Counterparts (band)

History

Formation and ''Prophets'' (2007–2010)

Formed in Hamilton, Ontario in 2007, the band were originally called Brigade, before briefly changing names to Sharia in 2008, then again in 2008 to Counterparts. The band name is derived from Alexisonfire's song "Counterparts and Number Them". The original line-up consisted of vocalist Brendan Murphy, guitarist Jesse Doreen, guitarist Curtis Washik, bassist Eric Bazinet, and drummer Ryan Juntilla. In 2009, Washik departed from the band, and Alex Re joined the band temporarily as their guitarist before becoming their permanent guitarist. In March 2009, Counterparts toured Canada. In 2010, Shane Told, from the band Silverstein, signed them to his Verona Records label.

Lead vocalist Brendan Murphy was featured on the song "The Artist" on Silverstein's fifth album, Rescue. He also appeared in their music video.

The band's debut album Prophets was released February 23, 2010, on label Verona Records. In 2010, Juntilla left the band, and was replaced by Chris Needham. A split EP, featuring Needham on drums was released November 21, 2010, with hardcore punk band Exalt. The band toured North America in support of the album, which was inspired by Mussy.

''The Current Will Carry Us'' (2011−2012)

In spring of 2011, the band was signed to Victory Records. The band continued to tour until the summer of 2011, when they announced that they were recording a new album. During this time, Needham left the band to see a speech therapist. A search for their next drummer was started, but ultimately, Juntilla rejoined the band, just in time to start recording for their second album, The Current Will Carry Us. The Current Will Carry Us was released October 24, 2011, on Victory. A music video was released for the song "Jumping Ship".

Music critic Andrew Kelham, of Rock Sound magazine, gave a rating of 8 to the album. He called it "brilliant" and stated that The Current Will Carry Us "is a great first impression for the many who are yet to become acquainted with the Canadian melodic-yet-frenetic hardcore quintet." Kiel Hume of Exclaim! magazine writes that Counterparts have the energy, talent, and attitude to wake up the genre. He states: "The Current Will Carry Us basically does that to a genre many people thought was on its last breath."

Kyle Brownlee, formerly of Canadian deathcore band Majesty, filled in for Juntilla for the entirety of the band's Canadian headliner tour, later on in summer of 2012, it was announced that Juntilla departed from Counterparts because he no longer wanted to be a part of the band. Days after the announcement, bassist Eric Bazinet commented on his Tumblr page that Juntilla had left the band in February and most of the members have not spoken to him since then. He had left to pursue interests in a band he was in during Counterparts. Bazinet added that on their last tour with Juntilla, "he was especially uninterested."

''The Difference Between Hell and Home, Tragedy Will Find Us'' and lineup changes (2013−2016)

The band's third album The Difference Between Hell and Home was released on July 24, 2013, to positive critical reception. A music video for the track "Witness" was posted ten days prior to the release of the album.

In late 2013, guitarist Alex Re posted on his personal Facebook page that he had left Counterparts and would be playing his last show with the band at their hometown show in December. He was later replaced by Adrian Lee. In 2014, bassist Eric Bazinet announced that after seven years, he was leaving the band to pursue a career, and to spend time with family. After Bazinet's departure, Blake Hardman from Hundredth filled in on bass for the band on the Fuck the Message Tour that was headlined by Stick to Your Guns. Shortly afterwards, the guitarist of Kills and Thrills, Brian Kaczmarczyk, joined on bass, becoming the only non-Canadian member of the band.

In the spring of 2015, vocalist Brendan Murphy announced in an interview that their fourth album, Tragedy Will Find Us, was expected to be released in the summer of 2015. On April 23, the band announced that they have signed to Pure Noise Records, and New Damage Records. Pure Noise will release their upcoming album in the U.S., while New Damage will release it in Canada. The fourth album was released in July 2015. Tyler Williams, a bandmate of Hardman's in Nashville hardcore act on Point, also joined the band during this period. It was announced in March 2017 the band would play the 22nd annual Vans Warped Tour.

Counterparts entered the studio in March–April 2017, with Will Putney of Graphic Nature Audio at the production helm once again.

Vocalist Brendan Murphy announced that he started a new band with members of Fit For An Autopsy, Misery Signals and Reign Supreme called END. They released an EP called From the Unforgiving Arms of God.

''You're Not You Anymore'' (2017−2019)

The band's fifth album, You're Not You Anymore, was released on September 22, 2017, via New Damage / Pure Noise Records. They have also shared singles from the album, called "Haunt Me", "Bouquet", and "No Servant of Mine".

You're Not You Anymore was the first recorded effort without the participation of Doreen due to his departure from Counterparts. The band did not let line-up changes derail their creativity and spirits. Playing an important role in the modern melodic hardcore scene, their new album is considered to have a different set of influences and a more refined sound.

''Nothing Left to Love'' (2019–2021)

The band released their sixth studio album, Nothing Left to Love, on November 1, 2019, via New Damage / Pure Noise Records. The record marks the return of guitarist and backing vocalist Alex Re. Nothing Left to Love was the band's first record to break into the top 100 of the Billboard 200 charts, peaking at 97.

In 2021, frontman Brendan Murphy contributed guest vocals to the Hawthorne Heights single "Constant Dread".

''A Eulogy for Those Still Here'' (2022–2024)

On May 31, 2022, Counterparts announced on all social media platforms their seventh studio album A Eulogy for Those Still Here would be released on October 7, 2022, through Pure Noise Records. The first single "Unwavering Vow" was released on June 1, 2022. The second single "Whispers of Your Death" was released on July 26, 2022. The third single "Bound to the Burn" was released on September 7, 2022.

''Live in Toronto'' and ''Heaven Let Them Die'' (2024–present)

On July 30, 2024, Counterparts released their first ever live album, recorded in Toronto at the Danforth Music Hall with mixing and mastering by Kyle Brownlee. The recording took place during the "A Eulogy for Those Still Here Tour" on December 18, 2022, with support from SeeYouSpaceCowboy, Dying Wish, and Foreign Hands. Pure Noise Records released an accompanying video on YouTube of the band performing "Whispers of Your Death", "Bound to the Burn", and "A Mass Grave of Saints".

On November 7, 2024, the band surprise released a new EP titled Heaven Let Them Die.

Musical style and influences

Critics have categorised Counterparts' music as metalcore, melodic hardcore, emotional hardcore, melodic metalcore, and hardcore punk. The band's members have cited influences including Misery Signals, Shai Hulud, Poison the Well, Alexisonfire, Converge, Every Time I Die, Purity Ring, Saints Never Surrender, and Taken.

Members

Current

• Brendan Murphy – lead vocals (2007–present)
• Kyle Brownlee – drums, percussion (2012, 2016, 2017–present)
• Tyler Williams – bass, backing vocals (2017–present), rhythm guitar (2022–present)
• Jesse Doreen – lead guitar (2007–2016, 2021–present), bass (2022–present)

Former

• Curtis Washik – rhythm guitar (2007–2009)
• Chris Needham – drums, percussion (2010–2011)
• Ryan Juntilla – drums, percussion (2007–2010; 2011–2012)
• Adrian Lee – rhythm guitar (2013–2019), bass (2017)
• Eric Bazinet – bass (2007–2014)
• Brian Kaczmarczyk – bass (2014–2017)
• Ben Leathem – drums, percussion (2016–2017)
• Kelly Bilan – drums, percussion (2012–2016)
• Alex Re – rhythm guitar, backing vocals, clean vocals (2009–2013; 2019–2022)
• Blake Hardman – lead guitar, backing vocals (2016–2021), bass (2014, 2017)

Timeline

ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:16 PlotArea = left:120 bottom:80 top:10 right:20 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy Period = from:01/01/2007 till: ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:2007 ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:2007 TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4

Colors= id:vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals id:backing value:pink legend:Backing_vocals id:guitar1 value:teal legend:Lead_guitar id:guitar2 value:brightgreen legend:Rhythm_guitar id:bass value:blue legend:Bass id:drums value:orange legend:Drums,_percussion id:studio value:black legend:Studio_release id:other value:gray(0.6) legend:Others_release

LineData= layer:back at:02/23/2010 color:studio at:10/24/2011 color:studio at:07/23/2013 color:studio at:07/24/2015 color:studio at:09/22/2017 color:studio at:11/01/2019 color:studio at:10/07/2022 color:studio at:01/01/2008 color:other at:11/21/2010 color:other at:02/19/2016 color:other at:09/07/2018 color:other at:06/22/2020 color:other at:07/30/2024 color:other at:11/07/2024 color:other

BarData= bar:Brendan text:"Brendan Murphy" bar:Jesse text:"Jesse Doreen" bar:Curtis text:"Curtis Washik" bar:Alex text:"Alex Re" bar:Adrian text:"Adrian Lee" bar:Eric text:"Eric Bazinet" bar:Blake text:"Blake Hardman" bar:Brian text:"Brian Kaczmarczyk" bar:Tyler text:"Tyler Williams" bar:Ryan text:"Ryan Juntilla" bar:Chris text:"Chris Needham" bar:Kyle text:"Kyle Brownlee" bar:Kelly text:"Kelly Bilan" bar:Ben text:"Ben Leathem"

PlotData = width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(11,-4) bar:Brendan from:01/01/2007 till:end color:vocals bar:Jesse from:01/01/2007 till:04/25/2016 color:guitar1 bar:Jesse from:07/06/2021 till:end color:guitar1 bar:Jesse from:12/12/2022 till:end color:bass width:3 bar:Blake from:01/02/2014 till:01/09/2014 color:bass bar:Blake from:01/02/2014 till:01/09/2014 color:backing width:3 bar:Blake from:04/25/2016 till:07/06/2021 color:guitar1 bar:Blake from:01/02/2017 till:04/02/2017 color:bass width:7 bar:Blake from:04/25/2016 till:07/06/2021 color:backing width:3 bar:Curtis from:01/01/2007 till:01/01/2009 color:guitar2 bar:Alex from:01/01/2009 till:12/12/2013 color:guitar2 bar:Alex from:01/01/2009 till:12/12/2013 color:backing width:3 bar:Alex from:10/04/2019 till:12/12/2022 color:guitar2 bar:Alex from:10/04/2019 till:12/12/2022 color:backing width:3 bar:Adrian from:12/12/2013 till:10/04/2019 color:guitar2 bar:Adrian from:01/02/2017 till:04/02/2017 color:bass width:3 bar:Eric from:01/01/2007 till:01/01/2014 color:bass bar:Brian from:01/10/2014 till:01/02/2017 color:bass bar:Tyler from:04/02/2017 till:12/12/2022 color:bass bar:Tyler from:12/12/2022 till:end color:guitar2 bar:Tyler from:12/12/2022 till:end color:bass width:7 bar:Tyler from:04/02/2017 till:end color:backing width:3 bar:Ryan from:01/01/2007 till:05/01/2010 color:drums bar:Ryan from:05/01/2011 till:02/01/2012 color:drums bar:Chris from:05/01/2010 till:05/01/2011 color:drums bar:Kyle from:03/03/2017 till:end color:drums bar:Kyle from:04/25/2016 till:10/30/2016 color:drums bar:Kyle from:02/02/2012 till:08/20/2012 color:drums bar:Ben from:11/01/2016 till:03/02/2017 color:drums bar:Kelly from:08/20/2012 till:04/24/2016 color:drums

Discography

Studio albums

• Prophets (2010)
• The Current Will Carry Us (2011)
• The Difference Between Hell and Home (2013) – No. 49 US Billboard Indie, No. 7 US Billboard Heatseekers
• Tragedy Will Find Us (2015) – No. 117 US Billboard 200
• You're Not You Anymore (2017) – No. 112 US Billboard 200
• Nothing Left to Love (2019) – No. 97 US Billboard 200
• A Eulogy for Those Still Here (2022)

Live albums

• Live in Toronto (2024)

EPs

• Counterparts – Untitled four-song EP (2008)
• Counterparts / Exalt Split (2010)
• Counterparts Live on Audiotree (2016)
• Private Room (2018)
• Heaven Let Them Die (2024)

Singles

• Selfishly I Sink (2018)
• Purer Form of Pain – Nothing Left to Love B-Sides (2020)

Music videos

• "Jumping Ship" (2011)
• "The Disconnect" (2012)
• "Witness" (2013)
• "Burn" (2015)
• "Collapse" (2015)
• "Stranger" (2016)
• "Bouquet" (2017)
• "Swim Beneath My Skin" (2017)
• "You're Not You Anymore" (2018)
• "Paradise and Plague" (2019)
• "Unwavering Vow" (2022)
• "Whispers of your Death" (2022)
• "A Martyr Left Alive" (2024)
• "No Lamb Was Lost" (2024)

References

References

1. "COUNTERPARTS".
2. "Here's why Counterparts' Alex Re created new emo band You Will Always".
3. "MELODIC HARDCORE’S STUNNING MID-2020S RESURGENCE".
4. "Hundredth live in Somerville (2017)".
5. "@brendan905".
6. "November 2010 Update".
7. "Important July Update (MUST READ)".
8. (July 24, 2012). "Counterparts part ways with drummer Ryan Juntilla".
9. (July 26, 2012). "Before he did leave, did you guys have an inkling...".
10. "Alex Re – Just to set the record straight, I am no longer... - Facebook".
11. (March 6, 2014). "After 7 years, 17 countries and several hundred...".
12. (April 17, 2015). "Counterparts Interview – New Album – Tragedy Will Find Us (Exclusive)".
13. "Welcome Counterparts to Pure Noise : Pure Noise Records".
14. (July 24, 2015). "Counterparts – Tragedy Will Find Us".
15. (June 15, 2017). "Counterparts Return with 'You're Not You Anymore,' Share "Bouquet"".
16. Pure Noise Records. (September 19, 2017). "Counterparts "Haunt Me"".
17. (June 15, 2017). "Counterparts "Bouquet" Music Video – YouTube".
18. (June 26, 2017). "Counterparts "No Servant of Mine" – YouTube".
19. (September 24, 2017). "Counterparts' You're Not You Anymore Review".
20. (September 26, 2017). "Album Review: Counterparts' Yon're Not You".
21. (August 26, 2019). "Counterparts Detail New Album 'Nothing Left to Love'".
22. (November 16, 2019). "Billboard 200 Chart".
23. [https://www.theprp.com/2021/07/21/news/hear-counterparts-frontman-brendan-murphy-guest-on-new-hawthorne-heights-track-constant-dread/ Hear Counterparts frontman Brendan Murphy guest on new Hawthorne Heights track "Constant Dread"]
24. "Counterparts on Instagram: ""A Eulogy for Those Still Here" will be available worldwide on October 7th via @purenoiserecs/@newdamagerecords. Preorders and the first single and video "Unwavering Vow" will be available tomorrow, I don't know when or where exactly so find it yourself you fucking nerd. 1. 07/26/2020 2. Whispers of Your Death 3. Bound to the Burn 4. Unwavering Vow 5. A Eulogy for Those Still Here 6. Skin Beneath a Scar 7. Sworn to Silence 8. What Mirrors Might Reflect 9. Soil II 10. Flesh to Fill Your Wounds 11. A Mass Grave of Saints Counterparts is @bjm905 @jessedoreen @alexre905 @aliensn0t @kylebrownlee Produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by @willputney of course, with a little help from sexy @steve_seid and @benjohnson1323 Artwork by @bycolincrane Layout by @restinpeaceonearth"".
25. (July 30, 2024). "Counterparts, Live in Toronto".
26. (July 30, 2024). "Counterparts "Whispers of your Death, Bound to the Burn, A Mass Grave of Saints" (Live in Toronto)".
27. (November 7, 2024). "Counterparts Surprise Release New EP "Heaven Let Them Die", Debut Music Video". The PRP.
28. Yan, Byron. (January 27, 2016). "Counterpars' Brendan Murphy Talks Humble Beginnings in Canada's Most Overlooked Scene". [[Vice (magazine).
29. Kraus, Brian. (June 22, 2014). "16 Modern Precursors of Melodic Hardcore".
30. (7 September 2022). "HEAR COUNTERPARTS' RAGING NEW SONG "BOUND TO THE BURN"". Project M Group LLC.
31. (21 November 2022). "Breaking Down the Melodic Metalcore of Counterparts". Bandcamp.
32. Biography by Mark Deming. "Counterparts | Biography & History". AllMusic.
33. "Counterparts immediately captivate with 'You're Not You Anymore'".
34. "Counterparts, 'Swim Beneath My Skin' – Exclusive Video Premiere + Interview".
35. "INTERVIEW WITH BRENDAN MURPHY OF COUNTERPARTS".
36. (2019), New Damage Records, Counterparts, http://newdamagerecords.com/bands/counterparts, Retrieved, 2019
37. (2019), Deming, Mark, https://www.allmusic.com/artist/counterparts-mn0002785997/biography, Retrieved, April 10, 2019
38. (July 6, 2021). "I am no longer a part of @counterparts905. Thank you to everyone who supported me and the records I was a large par…".
39. "Counterparts Chart History: Billboard 200".
40. "Counterparts – You'Re Not You Anymore". Notyou.ca.
41. (November 11, 2019). "Debuts on this week's #Billboard200 (3/3)".
42. "Counterparts » The Current Will Carry Us » Credits". [[AllMusic]].
43. Smith, Roz. (December 1, 2011). "Albums » Counterparts » The Current Will Carry Us". Diane Casazza; Chris Farinas.
44. Harper, Kate. (June 2, 2011). "Music Review » Silverstein – Rescue". Chart Communications.
45. Hume, Kiel. (October 24, 2011). "METAL REVIEWS: » Counterparts The Current Will Carry Us". 1059434 Ontario Inc.
46. "Bands » Counterparts » About". punknews.org.
47. aubin. (October 13, 2011). "Videos: Counterparts: "Jumping Ship"". punknews.org.
48. aubin. (August 31, 2011). "Counterparts to release 'The Current Will Carry Us'". punknews.org.
49. "Artists » Article » Counterparts » Bands & Artists – Counterparts". Freeway Press.
50. Kelham, Andrew. (December 6, 2011). "Album Reviews » Counterparts » The Current Will Carry Us". Freeway Press.
51. "Counterparts". [[Victory Records]].
52. "The Current Will Carry Us". [[WorldCat]].