Canadian Music Monday #01: The Aphelion
Welcome to the first Canadian Music Monday - a new weekly feature that showcases artists big and small from across the country, and the cannabis strains that either our contributors or the artists themselves recommend pairing with their music.
Start your week with something new - be it for your ears or your whole endocannabinoid system!
One of our favourite things about Metal as a genre is the way bands continue to explore, expand, and experiment, forever pushing boundaries. The Aphelion is certainly no exception. Highly energetic, highly artistic, and highly technical, this progressive metal outfit has been weaving their unique sound with compelling storytelling and an unmatched stage presence for nearly a decade.
Comprising of Evan Haydon-Selkirk (lead vocals, bass guitar, keyboard), James Cabral (guitar, keyboard), Tyler Davis (guitar, backing vocals), and Nathanael Livingstone (drums, percussion), The Aphelion follows up their 2018 debut, The Labour Division, with Deserter, the first single off of their upcoming album, Nascense.
Deserter is emblematic of The Aphelion’s audaciousness both technically and artistically; rich tapestries of sound, unconventional time signatures, and impressive vocal runs that have only matured since their last release. Fans of Dream Theatre, Intervals, Baroness, and Haken will feel equal parts at home and refreshed by the bold songwriting, innovative sound and thought-provoking lyrics that take elements of prog metal and turn them into something more sophisticated, but also fun. In short - The Aphelion contains multitudes on multitudes.
While their recordings are certainly a great way to experience The Aphelion, live onstage is where they truly shine. Having seen them locally a handful of times, including most recently opening for Canadian Metal heavyweights Protest The Hero, this author can confirm that their live performances can wow and charm even the most critical of heavier music. Despite the bold, dramatic music and existential lyrics, the band’s longstanding friendship and collective sense of humour is reflected in just how much fun it is to watch them!
In terms of cannabis pairings, lead vocalist Evan recommends Tribal’s Cuban Linx to pair with Deserter.
Its citrusy, gassy terpene profile is perfect for awakening the senses and thinking outside of the box. Those combined with Cuban Linx’s beloved cerebral, energizing effects make it the perfect companion for exploring every last riff and solo of Deserter’s nearly eight minutes of playtime.
