Threat Signal is a Canadian heavy metal band from Hamilton, Ontario. The band has had numerous lineup changes, with only Jon Howard remaining from the original incarnation. Their music is often classified as metalcore,[1] melodic death metal,[2] or groove metal.[3]

Threat Signal
OriginHamilton, Ontario, Canada
Genres
Years active2003−present
LabelsAgonia, Nuclear Blast
MembersJon Howard
Travis Montgomery
Pat Kavanagh
Joey Muha
Oswin Wong
Past membersNorman Killeen
Adam Weber
Kyle McKnight
George Parfitt
Rich Howard
Marco Bressette
Adam Matthews
Eric Papky
Alex Rüdinger
Chris Feener
Ryan Miller
Matt Perrin
Websitethreatsignal.weebly.com

History

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Early years (2003–2005)

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Threat Signal was formed in the summer of 2003 by cousins Jon and Rich Howard. Shortly after, they recruited local guitarist Kyle McKnight and began writing and recording music. In the early months of 2004, the trio posted their demo for the song "Rational Eyes", to an international music chart on GarageBand.com. After a few weeks, the song reached No. 1[citation needed] and had received GarageBand awards for best guitars, best drums, best male vocals, best production, song of the week, and song of the day.[citation needed][4] This success sparked record label interest and helped create a following even before the band had ever performed live.

In the spring of 2004, drummer Adam Matthews joined, as did bassist Eric Papky (who was Kyle McKnight's former guitar teacher). On December 10, 2004, Threat Signal headlined their first show at The Underground in Hamilton. For the better part of 2005, Threat Signal would continue to write and record material for their debut full-length album (Under Reprisal). In the summer of 2005, Eric Papky was dismissed from the band and was replaced by Marco Bressette.

Under Reprisal (2005–2008)

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In September 2005, the band traveled to Los Angeles to record their debut album Under Reprisal with producer Christian Olde Wolbers of Fear Factory. During the recording process, drummer Adam Matthews left the band; he would be replaced by George Parfitt. In November, the band signed a recording deal with the label Nuclear Blast.[5]

Under Reprisal was released on May 6, 2006, to excellent reviews.[6][7][8][9] In July 2006, Threat Signal took part in Germany's Earthshaker Festival.[10] A month later, guitarist Rich Howard left the band and was replaced by the band's bassist, Marco Bressette; the new bassist position went to Pat Kavanagh.[11][12]

In October 2006, the band went on the six-week North American "Last Stab Tour" with Soilwork, Mnemic, and Darkest Hour.[13] In November, Under Reprisal won Canadian Recording of the Year award at the Hamilton Music Awards.[14]

In March 2007, Threat Signal began demoing new material,[15] but was hampered by the departure of guitarist Marco Bressette.[16] Former member Rich Howard filled in until the position was taken by Adam Weber.

In the late spring of 2007, Threat Signal toured as the opener for the Tour and Loathing Canadian trek alongside Protest the Hero, All That Remains, Blessthefall, and The Holly Springs Disaster.[17][18] In June 2007, the band played 7 shows on the east coast of Canada with fellow Canadian band The End.[19] In July 2007, the band announced that there would be no further touring that summer.[20] This was because both Kyle McKnight and George Parfitt had left the band; they were eventually replaced by Travis Montgomery on guitar and Norman Killeen on drums. In 2008, Howard and Kavanagh joined ex-Fear Factory members Raymond Herrera and Christian Olde Wolbers in the side-project band Arkaea.

Vigilance (2009–2010)

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Threat Signal's second album Vigilance, which was produced by Jon Howard (who is now the only founding member left in the band) and mixed by Greg Reely, was released on September 8, 2009, in North America and September 11, 2009, in Europe. Reviews were good.[21][22][23][24] The band produced a music video for the track "Severed"[25] and, on July 15, released a 32-minute "Making Of" video for the new record, containing footage of the recordings, the song-writing process and interviews with band members.[26] The album sold around 1,100 copies in its first week of sale in the United States, with the band touring alongside Epica[27] and later Dark Tranquillity[28] to support the album.

In July 2010, Adam Weber quit the band.[29] Ex-Darkest Hour guitarist Kris Norris stepped in. Two months later, drummer Norman Killeen left; Adam and Norman were eventually replaced by drummer Alex Rüdinger and guitarist Chris Feener.

Threat Signal (2011–2016)

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Threat Signal's self-titled album was released on October 7, 2011, in Europe and on October 11, 2011, in North America. It was produced by Chris "Zeuss" Harris (Chimaira, Hatebreed, The Acacia Strain etc.), and received rave reviews.[30][31][32][33] To promote the album, the band toured the US and Eastern Canada in 2012 with Children of Bodom, Eluveitie, and Revocation.[34]

In April 2012, Alex Rüdinger left the band;[35] Chris Feener left shortly afterwards. He was replaced by Matt Perrin. Rüdinger was eventually replaced by former Our Lady of Bloodshed drummer Joey Muha, who left in June 2015 to join Jungle Rot. Andrew Minarik stepped in for Disconnect.

Disconnect (2017–present)

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Through this, the band was touring and working on its fourth album, Disconnect, which was released on November 10, 2017, by Agonia Records. Reviews were mixed.[36][37][38][39][40] The band continued to tour North America in support of the album.[41]

While Threat Signal continued to perform,[42][43] in January 2019, Jon Howard also joined the new metal band Imonolith.[44]

Members

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Lead singer Jon Howard
Current
  • Jon Howard – vocals (2003–present)
  • Travis Montgomery – guitars (2007–present)
  • Ryan Miller – bass (2018–present)
  • Joey Muha – drums (2013–2015, 2018, 2020–present)
  • Oswin Wong – guitars (2018, 2020–present)
Former
  • Kyle McKnight – guitars (2003–2007)
  • Rich Howard – guitars, backing vocals (2003–2006)
  • Adam Matthews – drums (2004–2005)
  • Eric Papky – bass (2004–2005)
  • Marco Bressette – bass (2005–2006), guitars (2006–2007)
  • Pat Kavanagh – bass, backing vocals (2006–2018)
  • George Parfitt – drums (2006–2007)
  • Norman Killeen – drums (2007–2010; died 2016)
  • Adam Weber – guitars (2007–2010)
  • Alex Rüdinger – drums (2010–2012)
  • Kris Norris – guitars (2010, 2013)
  • Chris Feener – guitars (2010–2012)
  • Matt Perrin – guitars (2013–2020)
Studio musicians
  • Andrew Minarik – drums (2015–2016) for Disconnect
Touring musicians
Timeline

Discography

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Studio albums

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  • Under Reprisal (Nuclear Blast, 2006)
  • Vigilance (Nuclear Blast, 2009)
  • Threat Signal (Nuclear Blast, 2011)
  • Disconnect (Agonia, 2017)

Singles

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  • "Rational Eyes" (Nuclear Blast, 2006)
  • "A New Beginning" (Nuclear Blast, 2008)
  • "Through My Eyes" (Nuclear Blast, 2009)
  • "Comatose" (Nuclear Blast, 2011)
  • "Fallen Disciples" (Nuclear Blast, 2011)
  • "Face the Day" (Nuclear Blast, 2011)
  • "Uncensored" (Nuclear Blast, 2012)
  • "Exit the Matrix" (Agonia, 2017)
  • "Elimination Process" (Agonia, 2017)

References

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  1. ^ "Threat Signal Share Re-Recorded Version Of "Rational Eyes" With Cage Fight's Rachel Aspe". theprp.com. April 13, 2023. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
  2. ^ "Threat Signal – Metal Storm". Metal Storm. Retrieved November 8, 2019.
  3. ^ Jaffer, Dave. "Hour.ca – Music – Spin – Vigilance – Threat Signal". Hour. Archived from the original on December 5, 2012. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  4. ^ "GarageBand for Mac". Apple. Archived from the original on April 21, 2006. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  5. ^ "THREAT SIGNAL – Frontman Discusses Signing To Nuclear Blast, April 2006". bravewords.com. BraveWords. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  6. ^ "Amazing Debut Album". metal-archives.com. Encyclopaedia Metallum. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  7. ^ McFeters, Rob. "Threat Signal Under Reprisal". lambgoat.com. Lambgoat. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  8. ^ "Threat Signal, Under Reprisal". punknews.org. Punk News. July 7, 2009. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  9. ^ Alisoglu, Scott (July 31, 2006). "THREAT SIGNAL "Under Reprisal"". blabbermouth.net. Blabbermouth. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  10. ^ "Earthshaker Fest 2006 Setlists". setlist.fm. SetList. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  11. ^ "BLABBERMOUTH.NET - THREAT SIGNAL Parts Ways with Guitarist". Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved September 30, 2007.
  12. ^ "BLABBERMOUTH.NET - THREAT SIGNAL Announces New Bassist". Archived from the original on October 1, 2007. Retrieved May 29, 2007.
  13. ^ "SOILWORK, MNEMIC, THREAT SIGNAL...Oct 2006". blabbermouth.net. Blabbermouth. October 2, 2006. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  14. ^ "THREAT SIGNAL Wins...Nov 2006". blabbermouth.net. Blabbermouth. November 24, 2006. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  15. ^ "THREAT SIGNAL 'Writing And Demoing' New Material, March 2007". blabbermouth.net. Blabbermouth. March 21, 2007. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  16. ^ "THREAT SIGNAL: Guitarist MARCO BRESSETTE Leaves...March 2007". blabbermouth.net. Blabbermouth. March 28, 2007. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  17. ^ "THREAT SIGNAL Confirmed For Canadian Tour...May 2007". bravewords.com. Brave Words. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  18. ^ "THREAT SIGNAL Added To 'Tour And Loathing' Dates, May 2007". blabbermouth.net. Blabbermouth. May 8, 2007. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  19. ^ "THREAT SIGNAL To Tour Canadian East Coast With THE END". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. June 1, 2007.
  20. ^ "THREAT SIGNAL: No Touring This Summer". blabbermouth.net. Blabbermouth. July 3, 2007. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  21. ^ "Threat Signal Vigilance". sputnikmusic.com. Sputnik Music. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  22. ^ Fusco, Rob. "Threat Signal Vigilance". lambgoat.com. Lambgoat. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  23. ^ "Threat Signal – Vigilance". angrymetalguy.com. Angry Metal Guy. August 27, 2009. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  24. ^ Ogle, Ryan. "THREAT SIGNAL "Vigilance"". blabbermouth.net. Blabbermouth. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  25. ^ "THREAT SIGNAL – Severed". youtube.com. YouTube. November 25, 2009. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  26. ^ "THREAT SIGNAL – The Making of 'Vigilance'". youtube.com. YouTube. July 15, 2009. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  27. ^ "Threat Signal replaces Daath on Epica tour". thegauntlet.com. The Gauntlet. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  28. ^ "Dark Tranquillity Tour Dates". noisecreep.com. NoiseCreep. April 28, 2010. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  29. ^ "THREAT SIGNAL Parts Ways With Guitarist, July 2010". blabbermouth.net. Blabbermouth. July 20, 2010. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  30. ^ Deadite, Ridge. "mindequalsblown.net". metal-archives.com. Encyclopaedia Metallum. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  31. ^ Israeli, The Mad (September 29, 2011). "Threat Signal Review". nocleansinging.com. No Clean Singing. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  32. ^ Palmerston, Sean (November 17, 2011). "Threat Signal Album Review and Interview, Nov 2011". hellbound.ca. Hellbound. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  33. ^ "THREAT SIGNAL: New Song Posted Online, August 2011". blabbermouth.net. Blabbermouth. August 22, 2011. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  34. ^ Pasbani, Robert (November 8, 2011). "CHILDREN OF BODOM Announce Tour, Nov 2011". metalinjection.net. Metal Injection. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  35. ^ "Drummer ALEX RÜDINGER Quits THREAT SIGNAL". blabbermouth.net. Blabbermouth. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  36. ^ Mills, Matt (January 3, 2018). "Threat Signal – Disconnect album review, Jan 2018". loudersound.com. Louder Sound. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  37. ^ "Threat Signal – "Disconnect"". progressivemusicplanet.com. Progressive Music Planet. October 27, 2017. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  38. ^ Z, Mark (November 13, 2017). "Threat Signal – Disconnect Review". angrymetalguy.com. Angry Metal Guy. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  39. ^ "Threat Signal – Disconnect MP3 Music Download". Cduniverse.com. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  40. ^ "THREAT SIGNAL Talk Returning to Europe After a Three Year Silence, Touring with Vader & Music Industry". Metalrecusants.com. November 21, 2016. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  41. ^ "Threat Signal". bandsintown.com. Bands in Town. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  42. ^ Taylor, Ric. "Threat Signal Celebrate Ten Years of "Vigilance"". viewmag.com. View Magazine. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  43. ^ "Threat Signal live concert, Aug 2019". myrockshows.com. My Rock Shows. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
  44. ^ "Imonolith..." therockpit.net. The Rock Pit. January 29, 2019. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
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