Front Row Status

Giving you a look into Canada's heavy metal/hard rock music scene from small town bands to big city breakthroughs!

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     What do you get when you mix modern day heavy metal, Viking Gods, and possibly a hint of Zelda charm?

      Edmonton's Forsaken Rite, of course.       Forming in October of 2012, after many line-ups coming and going, the band has finally settled down with the right musicians to create the musical storytelling they're known for. Don't mistake them for fairy tales, though. Approaching the stage like Celtic Gods and Goddesses, they are just as heavy as any other heavy metal band.

      "I've always really enjoyed folk metal. It's truly a unique genre that gives you this sense of awe and pride in your ancestry", says lead vocalist, Archon. "I don't think there is a single member of Forsaken Rite that does not have some passion on the topics of history, mythology, fantasy, or even the more Pagan/occult areas of religion. This is something we emulate into both our music and appearance".       And I don't know how else you could describe Forsaken Rite better. This is a heavy metal band keeping to its roots - badass flute and all. With Archon on vocals (who primarily was advertising himself as a guitarist and backing vocalist), you also have Eskaton on guitar, Fingall on bass guitar, Eiveen on flute, Sevi on the keyboard, and Adaria on drums.       "Folk metal just isn't something that you see around here, outside of parts of Europe, we tend to be a bit of a rarity," says Archon. "Our flutist and keyboardist were definitely a boon for us. Both have very different backgrounds (mainly classical) and this was quite a new thing for both of them to try".       But the combination works so well for the band. Based off of their social media websites alone, they already have quite a following. Whether you get it or not, just by watching live performances (even online!), you can't help but feel the energy, onstage and off. Heavy metal fans seem to be responding well to not just Forsaken Rite but folk metal in general.       "I've noticed that the average show in Edmonton has become a lot less stagnant than in the past. There is much more variety now. Before, there used to be a very prominent idea that a show had to be centralized around a single genre and deviating from that would be detrimental. Now, it seems that promoters and venue owners alike are more than happy, if not more interested, in booking shows that have bands from several different sub-genres in the metal community".       It is this perspective on music, especially heavy metal with all of its sub-genres, that I whole-heartedly encourage to music promoters and venue owners, especially in Canada. But it's not just them! Archon mentions his gratitude of the support of fans and the metal community alike. "It's amazing how fast your name and work can spread just because people who enjoy what you do are happy and willing to throw it around".       High-five Edmonton!       So what can fans for Forsaken Rite expect to see in 2016? Nothing is "set in stone" as  of yet but the band is keeping their eyes on a few music festivals for this summer. As for a full-length album?       "All I can say for the moment is that we are currently in the process of writing new material for it. Though the idea of it being released this year may be a bit of a stretch, I certainly won't eliminate it as a possibility".       Archon also mentions that for this first, full-length record, everything will most likely be recorded in a professional studio as opposed to their EP (though still significantly well done) which was recorded mainly in his very own, at-home studio.  With more resources at their disposal, the heavy metal community can have high hopes for this album.       Catch Archon and the rest of Forsaken Rite on March 12th, 2016 at The Rendezvous Pub, Edmonton. This show is a fundraiser for the St. Paul Animal Shelter and as "avid animal enthusiasts", the band highly recommends everyone to come and check it out, all for a great cause!       See, even heavy metal Celtic Gods(esses) have soft spots too.

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       Coming to you heavy, loud, and 100% Canadian, 8nChange's self-titled album is a definite must-have not only for your collection but for local radio station playlists. When lead vocalist, Scott Sanders, contacted me via social media, I wasn't expecting what I heard. A few weeks later, (shout-out to Canada Post!), nine albums poured out of a little parcel and it was like Christmas morning all over again.

       The seven track album is unquestionably modern but plays a classic tribute to that 90's grunge-metal sound. If Metallica and Soundgarden had a little brother, he'd probably play something that sounds like this.

       All throughout this album, you get these consistent and strong guitar riffs that are hard to ignore. I'm a sucker for a good intro and the guitar riff coming in like an anthem in "Skin" really gives the band the credit they deserve; not to mention the finger-work throughout the rest of the song (and the entire album).

       And the drums?

       Heavy and hard as they should be. Their beat will nonetheless be stuck in my head for the rest of the week. Each instrument, each voice, is highlighted in this album without overpowering each other.

       This isn't small pub music, this isn't heavy metal night at a theatre, this is loud. It needs space, it needs amps, it needs a big audience of metal lovers to appreciate it in all of its glory. SHARE this review for a chance to win 1 OF 8 of these albums! Will draw names on March 1st at 9:00pmMT. 

*Contest valid for US and Canadian residents only*

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Check out the latest video for "The Grit” by Victoria’s very own, Malahat. 

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I'm sure by now you know exactly what Black Mourning Light Metal Festival is: a festival focused on black metal and doom, with a love of death and darkness. If your band falls under these categorie...

Edmonton’s Black Mourning Light Metal Festival is now accepting band submissions! 

The highly anticipated metal fest will once again be held at the Rendezvous Pub on October 22nd, 2016. 

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I woke up to find 62 new emails this morning. Tons of Canadian bands and artists to promote!

Also, an interview with Forsaken Rite​ 's lead vocalist, Archon coming up!

Needless to say, today's Friday is fuelled by coffee.

If you're not following me on Instagram or Tumblr, what are you waiting for?

Instagram: @frontrowstatus     Facebook: www.facebook.com/frontrowstatus 

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With some WICKED perks, you can help support the scene, man!

Toronto death/black metal band, Vesperia has started a crowdfunding account to record a new album, following up their EP, "The Iron Tempests" from last year.

I'm always preaching about helping the Canadian music scene and this is a perfect and direct way to do it.

Not to mention, they have some pretty awesome 'perks'. For just $5.00, you get your name in the album credits as well as a digital album.

A mere $25.00, will get you a wooden, hand-crafted, short swords made from a USED drum stick, courtesy of drummer, Dylan Gowan. Followed by a digital download of the new album BEFORE the release date, and of course, your name in the album credits.

Any hardcore viking fans?

For $100.00, you get a "CUSTOM Vesperia DRINKING HORN, a 375ML bottle of Vesperia MEAD and the new album in physical format when it is release. Also includes your name in the album credits and download of the new album BEFORE release!"

I urge all my metal followers to sacrifice a beer or two this weekend and support the scene! Be sure to catch these guys on tour as they hit up 20 venues across Canada in the month of April!

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Heads up West Coasters!

Early bird passes for Rifflandia, Rock The Shores, and Phillips Backyard Weekender are now on sale!

Last year was a blast and I want to see as many FRS followers there as possible! www.rifflandia.com www.rocktheshores.com www.backyardweekender.com

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Meet Dark Stone: One of Vancouver’s promising metal bands!

       It's no secret that the city of Vancouver has an epic music scene and hailing from the West Coast myself, I had to dig into it. Thanks to the extraordinary power of social media, I managed to get in contact with hard rock/heavy metal band, Dark Stone.        These guys have been around since 2012, previously playing under the name Mosquito Dick, only to eventually become Dark Stone in 2014. Brothers Matt and Jason Mintenko, who had sang together in church as kids, eventually recruited bassist, (and world's coolest name) Kato Von Essen, followed by their drummer, Stefan Grabowski. Together, the four of them have created this hard rock, heavy metal sound with obvious instrumental influences like Metallica and Eddie Vedder-esque vocals.        What makes Dark Stone noticeably different from the rest is their complete consistency; something that a lot of artists and bands struggle to find. Their three song EP holds the same amount of raw energy as a live show and their live shows have that synchronized quality you'd find on an edited and perfected recording. Both their lead and backing vocals are strong and simply heavy metal but at the same time, it's not just Matt Mintenko's pipes that are the highlight of the show. Without overpowering each other, somehow they manage to show case the numerous talents of the band.         In 2014, the band travelled to Hollywood, CA to record their EP with Jeff Blue and Mike Gonsolin. Like I mentioned, it's only three songs... and I want more!        "What It Feels Like" is your head-banging, heavy metal song that springs Avenged Sevenfold to mind. It's so catchy that I'm going on day four now with it playing in my head and it makes me wonder why this song isn't getting more radio play.        With "Slave", we hear that same Dark Stone heaviness that could easily be a number one track on a full length album. The justice this song needs comes in the form of an arena, a wall of amps, lots of beer, and just a few pyrotechnics, if I do say so myself.        Last but not least, my absolute favourite: "Tomorrow". This song takes a bit more of a hard rock side, showcasing the dynamic range this band can sing and play in. Right away, you'll think Pearl Jam. I'm also a huge sucker for the a good guitar solo that's very (and don't kill me because I mean this as a compliment) 80's, hard rock ballad.        I sincerely hope no one cringed too hard at the mention of an 80's ballad.        The guys of Dark Stone also come off as incredibly humble and dedicated to not just their music, but the entire Vancouver scene. In 2015, an alliance that goes by the name of Splitting Aces, was formed in order to support local music. Splitting Aces consists of bands, Marry Me, Dead City Scandal, Kiss Of The King, Red Thieves, One Left Alive, and of course, Dark Stone. These musicians admirably support each other by showing up to shows and sharing and following each other's social media updates. It's also a fantastic platform for fans to discover new artists and to become immensely involved in the heavy metal community.        I'm especially curious to see what this new year has for Dark Stone as they once again emerge themselves into the studio for early 2016. For a band that opened for Monster Truck, Headstones, Godsmack, and even Guns 'n' Roses legend himself, Slash (!) at Boonstock, 2013, I think it's safe to say that these guys are going to continue moving up the ladder from here. 

Get FREE downloads for “Slave”, “Tomorrow”, and “What It Feels Like “ at www.darkstone.bandcamp.com

Wanna keep in touch?

Website: www.darkstoneband.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/DarkStoneBand Instagram: DarkStoneBand Twitter: @DarkStoneBand For other bands associated with “Splitting Aces”, check out the Facebook group at www.facebook.com/splittingacesvancouver

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I am truly saddened to report the death of Motorhead frontman, Lemmy Kilmister.

It’s been reported in previous months that Kilmister’s health conditions were becoming a growing concern and complications had been interfering with tour dates.

Cause of death is still unknown however, his concerning health conditions with hematoma have been publicized since early 2013. Kilmister also had complications with diabetes.

There will be an official statement released tomorrow, December 29th, 2015.

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       If you live in Canada, chances are you can't get very far without hearing The Sheepdog's single "Downtown" on the radio. Following their self-titled album in 2012 that featured groovy hits like "Feeling Good" and "How Late, How Long?", “Future Nostalgia” (2015) is far from a disappointment.        Keeping with their distinct 1970's sound, they once again remind fans that you can be classic and still be original. Channeling all sorts of bands from the hard rock of Boston and Led Zeppelin, to the southern twang of Creedence Clearwater Revival and The Allman Brothers, “Future Nostalgia” is exactly what it is.

       With this fifth studio album produced by lead singer, Ewan Currie, we get eighteen tracks that not only shower us in the familiar vocal harmonies that they do so well, but also remind us that blues and rock can be classically reinvented.          Opening the album with a guitar riff for "I'm Gonna Be Myself", I can't help but instantaneously  think of Brian May's intro with "Tie Your Mother Down".  I half expect to sing along with Freddie only to be pleasantly fooled yet again. Then we have “Downtown” which radio stations across Canada can't stop playing. But that’s okay. As soon as I think I’m getting sick of the overplayed track, I find myself singing along pleasantly in the car. It's easy-listening and melodic with hints of Lynyrd Skynyrd riffs and Crosby, Stills, & Nash harmonies.         I could easily go through each song with positive reviews and point out very obvious comparisons of rock influences but like I mentioned, it's eighteen tracks! That's approximately fifty minutes worth of psychedelic, folk-rock that's so smooth and lively that it's just gotta be Canadian. You could road trip Highway 1 from Vancouver's West Coast to Newfoundland's East with this album on repeat and it'll respond to any scenario or scene you’d find yourself in. It could literally be a road trip soundtrack (cue sunset through the Rockies).       Bringing it back to rock 'n' roll's roots, we get the bluesy track, "Bad Lieutenant". It's hip swerving bass line to the chorus: I'm a bad, bad man, don't you understand? / I'm a bad, bad man" is the perfect example of modern day blues and I'm telling you right now, if I ever walk into a strip club and see a dancer performing to this, she gets all of my money.         (1)"Jim Sullivan", a instrumental piece thrown in the middle of this album, seems to be an ode to the sixties musician himself. Sullivan mysteriously disappeared in Santa Rosa, New Mexico in 1975. Some say it was gang related, others say he simply got high, wandered off into the desert and got lost. The rock 'n' roll version: His 1969 debut album, "UFO", was a signal to other beings and therefore, was abducted by aliens. Obviously.        The Sheepdogs, with their use of eerie guitar riffs and psychedelic synthesized sounds, have me convinced of the latter.         Making the guts of the album, a medley of "Where I Can Roam", "The Bridge City Turnaround", and "Plastic Man" brings the perfect climax to a great Canadian album. It's absolutely no wonder why “Future Nostalgia” has been rated 5/5 stars by iTunes listeners who (gasp!) are actually purchasing the album! This was the perfect record to follow up their self-titled album (The Sheepdogs, 2012) and it's proving rightly so with sold out show after sold out show. (1)- Don’t say I never taught you anything. Purchase “Future Nostalgia” or “Future Nostalgia” Deluxe Edition today on iTunes!  Check out The Sheepdogs:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thesheepdogs Twitter: @TheSheepdogs  Instagram: @TheSheepdogs 

For touring information: http://www.thesheepdogs.com/tour.php

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To The Girls From Monday Night: An essay about women oppressing women at rock shows.

      I absolutely hate starting off an essay with an obvious definition but let’s take a look at the term “groupie” for one second: “The individual, or group of individuals, involved in obsessive adoration of entertainers such as musicians, actors, athletes, and even political figures. Behaviors are juvenile and influenced oftentimes by crush-like emotions or lustful sentiments, and often infringe the rights of the figure experiencing the attentions of a frenzied fanatic. Obsessive research and knowledge concerning the "likes/dislikes,” pet peeves, and other extraneous trivia concerning the idol are attributes shared among this stereotypical group of fans. This overly exuberant fan exhibits traits such as promiscuity, daring and often irrational behavior, as well as, loss of self control when exposed to the object of their obsessions. “         Yes, I did take this definition from the infamous www.urbandictionary.com and I should know better but I feel like this definition accurately describes the stereotype of a "groupie”. The only thing I can admire is the fact that a groupie was described as an “individual” and not necessarily “a female”.         Way to go guys! At least we now acknowledge the promiscuity of both genders, equally. It’s only 2015!         The first time I was called a groupie, it was in 2014 at a KISS and Def Leppard concert. I was making my way to the bathrooms at the beautiful outdoor venue of the White River Amphitheater in Auburn, WA. It was July, it was scorching hot, and there was no way in hell I was putting on jeans and a t-shirt at an outdoor rock show in +30C.         Making my way through the crowds in my knee-high boots, mini skirt, and Starchild face paint, I was stopped by a woman who asked if my girlfriend and I would take a picture with her husband. I assumed they thought perhaps we were “KISS” girls, promoting the band and taking pictures with fans (because KISS needs more promotion). We were flattered and posed for a few pictures beside an embarrassed but thrilled middle-aged man and I couldn’t help but love the fact that I was no longer that cute, thirteen year old girl with a pony-tail who knew 101 facts about Joe Elliott. I hit puberty and people were finally taking me seriously at rock shows. Halle-fucking-lujah!         Walking away, a small group of teenage girls glared our way. I smiled at them, they reminded me of myself at sixteen. The dark bangs, the blotchy red lips, and the excessive use of black eye-liner and plastic studs from Hot Topic. One of them smoked a cigarette but wasn’t inhaling. They were cool and I was reminiscing.        Then I heard it: “Groupie sluts”.         I didn’t say anything. I didn’t stop. I was twenty-three years old and I wasn’t going to argue my intentions with a bunch of teenagers. Plus, I was already four beers in and really had to pee. But it bugged me. Why would they think I was a groupie? A slut? I wasn’t begging security to let me backstage, I wasn’t hanging off the arm of an artist, I was going pee.         This was the first and wouldn’t be the last time someone yelled this at me with the intentions of it being vulgar and cruel.         So why don’t I take it as an insult?         Have you ever actually talked to one of those girls backstage? Or the ones standing in the front row, singing along to every word, banging their heads harder than the boys?        These girls have the best stories. They work for concerts, they’re collectors of experiences, and they’re far too busy loving the music to stand by and judge others. Do they plot their way backstage? Of course they do, that shit takes a lot of social skills and time management. Do they spend far too much time in the mirror? Yes, and there’s nothing wrong with that. They recognize the power of female sexuality and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with using it. If she isn’t doing anything out of her comfort zone, is she really exhibiting “irrational behavior” and “loss of self-control”?         Men have types: blonde, brunette, petite, curvy, smart, sporty.         What’s wrong with women being attracted to an artist? That’s primarily what a groupie is. An individual who is attracted to a creative mind. This doesn’t even have anything to do with sex. Have you ever admired someone so much, you just want to sit with them over a beer and a bowl of nachos and pick their brains?        There’s something truly admiring about these individuals, these self-proclaimed groupies who hold the title loud and proud. They’re generally artists themselves, just as emotionally invested in music  as their idols. Their lives are influenced by whatever art form they devote themselves too. I’ve never met a “groupie” who wasn’t heavily devoted to politics, religion, philosophy, history, life in general. They have fantastic opinions and dreams and it’s no wonder that some musicians use them as their muse.        So to the girl on Monday night who gave me dirty looks when I was chatting with the lead singer at the merchandise table or to the girl who hissed “slut” under her breath when I received a hug at the end of the show: I wasn’t insulted, in fact, I was flattered. I’m glad you think I had a chance! But in all honesty, I wish we could have gotten to know each other. You rocked out just as hard as I did in the front row, you knew the words, you were also a fan. We probably would have become friends. Instead, you got jealous. You let your insecurities get in your way and you threw them at me.        How do I know? Because I’m a woman, I have the same insecurities. The only difference is that I observe audiences at live shows just as much as I watch the band. As soon as a woman hits the floor, she becomes walking sex.  Metal shows have always been male dominated, “bro-clubs” and the women have always been the groupies. So imagine if we all didn’t give a shit about each other’s intentions and just focused on the music? Men are catching on to this idea so how about we stop oppressing ourselves, ladies?        Well now, there’s an idea!

       Would we enjoy the show more? Maybe, maybe not. Being called a “slut” at a concert doesn’t ruin my night. In fact, it doesn’t bother me at all. I know who I am and why I’m there and if you were to come up and share a drink with me, I would have happily told you that I’m a writer simply trying to make connections. If you were to tell me you were a self-proclaimed “groupie queen”, I would have bought you a drink and made you tell me stories. We could have become best friends and I’d finally have a partner in crime (let’s just assume). 

       But that’s okay, you’ll learn one day when you’re watching your favourite band and another girl picks you out of the crowd because of what you’re wearing or because of the dreamy look on your face. We can’t blame the oppression of women on men 100%. We’re doing it to each other and I’ve never seen a more evident example than at a rock show.

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       Nestled somewhere in between Luke Bryan fangirls and jacked up Fords flying down Johnston Street, the guys of Forever Frost are happily resurrecting Port Alberni's heavy metal music scene since February 2015.        Playing at venues like The Cambie in Nanaimo and Funky Winker Beans in Vancouver, they're bringing the attention of heavy metal lovers back to their beloved hometown, filling local venues like The Rainbow Room and Port Alberni' annual music festival, The Five Acre Shaker.

       Most of their shows are generally all-ages but don't let that turn you off. Along with the usual metal-head camaraderie, you'll still find the stale stench of sweat and beer, accompanied by the usual neck pain and tinnitus that justifies a good metal show. 

       "It's hard to tell who is going more mental, us or the crowd!" laughs Kyle Hamelin, one of the vocalists for Forever Frost. "They [the fans] do get pretty crazy, especially at our hometown shows. A kid even broke his arm in the pit once! They have all been super supportive whether it be buying merchandise, coming to shows, or even just sharing our Facebook updates". 

       With their ages ranging between 16-23, they're already creating a name and a sound for themselves on the island with intricate melodies played by Jake Harper and Darren Dings on the guitar; overlapped by the strong and solid vocals shared by both Hunter Fast and Kyle Hamelin who steadily play off one another. The guys of Forever Frost interact with their audiences so well, it hardly seems improvised (for those who have witnessed their  "gladiator" battle lines in the mosh-pit, you'll know what I mean).        The youngest member of the band, Brad Weber (16) plays with more energy and enthusiasm than your typical bassist and still maintains the rhythmic foundation to support drummer, Connor Smyth, who can definitely prove he's worthy to bang the drums for a heavy metal band.         For the amount of energy and talent these guys bring to a show, it's hard to believe that some of them are still in high school and already have so many previous projects under their belts, individually.        Recently, the band unleashed a sneak peak of their upcoming EP as well as the promise of a full length album in the distant future. With credit going to Bryce Callow for producing the four song EP and Braedon Sutherland of Black Sea Deluge (https://blackseadeluge.bandcamp.com/) for his assistance in the mixing process, fans can't stop talking about what they're hearing on social media and the full release is highly anticipated from the heavy metal community across Vancouver Island.        And what exactly do they think about that heavy metal community?        "There IS a metal scene here, for sure. People like Sarah Étoile (Sarah Étoile Photography) , Tim Crneck (Cryptic Event Planning), and Amy Milne have been pushing and keeping the scene alive, for more than just metal. We are kind of like one big family".        And they really are. 

       For a local metal scene that used to fill bars back in the early 2000's, the music seemed to wither back into their basement studios where they begun. Only a few stuck around, content to play in front of dwindling crowds because it allowed them to continue what they love. Forever Frost was one of those bands and despite members coming and going, they still managed to maintain a fan club and show after show, you start to see more faces from all over the island.        When asked what the future holds for their music, the guys of Forever Frost all agree that they are completely committed to the band. "We just want to keep playing and take it as far as we can without burning ourselves out," Hamelin says, "touring, touring, and more touring".    Check out Port Alberni’s very own Forever Frost:

   Facebook: www.facebook.com/foreverfrostmetal    Twitter: @ForeverFrost5    Snapchat: foreverfrost666    Bandcamp: www.foreverfrost.bandcamp.com