Vancouver-based hard rock outfit Art of Dying stands out among Canada's most dynamic acts through its intense fusion of fervent post-grunge elements and aggressive alt-metal enriched by intricate three-part harmonies. Led by the magnetic frontman Jonny Hetherington, the ensemble gained traction during the mid-2000s before achieving notable momentum in 2011 via the track "Die Trying." Subsequent releases such as Rise Up (2015) and Armageddon (2019) masterfully merged accessible melodic hooks with powerful, resonant instrumentation.
The collective came together in 2004, centering on Jonny Hetherington handling vocals, alongside guitarists Greg Bradley and Tavis Stanley, bassist Cale Gontier, and drummer Jeff Brown. Their self-titled first album emerged in 2006 through the independent Thorny Bleeder imprint, earning widespread praise domestically and internationally while facilitating performances alongside Seether, Disturbed, and Theory of a Deadman. March 2011 marked the arrival of Vices and Virtues, their second album and initial output for Reprise Records, which featured the successful single "Die Trying." The subsequent year brought Let the Fire Burn, a CD/DVD package containing ten acoustic renditions of popular tracks chosen by fans. Following extensive touring, the musicians collaborated in the studio under David Bendeth, known for work with Bring Me the Horizon and Breaking Benjamin, to record their next full-length project. This effort, Rise Above, appeared in May 2015 via Eleven Seven. The Nevermore EP came out twelve months afterward on Vices and Virtues. Soon after, founding drummer Jeff Brown left on good terms, with Cody Watkins stepping in to contribute drums starting with the 2019 release Armageddon.
