Hard Rock/Heavy Metal

Big Wreck bigger than ever

Ian Thornley plays the Danforth Music Hall with Big Wreck on May 10 and 11. Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Thu May 10 2012   Well, that’s one less albatross around his neck. Ever since Ian Thornley added Big Wreck’s name to the ever-increasing pile of reunited rock bands, he’s been rewarded with an accolade he never received during the combo’s first late ‘90s run: a No….


Nickelback burns up ACC

  Nick Krewen Special To The Star, Published on Sun Apr 22 2012 Rock ‘n’ roll is supposed to be larger than life. Last night at the Air Canada Centre, Nickelback made it seem mammoth. Operating under the notion that bigger is better, the four deans of lustful, bone-crunching rock offered the estimated 14,000 in attendance (and pop star Avril Lavigne) everything that one would expect from a dazzling marvel:…


I Mother Earth back, but for how long?

Entertainment / Music Top Canadian rock band a decade ago returns for two shows at Sound Academy — and something beyond.    Jag Tanna, left, and the rest of I Mother Earth in 1999. The band’s then-new singer Brian Byrne, second from left, Nick Krewen Special to the Star Published on Wed Mar 21 2012 For the first time in eight years, Canadian alternative rock band I Mother Earth has returned. The…


The big business of metal

The big business of metal The big business of metal | Toronto Star Toronto-born Jason Hook of Five Finger Death Punch says he’s fine with the corporate side of rock.      Nick Krewen Special to the Star, Published on Fri Dec 02 2011 The timing couldn’t really have been any better for the latest Five Finger Death Punch album, American Capitalist. With the “Occupy Wall Street” protests against social and…


Tea Party’s reunion steeped in worry

Tea Party’s reunion steeped in worry | Toronto Star Hugely popular ’90s rockers buried the hatchet … eventually … and now play the Sound Academy.        Nick Krewen  Special to the Star, Published on Wed Jul 20 2011 A year ago, the prospect of a Tea Party reunion seemed laughable. When the hugely popular Canadian heavy rock band — seller of a million albums in this country in…