Solving Crimes and Flying High with Chris Black of Aktor and High Spirits

Solving Crimes and Flying High with
Chris Black of Aktor and High Spirits

By Justin Smulison

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I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Chris Black, the mastermind behind the Chicago-
based hard rock quintet, High Spirits, on several occasions. This multi-talented musician
has several other groups as well, sometimes using the stage name Professor Black.
One of his latest releases Professori, Season Two, by Aktor is also among the most
unique in his vast discography. In this musical endeavor, Black is joined by finnish
musicians Tomi Leppänen (drums) and Jussi Lehtisalo (guitars), and Professori is the
trio’s third LP, released by High Roller Records in 2025. This interview for
RadioRadioX.com is the first time we’re discussing one of his collaborations.
Singing for Aktor, Black’s voice takes a distinctively cynical turn, featuring a mid- to-
high-pitched delivery that blends robotic precision with manic energy, lending itself to
the flow of dialogue in an interrogation room at times. This is fitting, as Leppänen and
Lehtisalo (as well as Black on bass) perform more of a Devo-esque pop/rock quality via
Aktor. Despite its “sophomore season” Professori’s story has no predecessor so the
listener is taken along for a ride in what would be a noir procedural that takes many
sonic and lyrical twists and turns. Despite its uniqueness, there is a catchiness to the
musical delivery that does enhance its accessibility. It’s a fun listen that takes some
creepy turns.

We also discuss my fandom of High Spirits, whose last album, Safe On The Other Side,
remains one of my favorites. Black plays all the instrument the studio but is backed by
four hard rockers on stage while he provides his signature delivery of singing as if he’s
just had a “eureka!” moment. We talk about some of my favorite High Spirits tunes,
what it was like for me to see them live in 2025, highlights from a 2025 UK tour, and the
excitement of joining Savage Master and Oxygen Destroyer on the road for five
consecutive dates on the west coast of North America:
Feb 5: San Diego CA – Brick by Brick
Feb 6: Los Angeles CA – The Moroccan Lounge
Feb 7: Oakland CA – Eli’s Mile High Club
Feb 8: Portland OR – Star Theater
Feb 9: Vancouver, BC – Astoria

And as Professor Black will be performing two sets at the Hell’s Heroes festival in
Houston Texas on March 19-21, playing a set of Chris’ early catalogue (Superchrist) as
well as another comprised of Motorhead covers.
Horns Up!

Aktor – Web and social:
https://www.facebook.com/fightinginthedark
https://aktor.bandcamp.com/music
https://www.hrrecords.de/AKTOR
High Spirits:
https://www.hrrecords.de/Home_2
https://www.facebook.com/highenergyrock
https://highspiritsmetal.bandcamp.com/merch
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgYBLt90gBiVqSpc9P6rmEA

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