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From the “Gateway to the North” (Edmonton, Alberta – Canada) comes Boneyard. An original hard rock/metal band featuring lead vocalist Pamtera, bassist Dennis Cooke, and drummer Jefftimus. New album ‘Oathbreaker’ is available now and the band were on-hand to fill in the blanks on our – Introduction to Boneyard.
What are the origins of the band, how long have you been playing together?
Some of Vocalist/ guitarist Pamtera’s previous projects have included drummer Jeff Cunningham. Bassist Dennis Cooke auditioned for Boneyard about four years ago. We started out as a cover project, but have been writing original music for the past three years. While we were learning cover songs, one of our members listened to Sirius satellite radio a lot and noticed the Boneyard channel played most of the songs we did. We decided to use Boneyard as our name mainly for familiarity to the style of material we were covering. Once we started writing our own material and headed in an all original direction, we kept the same name due to the following we had built up.
How did you feel performing your first gig? And how was it?!
We were worried, not about playing, but that there was a winter snowstorm that day and that nobody would show up. It turned out okay, as we had our friends and family to count on haha!
What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe yourself?
NWOBHM influenced female-fronted hard rock & traditional heavy metal, with powerful, clean vocals, presented with a Canadian twist! Live- we provide a high energy set, with our original songs played faithfully to the album versions. We do enjoy adding a couple of classic metal covers to the set as well.
The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
In our case, most metal bands with female singers today have a style that falls into symphonic metal, power metal, or have harsh, guttural vocals. We feel we can stand out because we are in such a small niche genre. Above all though, the quality of our music sets us apart from many.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
We have been busy doing all kinds of promotion for Oathbreaker. People can listen to the album here. They can also watch the video for the first single Fates Warning (above). After Christmas, we will begin production on the video for the second single.
What band out there at the minute do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
Sweden’s Thundermother
Who do you feel is the next band to break out?
Thundermother
What are your first musical memories? And what was the light bulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
Pamtera- when I was 15 my high school boyfriend played guitar. I wanted to learn so badly so he taught me some chords and eventually gave me his guitar, which I still have. Jeff’s uncle was a rock drummer, and drum teacher, so he was exposed to live music early on. Dennis’ musical seed was planted when he first heard Ozzy’s Diary of a Madman. Collectively, I think we all wanted to emulate our musical heroes.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
Because of the Covid pandemic ruining most of 2020, we have to go back to November 2019, when we saw Lee Aaron live.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Oh god, maybe Mike Oldfield- Tubular Bells
Although 2020 has been a year to forget for many reasons, there has been some incredible music released; what would be your album of the year?
Thundermother- Heat Wave
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
Very! Please interact with us at:
https://www.facebook.com/boneyardyeg
https://twitter.com/boneyardyeg
https://www.instagram.com/boneyardyeg/
