Black Fortress of Opium has been around the Boston area since 2006, making their name playing shows and festivals around the Northeast and Eastern seaboard with international touring acts like Serena Maneesh (4AD), Dame Darcy, Barbez (Tzadik), and Paul Wallfisch (Firewater/Little Annie Anxiety), as well as local favorites Shea Rose, Cooling Towers, Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys, Ghost Box Orchestra, and Garvy J. Since the release of their 2008 self-titled debut, the band has made a music video, played and recorded on mighty indie station WFMU, and recorded a Magnetic Fields cover for an independent film.

The 2008 debut was the product of a collaboration with Martin Bisi, who produced and recorded the album in his Brooklyn studio, and had previously worked with acts including Sonic Youth, Swans, and The Dresden Dolls. The album was warmly received by the press, garnering favorable reviews in the Boston Metro, All Music Guide, Terrascope, Northeast Performer and more.

The band has a new album titled "Stratospherical," released March 6th, 2012, on which Brian Viglione (The Dresden Dolls) played drums, and on which one-time bassist Dave Yanolis (ex-Nisi Period) appears. Black Fortress of Opium again heavily collaborated with fifth horseman Martin Bisi, who recorded basic tracks and mixed most cuts. Additional engineers Rafi Sofer at Q Division, bassist Joel Simches (who also produced one and mixed two cuts), and Danny Gold, as well additional instrumentalists, contributed to the effort.

Notable elements of Black Fortress of Opium's signature sound include nuanced female vocals, both searing and subtle guitar wizardry, periodic use of the mandolin as a lead instrument, melodic Joy Division-like bass playing, and other occasional eclectic instrumentation (electric sitar, melodica), but especially featured is the alternately delicate and powerful interplay between its members. The material is quite varied, some songs being softer, more acoustic Allison Krauss/Robert Plant meets Eno-inspired numbers, ranging to heavier, low-end grooves reminiscent of PJ Harvey and Nick Cave. Hints of blues and country make appearances here and there, not surprising given the singer's Texan heritage plus the other members' love and respect for many genres. Black Fortress of Opium have at least two anthems, one being a battle cry about their namesake town in Turkey and its lore, and one about true love at the Model Cafe in Allston.

About Ajda the Turkish Queen:

Ajda the Turkish Queen is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter living and working in the Boston area. Originally from Houston, Texas, she has been performing publicly since 1997. Her current focus lies with her band Black Fortress of Opium, and in solo endeavors. She has also contributed to soundtracks for various independent films.

She has been a collaborator in bands of various styles ranging from goth rock to cabaret to psychedelic pop. She has performed extensively in a live setting, as well as on record. Ajda has recorded with artists and composers of diverse styles, from electronic music and pop to modern classical.