The Birthday Massacre

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Band Timeline

1999

Formation of Imagica, the Early Beginnings of The Birthday Massacre

The band originally formed in London, Ontario in 1999 under the name 'Imagica'. This initial lineup included Sara 'Chibi' Taylor on vocals, Michael Rainbow on rhythm guitar, and Michael Falcore on lead guitar. They were later joined by other members met at college. The band's early music project started as a fusion of audio and visual art, emphasizing creativity beyond just music. Early performances featured pseudonyms for members, and the band played its first show in 2000.

2000

First Gig and Limited Demo Release as Imagica

On October 28, 2000, Imagica performed their first gig at Diversity nightclub in London, Ontario. They released a limited-edition demo CD of seven songs at this show, recorded using a simple four-track cassette recorder. Only 40 hand-numbered copies were produced, featuring the initial version of their song 'The Birthday Massacre', later renamed 'Happy Birthday'. This demo helped establish their early fan base and set the foundation for their unique style.

2001

Relocation to Toronto and Band Name Change

In 2001, the band moved to Toronto to further their career and began recording a new album. To avoid confusion with a death metal band from California also named 'Imagica,' the group changed their name to 'The Birthday Massacre' in 2002, after one of their earlier songs. The name reflects the band's style, combining contrasting themes of light and dark, cute and evil, which aligns with their aesthetic and music.

2002

Release of Debut Album 'Nothing and Nowhere'

July 2002 saw the independent release of The Birthday Massacre's debut album, 'Nothing and Nowhere,' available in limited edition. This album marked their official debut under the new band name and helped solidify their presence in the goth and synth-rock scenes. The album’s blend of dark synths, ethereal vocals, and gothic undertones garnered increased attention and set the stage for future releases.

2004-2005

Release of EP 'Violet' and Album 'Violet'

In 2004, The Birthday Massacre released the 'Violet' EP, which was followed by the full-length album 'Violet' in 2005. The album expanded on their mix of synths and rock guitars with lush electronic textures and cinematic influences. Their song ‘Video Kid’ from this period became a fan favorite. They also issued the 'Blue' DVD documenting the band's visual and live performance style, reinforcing their identity as an audio-visual project.

2007

Release of 'Walking with Strangers' and Increasing International Presence

The 2007 album 'Walking with Strangers' represented a significant step in the band’s evolution, featuring polished production and more accessible melodies while maintaining their dark, atmospheric sound. The release helped them reach new international audiences, and extensive touring during this time further expanded their fan base. Their blending of synthpop and gothic rock elements during this era became definitive of their signature style.

2008-2010

Further Releases and Touring Success

Between 2008 and 2010, the band released the 'Looking Glass' EP in 2008, and in 2009, they released their live album and DVD 'Show and Tell,' showcasing their strong presence as a live act. The 2010 album 'Pins and Needles' was praised for its mature songwriting and production. Tours supporting these releases helped cement The Birthday Massacre’s reputation for dynamic live shows and engaging stage visuals.

2011-2012

Release of EP 'Imaginary Monsters' and Album 'Hide and Seek'

In 2011, the band released the 'Imaginary Monsters' EP, continuing their exploration of dark electronic rock themes. The 2012 album 'Hide and Seek' furthered their blend of synth-driven melodies with atmospheric rock, receiving positive reviews for its depth and cohesiveness. The band continued to tour extensively during this period, further solidifying their position within the alternative music scene.

2014

Release of 'Superstition' and Continued Evolution

Their 2014 album 'Superstition' saw the band refining their sound with a focus on catchy hooks and emotionally resonant lyrics. The album maintained their characteristic contrast of light and dark themes, appealing to both long-time fans and new listeners. The Birthday Massacre’s evolving production techniques and their consistent touring kept them relevant in the competitive alternative and synth-rock genres.

2017

Release of the Album 'Under Your Spell'

In 2017, The Birthday Massacre released 'Under Your Spell,' an album that continued to blend haunting melodies with electronic rock instrumentation. The record showcased matured songwriting and production refinement. This period reinforced their status as veterans of the genre, with extensive tours supporting the release and bringing their distinct theatrical live performances to a broad audience.

2020

Release of 'Diamonds' Amidst the Pandemic

In 2020, The Birthday Massacre released their ninth studio album, 'Diamonds,' during the global COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted their typical touring plans. Despite challenges, the album was praised for its rich textures and emotive songwriting. The band engaged with fans through virtual performances and digital content, maintaining momentum and connection despite live performance interruptions.

2022-2025

Release of 'Fascination' and Upcoming Album 'Pathways'

The band released 'Fascination' in 2022, continuing their exploration of dark synth-rock with a cinematic quality. They announced an upcoming album 'Pathways' scheduled for 2025, signaling ongoing creative productivity. These efforts demonstrate The Birthday Massacre's sustained presence and evolution in the alternative music scene over more than two decades, maintaining fan interest with innovative music and audio-visual artistry.

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Albums

Walking With Strangers

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Members

Current

Name

Begin

Occupation

Chibi

1999

Lead vocals

Owen

2004

Keytar

Keyboard

Brett Carruthers

2020

Bass guitar

M. Falcore

1999

Guitar

Philip Elliott

2020

Drums (drum set)

Rainbow

1999

Guitar

Background vocals

History

Name

Begin

End

Occupation

Rhim

2003

2005

Drums (drum set)

Additional

O.E.

2000

2003

Drums (drum set)

Additional

Rhim

2005

2020

Drums (drum set)

J. Aslan

1999

2007

Bass guitar

Nate Manor

2010

2020

Bass guitar

O.E.

2007

2010

Bass guitar

Background vocals

Additional

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Story of The Birthday Massacre

The Birthday Massacre: A Tale of Darkness and Light

Hailing from the heart of Canada, The Birthday Massacre (TBM) are a rock band that have carved a unique space for themselves in the world of music. Formed in 1999 in London, Ontario, they have since relocated to Toronto, their sonic vision evolving alongside their journey.

Originally known as "Imagica," a nod to Clive Barker's 1991 fantasy novel, the band's name was inspired by their own music. In 2002, they opted for "The Birthday Massacre," after one of their early songs, to avoid confusion with another band. The song itself was then renamed "Happy Birthday," reflecting the duality of their sound.

The band's music is a potent mix of darkness and light, with vocalist Sara "Chibi" Taylor's powerful vocals bringing life to their intricate compositions. Their current lineup features a tight-knit team: Michael Rainbow (rhythm guitar), Michael Falcore (lead guitar), Owen Mackinder (keyboards), Philip Elliott (drums), and Brett Carruthers (bass).

TBM's music is often characterized as a blend of gothic, synth-pop, and alternative rock, creating a distinct sound that has earned them a loyal following. Their journey from "Imagica" to "The Birthday Massacre" is a testament to their artistic evolution, and their continued commitment to crafting music that is both captivating and challenging.

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The Birthday Massacre

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Top The Birthday Massacre Community Posts

Band Timeline

Formation of Imagica, the Early Beginnings of The Birthday Massacre

First Gig and Limited Demo Release as Imagica

Relocation to Toronto and Band Name Change

Release of Debut Album 'Nothing and Nowhere'

Release of EP 'Violet' and Album 'Violet'