TO THE LIONS

Spark & Brad - Brothers in Paint

2008-07-20T22:02:00.006-04:00

Ohhhh it's been a while ...

Not much posting going on lately. As our status as a "part-time" or "hobby" band, one of the amazing perks is that we get summer vacation! This summer has been no different (although we have played more than 2 shows this time). Everyone stays pretty busy with obligations to their houses, families or wives, girlfriends ... or in my case internet porn.

After our tailgating party in Sarnia (aka show) a few weeks later we hooked up with Carry the Torch, Heavy Hearted and The Fitzpatrick Incident for a couple of shows in Southern Ontario which ruled. All those bands were super fun to play with and it sucks that a couple of the shows got ditched last second by sketchy promoters. SIDENOTE: I fucking hate myspace promotion companies. SIDENOTE STORY: We actually agreed to play a show through one of these "promoters" until the douchebag emails us saying we have to come to a "bands meeting" where he'll give us a stack of flyers to hand out and tickets to sell to our friends!!! Holy Fuck we haven't experienced that since we were 16 playing in shitty ass SuperNova battle of the bands!! HARDCORE '08 ARE YOU DOWN?!?!?!

Anyways to the topic at hand - two major events that went down over the last two months which has kept things quiet on this front are that both Brad and I were involved in some serious home renovation projects. I lived and breathed TLC's "Flip that House" while Brad worked hard on his home reno project (sans Mike Holmes). Attached is myself and Toronto cyclist who is loved by all The Rennick (makergo.com) finishing up said house that I spent pretty much every waking (fuck it, sleeping too) moment stressing over. Luckily that son-of-a-bitch sold this week and it is one month away from being a distant memory.

Now to more TTL relevant news. Pretty much jamming has been on the backburner due to Brad taking the plunge to increase his property value by 10% by finishing his basement. Lucky for us that means a brand spanking new LIONS DEN!!! For those of you who don't know - The Lions Den is where we practice music and after that we take off our shirts and throwdown MMA styles. If you want a piece of Steve you have to fight us all first and if you can beat us all up we will give you a free CD (signed by all five members of course). So now the LIONS DEN is in top shape with removable recording station, new drywall and hopefully HUGE Metal posters to come from Poster World.

Take note of what Ted is holding in his hand. Now I am not really one to drink fizzy or sugary drinks but GOSH DANG I must say - 1 frickin litre of Dr. Pepper and Gatorade squishy is a mighty fine beverage. Look at the way that Flanders kid is eyeing that shit! He wants it so bad to make his eyes go all googly and squirly. You should have been there. BRUP!

S-A-R ... N-I ... TO THE MOTHERFUCKING A!!!

2008-06-08T18:49:00.004-04:00

After a 60hr work week, and having to get up to work at 9am (Matt was up at 6am!) - once again getting in to play Sarnia was more than worth the 6hrs of driving to hang out for an hour and a half. Whether it's 75, 150 or over 200 kids we have fun there every time and the people who come out to hang make it all worth it. Thanks again and we can't wait to go back and drink OV in the parking lot.
This one's for you Gravemaker, CA13, Matt and everyone else in Sarnia.

HARDTIMES IN MONTREAL

2008-05-13T15:22:00.005-04:00

I haven't had time to put together our weekend diary/blog from this past weekend where we did a mini-tour with Fired Up, Reign Supreme and Strife, but thought we would get this up now so you can check out an interview we did while in Montreal.

I was asleep in the car outside venue when I decided it was time to get it together and get ready to head into the show. I had literally been awake for 2 minutes and had just walked into the show when these two guys approached me and advised/reminded me about an interview they wanted to do. I shook hands with Mike and Chico and said I'd be right outside. So what would a TTL interview be without master orator Brad Casarin? I grabbed Brad out of the back and above is what ensued!!

The best part is this interview is seriously AT LEAST 30 minutes, and about 90% Brad was doing the talking - but funny enough my 10% takes up 90% of this video!! And the 1hr (AT LEAST) after the film ran out that Brad and Chico talked about DRI was amazing as well. There should have been a second camera interviewing the interview!

So check out their website www.hardtimes.ca and see interviews from holy crap just about everyone - but all the bands from that weekend they hooked up with and they are rad. Also I can't believe I actually forgot the myspace link mike said no joke about 15 times HAHAAH!

And so it begins!!!

2008-05-08T12:15:00.007-04:00

That's right! This week we kicked off our Summer of madness!! By summer of madness I mean playing a bunch of weekends and a few weeknights - BUT we are playing more weekends and weeknights than ever before!!

Tuesday night we took it out on GUELPH, ONTARIO! Luckily this time there were no high school proms and we played to more than one person (yes, a true story).

I know it's hard to see the flyer but note the description below the band - INTENSE THRASH!! NOT - 90s hardcore, NOT - for Fans of Grade! Ahh we've finally carved our own path.

So that is the SHADOW. Great venue. We commented on how the canopy looks like CBGBs and how one day THIS will be the new CBGBs!!! (this is not a joke).

But now I will comment on the one negative from the night. You know how something happens to you or someone says something that pisses you off and you handle it well but the next day you think about it again and all you can think of is the worst burns or best shit you wish you had thought of then? I will preface by saying I will reenact the events but when I write in all caps that was what I SHOULD HAVE DONE!!

Ok so we're setting up and because I am a total sell-out I head over to the bar to get a shot of Jack. Now we kinda rolled into the show late and just dumped our shit in the back and took off to a bar. So I guess we didn't have wristbands (this was a split venue) but what the fuck we are over 30!! For real I do not look like a 17 year old. So I get to the bar ...

Spark: Shot of Jack
Guy at bar: Whoa that'll put hair on your balls
Spark: yeaaah
SPARK: AM I TALKING TO YOU FUCKFACE???
Bartender: Ok $3.25 - do you have a wristband?
Spark: Uh no, I'm playing in 5 mins.
SPARK: DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?? TO THE LIONS - POUR THE SHOT BITCH!!
Bartender: I need to see I.D.
Spark: *grumble* fuck fine.
SPARK: I'M COMING BACK WITH A FUCKING SHOTGUN

I come back, put down my I.D. and this girl sitting at the bar next to me grabs it (not the bartender). Oh yeah she's probably 22 and her attitudes sucks big time.

Spark: Ok here's my I.D. - shot of jack.
Bartender: ok
Cunt: Um I'll need to see another piece of I.D.
Spark: What?
SPARK: WHAT!?!?!?
Cunt: Look at this, your face is all scratched up.
Spark: Is this a joke?
SPARK: DO YOU SEE ME COMPLAINING ABOUR YOUR FACE?? YOU ARE DISGUSTING - FUCK OFF!
Cunt: No I'll need to see more I.D. this licence is scratched.
Spark: You are fucking joking. This is a fucking joke (this is real I was actually pissed and shot mad daggers)
SPARK: DO I LOOK LIKE A FUCKING 16 YEAR OLD? DO I HAVE SWOOPY HAIR, WEAR MY SISTER'S JEANS AND HAVE A STUPID FLAT RIM BALL HAT ON ALL CROOKED?? NO I DO NOT BECAUSE I AM 10 YEARS OLDER THAN YOU AND YOU FUCKING SMELL BAD!
Cunt: ...
Bartender: ...
Cunt: Ok well you can have it because you are old.

She then proceeds to put a wristband on me! The bartender pours my drink, I drink it, walk away, rip off my wristband and throw it on the floor (yeah I litter, I don't give a fuck!).
SHE THEN PROCEEDS TO PUT A WRISTBAND ON ME! THE BARTENDER POURS MY DRINK, I DRINK IT, REACH OVER THE BAR, GRAB THE BOTTLE, DRINK IT ALL, SMASH IT ON THE BAR, STAB THE GUY NEXT TO ME.

SPARK: HAIR ON MY BALLS EH? HOW ABOUT A FUCKING BOTTLE IN YOUR GUT ASSHOLE!

I THEN TAKE THE WRISTBAND AND RAM IT DOWN THAT GIRL'S THROAT! I GO ON STAGE AND ALL THE 25yr OLD WOMEN UP FRONT GO WILD!!!

GUELPH RULZ!!

Yipes Strife!!

2008-04-16T10:25:00.003-04:00

The day is almost upon us. Our "mini-tour" with HC legends STRIFE!
In preparation for this momentous occasion I have pieced together 2 new beaded necklaces, busted out my xxl Integ hoody and my lovely wife has stitched up the hole in my BIG 3-0's!!! Sick!

To The Lions 2.0

2008-03-27T09:08:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow night we officially start over with our first show with our new drummer Teddy, at the Taken Reunion/Cursed record release show in Hamilton. It's been quite a while since we've played, finding a new drummer and getting ready has been a fairly lengthy process, plus during the months off Brad and his wife Tiffany had a beautiful baby boy (who's already mastering pinch harmonics). But now we're back and as cliché as it sounds, sometimes you need a change like this to shake up your band and re-energize you. We're so stoked to start playing again with Teddy, and scared for your ears because he hits so f*cking hard. And not only that but we're already deep into writing a new album that is going to go so way beyond Baptism of Fire. Being fans of all kinds of heavy music there will be a lot more influences coming out on the next record, and I can't wait to see where it goes from here.

If you've seen our MySpace(?!) you'll notice we have more shows booked in the next 2 months than we played in all of 2007, including some amazing shows with Strife and Reign Supreme, and later in the summer our first trip south of the border. And it all starts tomorrow night...

Oh my(space), what a week!

2008-03-10T21:20:00.009-04:00

Yes as you can see, last week was a big one. Looks like our 5 shows in 2007 really got us noticed!

I’m not a big fan of myspace, even though I lurk our own page 3 times a day (oh man that guitar player with tattoos – SO HOT!) Anyways, I feel as a jaded hardcore kid over 30, it is my responsibility to show everyone younger than me what it was like getting into hardcore when I was 14, and how what it’s like now sucks and that it’s not as ‘core’ as it was 15+ years ago.

This is me now reenacting what I was doing 14 years ago. If I had my way I would be holding my 1 page photocopied Revelation Records flyer/catalogue but I couldn’t find it. Slipknot? Early COC meets late COC?? WTF?? So this is the one and only Very Distribution catalogue November 1994, with none other than Outspoken on the cover. So this is the way it went. Basically since there was no myspace to lurk from band to band, we (kids born around the Oilers dynasty) had to go either by word of mouth or by descriptions. For example: Statue “Filtering the Infection” – excellent melodic stuff with a big D.C. influence, with a rockish, some say Jane’s Addictionish, feel to it. Very original & well put together stuff. If you care, it features ex-members of Chain of Strength – UHHH YES I CARE – SOLD!!!

So then we’d fill out our 1 page form with all the releases (get your friends in on it to save postage!) And wait wait wait until finally that big box arrived in the mail and you’d open it up just to find out half the releases you picked weren’t there and they just sent you whatever the hell they felt like.

So there you go a little trip down memory lane, and considering we are playing with Strife, I thought I’d give the description for One Truth from ’94.

Strife “One Truth”: the wait is over! Now it’s finally here. Quite a few people have agreed that it’s the best straight edge hardcore record in a long, long time. Hmmmm. (Victory).

Ok that wasn’t really funny so until next time I leave you with a very important question:

Full Speed Ahead!

2008-02-24T19:48:00.007-05:00

So if you’ve been lurking the myspace (YES MYSPACE WE ARE NOW ON MYSPACE) you’ll notice we have more shows set up in a 2 month period then we did for all of 2007. This is complete insanity. In fact it has me a little freaked out because I really need to pull myself to together physically for all of these appearances that I’ll be making (with my band). I have come up with a four point plan in order to get myself ready to be the best lead vocalist in hardcore.

Ok here they are in order from 1-4
#1 - Exercise
#2 – New clothes
#3 – Hair and Skin treatment
#4 – Diet

I think people would be pretty interested to see how this all comes together so I’m going to take you through a journey of how I am getting my self in top shape – a blogging reality tv show (that’s not on tv) if you will. Tonight’s episode follows me on the path to a supremely tip top DIET!

*CUE THEME SONG FOR MY REALITY BLOG – TEARS FOR FEARS – EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD*

This past Friday my new diet began. I was taken to try some authentic asian fare in the north side of Toronto. Some of you may have eaten at this fine dining establishment known as THE MANDARIN.

Now I have not eaten here in over 10 years but thank goodness nothing has changed! Seriously. Nothing. Same food, décor and even the same rabble rousers I recall eating here – yes 85 year old women and 10 year old kids – that demographic that wants to stretch a $10 all you can eat buffet to the max. Well, as I paroozed through the food some of it stood out more than others, for example:

ONION RINGS!

FRENCH FRIES!!!

And my favorite asian side –
PICKLES!!!

Ok I know what you’re thinking – Spark, this shit ain’t Asian, and it sure ain’t healthy!! For a moment I thought the same thing, BUT, upon further reflection into Asian culture I realized that maybe they are onto something here. I looked into the Taoist teachings of Lao Tzu who asks us to “go with the flow” and instead of doing things the hard way find the easy, simple way to accomplish our goals – in essence “do by not doing”.

I can’t believe all these years it never occurred to me. It is so obvious - I shall eat healthy – BY NOT EATING HEALTHY. After three helpings of all of the above, two helpings of dessert, and since that day 2 pizzas, a 2-4 of Lakeport, and 2 boxes of Lucky Charms I can honestly say I feel 150% better, no lie. Tonight I had ice cream for dinner and it was fucking delicious.

ICE CREAM RULZ!

Drummer Found!

2008-02-12T16:25:00.000-05:00

Well,

We did it. After a few amazing tryouts, we got our man. We never guessed we would have so many cool people respond to our post. Well thank you cool drummer people!!

So without further aduu (sp?) we introduce none other then Ted "soft hands" Paterson.

Ted used to play with Steve in his old band Beaumont. Ted is a nice guy. Ted has cool hair. Ted hits harder then anyone I have ever heard. Ted gets hot chicks. Ted is always there. Ted likes U2. Ted has cool drums. Ted scores lots of goals for our hockey team.

Anyhow look out we got some amazing shows coming up.

Strife reunion What!!!!!!!!

Taken Reunion WHAT!!!!!
FOO FIGHTERS IN BETWEEN SHOWS CUZ THEY DON'T PLAY EVERY NIGHT SHOW....... WHAT!!!!!!!!!

PS

check out our myspace........

www.myspace.com/tothelionshc

add us we want to be your friend.

OK i now turn this over to Sparkies regular scheduled programming............

DRUMMER WANTED!

2008-01-15T18:07:00.001-05:00

Well being one of those been around forever bands, its only natural that at some point in time one of your members is gonna wake up one day and say, "What in the fuck am I doing!" Well unfortunately that has happened to Chris Danner, drummer for the mega rock stars To The Lions. Chris will be missed however we are not ready to drop down dead. We are arming and preparing ourselves for the next big wave! So this is where you come in. Spread the word. We are looking for the next Neil Peart of hardcore to join our ranks of world domination. If you (or someone you know) is interested in joining our band of merry thrashers, then send an email to brad@tothelions.ca, or matt@tothelions.ca. Include something about yourself, and some links to music you've recorded on or just some sweet pics of you spinning flaming drumsticks.

What we are looking for in a sweet skinsmen:

-Ability to practice once a week (no more then once, promise)
-a sweet set of drums. (no Westburys, preferably a giant cage that spins 360 degrees over the crowd)
-the ability to either use double bass proficiently or at least learn how to.....fast.
-play shows in and around the great province of Ontario. (ps not overly often!)

What we have to offer you is a sweet non paying gig with a band signed to a huge record label. Oh ya and tons of chicks. (you are responsible for attracting and getting the chicks)

THE BIG SMOKE

2007-12-14T20:45:00.000-05:00

Being a hardcore/metal outfit from the GTA you would think that we would play Toronto with some frequency. However, we rarely do, and in fact we had been playing shows for almost a year before we actually were asked to play in the city for the first time. This past week was mindblowing where we not only played a show on a Saturday night but we also played a show the following Thursday night!! TWO SHOW IN TORONTO IN ONE WEEK. You read that correctly. I did not say two shows in one year (like 2006) but one week! Let's review:

SATURDAY - JUGGERNAUT FEST - The Juggernaut. Let's give a little backstory on Erik Hoibak (hereinafter referred to as "Juggernaut"). The Juggernaut gave us our first show with Mental. After the show he told us we were not getting paid. The second show he did for us was with Shattered Realm. After the show he told us we were not getting paid. This year for Juggernaut fest the Juggernaut called me up 2 week in advance ... to tell us we're not getting paid. Now onto the show which we played for free. This was an amended line up when Cold World and The First Step had to cancel. Erik eerrr The Juggernaut called me everyday asking if people were going to show up. Well they did and saw some sweet SOHC. Below is us and the other pic is Millenial Reign. I stole these pics off Pat Moore's blog but I assure you they look way better on our blog.

THURSDAY - SOUL CONTROL - so we got about 2 inches of snow thursday, not sure what everywhere else got but looks like these guys got stuck in NYC. I've never seen a promoter so bummed out to take the mic and make an announcement as such before ... "You will all be getting 3-4 dollars back" CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT SHIT??? FUCK SOUL CONTROL WE JUST PLAYED JUGGERNAUTS FEST FOR FREE NOW WE ARE OUT $20!!! I just deleted my pirated version of their record. The picture below sums up what we had to play to.

Now you might be thinking "what a bunch of losers playing to 2 people". Well I will have you know the guy on the left is none other than Mike Doucet, Montreal scenester and former frontman of InDyingDays (who is that you might be asking? which might be a good question IF YOU ARE A POSER) the guy on the right is the one and only Shawn Magill FOUNDING MEMBER OF GRADE. That's right we know people.

Actually there were kids in the other room who came into watch us play who I am sure had not orginally come out to see the openers. They were so amazing we played Ride the Apocalypse twice in a row. Actually we are so amazing we played Ride the Apocalypse twice in a row. Shout out to Eating Glass don't worry Matt isn't going to get mad at you this time. Thanks TOHC for an amazing week we'll catch you in the summer probably.
SPARKOUT!!

Most anticipated album of 2008

2007-12-07T12:51:00.000-05:00

"Veteran San Francisco Bay Area thrashers TESTAMENT will release their new album, "The Formation of Damnation", in North America on April 29, 2008 via Nuclear Blast Records."

Testament was my favorite band when I really got into metal in high school, and I kind of lost interest in the early 90's but about two years ago I found their 1999 CD "The Gathering" and it instantly became one of my favorite metal albums of all time. I can't believe I missed it when it came out. I had heard "Demonic" a times on tour, but for some reason never picked it up, but when I found out Dave Lombardo had played drums on the Gathering I had to find it, and I have probably listened to it a minimum of twice a week since.
With Eric Petersons riffs, Paul Bostaph playing drums, Alex Skolnick back on lead guitar, and Andy Sneap producing(!!) I have zero doubt this new record will be amazing. Cannot wait until April.

And I guarantee there was to be a To The Lions promo photo this is the look we would go for. Sunglasses?... check, black, head to toe? ... check, barbedwire!... check, smiles? ... there's no smiling in metal.

\m/

TTL Myths!

2007-11-17T12:15:00.000-05:00

Ok so something a little concerning happened this morning but first I'll preface with this.
I don't know what the other guys email situation is but over the last month or so it has become clear that a bot has taken my email and now my inbox is flooded with the craziest shit. Please see below:

First off I'd like to say Cliff Baxter you are one crazy mofo.
Second off I'd like to say pretty much I wake up each morning with 80 emails as such. And through the day probably another 100. As a result I empty my inbox with EXTREME PREDJUDICE.
This morning I was about to do that when amoungst those emails was one offering us a show. I was 2 seconds from trashing it. Fuck me.

So basically this really is an apology to anyone that may have written me saying what a great vocalist I am, wondering about possible solo projects, offerings of gifts etc ... oh and I guess if you had any questions about To The Lions.
If you did, get in touch - oh yes and here is the myth debunker -

Although it looks like we won't play shows it's really because we don't believe in whoring ourselves out as door to door salesman for 14 yr old girls. We will play anywhere just get in touch (YES ANYWHERE - EVEN AMERICA - UGH) - and if you did already and I trashed your email which read "xsparkx ..." (because inside it usually says "tired of your small dick? and I'm bummed out for the rest of the day) my sincerest apologies.
Yours Truly,
Sparkmarker

The Mozzer!!!

2007-11-07T14:05:00.000-05:00

Oh Manchester...so much to answer for...........

UPDATE! OH YES!

2007-10-31T23:08:00.000-04:00

Ok so I’m putting off my personal post about my doppelgangers (oh yes, stick around for that one) to give a long overdue post on the latest happenings on To The Lions.

Well, get ready for this exciting news!!
As you can see from this amazing picture from a recent rehearsal, Brad “The Irish Saint” Casarin is shredding hard during a new tune. After a GRUELING four shows in four months in support of our first full length BAPTISM OF FIRE (get it in stores now! second pressing is out!), we are taking some time off to work on our next record, which you can look for sometimes in early 2010. Some of the ideas we are throwing around is a super creative concept for a “themed record” that we are going to call “To The Lions: A Hairy tale of Niles Butterball, the Frozen Turkey.” It’s going to be crazy shit, all about this turkey named Niles who nonebody wants for thanksgiving so one day he just gets up and says FUCK IT! I BEEZ OUTTIE! I’m not going to say anything more. You’ll have to listen to tracks 2-11 to find out the rest.

More updates to come!

Lost Venues in Southern Ontario - SKETCHY MEAT LOCKER/WAREHOUSE WHERE THERE WAS ONLY EVER ONE SHOW I KNOW OF

2007-10-08T17:13:00.000-04:00

Sweet last post there Brad!
Well here we go again. I will promise more blogs and more blogging there will not be! (How's that for english?) I think we have all come to terms that between playing one show a month and watching Top Chef, I just don't have to time to keep up with this shit. So instead of fulfulling (whoa another doozy!) my title of the King of Empty Promises let's just say you'll get the goods when you get them. NOW ONTO THE SHOW!

In this installment we are going back in time to December 31, 1995 - the place - some weird empty warehouse, I think it used to be used as a meat locker, in Kensington Market on Oxford street. If I had to guess where it was today, that row of townhouses would have to be it because I think the building was condemned. Now this show was during the peak of my hardcore nerddom (damn I just can't stop!) which is clear by the fact I had chosen to spend my new years with a bunch of smelly ass crusts and watch the singer of Coleman claw her face off (arrrrghghgh so hot *drool*)

So I've mentioned one of the finer bands from that era of hardcore and to give you a feel of what made us take a train and walk aimlessly in Toronto trying to find this place - and spend $50 on a cab ride home - I'll run down some of acts that graced this fine establishment on that cold December eve. When we walked in New Day Rising was playing a super set and they had just released their double seven inch (oh man! double seven inch!!! from a local band no way!) and after that it was a who's who of Great American Steak Religion/Ebullition recordsesque (4 for 4!) bands. Really all that I remember was Drift, Okara and Union of Uranus - who was super hyped because they had some connection to Chokehold that eludes me at this moment. As well the aforementioned Coleman. Sidenote: if you talk with some people who are from Montreal about these bands the term "Les Bruns" gets thrown around AHAAAAAAA Les Bruns, get it?!?! Grade also kicked it mid afternoon but the reason we were all there was to see the Steel City's own CHOKEHOLD!!! Oh shit this was a big deal. Being a 17yr old straight edger was never so good! Content With Dying was out and that record ruled. I could really go on and on but I'll wrap it up - I guess I could be back home trying to hook up with some wasted jock girl at a jock party but I spent that new year's singing along to Instilled at midnight and I wouldn't have changed a thing. So here's to Oxford street, Les Bruns and Hamilton's finest export other than Rick Campanelli!!!

2007-10-03T18:18:00.002-04:00

The eternal 30-something openers

2007-09-07T12:20:00.001-04:00

That's us. You need a band of thirty-year old dudes to open your show, you know who to call...

What's Happened??

2007-08-26T21:12:00.001-04:00

Once again over a month has gone by and there has been little activity on the TTL blog. Normally I would write and fill you in on the few happenings that have been going on with the group, our shows, what I’ve been eating, etc … HOWEVER, the real reason why nothing has been written is because it has recently come to my attention (aka band meeting) that my blogs are “stupid”. Apparently things like traveling, football and pizza are not important. First off, PIZZA IS IMPORTANT. Second off – I AM IMPORTANT.
If there’s one thing I know about journalism it’s that people love to read stories. If there’s one thing I know about blogging, it’s that people love to read stories with a photo attached, and occastionally an mp3. This is what I do, other than sing in To The Lions and work out 3 days a week. Naturally I am misunderstood and can’t help but feel a bond with other great misunderstood lead vocalists in rock – David Lee Roth, Vince Neil, Kyle Bishop to name a few. But to be perfectly honest I think that my closest tie is not with a lead vocalist but with the number one shredder in metal, the one and only Dave Mustaine. Like Dave, somehow my means of expressing myself have singled me out from the group and left me feeling like I’m on the way out. My only advantage is that I didn’t wake up like Dave, and get put on a bus back to Cali – BUT I did have to pay for my own GO Train ticket back to Toronto! Can you believe it?! As soon as Mustaine got back to the coast he put together the plan to start a band that would kill Metallica – WELL, for the last month I have been scheming and hatching a plan to start a more heavy, supremely hardcore and sickitating group that will kill everything. That is right – get ready for the one and only … MEGASPARK!. MEGASPARK! (yes, exclamation point in the name!!!) has been secretly practicing for the last month and we are getting close. Right now I am the only member of the band but rest assured now that word has gotten out I will get several emails expressing interest in joining. So stay tuned for updates on MEGASPARK! Where I will be keeping you up to date on people I hate walking down the street, famous pets and 4 Corners strategies!
Until the next time!!

MY RUIN

2007-07-20T13:09:00.000-04:00

One time when I was in montreal I was at a party talking to a super french dude (like from France) - hardly spoke english, dressed like a beatnik, total "artiste" - no beret though, that would have capped it. This guy starts going off about food or whatever. Starts talking about drinking a glass of olive oil before drinking hard so you don't puke (ok, sure), then how something like drinking beer is like eating 3 sticks of butter (I'm all, get this idiot out of here) BUT THEN he starts going on about Pizza and how heated up cheese has endorphins that go to your brain or something and how it's addictive and pizza addictions and whatnot. I had never heard this before so I was a bit skeptical about such a claim BUT I do love pizza alot so I could possibly understand.

FAST FORWARD TO LAST NIGHT

Last night I'm coming home from practice late and i'm tired and grouchy and I jump off the streetcar at College and think hmmm maybe i'll get a slice. So I walk to Massimos (still tired, still grouchy) take out a five, get a slice and a coke. So I walk out of the place, turn up Leatherface, take my first bite and swear to god - REBORN!!! I'm all "fuuuck leatherface RULES! fuuuuuck tonight RULES! fuuuuuck that girl over there is cute! EVERYTHING RULES! PIZZA RULES!!"
So I get home, and this might have had something to do with smoking weed, but I totally starting thinking about that french guy and his whole theory about pizza and being addicted to it. And i'm just all - holy shit it's true! Like right now I want pizza!!! (right now right now - as I'm typing this right now) Do you think that show Intervention would do an episode on me eating pizza? Can you stage your own intervention? Probably not. Either way nothing could have made me happier last night than a slice and this morning I stole records from my roommate to buy a large pizza for lunch.

PIZZA RULZ!!!

We're digital

2007-07-10T23:04:00.001-04:00

I don't know why I'm stoked on this, but I just saw the new CD on iTunes and got super excited. I love my iPod. The link above is for the Canadian iTunes store btw. Americans can get it here. And the rest of you will have to find it on your own, it's too much freakin' work copying all those links.

Matt Jones Stag

2007-07-09T08:41:00.000-04:00

Thought I'd post this little video from Matt's Stage "BACK YARD MOSH"

After a day of golfing, 30 burgers, Ice Cream cake and 6 cases of Lakeport - The back yard MOSH broke out! - Check it out!

Matt's getting Married in 2 Weeks - Congrats Matt & Amy!

Back ...

2007-07-02T21:53:00.001-04:00

Hello all. It has been a long time since I've blogged. Certainly all of my loyal readers have struggled over the months finding quality sources of wit and humour.
You all might be interested to know that I have been away ...
...
TO EGYPT!!!

...

...

...

ONTARIO!!!

Apparently Egyptian men are so macho they just don't give a fuck and go swimming with their clothes on. I like to think the game of "Chase the Ball into the Lake" was so intense these dudes just went right the hell in. It probably started in the parking lot and the highest level of the game is when, in fact, the ball has been chased into the lake ... with your clothes on.

One day I too will be a famous ball chaser. Into lakes. Fully Clothed.

ITS THE BIG DAY

2007-06-19T13:46:00.000-04:00

Its the "cd release in stores" day.

No sleep til Sunday.

Its the "cd release in stores" day.

With my pack of smokes and my case of beer.

Please support Goodfellow and buy this record in stores today!!!!!

THE BIG NIGHT!!!

2007-06-16T04:08:00.000-04:00

WHOOOOOAA
yes tonight was the night. CD release party!! OH WHAT A PARTY. Damn!
First I gotta say holy shit it was The Kill Decibel's last show. I got a free shirt and 3 7"s. They are sweet dudes and we are stoked (stoked, great word) that we played alot of shows with them.
Second check out the sweet rip in my groin. Obviously I was taking no prisoners tonight and tore the shit out of my jeans. I also took off my shirt. ONE WORD - BREATHTAKING. Actually right now I'm thinking of that loser in Creed fuck I hope I didn't come across like that douchebag. Either way all the chicks loved it. TWO WORDS - BURNING LOINS. Now take a look above the group shot. That is one sweet banner.

That shit took me 11 hours to make. Notice the lions with the party hats. THAT'S HOW WE DO IT!! WHAT?!
Another interesting note of the evening was the moshing competition where we gave away a badass 30" trophy. It was a tough compettion but in the end youth prevailed and Marc Milewski took it home and what can I say the dude is a Dirtball, a Regulator and a serious Quebecer (sorta) at heart. Both those girls on the right are telling me to wrap this up so I gotta go! Thanks everyone for coming out it was a good time, looking forward to playing more yadayeada fuck it's late.

CD Release Party

2007-05-28T10:32:00.001-04:00

To celebrate our first CD our good friend Chris Slorach has put together an awesome show on Friday June 15, at Sneaky Dee's in Toronto. We'll have CDs for sale at the show a few days before the street release date and at least one new shirt design, free stuff, prizes and tons of booze. The always awesome Kill Decibel are playing, and a couple of new bands - Crimson Mire and No Orphans - so come on down and hang out!

REVIEW MIRROR.............

2007-05-27T14:04:00.000-04:00

ok so my titles to these blogs are gonna get lamer and lamer just warning! oh and i'll cut and paste them from now on and link up to the websites as these sites deserve your attention!

heres a very thorough review from http: www.siczine.com
also props to Jeff for dishing it up!

SicZine
Jeff Karbow
1221 Devereaux Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19111

To The Lions
Baptism of Fire
Goodfellow Records

I can't believe it! A band that actually deserved to get picked up by a nice sized label did! The world must be nearing an end or something. When I heard these guys would be releasing an album on Goodfellow I was flipping. But enough of that gay, mushy stuff. If you've read my review for the band's demo that came out in 2005 you'll already know that this is going to be a glowing review that'll make me sound like a little school girl gushing.

Anyhow, for those suckers out there that haven't been properly introduced, please let me do so. These guys are a five-piece out of Burlington, Ontario and feature former members of Grade, Confine, and SeventyEightDays. And no, it does not sound like Grade. The press sheet says these guys are reminiscent of Unbroken, Chokehold and Undertow which for the most part is true. You have the lyrics against religion similar to Chokehold, the mix of metal/hardcore like Unbroken. But the main influences in my opinion are derived from the Cleveland scene and its crop of metallic hardcore bands and let me know forget the Holy Terror banner that the mighty Integrity waved.

For the people who missed the boat on the demo the band has put the best tracks from it on this album (which is pretty much all of them!). The album opens up with my favorite track by the band thus far, "Ride The Apocalypse", which I would call the title track of the album considering the album title was taken from the lyrics of the song. You also have the thunderous track "Amnesia" that was also taken from the demo. The second to last song "From Fear and Hate Sets Free" (my second favorite song) is also from the demo. The aptly titled closer, "Final Chapter" was originally called "Chokehold" on the demo but considering it is the final track it was a nice touch to change the title. All of the aforementioned songs are virtually the same as they were on the demo with just slight changes like the delivery of vocals in spots and a little more feeling in the harmonics, octaves, etc,.

Now on to the new beauties. I would say the band/label made a good decision using the song "Nightmare Begins" as the first single because it is the best track off the album that wasn't on the demo. "Nine Calibres"(ers) [I think the label botched on the song title] is a damn good song with a monster breakdown and a nice chorus that reminds me of oddly enough of the Foo Fighters single (the name escapes me and I'm not even going to bother to search) just the part where it goes "You're there, you're there". "Ten/Fifteen" is my second favorite track of the new bunch. The solo used during the chorus is top notch and I would love to hear more of that from these guys. The chorus has an awesome melody that just crawled right under my skin and gave me the goose bumps. "The Forsaken" is no slouch either and utilizes some sweet picking patterns and a sweet lead/solo. "Armour of God" features yet another sweet and well used solo that caps off yet another bludgeoning track.

The songs are fairly consistent in terms of length. The songs tend to stay around the 2:45-3:20 area which is a pretty damn ideal length for this type of metallic hardcore. It gives you plenty of time to get into the songs but without the chance of getting bored.

Don't know where this was recorded or anything like that but I doubt it was recorded at the Lion's Den (band's practice spot) because everything sounds heavier and thicker. Probably the biggest difference in recording from the demo is the much better placement of the vocals. It allows for both the vocals and instruments to be at the top of their game. The guitars are absolutely crushing. The bass has good tone and really adds solid low end to the mix. Very good snare and kick tone and good volume overall for the drums.

I said I was done writing up albums that are sent to me in the super-gay cardboard sleeves but this is one of the FEW bands I would make that exception for. Because I don't have access to the total package just yet I can only comment on the front cover (which you can see for yourself anyway). But if the rest of the layout utilizes the
same color scheme as the front cover and some nice imagery within the booklet I'm sure it would be a treat for the eyes. And considering most CD's put out by Goodfellow always have good visuals I wouldn't expect any different this time around.

Rating: 5/5

Songs Worthy of Replay: Ride The Apocalypse. From Fear and Hate Sets Free and Nightmare Begins

Synopsis: This is due to drop June 19th, so get your mother fucking asses out to your nearest ma and pa store and pick this up or if you're one of those not fortunate enough to have good record stores in your vicinity, bust out with your credit card and order this mother fucker. You won't be disappointed. Judging solely by the music,
recording, and the lyrics this album is worth making the purchase.

Album Reviews

2007-05-22T10:35:00.001-04:00

Well the album is out to the media and reviews are rolling in so I thought it would be cool to put a post up as we receive them.

check em out:

http://www.pastepunk.com/news.php?nav=rss&rss_id=7826

and:

http://www.howsyouredge.com/reviews/2007_05_01_archive.php#511928999953494451

lots more to come.

Album out JUNE 19!!

FOOTIE FOOTIE FOOTIE

2007-05-13T16:54:00.000-04:00

That's right, I said it - FOOTIE - better than "soccer" if you ask me.
It was the weekend of football. Canada's under 20s were making Toronto FC look bad but I had high hopes come saturday and OH MOMMA did they come through!! Having grown up in the Toronto area I've seen every major franchise play, seen the Jays clinch, the raptors first win etc ... but I swear I've never seen a crowd go completely bananas over a single goal. TFC fans put every other team to shame. Do I want to be shushed at a jays game by some dick in front of me who's keeping stats in his program? PASS. Do I want to spend $100 for shit seats and watch the leafs ... well yeah, but do I want to watch the Argos in a half emtpy stadium? NO. Raptors are pretty sweet but still - I've never thrown so much shit onto the pitch or sworn or sang at any of those games, or high fived everyone around me for a regular season game. I was into it before but now i'm sold this team rules and so does the stadium and so do the fans - DICHIO FOR MAYOR!!!

And yes I was drunk for that last post and for the game but i'm 99% sure that had nothing to do with it.

WHOA

2007-05-05T01:15:00.000-04:00

Gotta keep shit current. Playing with MLIW wow that almost reads like MILF if I was slightly more dyslexic (does that apply to reading? who cares!). Take note of the two other Toronto bands Fever Out! and TKD who both rule. Let's recap my week in an attempt to find something interesting to write about. Monday the Dirtballs defeated Danger! Hardcore Team in dodgeball 8-7. Except for a few, these guys were extreme douche bags and deserved to be stomped on. They were sponsored by (and possibly work for) Ernst & Young so I'd like to think this was also a victory for punk rock over these capitalist roadsters. Interesting sidenote when you throw a dodgeball and hit a girl in the box it is customary to yell out "SLAM DUNK!!!" Tuesday to Thursday is a blur. Tonight as I was calling a friend to compliment him on his fine artwork hanging in Starbucks, he turned out to be two stores over so in a matter of 5 minutes we were playing guitar hero which I supremely suck at. I then proceeded to go on a rant about how much Anthrax rules and how I was a dirtball (coincidence?) skid with a light blue jean jacket growing up and Anthrax was in high rotation on my shitty tape deck "boom box". Anthrax definitely kicks ass and I am now listening to Indians and I am most definitely feeling their plight. "Cry for the Indiaaaaaaaaans"... wait that shit's not very pc, it should be "cry for native americaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaans" or "cry for the aboriginaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaals". Wait - and I've seen Joey Belladonna sing that song with a headdress on and shit - wtf is this guy native? Belladonna sounds Italian to me. Holy shit this guy has his own website with merch and crap. Everyone get on this, it's gonna sell out fast! Ok to round it up - come out to our show May 13 in Toronto (check the flyer) there's going to be free beer.
SPark out.

New post for new post sake

2007-04-30T11:31:00.000-04:00

I really don't know what the fuck that last post even means but I figure since we just put up a new main page we should have something to do with the band.

We are very happy with the way the record turned out and how Goodfellow is treating the release! We are playing a Toronto date in May and then planning a string of CD release shows in the greater Ontario area. Dates to be posted soon.

Thrash or die.

what's up with that?

2007-04-25T22:15:00.000-04:00

Being blown away by someone you'd probably never listen to, let alone go see live, in a million years.
I think she lives in Austin now so I guess it was actually kinda punk.

Knives Bat Broken Hats

2007-04-22T18:34:00.000-04:00

Another update to celebrate the best weekend of 2007 so far which was jam packed with sunshine, shorts, tshirts (no sleeves) and bikes.

I won’t even go nuts breaking it down – Friday night Lifetime (see my top 10 for 2006) was so choice. If you get a chance to see them, I highly recommend it. Note the photo above where my ballcap disappeared into the sea of … pushmoshers? And I was certain it was lost forever – but alas it was found broken, mushed and dirty as fuck. But it stays on my head (except when I’m sleeping or showering).

Other key events – pickup soccer, baseball practice, freedom haters bicycle club meeting, and almost running over 4 people on my bike and spitting on cars.

And to wrap it up I’m now watching Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Interesting sidenote – did you know Cameron Frye was 30 years old in this movie? TAKE THAT LUKE PERRY!!

Now I’ll post some wise words from the one and only Ed Rooney.

Between Grief and nothing … I’ll take grief.

Whoa. Deep.

Lost Venues in Southern Ontario - THE JCC

2007-03-31T20:22:00.000-04:00

Barux Haba!! Welcome to another installment of “Lost Venues” - it’s been over a year, but not to worry there are plenty of defunct venues not just in Toronto but all surrounding areas and I’m rededicated to bringing you, the reader, a little history lesson of Toronto and Southern Ontario hardcore.

In the centre of downtown Toronto, Bloor and Spadina, is the Miles Nadal Community Centre. Prior to the official name change it was simply known as the Jewish Community Centre or the JCC. For a short period of time (roughly two years I think – it seemed a lot longer) the majority of shows in Toronto were held here. Pretty much every touring band that might not have been big enough to draw at a bar played here. Like I said, I’m pretty sure there was only shows here from around 2000 to 2002 and the list of bands is pretty impressive. Saves the Day (LOVE Saves the Day), Fastbreak, The Swarm, Every Time I Die, 100 Demons, A Death for Every Sin, Blood Has Been Shed, No Warning ... and I'm just warming up!!

One of the best highlights of the JCC was during 100 Demons there was some drunk douchebag moshing like a … well, like a drunk douchebag. The song was done but this guy kept flailing around like an idiot and the “pit” was wide open except for Rod Full Contact who was taking a breather in between songs. So this guy stumbles into Rod from behind and I’m not sure if he knew this was the dude who ran into him, but regardless he proceeds to without even checking (you know, shoot first ask questions later) turn around and completely flatten him with a right cross. It was a beautiful sight to behold (because I was so fucking edge) and RIGHT on cue Sean Martin starts shredding “Eye of the Tiger”. You can’t write that shit!!!

So there you go, the JCC, a short lived mainstay in Toronto Hardcore, you can go there now and mosh in the Second Cup.

EDITOR’S SIDENOTE: I could not find a pic of a show here for the life of me, or a flyer. If you have one send it my way and I’ll update the picture.

Afternoon Delight

2007-03-27T21:45:00.000-04:00

Drove down to Montreal last weekend to visit my sister who was back from the oil fields in Alberta.
Saturday night highlights included a 3hr karaoke session which can be found on youtube. For all you Arrested Development fans I can now confirm that is in fact extremely creepy and awkward singing "Afternoon Delight" just in the same room as a family member. Despite this, one other hightlight was an increadible discovery when we broke into a David Bowie song (forgot the name) ANYWAYS the star of this particular ditty was none other than ANDY BERMAN!!! Who you might ask is Andy Berman? None other than Kevin Arnold's high school buddy (probably #3 or 4 on the depth chart - Winnie #1, Paul #2, #3 Randy Mitchell/Doug Porter) CHUCK COLEMAN! WOW I was asking myself - how did this guy go from Hollywood A-List to karaoke videos?! I'd like to think the director was his grade school buddy who was looking for his "Big Break" in the film industry and needed a big star to make is video HOT and he did it as a favour.

So as you can see in the video, Andy is trying his best to smooth a shortie in the park, but maaaaaaan - she's having none of it! Ol' Andy will once again be going home alone. I bet this video is the farthest thing from his real life and he really had to pour on some of his finest acting!
So there you go. This is my personal blog now and I will fill it with dumb shit on a weekly basis.

Hardcore Dream Team GOOOOOOOOOO!!!

2007-03-17T09:26:00.000-04:00

Well this one was a long time in the making.

We are happy to announce that the vinyl version of the To The Lions debut will be released thru Specimen 32 Records.

We met Tim Drew a few years ago in good ol London Ontario and have stayed in contact with him ever since. Tim is the kind of guy who believes in Hardcore with a passion. Someone who is willing to lose it all for the sake of the music and someone who respects it like no other.

We can be no happier then to have Goodfellow Records release the CD and Specimen 32 release the vinyl.

We will have solid release dates for June 07 as well as cover art and track listing very soon.

This is a very exciting time for us old men.

We still get stoked to no end over this stuff.

Renewed faith

2007-03-16T12:41:00.000-04:00

So over the last few months my faith in the hardcore scene had been wavering a little under the pressure of the myspace millions (minions?) and seeing and hearing all the bullshit that they bring to shows these days. I go through this every once in a while, it lasted for three years once. But all it usually takes is one little reminder of why I love this music so much and I am back into it 100%. This past week I had three little reminders, and this could be pretty long, so go get a drink now.

First was hanging out with Chris Logan last Friday. One of the first things I thought when starting this band was, it would be cool to just get out and play a bunch of shows again, and then maybe record something. The first and only label I ever thought about putting it out was Goodfellow records. I've been friends with Chris since the mid/early 90's when Chokehold were the only band that mattered, and we played together in a band called 78 Days for a couple of years (and believe it or not we were signed to Trustkill Records, but good luck finding that record in their catalog). We've been talking about doing this To The Lions record for almost a year now, and it's taken us a while to get our shit together, but we sent Chris an unmixed track last week, and he instantly replied that he was "moshing right now" in his office. So now that we've convinced Chris we're actually going to finish the record, it will be officially be coming out in June 2007, exact date TBA. But the thing that really inspired was when he said "I'd probably be doing a lot better with the label if I put out shit I didn't like", but through almost 50 releases he hasn't done that, though I'm sure he gets hundreds of mascara smeared demos a month, and I'm honoured to be on that list of bands he does like. And he's older than me, and don't forget it ;)

The other things both happened at the show we played this wednesday in Burlington with Another Breath, Lions, The Kill Decibel and Eating Glass.

I can't say enough good about Another Breath. They were probably the best live band I've seen in the last couple of years, and just great all around guys. There ARE still cool, intelligent people in the scene, who don't only care about myspace, and "siq" mosh (speaking of sick mosh, apparently some young lady did actually barf on herself and get thrown out, but I must have missed it). And as always Steve and The Kill Decibel were rad, and still the best band in the area. And after a little misunderstanding being cleared up, Eating Glass are alright after all ;). They played a great first show and I look forward to seeing them again. Thanks Jose.

The last thing could have made me feel really old, but it actually did the opposite. Talking to a kid at the show about it being March Break for highschool kids, I said something like "yeah I remember highschool... that was about 16 years ago" and apparently he was only 15 as he proceeded to freak the fuck out. But that's right, hardcore has been my life for the last 19 years.

And buy this record, it's so damn good.

An ode to Joe Davis

2007-03-15T22:37:00.000-04:00

We played a sweet show at the Formac with Lions, Another Breath, The Kill Decibel and Eating Glass. Quote of the night as we were setting up and I was in the bathroom washing my hands:
*kid runs into washroom*
Kid - "Daryl! Daryl! Oh man you have to see this!! You gotta see these guys - THEY'RE LIKE THIRTY YEARS OLD!!!! HAHAHA"

GOODFELLOWS

2007-03-12T20:55:00.001-04:00

Ok so I’ve been told I have a lot of making up to do for that last post, which, seriously, I SAW HAPPEN TO SOMEONE ELSE. Anyways, trying to keep this blog bloggin’ the other day Matt Jones and myself met up with our buddy Chris Logan for some delicious Lebanese food. But there was more than falafels on the menu (Oooooooooooo-zing! Slam-dunk! Seven points!), we were meeting up to discuss our upcoming full length which we are super stoked to say officially is going to be on Goodfellow Records. We’ve been lucky to either have seen Chokehold, played in bands with Chris or just hang out with an all around awesome dude. This guy knows what’s up and I will once again reiterate (using the word stoked) how stoked we all are to be putting this record out with someone who pretty much has the same view on hardcore as we do – you know, myspace friends, black t-shirts, promo shots, magazine profiles – all things punk and hardcore!
This shit be droppin’ June 07 so look for it at all major retailers!

Best Buy

2007-02-21T19:47:00.000-05:00

Random thoughts. The Best Buy at Yonge and Dundas - it might be a good idea that when you walk out after you paid that the big glass window to the right of the first set of sliding doors should maybe have a large masking taped "X" because sometimes people might think you can walk back into the mall and smash into it and everybody laughs at you and you run out onto Dundas Street crying and you see a girl you kinda like and now she thinks you're a total pussy and you try to explain how the weather is fucking with your sinuses and she just laughs at you and calls you a fruit and then you end up thinking to yourself fuck can it get any worse and a car drives by and splashes a giant puddle/slush pile all over your pants.

Comeback Kid - CD release show

2007-02-15T13:11:00.000-05:00

We're totally excited to be playing the Comeback Kid CD release show on March 8. I've heard the new record and it's pretty damn good, and the lineup for the show is amazing, so come early.

Newmarket this saturday

2007-01-29T16:21:00.000-05:00

I don't think I've ever even been to Newmarket, maybe drove close to it on the way to the cottage or something, but we're playing there. This Saturday, February 3, 2007 we'll be at the Spotlight Theatre in beautiful (I'm assuming) downtown Newmarket. Spark assures me it's going to be huge...

Recording update and Brads Top 10 of 2006

2007-01-18T13:14:00.000-05:00

OK I know we all aren't as "quirky" and "creative" as Senior Montoya Sparklebons (he lives in Toronto) so I am going to give you the straight goods as to whats been happening since we entered the studio on Oct. 28, 2006.

We have enlisted the pro-tool master talents of Charles Moniz to engineer and co-produce the record. Charles is a long time friend and band mate and now of course the Bass player of Avril Lavigne which is pretty gay for a hardcore band but pretty cool otherwise! We have been holed up in Charles studio for the last 3 months and are nearing the end.

This is a slightly different process then we are used to as we've always had the luxury of taking a month off to do this full time. However now in the world of "reality" we all now work, so its been a logistical nightmare fitting in the sessions between work, wives and home improvements. We however have not let the grips of mundane life interfere with the surgical precision being implemented on this project.

When we set out to lay down the last 2 and a half years of being a band down to just 10 songs on a 30 minute disc we all agreed that this would be our most critically judged disc (by ourselves)and decided that we would make it as perfect as possible. What does this mean? Well it means being put under the microscope by the extremely sensitive ears of Charles Moniz (sometimes taking 3 days to finish 1 guitar rhythm track). However more importantly to you, it means audio perfection as well as more mosh for your buck! In all seriousness its the most work we have all put into a record and we hope all the hard work shows.

We just finished guitar tracking and now are in the starting stages of vocals. Album should drop by June 07 and although we've gone back and forth I still cannot release the name of the fine label(s) putting this out just yet, but all details will be revealed soon including a future masterpiece of a cover by Matt Jones that blew me away in just the baby stages of work. Its gonna be good trust me.

Anyhow we will have video of the sessions and some candid pics soon enuff for you all!

In closing I will present my "better late then never" top 10 of 2006.

10)Hot dogs
9)Killswitch live - Elements Kitchener
8)Children of Bodom: Chaos Ridden Years DVD
7)My Ipod
6)Martin Brodeur - still the best!
5)Killswith Engage - As Daylight Dies
4)Birth of my nephew Keegan
3)Soldano Avenger
2)Esp Viper Standard
1)Hot dogs

Brad "The Spazman" Casarin

THE BIG UPDATE

2007-01-17T11:49:00.000-05:00

Fuck updates!
I'm sick of being all "blablalbla we're recording blablalbla" fuck what boring shit.
I know you all want to hear about what I'M DOING. Well let me tell you cuz this blog needs some intersting shit in it. Peep this. I've been working hard the last 5 years on my zine that is gonna blow your mind. It was called Carry On Pickpocket but I think i'm changing it to Ghetto Ditch Pig. Shit just has more punch!

So I'm gonna post a rough story I've been working on for the zine about this dude I keep seeing on the subway that has the biggest head i've seen. I just saw him yesterday and we made eye contact and I started laughing because I had just finished writing this and thought I'd probably never see him again. It's not cool to look at someone and start laughing (but still funny none the less) but fuck man I couldn't help myself! BLAMO! There he was, in all his glory! BIG HEAD WITH A BIG COMBOVER. God damn. Ok without further adieu - Enjooooy!

So today I saw him again. The guy. The guy that easily has the biggest head I’ve ever seen with my own two eyes. Hell, maybe even the biggest head I’ve seen with my own two eyes, on tv and in a book. I even sometimes doubt it when I look away, then think, “fuck dude, you better look again just to make sure” and dammit, sure enough, it is one massive head. I call him The Brain. This dude must be so fucking smart. Like reads three books at once, works on algarythms and thinks chess is for pussies. Then I’m starting to wonder if because his brain is so big maybe he’s psychic. And everytime I wonder if someone can read my mind I start thinking about boners. Jesus Christ. Which is total bullshit because I’m not a homo, I’m all about tits, swear to god. If this guy was so smart though, would he be wearing Velcro shoes? Maybe he’s not so smart, maybe I shouldn’t call him The Brain. But maybe HE IS SO SMART – Velcro shoes? HELLO ultimate time saver because he doesn’t have time to waste on stupid fucking shoe laces!

Spark's TOP TEN 2006

2007-01-01T17:41:00.000-05:00

Well, I guess this should have been done yesterday, but better late than never!
It's 6pm and I'm finally seeing straight and still trying to remember how the fuck I got home last night. Thanks to Keri and Michelle for taking such good care of me and making a wonderful breakfast.
ANYWAYS - ON TO THE LIST!!!
2006 was a fantastic year of the lord and I'm going to take this opportunity to share some of my TEN PERSONAL HIGHLIGHTS of the year. Drumroll! Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Sparkie Clarkie's Top Ten for 2006 are ...
#10 - The Book Club for Men
#9 - Explosions
#8 - Beer
#7 - 3 Days of John Joseph - American HC at filmfest, spoken word, then FVK
#6 - Gorilla Buiscuits Reunion
#5 - Front row for Slayer
#4 - Lifetime live and 7"
#3 - Freedom Haters Bicycle Club
#2 - Seeing the Cuban National Baseball team play in Havana
and the #1 person, place, thing of 2006
MASSIMO'S PIZZA FUCK I"M SUCH A PIG

Top Tens of 2006

2006-12-22T12:17:00.000-05:00

So this will be the first of (hopefully) 5 top ten lists from everyone in the band. It's a busy time of year and we're still chugging away in the studio trying to get the record done, but look out for lists coming from the other guys over the next couple of weeks. But let me kick this off...

Matt's Top Ten of 2006
1. Getting Engaged - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (so emo)
2. Grade Reunion Show - Opera House, Toronto
3. Lamb of God - Sacrament
4. Lifetime - 2 Songs 7"
5. Killswitch Engage Live - Elements, Kitchener, ON
6. Gorilla Biscuits Reunion - The Phoenix, Toronto
7. Inflames - Come Clarity
8. Katatonia - The Great Cold Distance
9. Deftones - Saturday Night Wrist
10. The Haunted - The Deadeye

Texas ...

2006-11-30T23:06:00.000-05:00

So while all those suckers were holed up in a basement studio, I, along with a few others drove down to NYC to see Texas is the Reason's 10 yr anniversary of Do You Know Who You Are? I think I'll pass on the nostalgia and stories of first listening to this band. What is really important is letting all the kids out there know that Santa is in fact a black man. I did not know this. He is not from the north pole but plays the keyboard on St. Marks. I asked him if he knew whether I'd been naughty or nice to which he replied "wwahahahah mee deebeebpidodo!" BUSTED! I still have 25 days to get it together. I then asked his elf who was playing the bass what it's like working for Santa and all he could do was ask me for money. Not really sure what that was all about but I gave him a buck in front of black Santa so I really think there's a good chance I will get Wii with three games hopefully. My apartment doesn't have a chimeny but it shouldn't be an issue.

In other news Texas Is the Reason was great. Moving vehicles put me to sleep in 47 seconds. Rob got mugged and was bitten by a nyc rat the size of a dog. I also slept with a ghetto ditch pig. STREETS OF HATE!

THE BIG TIME

2006-11-21T22:51:00.000-05:00

That's right! After two years, we've finally made it! You can't see it in the picture but just to the left of that dude in the bandana was seriously about a hundred kids waiting in line. Ok fine just to the left of that dude was a guy walking his dog picking up it's shit. We tore up Peterborough a few days ago with our good friends in 'BOWT TO SNAP and new friends in 3 Point Stance and there was another band called what the shit but we were at a bar when they played. NOT COOL. Regardless it was a good time and this band definitely gets me laid alot.

Important news! We are for serious recording right now, shit is laid down as I type and there will be another supremely amazing blog that I will write about it with great pictures probably of me singing shirtless and with a horrible beard. Something for everyone to look forward to!

Stay tuned!

Black Eyes and Broken Bones Comp

2006-11-08T16:12:00.000-05:00

Get ready for the newest cd compilation from Under Pressure records, after 4 succesful english all canadian hip-hop compilations and one french hip-hop compilation we went back to our punk roots. We decided it was time to reach out to our extended hardcore family and release our first all canadian hardcore compilation entitled Black Eyes & Broken Bones. This compilation features 31 groups from across Canada including the likes of COMEBACK KID, TO THE LIONS, FUCKED UP, CANCER BATS, FINAL WORD, VIDEO DEAD, CURSED, CONFINE, ARISE & RUIN, and A PERFECT MURDER. This compilation will be available for free on the cover of issue #12 of Under Pressure magazine and will also be distributed at Vans Warped Tour and Exclaim's Agressive Tendencies Tour. You will also be able to find this comp at hardcore shows across Canada, where some of the bands on this compilation will be performing, so don't forget to keep your eyes out at the merch table.
For futher info on this compilation release contact karyn@underpressure.ca

Track 23 - TO THE LIONS - Ride the Apocalypse

The real update

2006-10-17T14:13:00.000-04:00

The real news this week is we're starting to record our first full length CD October 28th! It's going to be 10 or 11 songs, with a few from the demo rerecorded and 7 brand new songs that'll melt your face and cause spontaneous throwdowns.

Oh yeah, and we're playing with some band called Hatebreed in London on October 26th. It's at Cowboys (aka The Drink) with Sworn Enemy and Scars of Tomorrow. That place is not that big, so I'd think it'll sell out pretty quick. You'll probably have to get tickets soon if you haven't already. And we basically started this band 2 years ago just to play this show, so we're stoked.

Beer bottle solo

2006-10-17T14:08:00.000-04:00

We haven't had an update here for a while (again! what's up "Master of the Blog"??) So here's a short little clip from a show at the Underground in Hamilton a couple weeks ago. It's only 1:30 long but Brad shows off a wicked improv beer bottle slide guitar solo. What you don't see on screen is our wasted friend Jerry shoving a Bud into Brad's hand mid song, what else can you do but slide solo??

Sudden Impact reunion!

2006-08-23T12:34:00.000-04:00

September 22nd we're playing with 80's legends Sudden Impact in Toronto. This one will bring out the old timers for sure. There may be a cane check at the front door, and for once I definitely won't be the oldest guy at the show. Brad's stoked because DRI was on the same label. And another badass flyer...

Sneaky Disease Video

2006-08-21T23:11:00.000-04:00

Gotta admit YouTube is pretty rad when you can do stuff like this. This is from our first Toronto show back in January at Sneaky Dee's with Cancer Bats. Thanks to Trevor Ydreos for the video...

SPARKIE'S UPDATE - FOR SERIOUS

2006-08-16T22:34:00.000-04:00

Ok so I've decided to do a real update on this band because I think there are actually five people out there (not in the band) who actually might be interested in what is going on/happened to us in the last while.

Basically that picture sums up what has been going on with us lately. 3/5 of To The Lions played in Grade, two of them were in the reunion and a few weeks back they pleyed a sweet show at the Opera House in Toronto. Although I'm not sure what was sweeter the show or that Into Another tattoo. So over the last 3+ months they had been jamming alot in order to put that all together which left To The Lions pretty much on a break.

So that is done with now and we are practicing again, writing new jams and getting ready to put out a new recording. That is the priorty for the fall. We also have some shows coming up so check that out.

Sept 7 2006 - Hamilton at Sonic Unyon
Sept 22 2006 - Toronto at Sneaky Dees
Sept 30 2006 - Burlington at Formac

There you have it. Hardly any jokes but now you know we're not dead. Come out to our shows and I'll tell you the one about the three midgets on a rowboat.
Sparkout.

Oh yeah I gotta say those pics I think came from Billy Hamilton of Silverstein, so thanks even though I emailed them/him and never heard back (ok i emailed him like 2hrs ago) CHECK YOUR MYSPACE YOU ROCKSTAR ASSHOLE!

Sparkie Clarkie - Master of the Blog

2006-07-03T22:24:00.000-04:00

Holy shit. What has happened to this blog?!
Not to worry. Things are going down, for instance, I spent the day on the beach.
THAT IS HARDCORE.
Why?
Because I wore my Integrity 2000 tshirt that was handed down from big brother brad.
Anyways I know thousands of people check this daily so I will give you the heads up if you don't see any new lions tracks you will get some fantastic blogs!
BUT you will see some new tracks so hold tight.

Shout outs to Petey, Ray-Ray and Morton.
Sparkout.

Apocalypse Montreal

2006-03-21T21:26:00.000-05:00

Lookout frenchies we're coming! This sunday March 26th we're playing our first out of province show in beautiful Montreeeeal. And what an awesome show to do it at. Paint it Black is one my favorite hardcore bands of the last 5 years, and Lifetime and Kid Dynamite are 2 of my favorite bands EVER, so yeah I'm pretty excited. I want a picture with Dan Yemin (Gordie Ball I'm looking in your direction!).
And not only that, but we have so many friends up there, and friends coming with us to make the weekend awesome, we've already named it "Apocalypse Montreal". We're actually going to be in town from Friday to Monday so look out for us in the bars and breakfast places.

AND we've got a bunch of shows coming up in the next couple of months, a new website on the way, 2 releases in the works and total world domination.

The Lions Den report

2006-03-15T22:46:00.000-05:00

Wassssssss upppppppppppp!!!!

Hello people. We are not dead. We are holed up in the Den writing for our debut full-length. We have compiled over 15 songs which we hope to have sorted out in the next couple months. We are 95% sure on the label who will be putting the record out, and lets just say we couldn't be more stoked!!! We are in fact super stoked.

Some show announcements to come and please hang with us if your in Montreal on the 26th with Paint it Black. Should be good times.

Anyway take care and please, please, please listen to "the Gathering"

special thanks to Matthew Jones.

The Spazman

In Flames rules

2006-02-22T12:15:00.000-05:00

That is all.

Live on U of T Radio

2006-02-18T14:52:00.000-05:00

Back in January we were invited in to CIUT the University of Toronto college radio station to do a live set and interview with Stephe Perry as I mentioned a little while ago on the blog. This week we got our hands on a copy of the songs and interview and I've posted them on the website. There are two new songs in the live set and 4 from the demo. We think Stew the sound engineer might have been high when he recorded these, but he still pulled it off. And this is the live feed that went right to air, no mixing or post production so it's pretty raw sounding, in a good way. My favorite part is probably when Brad and Steve's amps switch sides from left to right in Fallen, hahaha, but no one except us will ever know.

The interview is a marathon, clocking in at 53:35, and it's a pretty big file but funny as hell and it will give you a pretty good idea what we're all about. Thanks again to Stephe and Stew for all their hard work getting this to us so quickly!

First review...

2006-02-13T13:39:00.000-05:00

Aversiononline has posted a nice review of our demo on their site. We've all been reading Andrew's website/blog for quite a while, so to get a review like that (for a demo!) from someone who obviously understands what we're trying to do and really "gets it" is awesome. Thanks Andrew!

And he has tons awesome unreleased, live and rare songs to download in MP3, plus reviews of lots of newer releases. I highly recommend downloading all the Handsome songs he posted a while back. A totally underrated band that was way ahead of its' time.

Lost Venues in Southern Ontario - WHOS EMMA

2006-02-01T12:22:00.000-05:00

At the intersection of Nassau and Augusta throughout the 90s was this little super crusty record store called WHOS EMMA. I didn’t like buying records there because there was a guy with a tusk through his septum working the cash. This store definitely had a very PC feel to it (you know … WHOS EMMA, if you don’t know who that is just google “emma”). Anyhow, my friends and I liked Integrity and that wasn’t cool apparently because dwid punched out some girl. But I heard she was trash and deserved it so what’s the big deal. So one thing was for sure, you could always find an Ignite release there and that was not a bad thing, until you went to an Ignite show and saw what a bunch of assholes those guys were. Fuck that band! At the back of WHOS EMMA there was this trap door which lead … TO A DUNGEON. Just kidding. It lead to the basement which was all cement and was totally dank and when bands played there it got so hot the paint came alive and got all over you.

The one thing that stands out most to me about WHOS EMMA as a venue for shows was that I hated watching bands but loved playing there. The best part was all you needed was 40 people to show up and the place was fucking packed. And as much as I say I hated going to shows there, I seem to remember some pretty memorable ones that came through. Definitely (although I wasn’t there) Trial playing to Gavel and Haliachuk must have been a great time. But off the top of my head, in this pretty much 10X18 (roughly?) space Shai Hulud, Ten Yard Fight, Time Flies, Ire, Dilligner Escape Plan, Botch, Day Of Mourning, A Death for Every Sin, Overcast, Skycamefalling, Twelve Tribes, Good Clean Fun, only to name a whole bunch. I’m sure I’m missing lots so lay them out in the comments.

So to sum it up: WHOS EMMA – great cuz it was pretty much free and you could put on a show any day of the week. Not so great because Lisa Lionleg would always try to sell you stale cookies or you’d have to listen to some crappy pc vinyl record when all I wanted was MY CALIFORNIA TAKEOVER CD FUUUUUCK! MORE SONGS WITH TONY VICTORY SINGING!

Toronto hipsters throwin' down!

2006-01-30T13:57:00.000-05:00

Thanks so much to everyone that came out to the show at Sneeky Dee's last Thursday, and special thanks to Chris, Eric, Cancer Bats, Fever Out! and Whore for a Heart. Even though Sparkie had been telling us for weeks it was going to be good, I was still skeptical. I was firmly under the belief that weeknight 19+ shows in Toronto sucked, but damn was I proved wrong! It might have started slow but those Toronto hipsters were really throwin' it down!
Jess Baumung sent us some pretty cool photos showcasing Sparkie's camo New Balance, and sweet Puma belt. Thanks Jess.

NEXT SHOW: This Thursday, Feb. 2nd in Hamilton, ON (that's right, first time back in the Steel!) at Sonic Unyon with Blessed by a Broken Heart, xLiferuinerx, Battlecat and Straight Reads the Line.

and the next show...

2006-01-12T08:43:00.000-05:00

Is our first Toronto show! January 26th at Sneeky Dee's (corner of College and Bathurst for the 905ers) with Cancer Bats, Fever Out and Whore for a Heart. We're pretty psyched for this show, Cancer Bats are amazing and the flyer is awesome. AND we'll have more free demos and a fresh batch of new shirts, so come on down.

This is how we rock it in the T dot

2006-01-12T08:21:00.000-05:00

Last sunday night (January 8th) we were lucky enough to be asked to come and play live on CIUT 89.5, the U of T college radio station. Stephe Perry who hosts the show is an old friend it was really awesome of him to want us to come in. Anybody that knows Stephe knows he's the real deal as far as Toronto hardcore goes, he's been actively involved in the scene for the last 20 years, probably longer. When I first got into hardcore in the 80's I had some songs from his band "One Blood" on a tape with DRI "Dealing with it" and SNFU "If you swear you'll catch no fish". So to me he'll always be a bit of a celebrity, and he's also one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet.

We played a live 6 song set (with a couple of new songs thrown in), and then did a marathon 53 minute interview and had a total blast. Thanks so much to Stephe and Stu (and Fred?) for everything, and to the kids that showed up! It was all recorded so we should have the entire set and interview pretty soon and we'll post the whole thing on the site ASAP.

Humanity Is The Devil

2006-01-10T11:18:00.000-05:00

I thought the old schoolers would enjoy this one. Here is a pic of The Spazman, Shawn Magill and the amazing frontman of Integrity, Dwid with his son in Cleveland circa 2000. There is no secret that Integrity is a big influence on me and this band.

Cheers

The Spazman

Lost Venues in Southern Ontario - CLASSIC STUDIOS

2006-01-08T16:50:00.000-05:00

Directly across from the loonie bin and one of the most dodgy places to see a show when you were 16/17 yrs old is none other than Toronto's CLASSIC STUDIOS. Being your typical suburban youths, we had never been in the vicinity of schizos or run down houses or anyone with 'shifty eyes' as you walked by them. This was the case when in 1995 we all lied to our parents saying we were going to the adjacent town but were in fact riding the train into the city so we could go see Chokehold. Nevermind we had no fucking clue where this place was or how exactly we were going to get there, it was all in the name of hardcore and straight edge!
How this venue held people, I have no idea. Going to see it now it looks like it could hold maybe 20 people, and maybe it did. The only other show there I can recall was New Day Rising, BlueTip (winnipeg) and Jihad. In fact I seem to remember being totally freaked out by the neighborhood moreso than the bands that played there. Talk about white, middle classed youth! At least our parents didn't come pick us up in their mini-vans.
So there it is. One of Southern Ontario's lost venues in the heart of downtown Toronto. I'm sure there were many more shows than I listed so feel free to list them in the comments section. Let's never forget the great shows and itchy vagrants who were associated with this classic venue! (GET IT? CLASSIC!?!? HAR HAR The Jokeman strikes again!)

Merry Christmas Danner and a Happy Spazman to ya!!

2006-01-01T19:26:00.000-05:00

So I hope everyone had a sweet ass holiday. I am currently unemployed so my holiday continues!! A lot has gone down since the last post. We have been working really hard on our full length. Songs are shaping up, but we are not rushing. We hope to have it out by summer 2006. I know that's a long time, but we want to make it sweet ass. We will announce sometime hopefully soon who will be putting out this fine product and I assure you it will not start with a V. In other news we will be performing live on air and being interviewed on CIUT in Toronto. So if you are in the local broadcast area tune in January 8th at 10:00 pm for a, hopefully kick ass performance and interview. In Rhino news we have won a game and tied a game since the last update so we are 1-13-1 now. Not bad. Unfortunately we lost 3 guys (including myself) for 2 game suspensions for throwing down (it was all the other teams fault, trust me). I think that is all for now. Come out to our show Jan. 26 at Sneaky Dees and say hello! We should have some new t-shirts by then and more free demos.

All Hail The Spazman.

Guelph Show - The Shadow

2005-12-17T12:03:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone for coming out to the first SOLD OUT To The Lions show. Guelph once again proved to be one of our favorite places to play time and time again. Hopefully we'll back again soon. Sorry we ran out of merch so fast but we'll have a bunch made up for our next show (Jan.26.06 - Toronto - Sneaky Dee's w/ Cancer Bats).

Guelph show this friday

2005-12-13T09:23:00.000-05:00

We've got a show coming up this friday Dec. 16th in Guelph, ON at Shadow. It's all ages and licensed if you wanna get your booze on. This is our first show in about 2 months and our first "headlining show", hahahaha. So we'll see if Spark can pull off a 45 minute set. We've got a couple of new songs to try out, and Guelph was always one of our favorite places to play in the past so we're pretty stoked for this show. Just ignore the "for fans of grade" thing on the flyer... we don't make these things.

Tothelions.ca

2005-12-10T16:55:00.000-05:00

Our new website was posted yesterday at tothelions.ca, so go take a look. It's a pretty basic site, since we haven't been around long and don't have much content yet. This blog is linked off the site and the demo mp3s will be permanently hosted there, and show dates and contact information, probably some photos and live video as soon as we can get some. If anybody has any show photos they can send us that would be awesome, you can just email me.
And leave comments here if you have any suggestions or find any problems with the site and I'll try and fix them with my limited web knowledge.

30

2005-12-07T21:55:00.000-05:00

Hi I just realised I am approaching 30 on Dec. 21st this year. I just want to let everyone know that Hardcore and Metal has never been so vital to me as it is now. I need it to live and it completes my life along with my wife. I have never looked forward to turning an age more. I think me and my fellow 30 plus bandmates can attest, don't be afraid of age. We are like fine wine, only getting stronger and better.

peace see you all soon

All hail The Spazman

PS Burlington Rhinos now 0-12

Done... moving on.

2005-12-05T13:28:00.000-05:00

Ok, we've had this demo recorded since September and for various reasons it wasn't finished until last week.We recorded it in our practice space with all our own gear, a firewire interface and Garageband running on a 12" Apple Powerbook. But the beauty of doing it yourself is you can take your time with it.

The process went like this:
Record it, mix it, burn a few copies for a show. Listen to it again, remix some songs, burn a few more copies for some shows. Listen to it some more, decide mastering would make it sound awesome, wait for mastering guy. Decide it still sucks, remix it again, master it yourself, burn some copies for ourselves and maybe just say enough is enough and make this the final version.

So, we're moving on. We've got three new songs finished already, and at least another three written and just need arranging and some lyrics. Sorry to anyone who got one of the earlier versions of these songs, you were our lab rats. But what the fuck are you complaining about it was free anyway you cheap bastards...

Here are the final versions mixed, remixed, remixed again and mastered. And you can download the individual songs or altogether as a handy zip file And if you're feeling really crafty there's a PDF file of the demo cover with lyrics.

To The Lions Demo.zip
Demo Cover

Ride the Apocalypse
Amnesia
Illumination of the Damned
Fallen
Chokehold
From Fear and Hate Sets Free

Strange ...

2005-12-01T12:38:00.000-05:00

It has just been pointed out to me that there is a very bizarre connection with the Jones family.

As mentioned in my previous post, I took over the duties of singing for Rob and Gordie's band "The Evil Cheese" (which turns out they were actually called Downfall but that's not a funny name at all wtf) - the singer who I took over from - ALEX JONES

THEN

About 3 months into Enter the Dragon our bass player quit and after an exhausting search for a replacement we found him - NICK JONES

THEN

10 years later after over five years without playing in a band I finally get the call to start something up from none other than - MATT JONES!!!

AND NOW I JUST LOOKED AT MY WATCH AND IT'S FROZEN AT 12:00:00 HOLY SHIT!!!

The Continued History of To The Lions - Part 1.5 of 3

2005-11-30T10:48:00.000-05:00

So where were we? Ah yes, Brad and Matt fighting in the basement of the Oak Tree Diner in 1995. I'm pretty sure at one point someone was stabbed with a pool cue, I'm not sure though, I was 16 at the time and high on lsd.

So 1995 was an important year for myself, Sparkie, Sparkles, Spanky, Spooky, Sparkler, XSPARKMARKERX, Sparkly Brown, Senior Montoya Sparklebons. This was the first year I was able to finally assemble a band to call my own. I single handedly recruited some younger kids from my high school who were in need of some direction and leadership in the ways of hardcore music. Enter the most infamous (although not yet) message board poster of all time, Gordie Ball, and Rob Blyth. When I met them they were in a band called "The Evil Cheese". Fucking shit. What a couple of fags. So I set them straight and told them they now have a new singer and their band is called "Enter the Dragon"!!!!
This was the best thing to ever happen to these guys and I'm glad I helped them out. If you never heard Enter the Dragon you obviously are stupid and ugly. I will post one of our biggest hits shortly that was called "Trampoline Girl" that had the sickest chorus of CHARRED, BLACK, DEATH!!!! Actually if anyone has the demo please email me I sold mine on ebay for $250. Anyways where was I? Oh right, Enter the Dragon was probably the biggest band in Southern Ontario in 1996. So big in fact we got kicked off Cleveland Fest that year because they were worried we'd bring too much trouble. That's right - CLEVELAND. So after about 8 months of totally tearing it up Gordie "Tears" Ball quit the band and we tried going on but our replacement guitarist was a christian and too fucking happy all the time it really pissed me off, so I was like fuck this I'm done. If you have the means to pick up an Enter the Dragon demo I highly recommend it, it is so choice.

Stay tuned for the next installment of the continued history of To The Lions where I will further discuss and show examples of myself wearing stupid necklaces, baggy pants and tshirts that were made for really fat people. As well I will explore Chris Danner's role in the Southern Ontario hardcore scene as the manager of Lick's and how he brought the truly vegetarian nature burger into existence.

The concept of a demo

2005-11-28T11:41:00.000-05:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about what this really means and how much it has changed since I first got into hardcore... in the late 80's. Demo tapes were pretty much the way of life for us back then and except for scanning maximum rock'n'roll for ads of bands we'd heard of and sending them $3 or $4 for a 7" (and waiting and hoping it showed up in the mail sometime that year). These demos were the most raw recordings imaginable, but I loved every one of them. There are demos of local (and Buffalo) bands I'm dying to get converted to mp3 so I can have them on my iPod. And that kind of brings me to my point right now.

In the modern world it's so easy for any kid with a computer to setup and record in their basement that mp3s on sites like Purevolume and Myspace have replaced demo tapes as the way to get yor music out there, and occasionally I'll see demo CDs out at shows. I think this is amazing, and I'm totally for embracing technology to grow and expand the scene.
My problem is with the commercialization and push for bands to explode onto the scene wth a slick product that's going to get them noticed and get them signed and millions. This means bands are spending hundreds and even thousands of dollars on recording a demo (EPK, Press Kit or whatever) that sounds better than every record I've ever put out in all my band incarnations!
I guess my real problem here is that my previous band straddled the line between hardcore and what is now mainstream pop music so I have seen both sides. I have and always will think of myself as a hardcore kid, and I will always have those ideals, but our scene has completely changed. There are still the diehard hardcore kids with some kind of DIY ethic, and that's really who I want to play for because that's where I feel at home, but regardless of what I want, the line between these scenes is really blurry and bands jump across all the time.

To me a demo is saying "here's some songs we wrote, we like them and we wanted to record them so we could listen to them, and share them with people we hope will also like them", NOT sending out a product that's going to launch my career of superstardom. I don't want to be a "rock god". I'm not ashamed to record something that's not perfect, or not finished or maybe we're not sure about. It's opening yourself up for criticism, and sometimes it hurts, but you are always going to get criticism no matter how slick or perfect you think that recording is. But if you're doing what you really love and you believe in it, you're going to find some percentage of people who have the same kind of passion as you and can see beyond a missed drum fill or something not being mechanically precise, to the heart of your music.
And what it comes down to is I'd rather share everything, flaws and all, than be scared about some kid on a message board who has no idea where I come from or what I'm all about. This isn't for him, it's for me and the people who really give a fuck.
I will continue to post songs, without regard for sound quality or artistic merit, just because that one comment that says "dude that new song is awesome" makes it all worthwhile.

0-10

2005-11-25T13:09:00.000-05:00

So I was reading Sparks post about the history of the band and the part where Jones yells "football jocks suck" or something of that respect and I started laughing. First off Jones is one of the better athletes I know and also the closest football jock clone I have ever met. Not a bad thing at all. The guy pulls in some pretty decent trim! Anyhow it brings me to my point today. When I was younger I was a hockey nut. I played in leagues every year from when I was 5 to 16. It was around the age of 16 that I figured out that hockey and metal music didn't mix. I was listening to the Misfits and Maiden and Celtic Frost and those bands would never dream of playing hockey. So I quit. For the next 12 years I would roam the world as a rock god. Drinking and smoking and whatever else. Killing my body to the point of no return. Now at the age of 28 I decided to step on the ice again. What happened? Well I fell back in love with the sport I should never have left. I felt at a young age that there was no way I could mix hardcore and hard hits. Well all those years of partying and rocking took its toll on my game and I realized I would never play in the shape I was in. So..........I quit smoking. I've been clean for over a year now. I rarely drink anymore (ha), and I'd like to think I'm healthy. Well I did all this purely for Hockey. So once again another positive plus for sports! So what does this all mean???? Well kids, don't ever think you have to put all your eggs in one basket. Love something for the fact of what it is, not for the stereotypes, not for anyone else but yourself.

PS my team the Burlington Rhinos is 0-10 for the season this year. We just can't win a game. However I'm out with my friends and family sharing some memories that will last forever. If your ever in Burlington on a Wednesday night stop by the Wave ice centre and check out a game. Music and sports...............it can mix.

Mosh
Brad

Revisionist history...

2005-11-24T13:30:00.000-05:00

Here's the real story of the Grade/Trunk controversy 'cause Sparky was too young to remember correctly.
During our set Kyle said something like "people who smoke are supporting racism because the tobacco companies target minorites with their advertising". Made sense at the time, 'cause I was straight-edge. Mike Fontaine (Fonz) from Trunk came up to the front of the stage and blew smoke in Kyle's face and gave him the finger. Kyle jumped in the crowd and they started to go at it. Jerry the bass player from Trunk (also my roomate last year) jumped in and I started giving him shit. But it was basically a Grade show, so they were outnumbered, and it ended with no punches thrown, just a few heated words.
Ty, the drummer from Trunk came up to me after the show and said "great set man, as always" and I left utterly confused. And of course we all now hang out together and smoke and drink and be racist.

A (not so) Short History of To The Lions - Part 1 of 3 - The 90s

2005-11-24T12:23:00.000-05:00

Will the 90s end up like the 80s? In ten years will kids be kicking massive raver pants, fat necklaces and oversized tshirts? All I know is 10 years ago I never would have thought girls would be wearing leg warmers again (and looking SO FIIIIIIIIINE MMM-MMMM-MMMMMM). So in order to be prepared I have refused to throw out, use as washcloth, or hand down any of my extra-large hardcore shirts. So my outspoken shirt goes halfway down to my knees (how did I ever wear this in the first place?!) - in 2012 I'll be the baddest old school (35 yr old) kid on the block!

So this fashion introduction is the backdrop to those in To The Lions, all of whom getting their start in the punk/hc scene in the early/mid 90s. I remember hearing GB and Bad Brains in the spring of '92 while visiting a friend in California. I'd like to say "that was it - I was hooked!" (because that is so original) and I remember really liking GB but still being a dirty chate and listening to Metallica and Slayer while sporting a jean jacket and hockey hair mullet (hmmm much like I do now - wow I'm really banking on this 90s resurgence). Anyone who is in the know, knows that in order to have any real cred in the 'scene' (at least this the case when you are 15) you must be in a band.

The first Lion to take it to the Southern Ontario hardcore scene was Matt Jones in his early snapcase rip-off band Facedown. Although they didn't have clever lyrics like "Land of the free - home of the Braaaaaave!" they did have TWO singers (so 90s). Shortly thereafter Facedown downsized to one singer but chose a new one altogether and thus SUN STILL BURNS was formed! These guys put out 2 badass demos that perhaps Matt would put on the site for everyone's listening pleasure. Now at this point in time there was a band from Burlington called INCISION. These guys fucking ruled. They sounded like Integrity and won supernova battle of the bands all over the place. Around 1994 both of these bands called it a day - or Incision reformed with Matt Jones on bass guitar under the new and improved moniker GRADE (yes THE grade). During this time, although I was not directly influenced or totally aware of this at the time, Brad Lion was punking out with his floppy-hawk in TRUNK. All I remember was these guys had a music video which was kinda a big deal back then. I also specifically remember a show in Oakville where both Grade and Trunk played together. The dudes in Trunk seemed to be chain-smoking drunks and looked like a surly bunch as a whole. At some point while Grade was setting up some sort of commotion began between Trunk and Grade climaxing with Matt Jones shouting out "GO BACK TO THE FOOTBALL FIELD YOU JOCKS!" - Hardcore 1 - Punks 0!!! He may have in fact been yelling right at Brad at that point - we will never now.

KILLSWITCH DVD

2005-11-23T10:36:00.000-05:00

I just picked up the new Killswitch live DVD. It is of course no surprise that it is a mind blowing live DVD. However the real gem is this cool documentary on it that goes through the origins of the band by people in and around the Mass. scene and how they all played with each other at one time or the other. It really reminded me of the Ontario scene back in the day. How everyone played with everyone and how we were so incestuous. Very cool stuff worth picking up. Great metal band playing great metal music!!

Mosh
Brad

Buried treasure

2005-11-22T21:32:00.000-05:00

In the process of cleaning up my basement I found a CD called "Grade Demo's '99". I have seen this Cd on my shelf for years and for some reason thought it was backup of songs I demo'd in ProTools for Headfirst. Still I wanted to listen to them 'cause I'm sure my demos sounded better than the horrible mix on that CD. I was honestly shocked to realize it was 6 demo songs we recorded before the Under the Radar recording sessions. I don't actually hate any of our records, but there are lots of things I don't like about them. On UTR it's the guitar sound. Where it should sound heavy and full, it sounds like Greg's playing in a tincan. The guitar's on these demo's really sound 100 times better. Way more raw and powerful. The songs themselves are a litle rough sounding and there were a few parts I'd completely forgotten about that we eventually changed on the album versions, but overall I like these songs again... a lot.

The Inefficiency of Emotion
Triumph and Tragedy
The Worst Lies Are Told in Silence
The Tension Between Stillness and Motion
When Something Goes To Your Head

Cletus, cut the umbrellical...

2005-11-21T01:14:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the Lions Den! When we started this band we decided that a Myspace page was something that we would never do because the Teenbeat Emo Pop scene completely disgusts us all, and through no fault of their's Myspace has become the Mecca of that scene. BUT there a couple of things we do really like... hardcore, and free shit. I've been reading a good friend's blog for a couple of years now and realized this was a great idea for us to voice our opinions, keep people uptodate on the band and give away free shit. So we'll try our best to post news, upcoming shows and free songs and whatever else here as much as possible.

Matt out.