Posted on March 13, 2019
Canadian noise rockers KEN mode will be embarking on a North American tour this spring. The full list of tour dates is presented below.
KEN mode
Post-Hardcore Metal - Canada
Kill Everyone Now mode – an ethos legendary Black Flag frontman Henry Rollins would use to describe the band’s state of mind while taking the stage for the endless touring cycle of their genre defying classic album, ‘My War’. This proved to be the psychological foundation / attitude for the project brothers Jesse and Shane Matthewson formed in 1999 in their home of Winnipeg, Canada and that would see them spread a manic form of metal and hardcore infused with noise rock for their entire adult lives.
Cutting their teeth in the early aughts with a pair of records ‘Mongrel’ (2003) and ‘Reprisal’ (2006), KEN mode rose from underground notoriety with their JUNO award winning album ‘Venerable’ in 2011. This marked a decided shift for the band, embarking on an unrelenting touring schedule for the following five years with acts such as RUSSIAN CIRCLES, TORCHE, DEAFHEAVEN, KYLESA, REVOCATION and TODAY IS THE DAY, followed up by Season of Mist-released full lengths ’Entrench’ (2013) and ‘Success’ (2015). Those records saw the band hit a multitude of major festivals like SXSW, Hellfest Open Air, CMJ Festival, Pitchfork Festival Chicago, Hopscotch Festival, and Roadburn Festival; and even doing live sessions for renowned institutions such as BBC Radio 1 and Daytrotter.
But burnout was inevitable, and in 2016 KEN mode took a step back to regroup. Core members Shane and Jesse formed their own music business management services company, MKM Management, while bassist Scott Hamilton released records with his other bands ADOLYNE and GREYLIGHT DISTRICT. In 2017 the band began writing with a newfound focus and desire, in the most collaborative effort they have ever put together.
‘Loved’, the band’s brand new vicious full length may be the KEN mode’s quintessential statement of violence and despair made sonic. Drawing from not only the desperate noise and industrial sonics of the ‘80s and ‘90s, the band mixes in the decidedly more extreme tone and presence of death and black metal, expertly captured by Andrew Schneider’s (UNSANE, CAVE IN, DAUGHTERS) sick vision of noise and girth. ‘Loved’ represents yet another pivot point in the group’s sound, a departure from the indie/noise punk focused ‘Success’ album. The group delves deeper and darker than ever before.
Line-up:
- Jesse Matthewson : Vocals / Guitar
- Shane Matthewson : Drums
- Skot Hamilton : Bass
This band is no longer active on Season of Mist.
Posted on February 6, 2019
Canadian noise rockers KEN mode have been nominated for a JUNO Award along with label-mates BEYOND CREATION. Read more on the awards and nominees below.
Posted on November 15, 2018
KEN mode are about to kick off their European dates with BIRDS IN A ROW and COILGUNS at the Temps Machine, Joué (FR) tomorrow, November 15. The tour sees the band hit several stages throughout Europe, until a final curtain at Magazin 4 in Brussel (BE) on December 02. A full list of confirmed shows can be found below.
Posted on October 16, 2018
KEN mode are releasing a brand new video for the track “Learning To Be Too Cold” which was taken from their recently released new album ‘Loved’.
Posted on September 4, 2018
KEN mode are now streaming their entire new album ‘Loved’ in full, which has been released worldwide release on August 31st, 2018. Listen to the record at the link below.
