After a seven-year hiatus that saw frontman Kenny Cook navigating family health crises and lineup changes, Vancouver progressive metal outfit Anciients have earned their third JUNO Award nomination for their latest release, “Beyond the Reach of the Sun.”
“We are very honoured and excited to receive a JUNO nomination for our latest record,” says Cook. “Win or lose, we are grateful to be recognized on a national scale.”
The band’s return to the Canadian music spotlight follows a challenging period that began shortly before the release of their 2016 album “Voice of the Void.” Cook’s wife experienced serious heart complications after giving birth to their first child, leading him to step back from touring to focus on family.
“She ended up having heart complications and almost passed away from it,” Cook explains. “I wasn’t at the stage where I could be gone for half a year, especially with a new kid.”
The band’s momentum suffered another blow when co-founding guitarist/vocalist Chris Dyck departed in early 2017, leaving Cook to assume sole vocal responsibilities. Adding to these challenges, Cook relocated his family four hours east of Vancouver to raise their son “in a small town environment,” creating geographic distance between band members.
Their comeback album represents a sonic evolution, featuring more dynamic arrangements and introducing synths and keyboards for the first time. “The new record has a lot more of our rock side,” Cook notes, “whereas ‘Voice of the Void’ was pretty crushing all the way through.”
Competing against Devin Townsend, Kittie, Spiritbox and Striker in the Metal/Hard Music Album category, Anciients now look forward to resuming their touring schedule. The quartet—completed by longtime drummer Mike Hannay alongside newcomers Brock MacInnes on guitar and Rory O’Brien on bass—are slated to perform at Britain’s ArcTanGent Festival and will make their return to American stages at ProgPower USA later this year.
“The hiatus is over,” Cook declares. “We’re ready to hit it hard.”
The JUNO Awards ceremony will take place in Vancouver next month.
Photo by Shimon
Share this :
