On Friday, April 26th we played Rebel Fest 2013 in Hamilton…here’s a few videos from the show!
The Addiction
For The Kids
Crack Of Thunder
Uncategorized
Another review of our new digital single “The Addiction & The Solution,” this time from Oi Oi Music out of The Netherlands. You can get the single from Itunes and from our Bandcamp page!
The Class Assassins from Canada have been away for a while but after a period of silence the band reformed a few years ago. I always liked their music, but since they reformed i became really enthusiastic about them.
The potential of this band is huge. They come from a streetpunk background with a blue colour attitude but they added a melodic rock’n’roll edge to their music which reminds me to bands as Social Distortion or Reno Divorce. I think even people who are into bands like Strike Anywhere, Rise Against or Propagandhi will appreciate this band.
Earlier this year the band recorded two songs to gain some attention and to show the people they are still here. The first song is called The Addiction and shows the regular Class Assassins ingredients: clean vocals with a raw edge, sing-along chorusses, while the guitar sounds like a streetpunked version of Social Distortion.
The other, The Solution, song is quite amazing. It clocks over 9 minutes and i can’t remember i heard a punk song of this length which didn’t bore me at all! Honestly it took me a few listenings to realise it such a long song.
Even though i mentioned the band name Social Distortion a few times, The Class Assassins certainly don’t sound like a copycat or dime a dozen, on the contrary!
Here’s another review of the brand new digital single, this one from Street Voice zine:
THE CLASS ASSASSINS – The Addiction & The Solution:
Canadian Street Punk outfit ‘Class Assassins’ are back with a new single and it’s a pretty cool release. The A-Side ‘The Addiction’ is a full on high quality punk rock affair that you’d expect from these guys. What makes this single is the second track ‘The Solution’ which is a up-tempo punk rock number lasting over 9 minutes! I was quite surprised how well it works as I was expecting the song to be dragged out but how wrong I was. If you love bands like the Clash then you’ll certainly enjoy what’s on offer with the Class Assassins. 8/10
First review of the brand-new digital single is in, courtesy of the Altered Frequencies blog!
Formed in 2001 in Toronto, Ontario THE CLASS ASSASSINS and play anthemic, sing-a-long, melodic street punk that will stick in your ear holes and won’t get shook out.
This two song single is being released online only, which kind of sucks because I like to actually own the physical copies of my music, but with such a great band like THE CLASS ASSASSINS, I will forgive this crime…this time! It starts off with “The Addiction” which has the power that I expect from their releases, great gang vocals, raspy lead vocals, chiming guitar playing that has a touch of THE CLASH to it, pounding drums, bass playing that fits perfectly in tune with the drumming and a chorus that is huge, and “The Solution” starts off with some acoustic guitar, some feedback and then the band kicks you in the teeth with its hard-hitting street punk that has great gang vocals, and playing that will get you moving whether you want it to or not, and you will comply to their music and move your ass.
With the great lyrics and their talent at playing, this is a release that needs to be heard by a lot of people, tell your friends to go and get this download and play it loud and proud. Every time I see something new from this band, I must get it, they are that good!
We are happy to announce the release of our new digital single “The Addiction & The Solution.” It’s out on Rebel Time Records and is available at Itunes and Bandcamp. Here’s the press release!
The Class Assassin’s latest offering, “The Addiction & The Solution” is a top-notch, 2-song, 1-theme, digital-only release that clocks in at a super-sized 13+ minutes.
It’s a “concept single,” says guitarist Cactus Vella, “the concept for the two songs came naturally, and together they tell a full story. It’s something unique and it’s different from anything else the band has put out. We’re known for writing 3-and-a-half minute anthems, so it’s nice to break the mould once in a while.”
On writing ‘The Addiction,” singer Chad Nugent says: “The lyrics came easily to me as I was fed up with how governments across the globe are in bed with the major corporations and are being bought and controlled by them all the while using us as their tools.” He adds: “I don’t want to get into a big political discussion about it; it’s all in the lyrics. I think that if you read them you’ll see exactly where we are coming from. They stand on their own laurels.”
When it came to penning the 9-minute “The Solution”, Chad states that “I looked at the words for The Addiction, then I looked at the Idle No More” movement and it all kind of fell into my lap. I have a deep respect for Indigenous peoples. Right now they are not only standing up for themselves but for the entire globe and that gave me the inspiration I needed. We’re the solution if we all stand together and fight for what’s right. Make your voice be heard!”
On putting together this punk rock piece de resistance, Cactus says that “We started writing The Solution” a year ago. We were excited about writing a song that was well over the 6 minute mark and liked the idea of potentially composing a 10 minute long song. But it wasn’t as simple as just repeating your chorus 8 or 9 times, and a bunch of guitar leads. It was about creating a flow and a direction. Moving forward and upward, keeping the listeners attention, building the energy, until finally reaching the coda.”
Both Cactus and Chad are quick to point out the invaluable assistance of Producer Dave Baksh. “Working with Mr. Dave Baksh is a treat because it’s almost like having a sixth member. Our songs are never truly finished until he hears what we are doing. He really pushes us which brings out the best of us,” says Chad, while Cactus adds,”We were excited to work with Dave Baksh again. After he produced “The Treason 45” we knew we wanted to work with him again. He really gets our band and brings out the absolute best in us every time.”
“The Addiction & The Solution” is available NOW from Itunes and Bandcamp.
Here’s what your 2 bucks gets you:
THE ADDICTION
I know just what I want/ It’s a world of peace and a world of love/ But it’s so hard to believe in what this world has become/ Some of us will cope where others fail/While all the bankers get out, they get out on bail/ A soldier sets out to war/What’s he really fighting for?/Build the rockets, line the pockets/ For the next generation of the money whores/ Hang on to hope to no avail/ Hang on to everything because it’s all up for sale/ Well you know what’s right & you know what’s wrong/ So tell me what is going on?/Well you know what’s right and you know what’s wrong/So tell me what is going on/ It’s the addiction & it don’t belong/ So tell me what’s been going on/ Hold the power, harness the greed/ Wealth will come from growing the seed/ Build the rockets, line your pockets for the distribution of the chicken feed/ Hang on to hope to no avail/ Hang onto everything because it’s all up for sale/
THE SOLUTION
Opinions matter at this event so we all listen to what we are against/Stand and deliver is the intent but it’s all in a colour code as we sit on the fence/What’s the solution? Were the solution/Built up with promise it’s all been sent/All an illusion so we we’ll fold the tents/We will rock you, heads will roll/We must shock you, this nations soul/This nations soul. Were the solution/Stand between the power and the greed. So goes the script we all need/You say you know just what I want/Set the rules, set the play/I flip my card and all I feel is rage/It all comes down to you and me but some of us are too blind to see/They took a turn but turned away as we stand here with something left to say/This attack is on a global stage. Tear it down/No one seems to wanna turn the page. Burn it down/All is lost if we don’t stand. Tear it down/Take back time and circumstance. Burn it down/In search of monsters to destroy/They’re in the mirror not the toy/Lies & bigotry has got no one to employ/No stock, no time, no living proof left in their voice/Now that the truth has been exposed/ It’s up to us how the story goes/ In the book of our nations soul/It’s time to take a stand/ Take back what is our land/Were the solution, their heads will roll/
Here’s our new ‘Rebel Music’ shirt. Get in touch if you’d like one! Very limited quantities…
On Saturday, April 14th, 2012 we played Rebel Fest in Hamilton with great bands like The Rebel Spell, Brutal Youth, The Rotten and more. Here’s a few videos…
Doing “Start Again”:
Here’s “St. Clair Syndrome” and “Urban Rebel”:
“Treason,” off of our new single on Rebel Time Records:
We’re playing Rebel Fest in Hamilton on April 14h and as part of that, the organizers did a bit of an interview with us…here it is:
RTR: I was reading a review of the band the other day, and it said that The Class Assassins are “no new kids on the block.” Very true, the band has been around since 2001. But really, you’ve all been playing punk rock well before then…tell us about some of the other projects/bands you guys have been involved in…
The Class Assassins: Dave played in The Unknowns in the late 70’s, he was also an original member of Direct Action, as well he played in Son Of Bronto, Gary played drums in Bitter Reality, and then The Problem Children from 1983 though to 1990. Chad sang in Chronic Submission for a little while, he was also the singer in Vacant Lot, and later on in Bitter Grin. Chris Far was best known for his guitar work in Baby’s With Rabies, and Hockey Teeth. Cactus played guitar in Bombshelter, 2-Pump Louie, and Sinkin’ Ships.
RTR: The band has been on few different labels over the years, how about a run-down of what you’ve put out musically?
The Class Assassins: Our first release was a self titled 7″ on Soap and Spikes Records, followed by the “No Justice” 7″ on Insurgence Records both in 2001. After that we released our first full length titled “State Of Emergency”. The CD was put out by Insurgence Records and the vinyl was made available by TKO Records in 2002. The next release didn’t come until 2010 in the form of the “You’ve Got It All Wrong” CD on Insurgence Records. Insurgence also released a digital download only compilation of previously-unreleased material that same year called “Going The Distance”. Next up was the “Treason” 7″ on Rebel Time Records in 2011. And most recently we just put out a CD called “Equalizing X Distort – The Studio 3 Sessions” on Anxiety Attack Records earlier this year.
RTR: For those not familiar with The Class Assassins, how would you describe the band, musically and lyrically?
The Class Assassins: Musically we’re Street Punk meets Rock and Roll. Lyrically we make you think and sing along. Our lyrics are socially conscious and fun at the same time.
RTR: After a bit of a hiatus, the band is back in fine form…what’s in the future for The Class Assassins?
The Class Assassins: The future is to keep chugging forward. This is the kind of band we all see ourselves playing in for a long time. There’s no plans to stop any time soon. We want to release another record this year. We’re always writing and working on new song ideas. We plan to continue hitting the road and playing as many shows as possible.
March 12, 2012
Thanks to Ty Trumbell and Post City for making us band of the week and for the interview!!
Band of the Week: The Class Assassins
By Ty Trumbull
Punk rock can be problematic: it’s often difficult for a band to remain true to the spirit and history of the genre while still sounding relevant. Luckily, Toronto’s The Class Assassins somehow avoid sounding like a caricature. Sure, all the elements are there: the rocking riffs, the driving rhythms and the protest songs. But those riffs lock themselves in your head.
After a long hiatus, the band has come back with gusto, landing some big gigs around town, releasing a new seven-inch record and, most recently, preparing for a big St. Patrick’s Day concert with the The Mahones at the Horseshoe Tavern. We caught up with lead guitarist Cactus Vella to talk about what’s next.
The band’s been around for a while now. For the uninitiated, could you give us a brief history?
The Class Assassins began around 1999. Chris and Dan Farr — the brothers who started the band — were looking to do something new. They had played together in Hockey Teeth, and when that band ended they decided to put something else together. They found Chad, who had been the vocalist in Bitter Grin and added him to the band. They also brought in Dave and Gary on bass and drums. Dave was an original member of Direct Action and Gary was the drummer for the Problem Children. Several years later Dan decided he couldn’t do it any longer and that’s when I was brought in.
You recently put out a new seven-inch. How has the response been so far?
The response has been fantastic! Rebel Time Records has been pushing the seven-inch hard. The fan feedback is great and the reviews are all positive. The record just got picked up by distributors in France and Germany, so we’re very excited about that!
What was the motivation behind releasing it on vinyl as opposed to CD or a digital release?
Vinyl has always been the preferred format for us, and I dare to say the majority of the punk rock community. Our very first release was a seven-inch on Soap and Spikes Records followed by a seven-inch on Insurgence Records. Also our first full length, State of Emergency was available on CD and Vinyl. Somewhere in the last 15 years it became really easy and affordable to make CDs and more difficult and expensive to make vinyl. It’s now nice to see vinyl being a realistic option for independent bands again.
It seems like there was a pretty long break between your releases. Was there any reason behind that? And what’s prompted the flurry of activity over the last few years?
Honestly, I don’t think it’s any secret that the band got pretty lazy there for a while. This was during a time when the future of the band was a little uncertain. Dan was on his way out, and the band had stopped touring for a while. I think I joined sometime in 2008 and my first goal was to get them to finish recording the material that would become the You’ve Got It All Wrong CD. The CD was released on Insurgence, eventually, and after that we started playing around Ontario and surrounding areas in support of the CD. Since then we’ve written a ton of new material and are an active band again. We released the Treason seven-inch on Rebel Time Records last fall, and just released another CD on my own label, Anxiety Attack Records, a month ago. It’s really difficult for me to be a part of a lazy band. I don’t see the point in it. Hobby bands aren’t for me. Do it hard or don’t do it at all.
You’ve had some pretty high profile gigs lately, most notably opening for Dropkick Murphys last month. How did that come about?
The Dropkick Murphys gig was awesome! Basically, their camp emailed me and said the Dropkicks wanted us to open up for them in Toronto. We’ve been wanting that spot for a long time. We’ve been very lucky over the years as we’ve shared the stage with some great bands, like Bad Religion, The Bronx, GBH, Agnostic Front, The Business, Crass and Red Alert, to name a few. Hard work and a good work ethic go a long way in our scene.
And what’s next for the band?
As far as new material goes, we’re writing a bunch of songs and there’s talk about releasing another seven-inch and/or a split record this spring or summer. We don’t plan on dropping off the radar again anytime soon. Famous last words…
Here’s a spot-on review of the new disc, from Rebel Youth Magazine…
The Class Assassins – Equalize X Distort
In November, 2011, punk rockers The Class Assassins recorded an eight song set live in studio at CIUT FM in Toronto. Now the tracks are available as Equalize X Distort, The Studio 3 Sessions.
The album contains six renditions of Class Assassins tracks from previous albums, and two great covers; Breaking the Law by Judas Priest and Fortunate Son by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Included amongst the original Class Assassins tracks is the exceptionally catchy Treason, from the recently released The Treason 45 EP.
The great thing about this album is that the tracks are presented in their raw form without any fancy studio wizardry. This accomplishes two things. First, the album feels real and gritty, and preserves the classic Class Assassins sound. Second, it shows just how talented this band really is since it sounds pretty clear from the first track that all these guys need to kick ass is their instruments, and a spot to play them in.
If you are already a fan of The Class Assassins this is a must hear, but if you don’t know them yet this wouldn’t be a bad place to start. Apparently only 100 copies are being released on CD, but the album is also available as a digital download on the bands Bandcamp page.
