Hard work, determination, focus and a relentless passion for music are what define the Art of Dying. The Vancouver based five-piece rock act has already established a dedicated fan base, toured relentlessly and is now setting its sights on the global market.
The band first entered the music scene in 2005, when Jonny Hetherington (vocals) and Greg Bradley (guitar), formerly of Sunlikestar, stepped into the studio with producer Darryl Rhompf (Trapt, Chevelle). With the help of Rhompf, the band took their creative energies into a new direction.
The studio sessions drew upon a wide range of exciting musical influences while keeping their sonic approach heavy, straightforward and ready for mass audience appeal. The
self-titled debut album was mixed by industry heavy-hitters Dean Maher (Slayer, Bryan Adams, Trapt) and Mike Fraser (AC/DC, Aerosmith, Hedley).
Outside of the core members of Jonny and Greg, Art Of Dying has always had a cast of revolving players. In 2008, an exciting line up has formed that includes Tavis Stanley (guitar) and Cale Gontier (bass) from legendary Canadian rock outfit Thornley, and Jeff Brown (drums).
In 2006, Art of Dying joined South African rockers Seether on their UK tour and a tight bond was formed. Earlier this year, with the birth of a new song, “Die Trying”, Jonny and Greg asked Shaun Morgan, lead singer for Seether, to be featured on the track and they didn’t need to ask twice. Together they recorded the duet and early industry response has been beyond the band’s wildest expectations. Respected radio veteran Derm Carnduff (Progarm Director of Y108, Hamilton)-, calls it a "home-run grand slam that will take this band to the next level". The song will be used on a future release.
The resulting songs on the self titled debut album is music that unites fans by addressing issues of loss, love, and self-examination, while trying to make sense of the world. A mix of powerful vocals, tight guitar and hard rock beats, it is a sound that hits you hard. The standout single “Get Through This” is one for the rock-lovers, a darkly charged anthem, while “I Will Be There” showcases the bands softer side.
Since recording the album, Art Of Dying has torn up stages all over the UK, Canada and the United States. They have rocked with some of the world’s biggest artists, including Tool, Deftones, My Chemical Romance, Staind, Our Lady Peace, Hinder, Papa Roach and AFI. Art Of Dying was the main support act for Seether on their 2006 UK tour and for Saliva on their 2007 Canadian Tour. In 2008, Dan Donegan, guitarist for hard rockers Disturbed and personal fan of the band, came knocking at their door. The band was invited to join Disturbed on their 2008 US Tour, and they haven’t looked back since. “Dan was a fan of the band and mentioned that the only way he could see us live was to have us join them on the Disturbed tour! Of course we were psyched at such an amazing opportunity and it has been a great ride”, exclaims Jonny.
So what is the ‘art of dying’?
It’s how you live your life, how you embrace it, and what you do with your life while you're here. It’s your life to live, and that's exactly what Art of Dying is doing.
PRESS
In January 2007 Classic Rock Magazine hand picked Art of Dying as one of the Top 15 Bands To Watch worldwide and added the single “Completely” to their “Bands You Need to Hear” Compilation CD after claiming: “Art of Dying Delivered a storming set at Download”.
Hailed by Kerrang! Magazine, as “Heavy Crowd Pleasers”, other reviews are starting to roll in:
“Art of Dying…sound massive, channeling the spirit of Vedder”
(Leeds Music Scene)
“A stunning self titled debut… leaves you instantly hooked” (Black Velvet)
“AOD does everything right to not be lost in the jungle of average music” (Melodic.net)
“Art of Dying unleash post-grunge grooves with class” (Download 2006)
"Art Of Dying is the best independent rock band in Canada"
(Todd Hancock, CFOX Vancouver)
"Epic post-grunge sound" (Classic Rock Magazine, UK)
“Their riveting sound is ingenious, nested, and catchy.” (indieSolo)
“Moving Listening” (Metal Hammer Magazine)
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