Burning The Day

Style: Metalcore. The singer was wearing an Asking Alexandria t-shirt

Crowd: The crowd was excited to see last year’s Indie Week winners Burning The Day. It was curious to see what new tricks the guys have picked up while touring Ireland. And the audience wasn’t disappointed. The Hideout was shaking.

Sex appeal: Burning The Day look more mature than most metalcore bands and that definitely gives them more credibility. Most of the guys actually look like they live and breathe metal. They are not just following a fad.

Memorable Moment: Overall, it was a pretty standard metalcore set, with lots of breakdowns and an obnoxious vocalist. However, the guitar work on some songs really grabbed my attention, because of well-constructed solos.

Comments: Generally, not a fan of the genre, I found myself banging along at some point. So, Burning The Day must be doing something right.

indie week 2013 indie week - The Scene Magazine

Burning The Day have been killing it lately! They’ve release some new tracks and been playing some pretty rad shows. The Heavy Press’ Jeanette LeBlanc had the chance to meet up with the guys at The Cadillac Lounge in Toronto to muck some burgs and chat about what’s new! - The Heavy Press

Thursday, September 5th,2013

Arriving to Lee’s Palace brought some serious winds of change and new things, both metaphorically and literally. Initially the fact that I had not attended a show at Lee’s Palace, and furthermore the element that there was a definite chill in the air that almost seemed to swallow Toronto and Southern Ontario overnight, dare I say bidding farewell to the summer.. Nonetheless onto one of the best ways to spend a Thursday night in Toronto!

The first of the three bands to play, A Sin For A Prayer, took the stage at Lee’s to an unfortunately meager initial audience attendance. Nevertheless these guys definitely made the best of it. A strong sounding four- piece band out of Mississauga, Ontario who know how to bring the metal. They launched this Thursday into overdrive with huge leads, chugging open riffing and driving drums. They brought many interesting elements to their performance with song composition that included contrasting interludes with droning guitar notes, ambient and dynamic bass lines, as well as ample dueling guitar shredding.

Second to perform, hailing from Montreal, Quebec, was Jagermeister metal titans, Endast. Whenever these fine gentlemen come into town, whether it be a known venue or a basement show, they unfailingly leave brains frayed from the awesome metal beating inflicted. Opening with an explosion of massive sound, Endast did not waste any time getting into their own channel. The resonance of vocalist Big James Arsenian’s growl brought any wandering ears and eyes immediately to attention. Endast drummer Blair Youngblut is always right on point and in the pocket with pulverizing rhythm. They had awesome stage energy, with an outward evident chemistry between band mates. Endast’s guiarists have an exceptional tone combined between the two of them (Chris Arsenian, and Pepe Poliquin) that could be blamed on the pair of Godin guitars- Pepe by the way, brings killer dive bombs. Hard. Endast packed their set with songs both old and new, encompassing soaring interludes, remorseless dense riffing, and persistent open chugging that you cannot help but bang your head to. Yours truly cannot resist from mentioning how virtuous of Big James it is to always leave the audience with something to reflect on during or after their performances, this time addressing the loss of excitement from audiences to bands coming through Toronto due to the fact there is always touring bands stopping in Toronto, and to not lose that spark, nor take such great performances for granted.

Last but most definitely not least to gear up and take the stage was the headliner of the night, Burning the Day. With roots in Toronto this was a self-declared “Welcome Home” show for the band, a noticeably strong following was in attendance to support, filling up the venue a great deal. Immediate impression of these guys; incredibly tight, and heavy in all the right places (if you know what I mean). Drummer Steve Mitchell has an astounding drum sound with a kick drum that has obviously been refined to perfection, continuously keeping feet and heads moving. Guitarists Matt Metcalfe and Maxim Shelkov have an indisputable harmony performing together with seamless transitions, dueling riffage and overlaying melodic grooves. Burning The Day brings vocal range in abundance, with extraordinary clean and screaming vocals out of front man Cesar Silva, as well as first rate stage banter, continuously praising fans for their continued support and for allowing them to keep doing what they love to do, perform. This was a very sincere expression of modesty from him. On a more metal note, these guys brought some tremendous technical playing to the stage at Lee’s with absolutely stomach shredding breakdowns, infectious leads, and some unreal tapping riffs. Burning The Day certainly got the crowd moving not leaving a head steady. They encouraged the crowd to party like it was a Friday, even though it was a “school night” as their vocalist declared it, and their performance as a band incontestably made everyone forget they had work the following day, and just to let loose and have a great time. Once their scheduled set had ended they briefly seemed to be leaving before an audience chant for just one more song inspired an encore song which brought a Killswitch-esque chorus, and plenty of head banging.

Overall a more than satisfying show, and outstanding performances were to be had Thursday night at Lee’s Palace and The Heavy Press could not have been happier to be there!

Words By: Scott Cruickshank - The Heavy Press

Formed in 2004 with a desire to create a metal band, Burning The Day have gone through their fair share of ups and downs, but are now back and ready to take on the world. With a tour across Europe going on now, and dates in Canada and the US with If Looks Could Kill lined up for the rest of the year, the band are now at a point where they’re ready, primed, and good to go. With their new album Metamorphosis out there and being lapped up by the punters, we figured it was only right we check out what was on offer from the Canadian metal unit, so settled back, prepared ourselves and hit play.

Kicking off with F Your Cancer we’re launched straight into a roaring melee of hammering guitars, rolling drums and screaming vocals, immediately grabbing the listener by the throat and throwing them into a pit of all out destruction. Raw and powerful from the word go, the sense of distortion that flows through this track is intense, powerful and unforgiving, the sort of thing that’s sure to ignite pits on the live scene across the venue. Despite the raw power that’s unleashed throughout this track, there’s also a serious sense of melody deep within, from the hooky chorus section through to the insane guitar licks which we’re presented with – this is a band who seriously understand what they’re doing. Victorious continues this approach perfectly, kicking straight in from the closing moments of the previous track and continuing the in your face rampage that the band seem so intent on unleashing. Raw yet intricate from the opening seconds, this track continues to push the boundaries of all out power, combining their intricate ability with an unrelenting sense of distorted aggression, continuing the record in style.

Moving onto the deep and powerful tones of With Change Comes Hope, the band continue the showcase of ability, once again pushing the boundaries of what you’d expect to hear on a record like this and demonstrating just how able these guys really are. Massively powerful from the word go, the soaring guitar lines crash head on with bass heavy rhythms before unleashing another almighty chorus, packed with hooks – this is quite simply a ‘how to’ of the metal world. Managing to keep the sense of accessibility rolling throughout the track, the power hammers the message home whilst the catchy moments hook you in, definitely a stand out track. Shifting their style for High And Mighty we’re tossed into an almost nu-metal style opening, sounding akin to an almost Spineshank style opening, before unleashing hell once more. Moving away from the nu-metal comparisons almost as quickly as they began, the distorted guitar work soon takes the lead, matching the guttural vocals with aplomb and presenting us with a track packed with distortion – no pissing about – just power. It’s moments like this track which make a record, showing where the band have come from, where their love lays, and what to expect from them on the live scene.

Presenting us with yet another side for Undone the tone shifts once again, and the faded intro moments of the track signal the beginning of another onslaught. Packed with melody from the word go, this track is by far the most accessible on the record, not moving too far towards the softer side, but allowing enough to creep in to make sure you can connect with what you hear. Standing out as having some serious single potential, this is the sort of track that’s going to get new fans on board, remind old fans why they started listening to the band, and satisfy all who hear it. It’s only then left to Blood, Sweat and Tears to close things off, finishing with one final display of ability from the band, and a closing moment that’s sure to leave you chomping at the bit for more. Finishing on a track that reaches almighty heights through soaring vocal lines, and hammers home the message with the bass heavy rhythms of the track, things finish as they began – sounding damned good indeed!

When Jon first sent through the album from Burning The Day I was gutted – not because of what I heard, but because something had gone wrong on the press and I was only sent one track….but luckily this was soon rectified and I got to hear the whole whack – and damn I’m glad I did. This is a record that from start to finish is going to detach you from the world and send you to a better place, a place where you can feel the music, see the power, and understand that this is all that matters whilst you’re listening. Definitely a band to get on and check out whilst they’re over here.

To find out more about Burning The Day, check out their Facebook page HERE.

Words: Dave Nicholls
- Loud-Stuff.com

Competitions, of any sort, occupy the minds of thousands with guesses about outcomes. It is the rush of getting it right and jumping on the right track that makes us bet, even if it is hypothetical betting for interest. Following and betting on sport tournaments or political elections while covering them was something well known to Hunter S. Thompson and he described in his writings. I felt like paying homage and decided to cover and bet on a music competition. In my case, betting on the Indie Week outcome meant picking one band and following them until the end.

Toronto based heavy metal band Burning the Day happen to be among my circle of friends so when I discovered they were part of the Indie Week, my choice was made. Knowing members on a personal level allowed me to better understand their approach towards the competition.

The band, formed in 2005, was altered after original vocalist Chris Gillespie, lead guitarist Braden Hoey, and bass player Mike Cohen left the band in 2010. Nevertheless, with new members in place, the band was back on the map very quick. Though every member has a unique personal and musical background; they manage to stream all of their energies in one direction, delivering a passionate message that is a scream of a soul for a lot of their fans.

All of their shows have raw energy and a destructive vibe. The band is very synchronized and mechanical at times, but if you look closer you really the guys are actually going crazy with their instruments, consumed in their own worlds and moments. However, their sound does not suffer from that, as anybody who has tried playing clean and tight while head banging from full height to the floor can appreciate their act. I attended some of their shows specifically without my camera just to join their madness and the chaos they were raising at the Rivoli and Velvet Underground venues in Toronto. Pulse raising and heart pounding rhythm section: Matt Metcalfe (Rhythm Guitar), Dmitri Skribans (Bass Guitar), and Steve Mitchell (Drums) lay out a perfect wall of sound to be complimented by versatile and melodic solo parts of Maxim Shelkov and raging vocals of Cesar Silva.

Throughout Indie Week, Burning the Day steadily climbed the ladder, winning each round and getting closer to the finals. It’s a tough competition with bands from all over the world and of various genres competing, which made Burning the Day members anxious, but ultimately hungrier and more concentrated. Being the heaviest band performing at Indie Week, the band stood out and added contrast to the variety of performers. And it was noticed when the band was selected for the final round of competition.
Any band can create and develop a well crafted stage presence with the assistance of custom equipment and lighting, as it is inevitable those things will receive extra attention. However, programmable LED lights and custom cabinets for heads were not allowed on the Tattoo Rock Parlor stage for the final performance, so Burning the Day had to do away with that aspect of their show. Some fans felt like that was going to hurt the band’s chances while others saw it as a great opportunity for the guys to show their raw talent.

They opened with “Buried Beneath”, instantly grabbing the crowd’s attention with the speed and the rhythm of their style. By the time they blasted “Fucked up Shit, the crowd was head banging and moving together with the band. It was impressive to witness the audience rocking as hard as the band on stage. Yet despite all the heaviness and anger, their music was also melodic, avoiding repetitive guitar chugging and pounding drums.

After the show, members settled into the venue to observe the rest of the bands scheduled to play, growing more anxious as the performances drew to a close. But at the end of the day, their nervousness wasn’t necessary when judges announced Burning the Day as the clear winner. The fans pushed toward the band to form a circle of hugging and cheering, and shortly after the band members returned to the stage to accept their accolades. Their prize package includes a trip to Ireland, a show in Dublin, and equipment from Shure, which are great rewards and a potential carrier booster for the band.

Seeing the appreciation and the recognition for their music, the band was glowing with hope and bright future dreams. The excitement and the thrill of the victory turned into a big party that carried into the night, with one phrase that hung in the air repeatedly: “Today is a great day for metal!” - Lithium Magazine

Competitions, of any sort, occupy the minds of thousands with guesses about outcomes. It is the rush of getting it right and jumping on the right track that makes us bet, even if it is hypothetical betting for interest. Following and betting on sport tournaments or political elections while covering them was something well known to Hunter S. Thompson and he described in his writings. I felt like paying homage and decided to cover and bet on a music competition. In my case, betting on the Indie Week outcome meant picking one band and following them until the end.

Toronto based heavy metal band Burning the Day happen to be among my circle of friends so when I discovered they were part of the Indie Week, my choice was made. Knowing members on a personal level allowed me to better understand their approach towards the competition.

The band, formed in 2005, was altered after original vocalist Chris Gillespie, lead guitarist Braden Hoey, and bass player Mike Cohen left the band in 2010. Nevertheless, with new members in place, the band was back on the map very quick. Though every member has a unique personal and musical background; they manage to stream all of their energies in one direction, delivering a passionate message that is a scream of a soul for a lot of their fans.

All of their shows have raw energy and a destructive vibe. The band is very synchronized and mechanical at times, but if you look closer you really the guys are actually going crazy with their instruments, consumed in their own worlds and moments. However, their sound does not suffer from that, as anybody who has tried playing clean and tight while head banging from full height to the floor can appreciate their act. I attended some of their shows specifically without my camera just to join their madness and the chaos they were raising at the Rivoli and Velvet Underground venues in Toronto. Pulse raising and heart pounding rhythm section: Matt Metcalfe (Rhythm Guitar), Dmitri Skribans (Bass Guitar), and Steve Mitchell (Drums) lay out a perfect wall of sound to be complimented by versatile and melodic solo parts of Maxim Shelkov and raging vocals of Cesar Silva.

Throughout Indie Week, Burning the Day steadily climbed the ladder, winning each round and getting closer to the finals. It’s a tough competition with bands from all over the world and of various genres competing, which made Burning the Day members anxious, but ultimately hungrier and more concentrated. Being the heaviest band performing at Indie Week, the band stood out and added contrast to the variety of performers. And it was noticed when the band was selected for the final round of competition.
Any band can create and develop a well crafted stage presence with the assistance of custom equipment and lighting, as it is inevitable those things will receive extra attention. However, programmable LED lights and custom cabinets for heads were not allowed on the Tattoo Rock Parlor stage for the final performance, so Burning the Day had to do away with that aspect of their show. Some fans felt like that was going to hurt the band’s chances while others saw it as a great opportunity for the guys to show their raw talent.

They opened with “Buried Beneath”, instantly grabbing the crowd’s attention with the speed and the rhythm of their style. By the time they blasted “Fucked up Shit, the crowd was head banging and moving together with the band. It was impressive to witness the audience rocking as hard as the band on stage. Yet despite all the heaviness and anger, their music was also melodic, avoiding repetitive guitar chugging and pounding drums.

After the show, members settled into the venue to observe the rest of the bands scheduled to play, growing more anxious as the performances drew to a close. But at the end of the day, their nervousness wasn’t necessary when judges announced Burning the Day as the clear winner. The fans pushed toward the band to form a circle of hugging and cheering, and shortly after the band members returned to the stage to accept their accolades. Their prize package includes a trip to Ireland, a show in Dublin, and equipment from Shure, which are great rewards and a potential carrier booster for the band.

Seeing the appreciation and the recognition for their music, the band was glowing with hope and bright future dreams. The excitement and the thrill of the victory turned into a big party that carried into the night, with one phrase that hung in the air repeatedly: “Today is a great day for metal!” - Lithium Magazine

Burning the day win indie week canada 2012 here are the scores! - The Scene Magazine

BTD get's reviewed for as band of the week for indie music week - Toronto Music Scene

Lithium Magazine talk aboutt BTD's indie week win! - Lithium Magazine