Lead Us to Reason

Toronto’s THE BLACK MARIA follow the implosion of the genre-defining GRADE (the band that many music writers and bands give credit to for the creation in 1995 of the screamo genre). GRADE sold over 50,000 records via four releases—most notably Under The Radar which paid homage to influences such as QUICKSAND and IRON MAIDEN. Its mastermind and creative leader, Kyle Bishop, was possessed to create something profoundly new and vibrant; he connected with Chris Gray (ZYON) and wall of sound axe-wielder Alan Nacinovic. The troupe was completed with a groove-laden rhythm section that can shatter the bones of the Gods - Derek Petrella on drums and multi-instrumentalist Mike De Eyre on bass. They chose the THE BLACK MARIA as their band name, which comes from the slang term given to a police patrol wagon- The Deliverer of Death

THE BLACK MARIA are a sexy, intense, melodic, audio jackhammer. Their live show grips the audience, invoking passion and rage, and their style is sure to appeal to fans of ALKALINE TRIO, FOO FIGHTERS and THE USED. By joining the Victory Records family, THE BLACK MARIA’s mission will finally reach the masses.

Fronted by Kyle Bishop--the man who many credit for putting the "scream" in "screamo" with his former band Grade--this Toronto quintet's debut album is shot through with emotion and volume. Like My Chemical Romance and A.F.I., the band channels its fetish for dark, complex punk rock into songs that tremble with bruised feelings and raw energy, like "Our Commitment's A Sickness" and "The Memento." All the makings for serious cult stardom are here, but Lead Us To Reason boasts so many kick-ass melodies it's going to be hard to contain the Black Maria for long. --Aidin Vaziri