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.
Albums
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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
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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