Backstory:
Unfolded Sergeant erupted from the rustic town of Jackson, Wyoming, in 2012. The band, led by charismatic frontman Jack “Jax” Cohen, a former military officer and his childhood friend, bassist Annie “Tank” Thompson, rose to prominence due to their unique blend of musical talent, energy, and military-inspired thematic elements. Drummer ‘Sniper’ Steve Riley and guitarist ‘Bomber’ Bill Gordon, both veterans like Jax, joined the two, and the band’s formation was complete. The band members’ shared military background and love for music provided the perfect foundation for creating tunes that resonated deeply with their listeners, offering both a sense of camaraderie and an escape.
Unfolded Sergeant’s journey was not without struggles. They faced criticism and indifference from mainstream music circles, but their tenacity and unwavering faith in their music and message saw them through. Their breakthrough came in 2015 when they performed at the annual Warriors Fest, a music festival dedicated to celebrating and supporting veterans. Their music, filled with stories of bravery, resilience, and the aftermath of war, struck a chord with the audience, earning them a loyal following and a record deal.
Genre:
Alternative Rock/ Country
Title:
“Battlefield Ballad”
Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[G] Marching on this lonely road, [D] past the scars that war bestowed
[Em] Memories of a time, painted [C] red with the frontline
[G] Dusty boots and a worn-out soul, [D] a sergeant’s tale untold
[Em] Fighting not just a war, but [C] battles that come ashore
(Chorus)
[G] Sing me a battlefield ballad, [D] a tune for the brave and gallant
[Em] A heart’s anthem, a soldier’s song, [C] in the face of right and wrong
[G] With every note, every chord, [D] remember what we fought for
[Em] Let the music heal, in the echoes of this [C] battlefield
(Verse 2)
[G] Through the trenches, under the sun, [D] till the battle’s won
[Em] I’m an unfolded sergeant with [C] tales of tenacious torment
[G] Echoes of gunfire, the smell of rain, [D] a symphony of pain
[Em] Play on, my guitar, play on, [C] healing my war-torn heart
(Chorus)
[G] Sing me a battlefield ballad, [D] a melody for each comrade
[Em] A tribute to the countless names, [C] in the hall of war games
[G] With every strum, every word, [D] remember their stories, unheard
[Em] Let the rhythm tell, the tale of this [C] living hell
Fan’s Testimonial:
“My name is Charlie and I’m the biggest fan of Unfolded Sergeant. Their music speaks to me like no other. As a retired serviceman, their songs resonate with my experiences. They don’t just sing about battles and war, they sing about the human side of it, the emotions, the struggles, the resilience. It’s therapeutic and honestly, it’s helped me immensely in dealing with my PTSD. I’ve seen them perform live, and their energy is contagious. They’ve become my favorite because they aren’t just musicians, they are storytellers, and in their stories, I find solace and strength.”