Alexisonfire, Underoath, et Concrete Vehicles

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.

With a name drawn from “somewhere from the bible”, Underoath was formed by singer Dallas Taylor and guitarist Luke Morton in 1997. Fellow church attendee Aaron Gillespie was later invited to join the group on drums, followed by guitarist Corey Steger and bassist Octavio Fernandez during their time in high school. Following a series of festival appearances and local shows in Florida, the band ignore to Takehold Records in 1999 and released their debut full-length “Act of Depression” the same year. The record combined the Christian metal, death metal, and black metal genres, and marked the departure of guitarist Luke Morton.

The five-track full-length studio album “Cries of the Past” arrived in July 2000, extolled by music critics and featuring keyboard player Christopher Dudley. Following a Takehold Records merger with Seattle-based label Tooth & Nail/Solid State, Underoath returned to the studio, the fruit of which marked the group’s most experienced and progressive record to date. Released in February 2003, “The Changing of Times” received positive reviews from the press for its hardcore approach combined with indie rock, loop pedals and melodic vocal harmonies. To the surprise of fellow band mates and a host of fans, vocalist Dennis Taylor left the group during their 2013 Warped Tour, leaving Underoath’s longevity in doubt.

However, with the addition of bassist Grant Brandell, guitarist James Smith and vocalist Spencer Chamberlain, the band persevered to release “They’re Only Chasing Safety” in June 2004. Produced by longterm producer James Paul Wisner, the record again saw a shift in direction compared to its predecessors, with the band adopting a decidedly screamo approach. Led by the singles “Reinventing Yourself” and “It’s Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Font Door”, the album proved hugely popular among critics, and won a Dove nomination for Best Rock Album.

The much heavier full-length “Define the Great Line” followed in June 2006, marked by complex time signatures and apt ambience. Peaking at No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard 200, it was their highest charting album to date, as well as the highest charting Christian album since LeAnn Rimes’s “You Light Up My Life”."Lost in the Sound of Separation” hit the shelves in 2008 featuring a darker, more experimental sound, followed by Ø (Disambiguation)” in 2009.