Billy Talent and Alexisonfire

Formed of high school friends Ben Kowalewicz (vocalist), Ian D’Sa (guitarist), Jon Gallant (bassist), and Aaron Solowoniuk (drummer), Billy Talent had previously performed under the moniker Pezz. Featuring a punk-revivalist sound the band made their debut recording “Demoluca” in D’Sa’s basement in 1994. After a subsequent demo “Dudebox” the band started to gain more exposure in and around Toronto aided by their debut full-length “Watoosh”. The independently-released album, produced by Brad Nelson, introduced the band’s new new pop punk delivery with Kowalewicz singing in melody with D’Sa. After pressure from American punk band Pezz, the band became Billy Talent and began wiggling their way towards a recording contract. After a useful connection with Jen Hirst, who was later hired by Warner Music Canada, led to meeting their producer Gavin Brown, the band singed a co-agreement with Atlantic Records and Warner Music Canada in 2002.

Billy Talent’s major-label debut “Billy Talent” was released in the Autumn of 2003 and earned positive reviews from the musical press. Noted for its singles “Try Honesty”, “The Ex”, “River Below” and “Nothing to Lose”, the album peaked at No 6 on the Canadian Albums chart and went on to be certified 3x platinum. The release also led to receiving two Juno Awards for Best Album of the Year, and Best Band of the Year, and was promoted with an extensive tour of Canada, the U.S., and parts of Europe.

Recorded in Vancouver, British Columbia, “Billy Talent II” was issued in June 2006 and topped the album chart in Canada. Having developed from the un-focused, profanity-rich thrust of their debut, “Billy Talent II” represents a more mature band who continue to develop their sound. Once again Billy Talent supported the album with a 18-month worldwide tour including small shows in the likes of Finland and Belgium, as well as arena shows alongside Rise Against, Anti-Flag, and Moneen.

The album “Billy Talent III” appeared in 2009 following appearances at Coachella festival, the UK’s Download and Reading & Leeds Festivals, and Australia’s Soundwave Festival. The band’s third full-length, like its predecessor, topped the Canadian Albums Chart, spawning the singles “Turn Your Back”, “Rusted from the Rain”, and “Devil on My Shoulder”. Ahead of their fourth album Billy Talent released the singles “Viking Death March” and “Surprise Surprise”. The album, “Dead Silence”, arrived in September 2012 and earned much stronger reviews than its predecessor for its ambitious change of style.

From the ashes of local Canadian bands Condemning Salem, Helicon Blue, and Plan 9, came the burning light that is Alexisonfire. Comprised of screamo vocalist George Pettit, clean vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Dallas Green, lead guitarist Wade MacNeil, bassist Chris Steele, and drummer Jesse Ingelevics, the band's name derives from the world’s only lactating contortionist stripper Alexis Fire. The band’s debut release arrived in 2002 with the EP “Math Sheet Demos”, after which Alexisonfire caught the attention of recording engineer Greg Below and journalist Mitch Joel. The group were subsequently signed by Below’s and Joel’s label Distort Entertainment, combined with a distribution deal with EMI.

The band’s eponymously-titled debut album was released in October 2002 when three of the group’s members were still only 17 years old. The album’s modest success was the result of word-of-mouth and led to Alexisonfire touring nationally before setting their sails for the U.S. and Europe alongside the likes of Billy Talent, GWAR, Godsmack, and Glassjaw. Following the release, the band were courted by major labels, however in developing their sophomore release saw it fit to retain their independence and creative licence.

In 2004 the full-length “Watch Out!” was released debuting at No. 6 on the Canadian Albums Chart. The album earned strong reviews from the critical press and marked a big progression since their debut – the band were now able to direct their aggression and emotion in a much more focused way. Following the release drummer Jesse Ingelevics announced he was leaving the band and was replaced by Jordan Hastings. Arguably the band’s most popular and successful album, 2006’s “Crisis” topped the Canadian Albums Chart and was extolled by critics. In support of “Crisis” Alexisonfire embarked on a worldwide tour including Canada, the UK, and the U.S. with fellow bands EveryTime I Die, Cancer Bats, and A Change of Pace.

Alexisonfire’s fourth studio album “Old Crows / Young Cardinals” was issued by Dine Alone Records in June 2009. Aided by the singles “Young Cardinals”, “Born and Raised”, and “The Northern”, the album once again topped the Canadian Albums chart and peaked at No. 81 on the Billboard 200, their highest U.S. charting to date. Following an extended hiatus where members focused on other projects, in March 2015 the band announced a string of comeback shows including Reading and Leeds, Sonic Boom, and Heavy Montréal festivals.