Today is a good day as Terminator just surprise released Identity, their first full-length LP. No Echo readers might remember the Canadian musical outfit from their inclusion in my 12 Newer Hardcore Bands to Check Out in 2025 list back in January.
Identity is comprised of several new tracks, as well as a handful of re-recorded versions of the Canadian band's stronger demos and singles. "This record was written, arranged, recorded, produced, and mixed largely by myself over the past year," Terminator guitarist/vocalist Shae Alexander told me earlier this week in a conversation about Identity.
"I performed everything on the record besides some backing vocals. The drums and percussion on the record were recorded and mixed by Vince Soliveri at Boxcar Sound in Hamilton, Ontario. Everything else on the record was by else was done by myself at my apartment or in our rehearsal space."
As people like Billy Corgan have famously proven, musicians with Type A personalities thrive with the creative freedom that comes along with it, but it can also be a hindrance when it comes to collaborating with others. I asked Shae how it's played out so far. "I’m definitely a Type A personality, and yeah you’re right, it can definitely conflict with others. It has with past groups where there has been more folks with their hats in the ring.
"It wasn’t the original intention for this band to become such a personal thing, but that’s just how it shaped up. Mostly out of necessity. I’ve learned a lot of new things to move this project forward. I feel I have a very clear vision of what this band is, what we are not, and I’m very willing to put in the work to meet the vision I have for it."
When Terminator performs live dates, Shae handles vocals, Bo D’Onofrio plays bass, “Mad” Matt Squires of Reality Denied is behind the drums, and Jamie Desmit is on guitar.
The cover art and layout concept for Identity are unlike most releases in the hardcore/metal realm today. But it all complements the music and lyrics well. Unsurprisingly, the Terminator guitarist/vocalist was also behind that aspect of the new project. "I handled all the artwork as well. The artwork is largely the result of happy accidents. I was close to wrapping up with the mix and I was beginning to stress about 'what the hell is this thing gonna look like.'
"Around this time, they began doing demolition on a couple of abandoned structures behind my apartment. As they ripped through the last building with an excavator, it revealed a colorful painted interior wall among all the rubble and wreckage. I took a shot of it. Some basic colour manipulation later and here we are. I think art reflects the material inside the package perfectly, and the timing for it couldn’t have come any better."
After a few listens of Identity, the lyrics to its title track felt the most personal, and Shae confirmed that when I brought that up:
"'Identity' is for all of the queer, trans, and gender non-conforming folks out there. It’s a song about taking control of your body, your mind, and your fate. It’s no one else’s choice besides your own.
"Harmful legislation is endlessly being pushed by elected officials to suppress non-binary gender expression. These people want us dead. This is a song of revenge."
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Identity is out now on all streaming services via Rebirth Records (vinyl pre-order).
Terminator on social media: Instagram
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