In news that's surely to stoke Canuck punks young and old, Toronto-area crossover outfit Sons of Ishmael have announced their first shows in nearly two decades. A press release for the cult act confirms that the group, "Toronto's neck tattoo-free hardcore band," are getting back together for a handful of Ontario shows in Toronto, London and Hamilton.
Sons of Ishmael originally whipped up a frenzied blend of thrash and hardcore in the vein of D.R.I., starting with 1985's ultra-juiced-up, 13-song seven-inch Hayseed Hardcore. After a few more albums and EPs, the group called it quits in 1992. Along the way, the band managed to tour with NoMeansNo, Corrosion of Conformity, Youth of Today, Government Issue and Hole, among others.
The current lineup consists of all members from the post-Hayseed Hardcore era, including original guitarist Glenn "Ditch Dog" Poirier and throat-shredder Tim Freeborn. Canuck hardcore buffs looking for a history lesson will no doubt flock to the gigs in droves to claim a spot in the pit.
The acclaimed comeback may, however, prove that historical hindsight is 20/20. It's almost certain that more people will show up to these shows than in Sons of Ishmael's early days, as evidenced by this raging, though ill-attended, outdoor Food Not Bombs benefit in 1987, which you can see below.
Tour dates:
7/30 London, ON - The Powercage
7/31 Hamilton, ON - This Ain't Hollywood
8/6 Toronto, ON - Duffy's Tavern *
* with Career Suicide
Sons of Ishmael originally whipped up a frenzied blend of thrash and hardcore in the vein of D.R.I., starting with 1985's ultra-juiced-up, 13-song seven-inch Hayseed Hardcore. After a few more albums and EPs, the group called it quits in 1992. Along the way, the band managed to tour with NoMeansNo, Corrosion of Conformity, Youth of Today, Government Issue and Hole, among others.
The current lineup consists of all members from the post-Hayseed Hardcore era, including original guitarist Glenn "Ditch Dog" Poirier and throat-shredder Tim Freeborn. Canuck hardcore buffs looking for a history lesson will no doubt flock to the gigs in droves to claim a spot in the pit.
The acclaimed comeback may, however, prove that historical hindsight is 20/20. It's almost certain that more people will show up to these shows than in Sons of Ishmael's early days, as evidenced by this raging, though ill-attended, outdoor Food Not Bombs benefit in 1987, which you can see below.
Tour dates:
7/30 London, ON - The Powercage
7/31 Hamilton, ON - This Ain't Hollywood
8/6 Toronto, ON - Duffy's Tavern *
* with Career Suicide
