Counterparts formed in Hamilton, Ontario in 2007.[7] Counterparts consisted of vocalist Brendan Murphy, guitarist Jesse Doreen, guitarist Curtis Washik, bassist Eric Bazinet, and drummer Ryan Juntilla. In 2009, Washik departed from the band, and Alex Re joined the band temporarily as their guitarist before becoming their permanent guitarist. In March 2009 Counterparts toured Canada. In 2010 Shane Told, from the band Silverstein, signed them to his Verona Records label.
Lead vocalist Brendan Murphy was featured on the song "The Artist" on Silverstein's fifth album, Rescue. He also appeared in their music video.
The band's debut album Prophets was released 23 February 2010 on label Verona Records. In 2010, Juntilla left the band, and was replaced by Chris Needham. A split EP, featuring Needham on drums was released 21 November 2010 with hardcore punk band Exalt. The band toured North America in support of the album, which was inspired by Mussy.
In spring of 2011, the band was signed to Victory Records. The band continued to tour until the summer of 2011, when they announced that they were recording a new album. During this time, Needham left the band to see a speech therapist. A search for their next drummer was started, but ultimately, Juntilla rejoined the band, just in time to start recording for their second album, The Current Will Carry Us. The album was released 24 October 2011 on Victory. A music video was released for the song "Jumping Ship".
Kyle Brownlee, formerly of Canadian deathcore band Majesty, filled in for Juntilla for the entirety of the band's Canadian headliner tour, later on in summer of 2012, it was announced that Juntilla departed from Counterparts because he no longer wanted to be a part of the band. Days after the announcement, bassist Eric Bazinet commented on his Tumblr page that Juntilla had left the band in February and most of the members have not spoken to him since then. He had left to pursue interests in a band he was in during Counterparts. Bazinet added that on their last tour with Juntilla, "he was especially uninterested."
The band's third album The Difference Between Hell and Home was released on 24 July 2013 to positive critical reception. A music video for the track "Witness" was posted ten days prior to the release of the album.
In late 2013, guitarist Alex Re posted on his personal Facebook page that he had left Counterparts and would be playing his last show with the band at their hometown show in December. He was later replaced by Adrian Lee. In 2014, bassist Eric Bazinet announced that after seven years, he was leaving the band to pursue a career, and to spend time with family. After Bazinet's departure, Blake Hardman from Hundredth filled in on bass for the band on the "Fuck the Message Tour" that was headlined by Stick to Your Guns. Shortly afterwards, the guitarist of Kills and Thrills, Brian Kaczmarczyk, joined on bass, becoming the only non-Canadian member of the band.
In the spring of 2015, vocalist Brendan Murphy announced in an interview that their fourth album, Tragedy Will Find Us, is expected to be released in the summer of 2015. On 23 April, the band announced that they have signed to Pure Noise Records, and New Damage Records. Pure Noise will released the album in the U.S., while New Damage released it in Canada. The fourth album was released in July 2015. Tyler Williams, a bandmate of Hardman's in Nashville hardcore act on Point, also joined the band during this period. It was announced in March 2017 the band would play the 22nd annual Vans Warped Tour.
The band's fifth album, You're Not You Anymore, was released on 22 September 2017 via New Damage and Pure Noise Records. They have also shared singles from the album, called Haunt Me, Bouquet, and No Servant of Mine. "You're Not You Anymore" was the first recorded effort without the participation of Doreen due to his departure from Counterparts.
The band released their sixth studio album, Nothing Left to Love, on 1 November 2019 via New Damage and Pure Noise Records. The record marks the return of guitarist and backing vocalist Alex Re. "Nothing Left to Love" was the band's first record to break into the top 100 of the Billboard 200 charts, peaking at 97.
On May 31, 2022 Counterparts announced on all social media platforms their seventh studio album A Eulogy for Those Still Here due for release on October 7, 2022 through Pure Noise Records. The first single "Unwavering Vow" was released on June 1, 2022. The second single "Whispers Of Your Death" was released on July 26, 2022, and was written about Brendan Murphy's cat Kuma. The third single "Bound to The Burn" was released on September 7, 2022.
Current Members
Brendan Murphy – lead vocals (2007–present)
Alex Re – guitar, backing vocals, clean vocals (2009–2013; 2019–present)
Kyle Brownlee – drums, percussion (2012, 2016, 2017–present)
Tyler Williams – bass guitar, backing vocals (2017–present)
Jesse Doreen – guitar (2007–2016, 2021–present)
Former Members:
Curtis Washik – rhythm guitar (2007–2009)
Chris Needham – drums, percussion (2010–2011)
Ryan Juntilla – drums, percussion (2007–2010; 2011–2012)
Adrian Lee – rhythm guitar (2013–2019), bass (2017)
Eric Bazinet – bass (2007–2014)
Brian Kaczmarczyk – bass guitar (2014–2017)
Ben Leathem – drums, percussion (2016–2017)
Kelly Bilan – drums, percussion (2012–2016)
Blake Hardman – guitar, backing vocals (2016–2021), bass (2014, 2017)
Tragedy
Counterparts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A visionary born and raised to see with an unbiased sense of sight
We pause just for a second to properly embrace the radiance
We are the anointed dipped in filth
Taught to cower in fear of being identified
But tragedy will find us
I'm held captive by my spoiled soul
The procession will proceed as we're gifted with our own idea of peace
So find yourself in me
I promise I will keep you as we harvest the passion that remains
Make my skin your sanctuary
I make a pact with the earth to draw life from the living
Make my skin your sanctuary
Leap to the beat of my blood
So place your hand in mine, drag your feet across the tops of trees
Breathe easy knowing that the branches will support you
And the weight of your complication
In the midst of the ruin that surrounds us
We communicate but only in tongues
Our lips will welcome the caress of the crucifixion
And we stain the wood with defeat
I am not a mortal, I am a metaphor for moving forward
The lyrics of Counterparts' song "Tragedy" convey a sense of unity and resilience in the face of adversity. The opening lines suggest finding solace in the connection and rhythm that binds us together. The singer is described as a visionary, someone who sees the world without prejudice or bias. They take a moment to appreciate the beauty and brilliance around them.
Despite being labeled as tainted or impure, they refuse to bow down in fear of being judged or identified negatively. However, the lyrics also acknowledge that tragedy is inevitable and will ultimately find its way to us.
The second verse reflects on the singer's internal struggles. They feel trapped by their own flaws and imperfections but are determined not to let these hinder their progress. The procession will continue, and they will persevere, holding onto their own version of peace.
The chorus emphasizes a deep connection with another person, promising to protect and cherish them. It speaks of finding sanctuary within each other, a place of comfort and understanding. The lines "Make my skin your sanctuary" and "Leap to the beat of my blood" signify a bond that transcends physical and earthly limitations.
Amidst the chaos and destruction around them, the singer communicates with others using a different language, signifying a deeper, more profound form of understanding. They welcome the pain and sacrifice symbolized by the crucifixion, leaving their mark on the wood with a sense of defeat. Finally, the lyrics conclude with the declaration that the singer is not merely mortal but a metaphor for progress, symbolizing the continuous journey of moving forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Take comfort in the cadence of the bond we share
Find solace in the rhythm of our connection
A visionary born and raised to see with an unbiased sense of sight
An insightful individual who sees without prejudice
We pause just for a second to properly embrace the radiance
Briefly halt to fully appreciate the brightness
We are the anointed dipped in filth
We are chosen ones tainted by impurity
Taught to cower in fear of being identified
Conditioned to be afraid of recognition
But tragedy will find us
However, misfortune will ultimately reach us
I'm held captive by my spoiled soul
I'm imprisoned by my corrupted spirit
I won't allow it to affect my stride
I refuse to let it hinder my progress
The procession will proceed as we're gifted with our own idea of peace
We will continue our journey with our own interpretation of tranquility
So find yourself in me
Discover your true self within me
I promise I will keep you as we harvest the passion that remains
I assure you that I will protect you while we cultivate the remaining intensity
Make my skin your sanctuary
Let my body be your refuge
I make a pact with the earth to draw life from the living
I form an agreement with nature to derive vitality from living beings
Leap to the beat of my blood
Jump in sync with my pulsating veins
So place your hand in mine, drag your feet across the tops of trees
Hold my hand and let's traverse above the tree canopies
Breathe easy knowing that the branches will support you
Relax, knowing the branches will provide a sturdy foundation
And the weight of your complication
And the burden of your complexities
In the midst of the ruin that surrounds us
Amidst the destruction encircling us
We communicate but only in tongues
We connect, but our speech is cryptic
Our lips will welcome the caress of the crucifixion
Our mouths will embrace the touch of suffering
And we stain the wood with defeat
And we mark the wood with our surrender
I am not a mortal, I am a metaphor for moving forward
I'm not just a human, I symbolize progress
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: MURPHY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jesse
Take comfort in the cadence of the bond we share
A visionary born and raised to see with an unbiased sense of sight
We pause just for a second to properly embrace the radiance
We are the anointed dipped in filth
Taught to cower in fear of being identified
But tragedy will find us
I'm held captive by my spoiled soul
I won't allow it to affect my stride
The procession will proceed as we're gifted with our own idea of peace
So find yourself in me
I promise I will keep you as we harvest the passion that remains
Make my skin your sanctuary
I make a pact with the earth to draw life from the living
Make my skin your sanctuary
Leap to the beat of my blood
So place your hand in mine, drag your feet across the tops of trees
Breathe easy knowing that the branches will support you
And the weight of your complication
In the midst of the ruin that surrounds us
We communicate but only in tongues
Our lips will welcome the caress of the crucifixion
And we stain the wood with defeat
I am not a mortal, I am a metaphor for moving forward
Chaz Carpenter
One of their best songs of all
time
Christian batista
😊
Ash Bentley
Can we all just take a minute to appreciate the level of talent it took to drum that outtro
benjamin sachs
That lead outtro gets me every time.
HisPeopleRestored
Shit slaps bro
Zach Risser
One of the most consistent bands I've ever heard. Congrats Counterparts, you've done it again
Brian Foster
I can't believe it's taken me this long to discover this band. I'm truly grateful for this amazing music
Patrick Eglseder
Same here ✌🏻
Tom D
I can't even put into words how much I love Counterparts. They are such an amazing, and incredibly unique band. Their lyrics transpire into something so unbelievably real when I listen to it. It feels so real when I listen to them. Being able to relate and interpret to a lot of the music these guys make is something I feel so humbled by. Just by being able to listen to them and knowing that there's other people who feel the same way. I FUCKING LOVE YOU GUYS. MORE THAN WORDS CAN DESCRIBE
TheBradReaper
Still such an underrated band. Saw them twice when they toured Australia and holy fuck, two of the best shows i've been too.