Hawking (band)


Hawking is a Progressive Metal band from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada composed of vocalists and guitarists Tom Vanderkam and Saul Sitar, bassist and vocalist Chris Young, and drummer and vocalist Chartwell Kerr.

Musical style

The band's music is most broadly categorized as Progressive Metal or Alternative Metal. However, notable Melodic Hardcore, Post-Hardcore, Symphonic Metal and Alternative Rock influences are present in their work. The band’s earlier work was often described as Math rock or "Math-Pop", alluding to their use of interlocking guitar riffs and highly syncopated rhythms.

History

''Inception and The Crash (2013)''

Hawking embarked on their first tour of Western Canada in August 2013.
On August 26, 2013, the band was involved in a single vehicle accident as they were headed home from the final show of their Western Canadian tour, leaving all members of the band with injuries. Two of the group members, drummer Chartwell Kerr and bassist Paul Engels, were both airlifted to hospital in critical condition. Kerr sustained extensive damage to his legs. Engels suffered a severe head injury, and was in a coma for five weeks after the accident. He was unable to continue with the band. After a 6-month hiatus, Chris Young replaced Engels on bass in February 2014.

''Post-Crash (2014)''

During the summer months of 2014, the band completed a 50-date tour covering the Western USA and most of mainland Canada.

''Present (2015-present)''

Hawking released their debut self-titled EP independently on July 14, 2015. Reviews were positive. The band completed a 43-date North American tour in the months immediately following the release, and became known for their live shows and relentless touring schedule.
On August 26, 2016, the band released their single "Comfortable", completing a Canadian tour in support.
Hawking released their full-length album "Diverge" on April 7, 2017, completing a lengthy North American tour in support.
In Fall 2019, the band completed a 28-date North American tour with Stellar Circuits.
On January 31, 2020, Hawking released their single “Never Bow”.

Band members

Present

Hawking appears in the film Midnight Sun. Front man Tom Vanderkam and former lead guitarist Ben Klassen appeared in the film If I Stay. Vanderkam also owns and operates an independent booking agency, Badmouth Booking.

Discography

01. Catalyst
02. Broken Glass
03. Homesick
04. Lying Through Your Teeth
05. Stepping Stone
06. Comfortable
07. Disclosure
08. North of the Black Sea
09. Haunted House
10. Outside
11. Leave You Behind
01. Safe and Sound
02. Cold Hands
03. Books on Tape
04. Diastole
05. Systole