Cancer Bats
Cancer Bats is a Canadian hardcore punk band from Toronto, Ontario, formed in 2004. The band is known for fusing hardcore punk with heavy metal sub-genres and southern metal elements. They have released seven studio albums and six extended plays, with their most recent album, Psychic Jailbreak, released on April 15, 2022. The band’s current lineup includes vocalist Liam Cormier, drummer Mike Peters, and bassist/guitarist Jaye R. Schwarzer, with Jackson Landry joining as the touring guitarist after the departure of founding member Scott Middleton in 2021. Additionally, Cancer Bats have performed as a Black Sabbath tribute band under the name Bat Sabbath.
History
Early Years and Birthing the Giant (2004–2006)
Cancer Bats was founded by Liam Cormier and Scott Middleton in 2004, aiming to combine influences from bands like Entombed, Refused, Black Flag, and Led Zeppelin. The band released their debut album, Birthing the Giant, in June 2006. The album included guest vocals from George Pettit of Alexisonfire. During this period, Mike Peters replaced drummer Joel Bath, while Andrew McCracken played bass until he left to focus on his design company.
Lineup Changes and Hail Destroyer (2007–2008)
After McCracken’s departure, Jason Bailey briefly joined as bassist before being replaced by Jaye R. Schwarzer in 2007. Cancer Bats released their second album, Hail Destroyer, in April 2008, which received high praise, including a 5K review from Kerrang!. The album featured guest appearances from Wade MacNeil of Alexisonfire, Tim McIlrath of Rise Against, and Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent. The band toured extensively, playing major festivals such as Download Festival and Reading and Leeds.
Touring and Bears, Mayors, Scraps, & Bones (2009–2011)
Following the success of Hail Destroyer, Cancer Bats toured with bands like Anti-Flag, Bring Me the Horizon, and Billy Talent. Their third album, Bears, Mayors, Scraps & Bones, was released in April 2010, featuring a cover of Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage”. The band also began performing as Bat Sabbath, paying tribute to Black Sabbath, which gained significant popularity.
Dead Set on Living (2012–2014)
The band released their fourth album, Dead Set on Living, in April 2012. The album took a more upbeat approach, diverging from traditional hardcore with wider influences, including indie rock. The band’s single “Old Blood” and “Road Sick” were well-received, and they embarked on a UK pentagram-shaped tour, playing five different venues across London in a single day.
Searching for Zero (2015–2019)
Searching for Zero, the band’s fifth album, was released in March 2015 and recorded with producer Ross Robinson. Cancer Bats continued to tour extensively, playing alongside bands like Sharptooth and Single Mothers. In 2018, they released their sixth studio album, The Spark That Moves, surprising fans with an unexpected release.
Scott Middleton’s Departure and Psychic Jailbreak (2020–2022)
In 2021, founding guitarist Scott Middleton left the band to focus on family and personal projects. Despite this change, Cancer Bats released their seventh album, Psychic Jailbreak, in April 2022, marking a new era for the band with Jaye R. Schwarzer handling guitar duties in the studio and Jackson Landry joining for live performances.
Musical Style
Cancer Bats blend various sub-genres of heavy metal with hardcore punk, incorporating elements of sludge metal and southern metal. Their music has been compared to bands like Converge and Hatebreed, with critics praising their heavy, high-energy sound. The band is also known for its aggressive live performances, adding a raw intensity to their style.
Band Members
Current Members
- Liam Cormier – lead vocals (2004–present)
- Mike Peters – drums (2005–present)
- Jaye R. Schwarzer – bass (2007–present), guitar (2021–present, in studio)
Current Touring Musicians
- Jackson Landry – guitar (2023–present)
Former Members
- Scott Middleton – guitar, backing vocals (2004–2021)
- Andrew McCracken – bass (2004–2006)
- Joel Bath – drums (2004–2005)
- Jason Bailey – bass (2006–2007)
Discography
- Birthing the Giant (2006)
- Hail Destroyer (2008)
- Bears, Mayors, Scraps, & Bones (2010)
- Dead Set on Living (2012)
- Searching for Zero (2015)
- The Spark That Moves (2018)
- Psychic Jailbreak (2022)
