Penguin Dust

Self-released by the band. Mastered by Ty Tabor of King's X.
The band's label Collision Arts ceased operations, and Atomic Opera found itself without a home, and released this and the next album without a supporting label. After struggling to gain mainstream popularity, the band broke up in 1995 and parted ways with Taylor. Hart continued to write music and decided to release a follow up album in 1997 under the Atomic Opera name called Penguin Dust, recruiting former drummer Mark Poindexter and multi-instrumentalist Kemper Crabb to assist; this album was released directly by Hart and shopped to various independent outlets.
Due to the strength of Penguin Dust, Metal Blade Records quickly signed the band to a long term deal. Crabb became a full-time member, with longtime Hart friends John Simmons and Ryan Birsinger also rounding out the lineup.
"The first independent Atomic Opera album and follow up to the critically acclaimed Warner Brothers/Giant Records 1994 release, 'For Madmen Only.' It was recorded at my house in Houston, TX. These are songs that Jonathan Marshall, Jonas Velasco and Mark Poindexter helped me work on before they left the band. Kemper Crabb makes his first Atomic appearances on this record. I also had a little help from Todd Bragg and Garett Buell of Caedmon's Call. This is thought provoking music that really wants to be turned up loud." ~ Frank Hart

Lineup

Frank Hart - Lead Vocals/Guitar/Bass
Kemper Crabb (ArkAngel, Caedmon's Call) - Mandolin/Recorder/Dulcimer/Harmonica/Backing Vocals
Mark Poindexter - Drums/Backing Vocals