exploremusic

Here we go with blog number two.

By now everyone and their mother has heard of the strange success story of Anvil, and their documentary film “Anvil: The Story of Anvil!” A Toronto metal band, while highly revered, never made it to the level of the bands that were influenced by them. With the doc it seems that Anvil are finally getting a taste of success they’ve been pining for. But there’s another Toronto metal act that’s been slogging away for years in the underground trying to regain their rightful place on the metal throne.

In 1984 a band only known as “Piledriver” (led by the eponymous, BDSM leather-clad frontman) appeared with a fun, thrashy album that would become a classic in the metal underground. It was called “Metal Inquisition” and the title track specifically stated what was going to happen to you if you weren’t a metal-head.

The album apparently sold about half-a-million copies around the world. Piledriver released one more album, “Stay Ugly” in 1986 before inexplicably disappearing.

Cut to 2005 and Piledriver re-emerges. Piledriver the man, real name Gord Kirchin, revealed that the original incarnation of the band was really just a studio creation. In the time since the release of the first two albums Kirchin had formed a couple different projects, but with the rise of the internet, he discovered that there were still metal fans around the world who were carrying a torch for the mighty Pile.

The road back hasn’t been an easy one. With a new lineup Kirchin released an album in 2006 entitled “Metal Manifesto” under the moniker of “The Exalted Piledriver” (for legal reasons). For a variety of reasons the new album and the new lineup imploded along with a planned European tour. At this point Kirchin suspended all Pile activities, having understandably lost a little faith in whole band process. But in perfect movie fashion, before he could hang up his leather and spikes he was rescued with a fantastic new lineup and a rescheduled performance this summer at the Headbanger’s Open Air in Germany.

Like Anvil, Piledriver has had trouble finding an audience at home. But unlike Anvil, they still draw legions of rabid fans in Europe. Check out this clip from Headbanger’s Open Air.

Kirchin now calls Montreal home, but is returning to Toronto for a 19+ show tomorrow night, Saturday November 28th at the Velvet Underground. The doors open at 7PM and it’s a measly $10 (get there early ‘cause it’s all over at 11:30). Head on over to see an underground metal legend in action, before Pile inevitably ends up on the big screen.

For lots more info check out the official site, and head over to their MySpace so you can crank a few tracks from “Metal Manifesto.”

That’s all for now. If you like heavy music or just want a laugh check out the podcast I produce:
The Governor’s Ball: The “Mighty” Metal and Comedy Show. 

Andrew, the intern