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Draft:Children of Metal (band)

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Children of Metal is a Canadian heavy metal band from North Bay, Ontario which formed in 2022. They write by blending '80s metal with a modern edge. The band was heavily influenced by legendary acts like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Metallica, and Black Sabbath. Combining classic metal aesthetics with contemporary touches.

Formation and Origins

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The idea for Children of Metal was conceived in March 2020 when founding member Bryan Elsey was stranded on a beach in Cuba during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Facing global uncertainty, Elsey reflected on how to spend his time once he returned home. Inspired by the dark times and metal's cathartic power, he decided to write a heavy metal album..[1]This decision ultimately led to the creation of the band’s debut album, Resurrection[2].

In March 2021, Elsey began writing Resurrection. Recording commenced in May 2021, with each part recorded separately. Eric Luckett, Neil Malcolm, and Simon Gagne handled guitars, Elsey took on bass and vocals, Mason Ladoceur played keyboards, and Ryan Walsh was on drums. The band members were unfamiliar with each other, and much of the production was done remotely, with Elsey overseeing the entire process. The recording concluded in October 2022, and noted mix engineer Ben Leggett handled the final mix. However, due to COVID-related delays in sourcing vinyl pellets, the album’s pressing was delayed by six months.

Albums and Releases

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Resurrection was officially released  March 1 2023 on vinyl, paying homage to metal’s roots. This eight song album titled was meant to revive and pay respect to some of the 80s heavy metal music the band all grew up listening[3], especially Ozzy Osbourne. After the album’s release, the live band lineup was formed, featuring Bryan Elsey on vocals, Scott Aultman on bass, Eric Luckett on guitar, Mason Ladoceur on keyboards, and Ryan Walsh on drums.[4] Rehearsals marked the first time all band members met in person, with a three-month period dedicated to learning and refining the live set.

Children of Metal's first-ever live performance took place as headliners on April1, 2023[5], in front of an audience of 600, thought to be an amazing turnout for their local market. Following this performance, Neil Malcolm amicably left the band to pursue other interests, and he was replaced by 16-year-old guitar Hunter Trudell. The band’s growing popularity earned them a spot sharing the stage with Canadian legends Trooper at Mattawa Voyageur Days in August 2023[6], where their performance was well received.

In July 2023, Elsey began writing the band’s second album[7], Ascension to Chaos, with contributions from all band members. Recording took place between September and December 2023. The mix was once again handled by Ben Leggett and the album was released in April 2024.[8]

Vinyl Comeback and Challenges

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The band made a deliberate choice to release their albums on vinyl, a format that they believe captures the essence of metal’s heyday. However, COVID-related delays in vinyl production caused a six-month delay in pressing their debut album Resurrection. Despite the setbacks, Resurrection was met with critical acclaim and strong sales.[9]

Musical Style and Influences

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Children of Metal’s sound is deeply rooted in the classic metal traditions of the 1980s, influenced by bands such as Black Sabbath, Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Anthrax. Known for their melodic hooks, soaring vocals, and powerful guitar riffs, Children of Metal blends a nostalgic '80s metal feel with a modern edge.[10] Their stage presence and epic visuals aim to serve as a reminder of the era of metal’s golden age while delivering something fresh for contemporary audiences.

Live Performances

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Children of Metal quickly made a name for themselves with high-energy performances and dynamic live shows. Their debut concert in North Bay in June 2023 drew a crowd of 600 people.

Their performance at Mattawa Voyageur Days alongside Trooper in August 2023[11] was a major highlight for the band, further cementing their reputation as an exciting rising force in the Canadian metal scene. During their 2024 performances, the band expanded their live sound by adding backup singers Brittany Whalley and Amber Blackwell, enriching the vocal dynamics of their live shows.

After releasing Ascension to Chaos the band continued to build momentum, with their next major concert in June 2024 drawing a crowd of 700 people in North Bay[12]

Support for Local Youth

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Children of Metal has been a major supporter of local youth, consistently giving away guitars to young fans at every show. Additionally, the band provides opportunities for high school bands to open for them at their major shows, offering an invaluable platform for emerging local talent.

Legacy and Future

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Children of Metal original plan was to release a trilogy of albums and perform three major headlining shows before potentially disbanding.

Discography

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  • Resurrection (2023)
  • Ascension to Chaos (2024)

Current Members[13]

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  • Bryan Elsey – Vocals
  • Eric Luckett – Guitar
  • Hunter Trudell – Guitar
  • Mason Ladoceur – Keyboards
  • Scott Aultman – Bass
  • Ryan Walsh – Drums
  • Backup Singers: Brittany Whalley, Amber Blackwell

Past Members

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  • Neil Malcolm – Guitar
  • Simon Gagne – Guitar

References

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  1. ^ "Local band wants to ride the vinyl wave. Releases its own disc". BayToday.ca. 2023-01-24. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  2. ^ "Resurrection". YouTube. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  3. ^ "North Bay metal band prepares for their first show". Northern Ontario. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  4. ^ "'It's a big debut': North Bay metal band records first album, gearing up to jam at the Capitol Centre". Northern Ontario. 2023-02-05. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  5. ^ Centre, Captiol. "Children of Metal | Capitol Centre". capitolcentre.org. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  6. ^ "Mattawa ready to rock the town with annual Voyageur Days festival". Northern Ontario. 2023-07-29. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  7. ^ "Local band about to drop second album". BayToday.ca. 2024-02-01. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  8. ^ "Local band about to drop second album". BayToday.ca. 2024-02-01. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  9. ^ "'It's a big debut': North Bay metal band records first album, gearing up to jam at the Capitol Centre". Northern Ontario. 2023-02-05. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  10. ^ "CHILDREN OF METAL transmite seu segundo álbum". Arrepio Produções (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  11. ^ BayToday.ca, David Briggs, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter (2023-07-19). "Mattawa is ready for an epic Voyageur Days". Penticton Herald. Retrieved 2024-10-24.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ Centre, Captiol. "Children of Metal 2024 | Capitol Centre". capitolcentre.org. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
  13. ^ "Children of Metal - Encyclopaedia Metallum: The Metal Archives". www.metal-archives.com. Retrieved 2024-10-24.
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