Valkyries Epiphany is a group of 6 metal disciples, combining their talents to create an unrelenting hardcore sound. Hailing from Windsor, Ontario, the band has gone through a few changes before settling into their groove.
With their current members in place, Valkyries Epiphany snatched the popular vote and took the Wildcard award at Supernova's Summer Warfare show. Feeling this was their best show yet, the band is getting set to take the stage on October 23rd for the Break Your Band qualifier.
Coming off their Wildcard win and a huge amount of fan support, the members of Valkyries Epiphany were pumped to do an interview for Supernova.com; and to compete for a $25,000 Development Deal at in their upcoming Battle.
First, how does each individual fit into the band?
Brandon (Gopher) Coburn – Guitar: Adds a lot in the lead section of the band. Founder of Valkyries Epiphany, and only original from early lineup. Acts as a manager, setting up shows, making accounts on Supernova, and so on.
Blade Suitor – Drums: Adds a lot to the rhythm section, helps a lot with songs, writing. Very dedicated, talented young drummer. Puts forth a lot of work towards songs. Has been in the band shortly after it was created.
Matty Gagne - Guitar: Helps out a lot with shows, lightening the mood at practices. The wise one of all of us. Adds a lot to rhythm section and helps with song writing.
Zakk Donaldson - Bass: Replacing original bassist Andrew Durward, being the new guy never held him back. Zakk puts forth a lot of rhythm and lead sections in bass, helping out with transportation, song ideas, and always enhances the songs with a great bass line.
Dave Mulder - Vocals: Replacing old vocalists Marc Oliver and Vince Hunter. The newest member to join the band. Dave brings a lot of good song ideas to the table, as well as a killer voice and a fun guy to be in a band with.
and Marc - the fearless leader of the band. He writes alot of our crazy, dark lyrics. He also kills on stage with his high energy vocals.
How did you come together and what got you where you stand as a band today?
It's 3 in the morning and I have to remember the whole band history? Haha...
(Insert really confusing story about jamming in basements, betting on 360 kickflips, etc… I figured I’d leave in the parts with the most fist fighting :)
…[The original] lineup lasted for a long time: a bald headed, bearded, blues-loving man; a punk rocker hippy; a punk stoner skateboarder; and a metal head - all formed to make a death metal band. Later on, Vince (playing drums) moved up to vocals, sharing dual vocals with Marc, and Blade Suitor was the new drummer - a shockingly very talented young drummer with the most garbage equipment, who left us amazed.
This lasted for a while, until a few arguments and fist fights happened, and Andrew left the band. Zakk Donaldson replaced Andrew Durward, a very talented young bassist. Shortly after Vince was in a fight with Marc, and they got into a fist fight at a house party show. Vince left the band. Marc shortly left the band after a few events, and arguments. Now Dave Mulder is the new vocalist, great dude, with a killer voice. We're hoping the lineup will still stay the same, and we can start moving forward in our career.
Everyone that was in the band and currently still is, are all friends. We still hang out together, and all chill. There’s a lot more to the story line of the band, but it's hard to sum it all up.
Ok then; how would you describe your band’s sound?
We sound original. I don't know any other band that could relate to us. All of our songs so far have something different to them. We don't like to stick to one same sound.
What is the most rewarding thing about being in a band?
The most rewarding thing about being in the band is when all of our hard work pays off. We all put so much out of our lives to keep this band going. We truly are a hard working band. When we get a show and play live, that is the reward. For those 30 minutes we can forget that life even exists and just do what we do best and love the most - play music. Fans are another huge part: we love fans, we love when we inspire people.
How do you want people to perceive your band?
We want people to like the band and we want people to respect us as musicians, especially for our age. We just want to be known as the band that likes to have fun, not as conceited and stuck up; the band that just wants to play in front of an audience, nothing else.
Where is your favourite place to play?
Our favourite places to play is The Blind Dog and The Chubby Pickle. Two great and fun venues to play in, with excellent staff and a great chance to get your music out there.
We found out Supernova through a friend. Supernova.com is a great website, a lot of help concerning getting your music out there, and trying to be discovered. Supernova gave us a chance to play one of the greatest live experiences, and definitely helped bring our name to the scene.
What bands are you currently listening to? Any undiscovered artists that you think are going to be big?
We think Desertion is going to hit big, a great group of talented musicians that haven't been discovered that much. A lot of Windsor bands aren't very known, but they have the potential.
Who would you most like to tour with?
We would love to tour with all the great local bands Windsor has to offer. Windsor has an amazing scene of musicians, and young talented bands. Everyone in the band has a different favourite band of different genre, but we all agree that Windsor has some great bands. We would love to tour with Desertion, Falling With Glory, Monroe, Cyreene and many more.
Anything else that makes Valkyries Epiphany unique that new listeners should know?
Anytime you want to talk to us, feedback, hangout at a show, feel free! We love our fans!
