestone in their career. The band released their seventh studio album, “Decades,” on July 17, 2026, via Roadrunner Records. The release celebrates over twenty years of their existence in the metal scene. The album represents a comprehensive reflection on the band’s evolution, blending elements from their past, present, and future sonic directions. It features notable guest appearances from established metal figures.
Chris Motionless has described “Decades” as the most meaningful record the band has ever created. The project carries profound personal significance beyond typical album releases. The record comprises fourteen tracks spanning multiple musical genres, making it widely accessible while maintaining the band’s core identity. The album’s lead single, “Afraid of the Dark,” achieved a historic milestone by becoming the band’s first-ever number one on the Billboard Hot Hard Rock Songs chart. This marked a significant commercial and artistic achievement for the Scranton, Pennsylvania-based outfit.
The band’s creative approach on “Decades” reflects a deliberate exploration of their musical identity across different styles of heavier music. Rather than adhering to a singular formula, the album showcases the band’s willingness to experiment and evolve while honoring their legacy. This artistic philosophy mirrors Chris Motionless’s own journey with classic rock albums. It demonstrates the willingness to revisit, reassess, and ultimately appreciate music that may not have initially connected. Great art often reveals its true value only with time and perspective.
