BAR DOWN || HARDCORE FOR THE CROSS CHECKERS

Mar 31

Bar Down, a band named after a hockey term who has put a new meaning to full contact sports. From encouraging pit movement to joining the pit themselves, you may want to wear a helmet being in their crowd. Whether it be on the field, the ice or the pit, it’s clear this band works as a well oiled team and any show of theirs is set to be a barn burner.

After being off for a few seasons, Chem Valley’s Bar Down has made a healthy return and we could not be more ready for their comeback. After their new EP was released earlier this year they reach the red zone and are now in prime scoring position with their insane riffs and violent, distinctive sound. Bar Down is back and stronger than ever. We expected an audible but it’s clear that they have picked up exactly, if not better from where they left off and we could not be happier.

We got to speak to their vocalist Thomas and ask him some questions about the band.

“FAVOURITE PART FOR ME IS HANGING WITH MY BAND ON ROAD TRIPS. WE ALWAYS HAVE SOME GREAT LAUGHS WHILE WE’RE DRIVING TO A SHOW OR STAYING OVERNIGHT SOMEWHERE. IT’S JUST A GREAT STRESS RELIEF FROM THE EVERYDAY GRIND”

- THOMAS, @bardownhc

WHERE DOES THE NAME “BAR DOWN” COME FROM?

I pitched it as a joke at first because I play Hockey, but it kinda stuck and the boys loved it. For context, it's when you put the puck in the top shelf, where Momma hides the cookies.

WHEN WAS YOUR BAND FORMED?

Bar Down was formed in the Fall of 2016. I always wanted to play in a band, so I asked my brother Micah and the drummer of his old band Tyson if they would be down to start something up. We recruited a life long friend Alan who had also never played in a band before on bass. Later on, right after the release of Demo '17, we got The Kid (Aiden) to rip up some Guitar as well, who had played in bands in the past with Micah.

FOR PEOPLE THAT HAVEN’T HEARD OF YOU BEFORE, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR BAND?

Weightlifting, Football, dumb riffs. We don't really take it too serious haha.

WHAT ARE YOUR MAJOR INFLUENCES?

I'll just throw what everyone's influences are on here, but collectively we listen to a lot of Midwest and North East HC bands. And Pantera, can't forget them.

Thomas: Trapped Under Ice and King Nine

Alan: Slipknot, Rotting Out, and Converge (Or whatever Micah and Aiden write)

Tyson: Vein, Knocked Loose, Meshuggah and Rush

Aiden: Pantera, Pantera, Pantera.

Micah: Purgatory, Soul Search, Foundation, and Harm's Way

WHAT ARE SOME LOCAL BANDS THAT YOU’D LOVE TO PLAY WITH OR SHOUTOUT?

Shoutout no free shoutout our new younger brother's in Fistful of Hate. CVHC till I die. Shoutout no free shoutout to our DHC brothers in Ante Up, Enemy of God, Big Deal. ONHC family Rust, Reality Denied, Cold Shoulder, Just Right.

New band we would love to play with is Spirit of Vengeance. XXL+ merch only at the show.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SHOW YOU’VE PLAYED SO FAR?

Year of the Knife in Brampton, ON. Motor City Fest in Detroit, MI. Jesus Piece and Sanction in London, ON. And any of the rare times we've played in the chem valley, the hometown always puts on.

WHAT’S COMING UP FOR THE BAND THIS YEAR?

We have a couple runs in the works but nothing set in stone as of yet. We are planning to release a new somethin' somethin' in the spring or summer.

Just coming off a violent set from last weekends SCHC show, you can catch them in the penalty box during their next away game April 29th in Detroit with Reality Check, Suffer No Fools, Poison Tongues and Loose Cannon.

Checkout their Bandcamp here: Bar Down

Writer : @bertnay

Editor : @just_reidz

03/31/23

Robert Reid