There’s a party, can you handle the (birthday) massacre

By Farah Minwalla

The Birthday Massacre is not your average, run of the mill, death metal band. They are far from it. Take Cyndi Lauper influences with a contrast of Metallica and you have the magical Birthday Massacre. The best has already come of these guys, with headlining tours throughout the US and Europe, so get ready for the atomic bomb waiting to explode, because what is to follow is far from a massacre. Originating in 1999 in London, Ontario, Canada the band started of with the name Imagica, with Chibi handling vocal duties, Rainbow on rhythm guitars, Michael Falcore as the lead guitarist, Aslan handling bass duties, and Dank on the keys. Most bands have at the max only five members but for the Birthday Massacre, six is hardly a crowd. “We once had five, but we as a band are good with six. Sometimes the stage is crowded though,” said Chibi.

Try to categorize the Birthday Massacre, I couldn’t even tell you, but that is the utter beauty of this band. They aren’t in any category, like a diamond in the ruff. “We grew up to 80s music and hair metal, so we try to fuse everything together and mix genres. There is a contrast in our music, light and dark and happy and sad,” says Chibi. Nowadays, with bands sounding so similar, as if they all work with the same producer, the Birthday Massacre has been working overtime preparing for tours stretched all across the US and Europe, including a stop in Vegas on March 10 at the Alley, f.y.i. “The band is looking forward to seeing the people who have supported us, that is really our main goal. If you make people happy that’s good,” said Chibi. After the bands American run, they head east to Europe for a summer tour that will definitely keep their fingers crossed. Chibi explains the differences between Canadian and American audiences. “Canadians are more likely to stick to themselves, and be more reserved, which is not a bad thing. Whereas, the Americans joke and dance more. Both crowds are good”.

Now with the bright future ahead of the Birthday Massacre, what is on the plate for them as of now? “We all are trying to deal with the tour, just right now. It’s focusing here and now on writing, since it’s hard to plan ahead,” said Chibi. With so many young hopefuls determined to make it into the music business, it seems impossible these days to get a break. “We were independent for years, so promote (your band) by the internet as much as possible. Promoting yourself shows,” explains Chibi. Growing into adulthood can always seem like a challenging part of life the Birthday Massacre links their music back to childhood and imagination. There is an inner wild child in all of us, but can the Birthday Massacre music set you free?