Unless you live under a rock, there was no way you couldn’t know the name Spools Of Dark Thread. At this time last year, they were flirting with the peak of their popularity in the Colorado local metal scene, with some even referring to them as the kings of local metal.

Then something went wrong, and Spools disbanded, leaving hoards of fans confused and heart-broken. There was a sense of emptiness in the local music scene, and though there wasn’t a lack of great local bands and talent to be seen and heard, something was still missing.

But now they’re back.

In the case of Spools (spoolsofdarkthread.com), the old adage of, "All good things must come to an end," should be changed to, "All good things that came to an end must be reborn." With the exception of Jamey Crow Bartley (drums) and Chris Thomas (vocals), the rest of the "new" Spools members are different from the last time around.

"It was an unfortunate situation," Jamey says, referring to last year’s breakup of the band. "I love all the guys to death, but business is business. I took the winter off and did some soul searching."

He talked to many musicians and A&R people, getting advice along the way as to if he should keep Spools alive. One even told him that Spools’ music gave him chills. After a profound collective answer of, "Yes," to that question, he got together with Chris Thomas to discuss rekindling the Spools brand.

Going back to the format of two guitarists, but excluding the position of a keyboard player, the new members of Spools aren’t comprised of newcomers to the music scene. Each of them have been involved in many projects, and should be familiar names to local music fans. They are Pat Searcy (guitars), Justin Lee Williams (guitars) and Andy Bercaw (bass).

"I’ve known Justin since the fourth or fifth grade," Jamey says. "We were both in our first band together. Pat has worked with Chris (in Random Friend Generator), so it was an easy transition. And Andy is an amazing bass player, so he fit right in."

"When we all got together, everything gelled really well," Justin adds. "We knew it was going to work out, and we were ready to take it to the next step."

Though it is a primarily new lineup for Spools, some things stay the same, with Jamey saying the music writing process is still coming from the same school of thought as before. Before their first show back as a refreshed band, they already had a new song, "Last Chance," ready to perform live, with Chris promising there were more on the way.

"It validates us as a band," Chris says. "Instead of playing nothing but the old songs, it’s good to come out with something new. And it was fun to perform."

"This is all still pretty fresh for us, so nobody hates each other yet," Justin says jokingly, with Andy adding, "Everybody seems to get along so far, there haven’t been any serious attitudes."

Going back to the old formula of having a dual-guitar attack, Spools has opened the different avenues back up for a more expansive sound, as well as filling in some of the parts where the keyboard once was. It also allows for the two-part guitar harmonies to make their way back into the music, most notably in "Rapture."

"It gives it a more full sound," Pat says. "It opens up some cool guitar lines, but it also brings back a more raw sound. Having two guitarists takes that step away from pop-metal."

There is also the possible mental hurdle to get over of stepping into a band, knowing full well that the music industry will be comparing the current lineup to the previous one. However, this doesn’t seem to have even the slightest effect on Pat, Justin and Andy.

"I’ve done it before in other bands," Andy says, referring to joining an already existing band. "It’s awkward at first, playing the older members’ material, but you get past that. It’s tough, and exciting, because you know it’s going to be a challenge. But what made it easier to come in was how well-chosen the lineup was. When we first heard all of us play together, it sounded awesome. That gives you more confidence."

On June 20, Herman’s Hideaway played host to the live return of Spools of Dark Thread. Several local musicians and much of the Spools family from before were in attendance at the show, along with many new faces, as well. But one look across the crowd that night explained it all; people were definitely happy to have Spools back in the local metal scene in Colorado. Fans were heard talking amongst themselves, saying things such as, "I missed those songs," and, "I’ve been waiting to hear them play again for a long time."

"People saying they like your music is one thing, but people actually missing your music is something completely different," Chris says. "It means you have something there. The reaction was flattering, and it felt really good. We thought there might be a bit backlash, but there wasn’t."

At any given time, there are going to be those across the country that view the local music scenes as big competitions between bands. Therefore, any time a band has been elevated in their reputation or popularity, there are going to be those that try to knock them down. Such negativity doesn’t seem to bother Spools.

"I really don’t give a sh*t," Jamey says. "I don’t have time to worry myself with the naysayers out there. The funny thing is the negative people aren’t on my mind, but we’re still on theirs. We’ll just keep doing what we’re doing, and take it as a challenge."

"We need people to help make a better and healthier scene," Justin says. "It’s not a pissing contest. We’re going to run our own race."

The members of Spools are looking at their music with a big picture mindset. They won’t be happy by staying stagnant or settling for being a big fish in a small pond. They’re setting their sights much higher, and when the day is done, are focusing on moving outside of the region to spread their music.

"Everyone in this band has more than enough experience," Pat says. "It’s time to take it to the next level. That’s something that is on all of our priority lists. It’s definitely time to play places like L.A. or New York."

Now that the return show is nearly a month past, and several more shows in the works, including an upcoming gig at the Grizzly Rose with Slaughter on Aug. 28, they are free to focus on accomplishing the goals they have set before themselves.

"This time, we’re going to really utilize media," Jamey says. "I’m talking TV, radio, and an online onslaught. Then it’s back to the woodshed, lock ourselves in a room, record and write, and get even more new music together."