What happens when you’re locked in isolation during a global pandemic? You get the band back together. BISON were kind of a big deal in the ‘first-wave’ of nu-metal in Australia, circa 1998 – 2005 – and now they return in 2021, with a new sound crafted with input from producer Sam Bassal (Ocean Grove). A classic heavy-groove sound with a face-lift for 2021. They return with the announcement that they will be releasing their new EP ‘Perfect Mistakes’ on Friday May 28 and are available for pre-order at this location. The first single from it, ‘Begin Again’, is available above, and to celebrate, we have teamed up with the band to give you some high-energy fueled metalcore and nu metal power tracks that catch the essense of the genre’s indirect revival.
Daniel Edwards from Bison says that new single Begin Again is about being “…tormented by regrets and mistakes. These can ruin us, or we can learn from them and reset. We all feel like outsiders sometimes, and sometimes we want to be further away from everything.”
First time round back in the day, they found themselves touring and sharing stages with the likes of Hed (pe) (USA), Hoobastank (USA), The White Stripes (USA), COG, Karnivool, Sunk Loto, Grinspoon, Superheist, The Butterfly Effect and 28 Days, and playing festivals like Vans Warped and the Australian X-Games at Homebush Stadium.
BISON formed in Melbourne, Australia in 1997 when drummer Eddie and former guitarist Calksi were inspired by the nu-metal and alt-rock OG’s of the day, like Korn, Helmet, Sepultura, Incubus etc, bringing hip-hop and heavy music together. The recruits of bassist Amos and vocalist Brens soon followed. BISON quickly established itself within the Melbourne heavy music scene, bringing high energy shows & Rap/Rock tunes with wide appeal to the all-ages, festival and pub/club circuit.
BISON recorded its debut EP ‘Within Earshot’ with ARIA nominated producer DW Norton (Superheist) which lead to the band being signed to Shock Records, through heavy label ‘Faultline Records’. The EP created waves within the heavy community & music press. First Single ‘Hard to Take’ received triple J attention as well as regular play on Triple M and community radio.
In late 2005 hit the Studio again to record its Third EP ‘DEMO’ – tragically these songs were never released and the very limited pressing is now sought after by fans worldwide. At that point, the tyranny of the road, the evolution of life, lead to the band taking a break. That break lasted 14 years. The disappointment of never releasing ‘DEMO’ plagued the members, knowing that ultimately there was some unfinished business for a band that exploded onto the scene, but left with a deafening silence. There was never a ‘final show’ moment.
In early 2019, all of the members of BISON agreed it was time to jam again. Uploading their back catalogue of music to digital platforms sparked a fire. Without expectation, the 5 members found themselves in a rehearsal studio, 4 hours later, BISON had written ‘Begin Again’ the return single & the comeback was ratified……. there was life in the old dog yet!
Flash forward to 2021 and the BISON line-up has grown up with the tyranny of time. Thematically ‘Perfect Mistakes’ Explore’s the lessons learned from separation, death, addiction, the pressures of life & all that comes with experience. Listeners can really connect with these new tunes. The six track EP is comprised of 5 new songs, and 1 re-recorded track from ‘DEMO’.
Top 10 nu metal / metalcore tracks to boost your energy levels:
STRAY FROM THE PATH – BENEATH THE SURFACE
Last band I saw live before the Covid lockdown, absolutely blew my face off. Riff’s & Breakdowns that are full of heavy Groove, the fundamental element of Nu Metal.
OCEAN GROVE – JUNKIE$
When Bison thought about a comeback, it was partway inspired by Ocean Grove & their take on Nu Metal today.
We reached out to Sam Bassal from the band who ended up producing our ‘Perfect Mistakes’
NORTHLANE – BLOODLINE
Alien is one of the best albums of the last decade. Northlane are a metalcore band by trade, but Bloodline is a nu Metal as it comes, Groove, Beats, Riffs.
THORNHILL – WHERE WE GO WHEN WE DIE
‘The Dark Pool’ was a surprise record for me, brilliant, dark & heavy, and bursting with heavy groove.
ARCHITECTS – BLACK LUNGS
Many could argue that Architects are not a Nu Metal band, but I think the new record has Nu elements all over it. This Black Lungs Riff is a heavy Groove that could have been played by Korn 20 years ago.
KORN – YOU’LL NEVER FIND ME
The masters of the genre never stopped putting out quality records, and ‘The Nothing’ produced again. ‘You’ll never find me’ was a band embracing the moniker of the GOAT of Nu metal.
DROPOUT KINGS – GLITCHGANG
Drop out Kings from Phoenix remind me of a modern HED PE (broke era) More hip hop than metal, and fucking slaps either way.
BRING ME THE HORIZON – TEARDROP
Have a listen to the groove on this track & tell me it’s doesn’t remind you of Linkin Park (Hybrid Theory / Meteora era) this is big, poppy Nu metal for the Masses.
DREGG – EVOLVE
Dreggs BIO describes them as – Imagine Hatebreed, covering the Wu-Tang Clan, inside an art installation, curated by Andy Warhol’s ghost. – High energy, metalcore & rap elements, & its Nu AF.
DEEZ NUTS – BINGE / PURGATORY
RIP Sean Kennedy. Deez Nuts are Rapcore & bring all the Groove & Rap elements that make Nu Metal great. Binge & Purgatory is a bangin album.
