METZ (official capitalization) is a Canadian punk rock band formed in 2007 in Ottawa,[11] and currently based in Toronto.[12][13][14] The band consists of guitarist and vocalist Alex Edkins, bassist Chris Slorach and drummer Hayden Menzies.[10] In an interview with Austin, Texas zine The Cosmic Clash, Edkins has labeled METZ's style as punk rock, "at the core."[11]

METZ
METZ performing at SXSW in 2013
METZ performing at SXSW in 2013
Background information
OriginOttawa, Ontario, Canada
Genres
Years active2007 (2007)–2024 (on hiatus)
LabelsSub Pop, Royal Mountain, Three One G, Swami Records
Members
  • Alex Edkins
  • Hayden Menzies
  • Chris Slorach
Past members
  • Chuck Saso
Websitewww.metzztem.com
METZ performing at Loose Ends festival in Amsterdam in 2019

History

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METZ was formed in Ottawa, Ontario, in 2007 by guitarist/vocalist Alex Edkins and drummer Hayden Menzies, two longtime friends soon joined by Chuck Saso on bass. After a year of working on material, Edkins and Menzies decided to move Toronto, while Saso stayed in Ottawa. In Toronto they found their new bassist, Chris Slorach.[15]

METZ released their eponymous debut album on the Sub Pop label in 2012.[16] The album was named on the 2013 Polaris Music Prize long list.[17] The band performed a "homecoming show" at Lee's Palace in Toronto that year.[18]

On February 17, 2015, the band announced a new album, II, with the release of the album's first track, "Acetate", and an accompanying music video; the album was released May 5, 2015, in North America and the previous day elsewhere.[19] II was a long-listed nominee for the 2015 Polaris Music Prize.[20]

In May 2017, METZ announced their third studio album, Strange Peace, recorded by Steve Albini, which was released on September 22, 2017.[21][22]

Drummer Hayden Menzies has a degree in fine art from Concordia University and designs the artwork for the band.[22]

In July 2020, METZ announced that their fourth studio album, Atlas Vending, would arrive on October 9 via Sub Pop.[23]

On February 14, 2024, METZ announced their fifth album Up On Gravity Hill. The album was released on April 12 followed by a tour. On October 10, 2024 the band announced an indefinite hiatus to take time to focus on other endeavors and enjoy more time at home with family.[24]

Band members

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Current members

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  • Alex Edkins – guitars, vocals (2007–2024)
  • Hayden Menzies – drums (2007–2024)
  • Chris Slorach – bass (2008–2024)

Former members

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  • Chuck Saso – bass (2007–2008)

Discography

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Studio albums

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Compilation albums

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Live albums

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Singles

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  • "Soft Whiteout" / "Lump Sums" (January 13, 2009, We Are Busy Bodies)
  • "Ripped On The Fence" / "Dry Up" (June 9, 2009, We Are Busy Bodies)
  • "Negative Space" / "Automat" (August 10, 2010, We Are Busy Bodies)
  • Metz / Fresh Snow - "Pig" / "BMX Based Tactics" (April 21, 2012, The Sonic Boom Recording Co. / Sub Pop) - "Pig" is a Sparklehorse cover
  • "Pig" (April 21, 2012, The Sonic Boom Recording Co. / Sub Pop)
  • "Dirty Shirt" (October 8, 2012, Sub Pop)
  • Polaris Prize 2013 (2013, Scion Sessions / Sub Pop)
  • "Wait In Line" Promo (November 13, 2015, Sub Pop)
  • "Can't Understand" (December 4, 2015, Adult Swim / Sub Pop)
  • "Eraser" (January 22, 2016, Sub Pop)
  • Metz / Swami John Reis - "Let It Rust" / "Caught Up" (April 16, 2016, Swami Records / Sub Pop)
  • Metz / Mission Of Burma - "Good, Not Great" / "Get Off" (April 16, 2016, Sub Pop)
  • "Acid" / "Slow Decay" (March 12, 2021, Sub Pop)
  • Metz / Adulkt Life (March 4, 2022, Sup Pop)

References

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  1. ^ Moores, JR (May 25, 2015). "Belgian noise-rock: the shape of punk to come". The Guardian. Retrieved October 3, 2017.
  2. ^ Sauers, Camille. "Metz Gears Up to Bring Their Noise Punk Vibes to Paper Tiger This Fall". San Antonio Current. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
  3. ^ Bell, Mike. "Canuck noise-punk act METZ raise the bar by finding a Strange Peace in uncertainty". The YYScene. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
  4. ^ Pencz, Vivian (6 May 2013). "METZ brings its noise-punk brutality to the Biltmore". The Georgia Straight. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
  5. ^ Olivares, Rick (June 3, 2018). "Canadian hardcore band Metz pummels Manila". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  6. ^ Bakare, Lanre (April 29, 2015). "Metz: 'If you can smother a melody in noise and grit, that's perfect'". The Guardian. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
  7. ^ Keane, Brian. "Metz review: Hardcore made even harder by Steve Albini". The Irish Times. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
  8. ^ Cober-Lake, Justin (October 14, 2020). "METZ: Atlas Vending". Spectrum Culture. Retrieved October 25, 2020.
  9. ^ Reis, Robbie. "Metz". Pitchfork. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  10. ^ a b Music: Sub Pop post-punks Metz care little for your sensitive eardrums". Denver Post, 05/03/2013.
  11. ^ a b Ackerman, Greg. "Interview: Alex Edkins of Metz talks pandemic, Austin scene". The Cosmic Clash. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  12. ^ Hughes, Josiah (15 June 2012). "METZ Sign to Sub Pop, Plot Debut Album for October Release". Exclaim!. Retrieved 31 December 2015.
  13. ^ Minsker, Evan (9 October 2012). "Rising: Metz". Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 29 November 2014.
  14. ^ "New band of the day: METZ. The Guardian, September 27, 2012.
  15. ^ "METZ at Ottawa Citizen". Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  16. ^ "Meet METZ, Toronto’s newest rock trio". The Globe and Mail, October 5, 2012.
  17. ^ "Polaris Short List Anncounced" Archived 2013-06-18 at the Wayback Machine. NXEW, July 16, 2013.
  18. ^ "Concert Review: Metz homecoming a next-level affair". National Post. Noah Love, May 21, 2013
  19. ^ Coughlan, Jamie (17 February 2015). "METZ Stream 'Acetate', Announce Album, Tour". Overblown. Retrieved 18 February 2015.
  20. ^ "Polaris Music Prize Announces 2015 Long List". Exclaim!, 16 June 2015. Retrieved 1 January 2016.
  21. ^ "METZ - Strange Peace • Sub Pop Mega Mart". Sub Pop. Retrieved 16 July 2017.
  22. ^ a b Hunt, El (September 22, 2017). "Back to the drawing board: Metz". DIY. Retrieved 2017-09-24.
  23. ^ Strauss, Matthew (21 July 2020). "METZ Announce New Album Atlas Vending, Share Video for New Song". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2020-07-22.
  24. ^ Fu, Eddie (10 October 2024). "METZ Announce Indefinite Hiatus". Consequence. Retrieved 10 October 2024.
  25. ^ Treble Staff (February 14, 2024). "Metz announce new album, Up On Gravity Hill". Treble. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
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