>>PREVIEW
DESTINY CALLING
Saturday, May 6
Underground
Are my roots showing? Of course not – it’s obviously a wig. When it comes to neo-classical metal, Calgary’s Destiny Calling doesn’t just represent the roots of the genre – they are the rocks that anchor those gnarly buggers.
But seriously, choosing an image to accompany your band’s public persona is as important in today’s visually oriented music industry as the music itself – perhaps more so. And the stakes are even higher when you’re dealing with a genre that has been typified by images that are both surreally beautiful (i.e. Heavy Metal magazine or David Lee Roth's hair) and exaggeratedly horrific (i.e. GWAR, KISS and Marilyn Manson).
That’s why one can only applaud, or stare in disbelief, at the happy medium struck by the latest high-energy heavy metal sensation to hit Calgary stages – Destiny Calling. That’s right, you heard me. Destiny Calling. Boasting an attitude ambitious enough to match their name, not to mention their Spinal Tap chic wardrobe, these forthright gents have already collectively logged enough hours in jam and studio sessions to keep most bands going for an entire career – and Destiny Calling is just getting started. According to drummer and keyboardist Jer Jackson, the group has been steadily evolving over the past five years as the various elements of their ensemble coalesced into their current incarnation.
"I met up with our keyboardist Enoque Carrancho, who’s originally from South Africa, completely by chance," says Jackson.
"We stumbled upon each other through the kickinthehead website. It turned out that he lives right near my house. Enoque brings up great ideas based around his experience with keyboards, songwriting and classical music.
The biggest change to our line-up is that Giovanni has replaced Christopher on vocals," Jackson explains. "Gio brings a more mid-range vocal style to our sound. He definitely has the kind of appeal we’re looking for in a singer. Of course, Kevin Kurek, our guitarist and I have been collaborating since back in 2000, when I came into his studio. He was already mastering his own recordings with the equipment in his house. It was all very part-time until we really started to crack the whip."
Skimming the cream from the top of the heavy metal cauldron, Destiny Calling inundates their audience with driving rhythms, thematic anthems and multi-layered melodies. The primordial powers of prog-rock that these seasoned players so effortlessly conjure are the perfect complement to their fantastical lyrics and intricate neo-classical musicianship. Combine this with their hyperactive live performances and their relentless determination to produce the kind of music nearest and dearest to their hearts, and you have a recipe for a headbanging good time.
"The whole thing is about fantasy. We all have alter egos," says Jackson. "We’re inspired by everything from Iron Maiden to Sonata Arctic, but no other band is doing what we do. We want to create a memorable experience when people come to see a live show. We want to bring you a show that’s larger than life. I throw a lot of drumsticks, there’s smoke, there’s lights, and each guy is doing his own thing. How many times have you been to a show where the band just stands there? We want people to look at us and say, ‘He’s the real McCoy.’"
The band expects to follow up last December’s EP with a new album, which is currently being recorded. And, as they are also producing an accompanying music video and tending to a busy tour scheduled for later in the year, it’s likely that Destiny Calling will hardly have time to check their answering machines. Sorry, ladies.
Luckily these do it yourself demons have caught on to their beloved Euro-metal brethrens’ penchant for reaching out to the Pan-global heavy metal community (and, yes, it’s alive and thriving) via the worldwide web. Check out www.destiny-calling.com. for more on the professional re-release of their self-titled 2005 EP featuring the artwork of renowned tarot deck designer Robin Wood. |
Copyright ©2006 FFWD. All rights reserved.