Counterparts (band)

Counterparts are a Canadian melodic hardcore band formed in 2007 in Hamilton, Ontario, which currently consists of vocalist Brendan Murphy, guitarists Tyler Williams and Jesse Doreen, and drummer Kyle Brownlee. Their two most recent albums, released through Pure Noise Records, have received critical acclaim from Rock Sound and Exclaim! magazines. They are among the most visible bands within contemporary melodic hardcore,[4] while they are also considered one of the major powers of the metalcore revival wave.[2]

Counterparts
Brendan Murphy performing with Counterparts in February, 2018.
Background information
Also known asBrigade (2007–2008)
Sharia (2008)[1]
OriginHamilton, Ontario, Canada
Genres
Years active2007 (2007)–present
LabelsVictory, Verona, New Damage, Pure Noise
MembersBrendan Murphy
Kyle Brownlee
Tyler Williams
Jesse Doreen
Past membersCurtis Washik
Chris Needham
Ryan Juntilla
Adrian Lee
Eric Bazinet
Brian Kaczmarczyk
Kelly Bilan
Blake Hardman
Alex Re
Websitecounterparts905.com

History

Formation and Prophets (2007-2010)

Formed in Hamilton, Ontario in 2007, the band were originally called Brigade, before briefly changing names to Sharia in 2008, then again in 2008 to Counterparts.[4] The band name is derived from Alexisonfire's song Counterparts and Number Them.[6] The original lineup consisted of vocalist Brendan Murphy, guitarist Jesse Doreen, guitarist Curtis Washik, bassist Eric Bazinet, and drummer Ryan Juntilla. In 2009, Washik departed from the band, and Alex Re joined the band temporarily as their guitarist before becoming their permanent guitarist.[7][8] In March 2009 Counterparts toured Canada.[9] In 2010 Shane Told, from the band Silverstein, signed them to his Verona Records label.

Lead vocalist Brendan Murphy was featured on the song "The Artist" on Silverstein's fifth album, Rescue.[10] He also appeared in their music video.

The band's debut album Prophets was released 23 February 2010 on label Verona Records. In 2010, Juntilla left the band, and was replaced by Chris Needham.[11] A split EP, featuring Needham on drums was released 21 November 2010 with hardcore punk band Exalt.[9] The band toured North America in support of the album, which was inspired by Mussy.[9][12]

The Current Will Carry Us (2011−2012)

In spring of 2011, the band was signed to Victory Records. The band continued to tour until the summer of 2011, when they announced that they were recording a new album.[13] During this time, Needham left the band to see a speech therapist.[14] A search for their next drummer was started, but ultimately, Juntilla rejoined the band, just in time to start recording for their second album, The Current Will Carry Us. The Current Will Carry Us was released 24 October 2011 on Victory.[15] A music video was released for the song "Jumping Ship".[16][17]

Music critic Andrew Kelham, of Rock Sound magazine, gave a rating of 8 to the album. He called it "brilliant" and stated that The Current Will Carry Us "is a great first impression for the many who are yet to become acquainted with the Canadian melodic-yet-frenetic hardcore quintet."[18] Kiel Hume of Exclaim! magazine writes that Counterparts have the energy, talent, and attitude to wake up the genre. He states: "The Current Will Carry Us basically does that to a genre many people thought was on its last breath."[19]

Kyle Brownlee, formerly of Canadian deathcore band Majesty, filled in for Juntilla for the entirety of the band's Canadian headliner tour, later on in summer of 2012, it was announced that Juntilla departed from Counterparts because he no longer wanted to be a part of the band. Days after the announcement, bassist Eric Bazinet commented on his Tumblr page that Juntilla had left the band in February and most of the members have not spoken to him since then. He had left to pursue interests in a band he was in during Counterparts.[20] Bazinet added that on their last tour with Juntilla, "he was especially uninterested."[21]

The Difference Between Hell and Home, Tragedy Will Find Us and Lineup changes (2013−2016)

The band's third album The Difference Between Hell and Home was released on 24 July 2013 to positive critical reception. A music video for the track "Witness" was posted ten days prior to the release of the album.

In late 2013, guitarist Alex Re posted on his personal Facebook page that he had left Counterparts and would be playing his last show with the band at their hometown show in December.[22] He was later replaced by Adrian Lee. In 2014, bassist Eric Bazinet announced that after seven years, he was leaving the band to pursue a career, and to spend time with family.[23] After Bazinet's departure, Blake Hardman from Hundredth filled in on bass for the band on the Fuck the Message Tour that was headlined by Stick to Your Guns. Shortly afterwards, the guitarist of Kills and Thrills, Brian Kaczmarczyk, joined on bass, becoming the only non-Canadian member of the band.

In the spring of 2015, vocalist Brendan Murphy announced in an interview that their fourth album, Tragedy Will Find Us, is expected to be released in the summer of 2015.[24] On 23 April, the band announced that they have signed to Pure Noise Records, and New Damage Records. Pure Noise will release their upcoming album in the U.S., while New Damage will release it in Canada.[25] The fourth album was released in July 2015.[26] Tyler Williams, a bandmate of Hardman's in Nashville hardcore act on Point, also joined the band during this period. It was announced in March 2017 the band would play the 22nd annual Vans Warped Tour.

Counterparts entered the studio in March–April 2017, with Will Putney of Graphic Nature Audio at the production helm once again.

Vocalist Brendan Murphy announced that he started a new band with members of Fit For An Autopsy, Misery Signals and Reign Supreme called END. They released an EP called From the Unforgiving Arms of God.

You're Not You Anymore (2017−2019)

The band's fifth album, You're Not You Anymore, was released on 22 September 2017 via New Damage / Pure Noise Records.[27] They have also shared singles from the album, called Haunt Me,[28] Bouquet,[29] and No Servant of Mine.[30]

You're Not You Anymore was the first recorded effort without the participation of Doreen due to his departure from Counterparts. The band did not let lineup changes derail their creativity and spirits.[31][32] Playing an important role in the modern melodic hardcore scene, their new album is considered to have a different set of influences and a more refined sound. Odyssey states: "The rawness of Poison The Well's and Misery Signal's technical but absolutely emotionally devastating take on metalcore are influences they wear on their sleeve, tied together with the tortured poetry of Brendan Murphy’s lyrics."[2]

Nothing Left to Love (2019-2021)

The band released their sixth studio album, Nothing Left to Love, on 1 November 2019 via New Damage / Pure Noise Records.[33] The record marks the return of guitarist and backing vocalist Alex Re. Nothing Left to Love was the band's first record to break into the top 100 of the Billboard 200 charts, peaking at 97.[34]

In 2021, frontman Brendan Murphy contributed guest vocals to the Hawthorne Heights single "Constant Dread".[35]

A Eulogy for Those Still Here (2022-present)

On May 31, 2022, Counterparts announced on all social media platforms their seventh studio album A Eulogy for Those Still Here would be released on October 7, 2022, through Pure Noise Records. The first single "Unwavering Vow" was released on June 1, 2022.[36] The second single "Whispers of Your Death" was released on July 26, 2022. The third single "Bound to the Burn" was released on September 7, 2022.

Members

Timeline

Discography
Counterparts discography
Studio albums7
Music videos12
EPs4
Singles2

Studio albums

EPs
  • Counterparts - Untitled four-song EP (2008)
  • Counterparts / Exalt Split (2010)
  • Counterparts Live on Audiotree (2016)
  • Private Room (2018)

Singles
  • Selfishly I Sink (2018)
  • Purer Form of Pain - Nothing Left to Love B-Sides (2020)

Music videos
  • "Jumping Ship" (2011)
  • "The Disconnect" (2012)
  • "Witness" (2013)
  • "Burn" (2015)
  • "Collapse" (2015)
  • "Stranger" (2016)
  • "Bouquet" (2017)
  • "Swim Beneath My Skin" (2017)
  • "You're Not You Anymore" (2018)
  • "Paradise and Plague" (2019)
  • "Unwavering Vow" (2022)
  • "Whispers of your Death" (2022)

References
  1. "COUNTERPARTS". Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  2. "7 Metalcore Revival Bands You Need To Know About". odyssey. 26 October 2017.
  3. Yan, Byron. "Counterpars' Brendan Murphy Talks Humble Beginnings in Canada's Most Overlooked Scene". Noisey. Vice. Retrieved 17 April 2016. Counterparts have been catching the eyes and ears of a lot more people since their inception, thanks mostly to their unique idiosyncratic metalcore sound. ... With Brendan's vulnerable lyrics and Jesse's incomprehensibly intricate rhythmic patterns, Counterparts have found their spot in the metalcore genre as their own.
  4. Kraus, Brian (22 June 2014). "16 Modern Precursors of Melodic Hardcore". Alternative Press. Retrieved 17 April 2016. Before the likes of Defeater, Touché Amoré, the Ghost Inside, Counterparts, Being As An Ocean and many more became the new faces of melodic, emotional hardcore, there were upperclassmen who were setting the stage.
  5. Biography by Mark Deming. "Counterparts | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
  6. "@brendan905". Twitter. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  7. "Counterparts". victoryrecords.com. Victory Records. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  8. "Counterparts » The Current Will Carry Us » Credits". allmusic.com. AllMusic. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  9. "Bands » Counterparts » About". punknews.org. Punknews.org. Retrieved 19 January 2011.
  10. Harper, Kate (2 June 2011). "Music Review » Silverstein – Rescue". Exclaim!. Toronto: Chart Communications. ISSN 1198-7235. Archived from the original on 10 January 2012. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  11. "November 2010 Update". Facebook. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  12. "Artists » Article » Counterparts » Bands & Artists - Counterparts". Rock Sound. London: Freeway Press. rocksound.tv. ISSN 1465-0185. OCLC 63197250. Archived from the original on 28 July 2013. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  13. aubin (31 August 2011). "Counterparts to release 'The Current Will Carry Us'". punknews.org. Punknews.org. Retrieved 19 January 2011.
  14. "Important July Update (MUST READ)". Facebook. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  15. "The Current Will Carry Us", Worldcat.org, WorldCat, OCLC 754758595 {{citation}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  16. Smith, Roz (1 December 2011). "Albums » Counterparts » The Current Will Carry Us". The Aquarian Weekly. New Jersey: Diane Casazza; Chris Farinas. ISSN 1067-5108. OCLC 27253154. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  17. aubin (13 October 2011). "Videos: Counterparts: "Jumping Ship"". punknews.org. Punknews.org. Retrieved 19 January 2011.
  18. Kelham, Andrew (6 December 2011). "Album Reviews » Counterparts » The Current Will Carry Us". Rock Sound. London: Freeway Press. www.rocksound.tv. ISSN 1465-0185. OCLC 63197250. Archived from the original on 13 February 2013. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  19. Hume, Kiel (24 October 2011). "METAL REVIEWS: » Counterparts The Current Will Carry Us". Exclaim!. Toronto: 1059434 Ontario Inc. ISSN 1207-6600. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  20. "Counterparts part ways with drummer Ryan Juntilla". aloneinopenroading. 24 July 2012. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  21. "Before he did leave, did you guys have an inkling..." aloneinopenroading. 26 July 2012. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  22. "Alex Re - Just to set the record straight, I am no longer... - Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  23. "After 7 years, 17 countries and several hundred..." aloneinopenroading. 6 March 2014. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  24. Counterparts Interview - New Album - Tragedy Will Find Us (Exclusive). 17 April 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015 – via YouTube.
  25. "Welcome Counterparts to Pure Noise : Pure Noise Records". Archived from the original on 14 June 2015. Retrieved 12 June 2015.
  26. "Counterparts - Tragedy Will Find Us". Discogs. Retrieved 27 April 2016.
  27. Counterparts Return with 'You're Not You Anymore,' Share "Bouquet". 15 June 2017. Retrieved 31 July 2017.
  28. Pure Noise Records (19 September 2017), Counterparts "Haunt Me", retrieved 20 September 2017
  29. Counterparts "Bouquet" Music Video - YouTube. 15 June 2017. Retrieved 31 July 2017 – via YouTube.
  30. Counterparts "No Servant of Mine" - YouTube. 26 June 2017. Retrieved 31 July 2017 – via YouTube.
  31. "Counterparts' You're Not You Anymore Review". Killyoustereo. 24 September 2017. Archived from the original on 8 October 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2018.
  32. "Album Review: Counterparts' Yon're Not You". Uncivil Revolt. 26 September 2017.
  33. Counterparts Detail New Album 'Nothing Left to Love'. 26 August 2019. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  34. Billboard 200 Chart. 16 November 2019. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  35. Hear Counterparts frontman Brendan Murphy guest on new Hawthorne Heights track "Constant Dread"
  36. "Counterparts on Instagram: ""A Eulogy for Those Still Here" will be available worldwide on October 7th via @purenoiserecs/@newdamagerecords. Preorders and the first single and video "Unwavering Vow" will be available tomorrow, I don't know when or where exactly so find it yourself you fucking nerd. 1. 07/26/2020 2. Whispers of Your Death 3. Bound to the Burn 4. Unwavering Vow 5. A Eulogy for Those Still Here 6. Skin Beneath a Scar 7. Sworn to Silence 8. What Mirrors Might Reflect 9. Soil II 10. Flesh to Fill Your Wounds 11. A Mass Grave of Saints Counterparts is @bjm905 @jessedoreen @alexre905 @aliensn0t @kylebrownlee Produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by @willputney of course, with a little help from sexy @steve_seid and @benjohnson1323 Artwork by @bycolincrane Layout by @restinpeaceonearth"".
  37. (2019), New Damage Records, Counterparts, http://newdamagerecords.com/bands/counterparts, Retrieved, 2019
  38. (2019), Deming, Mark, https://www.allmusic.com/artist/counterparts-mn0002785997/biography, Retrieved, 10 April 2019
  39. @mannyhardman (6 July 2021). "I am no longer a part of @counterparts905. Thank you to everyone who supported me and the records I was a large par…" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  40. "Counterparts Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Archived from the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
  41. "Counterparts - You'Re Not You Anymore". Notyou.ca. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
  42. @billboardcharts (11 November 2019). "Debuts on this week's #Billboard200 (3/3)" (Tweet). Retrieved 12 November 2019 – via Twitter.
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