Barn Burner

Montreal's Barn Burner have only been active for a few years, and have but a single CD to their name, but their blend of metal, heavy blues, and alternative rock is quite compelling. The quartet of vocalist/guitarist Kevin Keegan, guitarist Marc Doucette, bassist Nick Ball, and drummer Taylor Freund crank up a riff machine reminiscent of classic Black Sabbath or Deep Purple, but with twin lead guitar lines that recall Thin Lizzy. They also draw from slightly more modern influences, sounding a little bit like fellow 2000s hard rock/metal acts like Saviours, Priestess, and Early Man, and there's a dash of alternative rock to their sound, particularly in Keegan's vocals, which occasionally sound like Fugazi co-leader Guy Picciotto. The group signed to Metal Blade Records in 2009 based solely on live shows and demos, having no prior releases. Their debut CD, Bangers, was released at the beginning of 2010. ~ Phil Freeman