Borealis (band)
| Borealis | |
|---|---|
|
Borealis in 2011 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Orangeville, Canada |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 2005−present |
| Labels |
AFM Records (current) Lion Music Hydrant Music |
| Website |
borealismetal |
| Members |
Sean Werlick Michael Briguglio Sean Dowell Jamie Smith Matt Marinelli |
| Past members |
Ken Fobert Siobhan O'Brian |
Borealis is a Canadian power/progressive metal band from Orangeville, Ontario. Their music features soaring vocals, a focus on guitar riffs, as well as a bass-heavy backing rhythm.[1] Their sound is likened to the more melodic realms of power metal, however, with each album they have introduced progressive elements to the mix.[1] They are known for performing in an outstanding manner live; their first album was recorded in light of a well received opening performance for Sonata Arctica.[2] In an interview, the band explained the origin of their name: "we were all hanging out one night and the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) could be seen above. We thought it would be a cool name, but with Aurora Borealis already being a successful band, we shortened it to Borealis".[3]
When the band began in 2005, they originally employed a female opera style vocalist Siobhan O'Brian as their lead vocals frontrunner.[1] In 2006 they recorded a demo Eyes of a Dream. Siobhan left the band between 2006-2007. Matt Marinelli became the vocalist along with continuing to play guitar in September 2007, and 2008 marked the year Borealis released their first full-length album, World of Silence. In order to play this album properly live, they needed another guitarist, thus hiring Ken Fobert.[2] In 2011 they recorded their second album, Fall from Grace,[4] including Ken Fobert as a true member of the band. Michael Briguglio replaced Ken between 2011-2013 and continued as a part of the band, the current guitarist. They were signed by AFM Records in 2015 and released their third album, Purgatory.
Biography
Formation, demo (2005–2006)
Borealis featured a female vocalist in their initial years, geared more towards a symphonic metal sound.[2] With this lineup they recorded their first demo Eyes of a Dream. In September 2006, they opened for power metal legends Kamelot and Epica. The crowd's response was very positive (the band's promoter claimed it was "the best reaction to an opener he had ever heard"[2]). The band didn't like this setup though, claiming it to be limiting to the style of music they wished to produce.[1] Before September 2007 they parted ways with Siobhan O'Brian. The band subsequently had a show opening for Sonata Arctica, and at that point they did not have a vocalist. They wanted to play the show at all costs, so Matt Marinelli decided he would do vocals at the show in Siobhan's stead.[5] As such, they asked Matt to take on the role of singer, formally completing their lineup.[2]
World of Silence (2008–2011)
After the serious response at their opener, 2008 marked the year Borealis released their first full-length album, World of Silence. They were not signed to any label at this point and the album was released on their own terms independently. It was recorded in The Recording House studio, courtesy of Sean Gregory of Emerald Rain. Gregory helped Borealis achieve the type of sound they wanted, in the end the album exceeded their expectations.[2] In order to play this album live while staying faithful to the rhythm and lead guitar tracks, Borealis needed an additional guitarist. They looked towards a friend, Ken Fobert, to join them on their tour. After a jam session with Fobert, they confirmed his sound suited the band and hired him.[2]
Fall from Grace (2011–2014)
After many shows, including shows where they opened for other famous acts like Edguy, they recorded a second album released internationally[6] under Lion Music.[7] Released in 2011, Fall from Grace featured a harder-edged sound in comparison to their first album.[8] The album was released in Japan as well, aided by Japanese label Hydrant Music.[1] The album was once again received in a positive way. One review attributed that the band had adopted a "mature" song writing style that typically didn't come so quickly to new bands.[8]
Purgatory (2015–present)
Since the release of Fall from Grace, the band went on a semi-hiatus. During this period they toured with Saxon, and played some venues in Europe.[5] In 2013, Borealis released a teaser video promoting a new album they planned to release in 2014.[9] In March 2014 on their Facebook page they indicated they were tracking for the new album.[10] Then, in January 2015, they announced that their album was largely complete, and released portions of finished tracks.[11]
On May 7, 2015, AFM Records announced they had signed Borealis,[12] and their new album, Purgatory was revealed. The release date was set for June 19, 2015 for Europe and July 21, 2015 for North America respectively.[13]
Regarding Purgatory, Matt Marinelli said:[5]
| “ | This was a long journey...one thing we did different compared to the other albums was that we did everything in the studio. Because our drummer Sean Dowell did all the engineering...we could take a lot more time to do it. Life kind of got in the way, when our drummer was in school, we couldn't really do much at all...that's why we were on such a long hiatus. We're already writing for the next album...we don't want to do that to the fans anymore. | ” |
Purgatory is a serious concept album, with darker themes than their previous works.
On August 12, 2016, the band announced that a founding member and the band's bassist Jamie Smith would be leaving Borealis due to him moving across Canada with his family. However, Jamie indicated that the band had a replacement who had been friends with members of the band for years. He also cited that the band was well into recording their next album.[14]
Style and influences
 |
Borealis - Regeneration
 A clip from a track on Fall From Grace illustrates Borealis's style of play. |
| Problems playing this file? See media help. | |
Borealis cites in interviews that when they formed they initially wished to emulate bands such as Nightwish or Sonata Arctica. They have modified their sound a bit since their debut, claiming to be influenced by bands such as Symphony X and Stratovarius when playing as openers for these famous acts. In an interview a Borealis member stated:[3]
| “ | From the usual suspects like Symphony X, Evergrey, and Avantasia, to more obscure inspirations like Hans Zimmer's movie scores and Lady Gaga's top 40 hits, we all like it and try to blend it all in our writing. | ” |
Borealis's style consists of a rhythm guitar with a heavy bass end, double bass drums, baritone clean vocals similar to Russell Allen of Symphony X, and keys to expand options for their sound. Occasional virtuosic guitar riffs complement the rhythm, as well as guitar solos for both guitarists, and occasional keyboard solos. Matt Marinelli was asked which three albums of any band had changed his life, to which he listed Mercy Falls by Seventh Wonder, The Inner Circle by Evergrey, and Century Child by Nightwish.[5]
Members
 Discography
References
External links
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