In Ottawa, Ontario, 2006, a group of friends decided to try their hand at the long sought dream of a prolonged musical career, in the form of a thrash metal band named AGGRESSOR! Brian Stephenson (vocals/guitar) and Chris Stephenson (drums) set out to find a solid lineup in the sleepy suburbs of Ottawa. The search was deemed completed within the first six months, with a steady lineup that consisted of the Stephenson brothers, Adam Pell (guitar), and Max Gingras (bass guitar). Combinations of influences were gathered amongst the members, including various death metal and power metal touches. Bands like Slayer, Pantera, Megadeth, and Exodus were, and still are, present at all times within the writings, and are here to stay. The different influences prompted a slight change in the original sound. The newfound members added their twists and turns to the already catchy and strong songs of the original incarnation of AGGRESSOR!
After a long time spent honing their musical abilities, the members of AGGRESSOR decided to venture out of the basement and on to the stage. After several warmly received hometown shows, AGGRESSOR became determined to record some of their recently perfected sonic jams. After scraping together enough money to fund the recording, AGGRESSOR stepped into Addictive Sound Studios to lay down the tracks for their first EP, entitled Pure Canadian Aggression. The EP, entirely engineered by Dean Hadjichristou, displayed the members' growing interests in pounding rhythms and complex fretwork.
After receiving some positive feedback, AGGRESSOR had collectively realized that the only way left to move was forward. The band, more determined than ever, set out to conquer the world, one city at a time. After many long trips, through good gigs and bad, the band had earned the respect of metalheads from all across Ontario and Quebec. Thanks to bands like Dismember, Cauldron, and Anvil, the crowds grew in size, and thrashers began to take notice. In 2007 guitarist/singer Brian Stephenson was invited to join, on bass guitar, with Canadian legends Annihilator (SPV Records) in support of their new album METAL, followed by an extensive period with North Carolina band Sanctity (Roadrunner Records). In August 2009, drummer Chris Stephenson joined up with Earache Record Artists, Cauldron, in support of their debut album Chained To The Nite. These major tours throughout Europe, the UK and North America showcased the talent that sprung from the young members of AGGRESSOR.
However, the amount of time spent on the road did not interfere with the creativity of AGGRESSOR, for within one year of P.C.A's release the band was back to record their first full-length album with Dean at Addictive Sound Studios. The mixing and mastering was to be completed by new friend and metal warrior Antoine Baril from Quebec City. Although expectations from even the band members themselves were climbing higher than ever before, AGGRESSOR had become more comfortable in the studio. As a result, the youthful energy captured in the performances combined with the clarity and precision of Antoine's powerful mix not only left the songs with more room to breathe, it allowed each member to showcase their growing musical control while maintaining the same powerful hooks that dominated the first release.
Rape the Willing, AGGRESSOR's first full-length album, can currently be obtained through local independent merchants. Additionally, the record is easily attainable through such Internet sources as Rhapsody, Itunes and CDBaby. With a new record under their belts, AGGRESSOR is looking to take Heavy Metal as far as it will go, one headbanging adventure at a time.
My Dear AGGRESSOR, I want you to know that your music and your songs are my passion. I am addicted to AGGRESSOR. There is something that pulls me towards them. Keep it up AGGRESSOR. Do PS:Follow Me Twitter at http://twitter.com/iaent
Thanks to in larger the support of our Myspace Friends in helping get the word out, Feed the Homelesss 5 was a huge success!
A near record crowd enjoyed amazing sets by Jill Zmud, Huntley Slim, and Arms of the Girl .
There was a well attended fun after party with Legendary Zaphod's DJ's Kerri and Arun... Cody Doby Much of Music VJ Contest fame, did a brillant job as MC.
Hey Chris, Glad the Cauldron tour is going good!! Hey dude, got a question? Wanna Buy 2 not 1 but TWO Sabian Cymbals for $100 bucks? One is a AA 12" Sabian China used once and the other is a Hand Hammered Duo Splash 10" Sabian, hardly used as well.
Hey Aggressor, just wanted to pop in and see how you monsters are doing? We hope Chris is doing well on the Cauldron Tour which is pretty wicked he got to go. We hope that you find a new bass player soon and sometime in the future we can organize a show together. In the mean time keep your horns high and stay true to yourselves.
Hey lads, I was chatting with Adam the other day, and I'd just like to say best wishes with the new album, it sounds like it's off to a powerhouse start. Rip 'em a new one ..m/
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