Montreal’s hard-hitting rockers Atomik Train are gaining speed with their latest release, Back on Earth—a track soaked in emotion, imagery, and blistering guitar work. We sat down with lead guitarist and co-songwriter Junior Bourcier to talk about channeling emotion through riffs, working with legendary producer John Webster, and what happens when a rock band gets stranded in space.
“Back on Earth” has a strong message of resilience. As the guitarist and co-songwriter, how did you channel that emotional intensity into your riffs and overall guitar work on that track?
Junior Bourcier:
Well, it was a Sunday morning, and I was just fooling around on my acoustic guitar with a good cup of coffee in hand. I had left some pocket change on the kitchen table the day before, and I noticed a $5 CAN bill—with the astronaut on the back. That sparked the idea. I imagined an astronaut far from home, desperate to return but unsure if he had the time.
With that image in mind, the song basically wrote itself. I wanted a strong chorus and a big build-up before the solo. In the last chorus, we added “ahhh-ahhh” backing vocals and had François yell “Back on Earth” like it was his final, hopeful cry—something spacey, mythical. It’s so much fun to play!
You worked with John Webster, who’s produced legends like Aerosmith and Alice Cooper. What was the biggest creative insight you took from those sessions at Planet Studios?
Our consultant and friend Pierre Paradis told me before we went in: “Just do everything John tells you, and it’ll be amazing.” And it was—no joke! The biggest lesson? Be ready to adapt quickly and give every note everything you’ve got.
Also, John told me: “A band is not a democracy.” That stuck with me. There are leaders, and there are followers. Everyone has a role, and when that’s clear, the project thrives.
Your sound gets compared to Guns N’ Roses and Avenged Sevenfold, yet Atomik Train stands on its own. How do you balance influence and originality?
Honestly? I don’t think about it too much while writing. If it feels good, we go with it. If it sucks, we change it. That’s it. Later, people might say, “Yeah, it sounds a bit like AC/DC,” but it’s different—because it’s us playing it. We’re not trying to copy anyone; we’re just doing our best with what we’ve got.
You’ve described Atomik Train’s mission as “love, hope, and one hell of a party.” How do you bring that to your live shows, especially with the upcoming ‘Back on Earth’ Tour?
It’s exactly that! We give 100% in every note and every word. We want to give fans something real—an authentic stadium-worthy show that kicks ass and touches hearts.
Hard rock is making a comeback, and Atomik Train is part of that wave. What do you think modern rock fans are craving that your band delivers?
People want to feel something—joy, sadness, connection. For me, music has healed me so many times. I want to give that back. If I can give someone goosebumps or make them tear up from a solo or lyric, I’ve done my job. Rock isn’t just alive—it’s thriving.
Ozzy Osbourne’s final show with Black Sabbath was the end of an era. What did that moment mean to you personally—and for the future of hard rock?
I’ve loved Ozzy and Black Sabbath since I was 8. I first heard Speak of the Devil as a kid, and I was hooked. Ozzy’s the embodiment of boldness and love. I was heartbroken when he passed, but I feel lucky to have seen him live.
As for the future—fans will decide. But for me? Rock and roll will never die.
If Atomik Train were stranded in space like in “Supersonik Speedway,” who would pilot the ship—and who would hit the self-destruct button?
François would say he’s the pilot, and I’d say it’s me—so we’d probably do it together. As for who’d hit the self-destruct button? Definitely Alex! (laughs)
Catch Atomik Train on the ‘Back on Earth’ Tour
If their riffs don’t launch you into orbit, their energy will. Stay tuned for dates, and don’t forget: love, hope, and one hell of a party is coming to a city near you. Tickets and full tour info at www.atomiktrain.com
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