Canada 
Rita Ora Announced as Guest Star Performer at HELLWATT Festival 2026
9 months ago
Cancer Bats have established themselves as a Canadian hardcore punk band, known for their powerful sound and energetic live performances, and continue to release new music and tour.
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Request A ShowOn their seventh studio album, PSYCHIC JAILBREAK, the beloved metal band released their album via their own label Bat Skull Records in partnership with New Damage Records. The album is also available through the band's own record label Bat Skull Records in partnership with New Damage Records in Canada and the U.S..
On their seventh studio album, PSYCHIC JAILBREAK, the beloved metal band released their album via their own label Bat Skull Records in partnership with New Damage Records. The album is now available through the band's own record label Bat Skull Records in partnership with New Damage Records in Canada and the U.S.. Also in 2019 New Damage records released a split 7 inch vinyl record called : New Damage Records Switcheroo series vol 1., where Cancer Bats and Single Mothers cover each other's songs.
Canadian independent record label that signed the band in its early years. Distort Entertainment released "Birthing the Giant" in Canada and also released the video for the single "Old Blood" online.
Released "Birthing the Giant" in the US.
Released "Hail Destroyer" in the US. Also, the official website (https://www.metalblade.com/us/) provides various resources like store, news, artists, releases, tours, and podcasts related to the band.
Released a limited amount of black 7" vinyl of the "Rolo Tomassi/Cancer Bats" split release in 2009.
Cancer Bats was formed in May 2004 in Toronto, Ontario, by vocalist Liam Cormier and guitarist Scott Middleton. The initial lineup included Andrew McCracken on bass and Joel Bath on drums. They aimed to create music influenced by acts like Entombed, Refused, and Black Flag. After self-releasing a demo in January 2005, they were signed by Distort Entertainment. Mike Peters replaced Joel Bath on drums shortly after, establishing the core lineup. Their debut album, “Birthing the Giant,” was released in June 2006, featuring guest vocals from George Pettit of Alexisonfire. This period also saw them performing extensively across Southern Ontario with various notable bands.
The band continued to evolve, with Jaye R. Schwarzer joining as the permanent bassist in 2007, replacing Andrew McCracken and Jason Bailey. Their second studio album, “Hail Destroyer,” was released in April 2008 and garnered significant critical acclaim, including a KKKKK review from Kerrang! and a nomination for 2008 Album of the Year. The album featured guest appearances from musicians such as Wade MacNeil and Tim McIlrath. Cancer Bats became known for their relentless touring schedule, performing at major festivals like Download, Groezrock, and Reading and Leeds Festivals, and touring with bands such as Bullet for My Valentine and Bring Me the Horizon. In 2010, they released their third album, “Bears, Mayors, Scraps & Bones,” and gained recognition for their cover of the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage.”
A significant development in their career was the formation of “Bat Sabbath” in late 2011, a Black Sabbath tribute band alter ego that emerged from an after-party show at Sonisphere Festival. This concept led to dedicated Canadian tours. Their fourth album, “Dead Set on Living,” was released in 2012, followed by “Searching for Zero” in 2015 and “The Spark That Moves” in 2018. In October 2021, founding guitarist Scott Middleton departed the band to focus on personal interests and family, leaving Liam Cormier as the sole original member. Cancer Bats released their seventh studio album, “Psychic Jailbreak,” in April 2022, continuing to demonstrate their adaptability and commitment to their musical style.
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