Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Defunct Local Band Profile Series: Riverin

It's now time for this month's Defunct Local Band Profile, but be sure to check out this morning's news post below as well! Our monthly look at an inactive local metal, hard rock, or punk band was originally slated to feature two randomly selected bands due to what looked like a lack of information for the first band, but that was an under-estimate, as they have enough to fly solo. As a result, the planned second band (Skull After Betrayl) will lead off a double profile next month, so look for details on their new companion band at post's end, and here's what you need to know for this month's Defunct Local Band Profile, featuring a pair of familiar faces!
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Riverin

Genre: Industrial Metal

Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Members: 

Matt Hicks (Dirty Virgin, T H E I D), vocals/drums
Matt Clement (Dirty Virgin), guitar/other instruments
 
Audio/Video: Riverin recorded six songs for their planned self-titled debut EP in 2009 & 2010 at Matt Hicks' own Quartertone Recording Studio, and though it was never released, all can be streamed on the band's Reverbnation page, as well as one newer song ("Trenches".) Riverin never played a live concert either, but they do have a single video on their Facebook page, that being this 22 second teaser of an unreleased song from 2012 studio sessions, so give it a look below!



Info/Analysis: Presumably named after Riverin Avenue in the Soo's east end, Riverin were an industrial metal project from former Dirty Virgin bandmates that was active off & on from 2009-2014. Inspired by bands like Nine Inch Nails & Marilyn Manson, Riverin were a departure from the two Matts' past glam/punk work, including material featuring piano, synthesizer, and orchestral elements. Despite clear optimism & hype for their EP, a planned release show, and intended expansion with new band members, the band went on hiatus in 2011, and only posted sporadically after re-emerging the following year, last providing a music update on their Twitter page in October 2014. Riverin were a unique band that showcased some inventive and varied material, with Matt Hicks & Clement both using existing chemistry and talents well, though the songs did sound empty at times, and Matt Hicks' vocals were hit & miss. Riverin are definitely worth a listen though, and hopefully the Matts revive them down the road!
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I hope you guys liked this month's Defunct Local Band Profile! As previously mentioned, we will 100% lead off next month's installment of this series with defunct local death/hardcore quartet Skull After Betrayl, but as I don't project them having enough for a full profile, we'll fill things out with a Sault Michigan band, as dictated by our 2-1-3-1-2-1 pattern to balance the Twin Saults in the series. After another random selection, we have chosen Hoist The Sails, the early 2010s hardcore band from Highway 63 & Highest of Fives alumni to round out next month's profile, so look for it on or around June 10th, and stay tuned for more news and notes soon! Thanks everyone!

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