Cancer Bats survive the music industry on their own terms
The road to stardom is rarely smooth, and for the Canadian hardcore band Cancer Bats, the journey has been less a highway and more an epic saga of hustle, heart, and sheer sonic grit. From the chaos of the touring life to the focused pursuit of artistic vision, the band has proven that resilience is the ultimate rhythm.
Their story often begins with the unpredictable nature of touring. One moment, they are immersed in the raw energy of a show, the next, they face disruption. On one tour, after a sweaty gig and a few days spent near Indianapolis, the band encountered a shocking act of theft: their van and trailer were gone. While the experience was undoubtedly frustrating, vocalist Liam Cormier framed it with a shrug, noting that dealing with small-scale chaos—smashed windows or stolen gear—is just part of the deal. For the band, this incident underscored a powerful philosophy: there is no point in freaking out. It’s the Zen of touring, a lesson learned while rolling with the punches.
This mentality of handling adversity came from a history rooted in DIY passion. In their early days, the band drew inspiration from punk trailblazers and the ethos of bands like Black Flag, carving out their sound—a mixture of sludgy punk metal and hardcore. They learned early on that success wasn’t about having everything neatly organized, but about creating something raw and authentic. This spirit propelled them forward, motivating them to pursue their music relentlessly.
Liam Cormier’s personal philosophy mirrors the band’s intensity. Fueled by strong coffee and pizza, he embodies a punk rock machine, yet maintains a clean-living lifestyle. He credits finding his tribe during an extended visit to Kitchener–Waterloo for shaping his desire to pursue a life free from excess. This quest for authenticity extended into their musical choices and their professional endeavors.
The trajectory of Cancer Bats has been one of continuous evolution. They navigated the demanding world of DIY labels and eventually signed with major labels like BMG, yet they maintained control over their creative output, establishing their own imprint. This independence allowed them the time to mature and refine their sound, culminating in albums that reflected their hard-won experience.
The journey also involved significant personnel shifts and creative breakthroughs. The addition of new members, such as Jackson Landry, brought fresh energy, and the band’s musical influences broadened, blending the energy of bands like Misfits, Led Zeppelin, and Down and Entombed into their signature sound. This collective evolution was further demonstrated when the band took risks, like releasing their cover of Sabotage, which acted as a secret weapon, building momentum for future endeavors.
In seeking wider exposure, the band took a bold step, performing as Bat Sabbath at the UK’s Sonisphere festival, covering the legendary Black Sabbath. The resulting spectacle went viral, sparking interest and solidifying their profile. This experience taught them that embracing the unexpected could be a catalyst for growth, leading to bolder creative choices, including their 2012 album, Dead Set On Living.
Despite navigating the ups and downs of the music industry and personal life, the core of Cancer Bats remains unbreakable. Whether facing logistical hurdles across three Canadian provinces or refining their sound, the band endures. Liam Cormier, now 46, remains driven by that same fire, feeling thankful for the enduring energy that keeps them moving forward.
Their dedication is clear: they continue to make music, reflecting a journey from the confines of a van and a backpack to a successful, enduring career defined by relentless hustle and authentic sound.
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