Counterparts (band)

Canadian melodic hardcore band

Counterparts

Counterparts performing in 2014

Background information
Also known as| Brigade (2007–2008)
Sharia (2008)[1]
Origin| Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Genres|

* Metalcore
* melodic hardcore
* melodic metalcore
* hardcore punk

Years active| 2007 (2007)–present
Labels|

* Victory
* Verona
* New Damage
* Pure Noise

Spinoffs|

* END
* You Will Always[2]

Members| Brendan Murphy
Kyle Brownlee
Tyler Williams
Jesse Doreen
Past members| Curtis Washik
Chris Needham
Ryan Juntilla
Adrian Lee
Eric Bazinet
Brian Kaczmarczyk
Kelly Bilan
Blake Hardman
Alex Re
Website| counterparts905.com

Counterparts are a Canadian hardcore punk band formed in 2007 in Hamilton, Ontario, that currently consists of vocalist Brendan Murphy, guitarist and bassist 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,[3] while they are also considered one of the major powers of the metalcore revival wave.[citation needed]

## History

[edit]

### Formation and Prophets (2007–2010)

[edit]

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.[3] The band name is derived from Alexisonfire's song Counterparts and Number Them.[4] The original line-up 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.[5][6] In March 2009 Counterparts toured Canada.[7] 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.[8] He also appeared in their music video.

The band's debut album Prophets was released February 23, 2010, on label Verona Records. In 2010, Juntilla left the band, and was replaced by Chris Needham.[9] A split EP, featuring Needham on drums was released November 21, 2010, with hardcore punk band Exalt.[7] The band toured North America in support of the album, which was inspired by Mussy.[7][10]

### The Current Will Carry Us (2011−2012)

[edit]

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.[11] During this time, Needham left the band to see a speech therapist.[12] 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 October 24, 2011, on Victory.[13] A music video was released for the song "Jumping Ship".[14][15]

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."[16] 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."[17]

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.[18] Bazinet added that on their last tour with Juntilla, "he was especially uninterested."[19]

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

[edit]

The band's third album The Difference Between Hell and Home was released on July 24, 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.[20] 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.[21] 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.[22] On April 23, 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.[23] The fourth album was released in July 2015.[24] 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)

[edit]

The band's fifth album, You're Not You Anymore, was released on September 22, 2017, via New Damage / Pure Noise Records.[25] They have also shared singles from the album, called Haunt Me,[26] Bouquet,[27] and No Servant of Mine.[28]

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 line-up changes derail their creativity and spirits.[29][30] 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.

### Nothing Left to Love (2019–2021)

[edit]

The band released their sixth studio album, Nothing Left to Love, on November 1, 2019, via New Damage / Pure Noise Records.[31] 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.[32]

In 2021, frontman Brendan Murphy contributed guest vocals to the Hawthorne Heights single "Constant Dread".[33]

### A Eulogy for Those Still Here (2022–2024)

[edit]

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.[34] 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.

### Live in Toronto and Heaven Let Them Die (2024–present)

[edit]

On July 30, 2024, Counterparts released their first ever live album, recorded in Toronto at the Danforth Music Hall with mixing and mastering by Kyle Brownlee.[35] The recording took place during the "A Eulogy for Those Still Here Tour" on December 18, 2022 with support from SeeYouSpaceCowboy, Dying Wish, and Foreign Hands. Pure Noise Records released an accompanying video on YouTube of the band performing "Whispers of Your Death, Bound to the Burn, and A Mass Grave of Saints".[36]

On November 7, 2024, the band surprise released a new EP titled Heaven Let Them Die.[37]

## Musical style and influences

[edit]

Critics have categorised Counterparts' music as metalcore,[38] melodic hardcore,[3] emotional hardcore,[3] melodic metalcore[39][40] and hardcore punk.[41] The band's members have cited influences including Misery Signals, Shai Hulud,[42] Poison the Well, Alexisonfire,[43] Saints Never Surrender and Taken.[44]

## Members

[edit]

Current[45][46]

* Brendan Murphy – lead vocals (2007–present)
* Kyle Brownlee – drums, percussion (2012, 2016, 2017–present)
* Tyler Williams – bass, backing vocals (2017–present), rhythm guitar (2022–present)
* Jesse Doreen – lead guitar (2007–2016, 2021–present), bass (2022–present)

Former

* Curtis Washik – rhythm guitar (2007–2009)
* Chris Needham – drums, percussion (2010–2011)
* Ryan Juntilla – drums, percussion (2007–2010; 2011–2012)
* Adrian Lee – rhythm guitar (2013–2019), bass (2017)
* Eric Bazinet – bass (2007–2014)
* Brian Kaczmarczyk – bass (2014–2017)
* Ben Leathem – drums, percussion (2016–2017)
* Kelly Bilan – drums, percussion (2012–2016)
* Alex Re – rhythm guitar, backing vocals, clean vocals (2009–2013; 2019–2022)
* Blake Hardman – lead guitar, backing vocals (2016–2021), bass (2014, 2017)[47]

|

Timeline

## Discography

[edit]

Counterparts discography

Studio albums| 7
EPs| 4
Live albums| 1
Singles| 2
Music videos| 12

### Studio albums

[edit]

* Prophets (2010)
* The Current Will Carry Us (2011)
* The Difference Between Hell and Home (2013) – No. 49 US Billboard Indie, No. 7 US Billboard Heatseekers[48]
* Tragedy Will Find Us (2015) – No. 117 US Billboard 200[48]
* You're Not You Anymore (2017)[49] – No. 112 US Billboard 200[48]
* Nothing Left to Love (2019) – No. 97 US Billboard 200[50]
* A Eulogy for Those Still Here (2022)[34]

### Live albums

[edit]

* Live in Toronto (2024)

### EPs

[edit]

* Counterparts – Untitled four-song EP (2008)
* Counterparts / Exalt Split (2010)
* Counterparts Live on Audiotree (2016)
* Private Room (2018)
* Heaven Let Them Die (2024)

### Singles

[edit]

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

### Music videos

[edit]

* "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)
* "A Martyr Left Alive" (2024)
* "No Lamb Was Lost" (2024)

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "COUNTERPARTS". Retrieved June 4, 2018.
2. ^ "Here's why Counterparts' Alex Re created new emo band You Will Always". AltPress.
3. ^ a b c d Kraus, Brian (June 22, 2014). "16 Modern Precursors of Melodic Hardcore". Alternative Press. Retrieved April 17, 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."
4. ^ "@brendan905". Twitter. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
5. ^ "Counterparts". victoryrecords.com. Victory Records. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
6. ^ "Counterparts » The Current Will Carry Us » Credits". allmusic.com. AllMusic. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
7. ^ a b c "Bands » Counterparts » About". punknews.org. Retrieved January 19, 2011.
8. ^ Harper, Kate (June 2, 2011). "Music Review » Silverstein – Rescue". Exclaim!. Toronto: Chart Communications. ISSN 1198-7235. Archived from the original on January 10, 2012. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
9. ^ "November 2010 Update". Facebook. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
10. ^ "Artists » Article » Counterparts » Bands & Artists – Counterparts". Rock Sound. London: Freeway Press. rocksound.tv. ISSN 1465-0185. OCLC 63197250. Archived from the original on July 28, 2013. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
11. ^ aubin (August 31, 2011). "Counterparts to release 'The Current Will Carry Us'". punknews.org. Retrieved January 19, 2011.
12. ^ "Important July Update (MUST READ)". Facebook. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
13. ^ "The Current Will Carry Us", Worldcat.org, WorldCat, OCLC 754758595 `{{citation}}`: Missing or empty `|url=` (help)
14. ^ Smith, Roz (December 1, 2011). "Albums » Counterparts » The Current Will Carry Us". The Aquarian Weekly. New Jersey: Diane Casazza; Chris Farinas. ISSN 1067-5108. OCLC 27253154. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
15. ^ aubin (October 13, 2011). "Videos: Counterparts: "Jumping Ship"". punknews.org. Retrieved January 19, 2011.
16. ^ Kelham, Andrew (December 6, 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 February 13, 2013. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
17. ^ Hume, Kiel (October 24, 2011). "METAL REVIEWS: » Counterparts The Current Will Carry Us". Exclaim!. Toronto: 1059434 Ontario Inc. ISSN 1207-6600. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
18. ^ "Counterparts part ways with drummer Ryan Juntilla". aloneinopenroading. July 24, 2012. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
19. ^ "Before he did leave, did you guys have an inkling..." aloneinopenroading. July 26, 2012. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
20. ^ "Alex Re – Just to set the record straight, I am no longer... - Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
21. ^ "After 7 years, 17 countries and several hundred..." aloneinopenroading. March 6, 2014. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
22. ^ Counterparts Interview – New Album – Tragedy Will Find Us (Exclusive). April 17, 2015. Retrieved June 12, 2015 – via YouTube.
23. ^ "Welcome Counterparts to Pure Noise : Pure Noise Records". Archived from the original on June 14, 2015. Retrieved June 12, 2015.
24. ^ "Counterparts – Tragedy Will Find Us". Discogs. July 24, 2015. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
25. ^ Counterparts Return with 'You're Not You Anymore,' Share "Bouquet". June 15, 2017. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
26. ^ Pure Noise Records (September 19, 2017), Counterparts "Haunt Me", retrieved September 20, 2017
27. ^ Counterparts "Bouquet" Music Video – YouTube. June 15, 2017. Retrieved July 31, 2017 – via YouTube.
28. ^ Counterparts "No Servant of Mine" – YouTube. June 26, 2017. Retrieved July 31, 2017 – via YouTube.
29. ^ "Counterparts' You're Not You Anymore Review". Killyoustereo. September 24, 2017. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
30. ^ "Album Review: Counterparts' Yon're Not You". Uncivil Revolt. September 26, 2017. Archived from the original on September 30, 2019. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
31. ^ Counterparts Detail New Album 'Nothing Left to Love'. August 26, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
32. ^ Billboard 200 Chart. November 16, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
33. ^ Hear Counterparts frontman Brendan Murphy guest on new Hawthorne Heights track "Constant Dread"
34. ^ a b "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"".
35. ^ Counterparts, Live in Toronto. July 30, 2024. Retrieved October 2, 2024.
36. ^ Counterparts "Whispers of your Death, Bound to the Burn, A Mass Grave of Saints" (Live in Toronto). July 30, 2024.
37. ^ "Counterparts Surprise Release New EP "Heaven Let Them Die", Debut Music Video". The PRP. November 7, 2024. Retrieved November 7, 2024.
38. ^ Yan, Byron (January 27, 2016). "Counterpars' Brendan Murphy Talks Humble Beginnings in Canada's Most Overlooked Scene". Noisey. Vice. Retrieved April 17, 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."
39. ^ Enis, Eli (September 7, 2022). "HEAR COUNTERPARTS' RAGING NEW SONG "BOUND TO THE BURN"". Revolver. Project M Group LLC. Retrieved July 6, 2024. "So far, we've heard a bunch of great singles that hone in [sic] on the band's specific breed of heavy, emotionally devastating melodic metalcore..."
40. ^ Towers, Julian (November 21, 2022). "Breaking Down the Melodic Metalcore of Counterparts". Bandcamp Daily. Bandcamp. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
41. ^ Biography by Mark Deming. "Counterparts | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
42. ^ Markarian, Taylor. "Counterparts immediately captivate with 'You're Not You Anymore'". Alternative Press. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
43. ^ Hill, John. "Counterparts, 'Swim Beneath My Skin' – Exclusive Video Premiere + Interview". Loudwire. `{{cite web}}`: Missing or empty `|url=` (help)
44. ^ Sinister, Bearly. "INTERVIEW WITH BRENDAN MURPHY OF COUNTERPARTS". Retrieved August 19, 2024.
45. ^ (2019), New Damage Records, Counterparts, http://newdamagerecords.com/bands/counterparts, Retrieved, 2019
46. ^ (2019), Deming, Mark, https://www.allmusic.com/artist/counterparts-mn0002785997/biography, Retrieved, April 10, 2019
47. ^ @mannyhardman (July 6, 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.
48. ^ a b c "Counterparts Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 27, 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
49. ^ "Counterparts – You'Re Not You Anymore". Notyou.ca. Archived from the original on May 18, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
50. ^ @billboardcharts (November 11, 2019). "Debuts on this week's #Billboard200 (3/3)" (Tweet). Retrieved November 12, 2019 – via Twitter.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Counterparts (band).

* Counterparts at Victory Records
* Counterparts at CBC Radio 3
* Counterparts at AllMusic

*[EPs]: Extended plays