Unleash the Archers was formed in late 2007 by vocalist Brittney Hayes (a.k.a. Brittney Slayes) and drummer Scott Buchanan with former member Brayden Dyczkowski on guitar, whom Scott had played with previously in an independent death metal project. Former member Mike Selman was brought on after his departure from Canadian death metal band Meatlocker Seven. The position of bass player was unfilled for the first few months of Unleash The Archers' career, until Zahk Hedstrom joined in October 2007 to complete the lineup. In late 2008 the band recorded a self-titled four song demo, which featured two songs they would end up re-recording for their first studio album.
Their debut studio album was recorded with Jason Hywell Martin at Omega Mediacore Studios in Richmond, BC and was released independently in August 2009. This was the only album to feature the band's original lineup in its entirety.
The band's second album was recorded with Nick Engwer and Stu McKillop at the Hive Soundlab in Burnaby, BC and was released independently in May 2011. This album features two solos from Grant Truesdell, who would step in as the new guitar player later that same year after the departure of Mike Selman prior to the recording. The album was a concept album based on the exploits of a mercenary in space and was set far into the future.
This album was a three-song EP released solely on 7-inch vinyl. A bonus fourth track titled ‘Arise’ was given to those that pre-ordered, but was later released on the band's bandcamp page in digital format only. This record also marked the departure of original bassist Zahk Hedstrom.
In February 2015 the band announced their signing with Napalm Records, and soon after the title, track listing and release date for their upcoming studio album Time Stands Still were revealed. The album was released in Europe on June 26 and in North America on July 10. The album was originally slated for a late-Summer/early-Fall 2014 release, but the release was pushed back after the band was signed by Napalm Records. This album was the first without Brayden Dyczkowski, who had been one of the main songwriters up until his parting with the band in late 2013; this lineup change has affected the band's sound and driven it towards a more traditional heavy metal direction with the addition of Andrew Kingsley, who is also trained in jazz, on guitar.
On May 26, 2015, the band released the "Tonight We Ride" video, inspired by Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. The video was filmed in the Nevada desert, using props from the Death Guild Thunderdome camp at Burning Man.
Since leaving for a tour of Europe in November 2016, Unleash the Archers mentioned they would be recording a new album at the end of 2016. This album would be the first to include current bassist, Nikko Whitworth. The first single, "Cleanse the Bloodlines" was released on April 8, 2017. Apex was released on June 2, 2017 through Napalm Records. The album debuted at No. 3 on iTunes metal charts, and became their first to make Billboard charts. The album debuted at No. 9 Heatseeker, No. 29 Top Hard Music Albums, No. 29 Record Label Independent Current Albums, No. 34 Top Current Rock Albums, No. 116 Overall Digital Albums, No. 119 Top Current Albums, and No. 197 Top Albums by Strata. It also debuted at No. 12 on Canadian Top Hard Music chart. The band announced they would be touring Europe, accompanying Orden Ogan, to promote the album in the fall of 2017, with a US tour to be announced. In end of January it was announced that bassist Nikko Witworth had decided to leave the band.
Brittney Hayes gave interviews and tweeted saying that they are currently working on an EP of covers with a "bit of a UTA spin" on them. They are also writing and recording a full-length album as a follow up to 2017's Apex to be released some time in 2020.
On August 30, 2019, the band released the first single off of the EP Explorers, a cover of Stan Rogers' "Northwest Passage". The full EP was released October 11, 2019.
Afterlife
Unleash the Archers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
For once in my life the journey is mine and I don't know which way to go
Breaking the curse has given me purpose, charging into the unknown
Choosing to right the wrongs far behind and forging a path of my own
But with such power, think how you could rule
Hold to your promise to watch over those in despair
Why would you choose to serve when you could be master of all
CHORUS:
Out of shadow, out of darkness, welcome to the light
As the day shines boldly over night
Follow me to finally be who you are inside
Open wide, embrace the afterlife
Don't waste your chance to seek revenge at last
I won't waste my freedom, vengeance will not make me whole
Fight back you fool, make them pay for transgressions past
Fear not your anger, use it to rise up and free your soul
The lyrics of Unleash the Archers' song Afterlife explore the concept of afterlife, freedom and self-realization. The opening line creates a sense of excitement and wonder as the singer faces the glory open before them which symbolizes the afterlife. The use of light years adds a sense of infinite possibility, but also highlights the confusion the singer is experiencing about which path to take. The second stanza reveals that the singer was cursed and has now been given purpose, allowing them to forge a new path for themselves.
The chorus encourages the listener to embrace the afterlife, step out of shadow and darkness, and finally be who they are inside. This verse does not limit the meaning of the song to the afterlife; it is a metaphor for any moment in one's life where they experience freedom or awaken into their true selves. The bridge is a call to action, a reminder that one should not waste their chance seeking revenge, it will not bring them wholeness. One must fight back and use their anger to rise up and free their soul.
Overall, the lyrics of Afterlife deliver a message of hope and self-empowerment. One can choose to be their own master and lead a life that is true to their honor.
Line by Line Meaning
Facing the glory open before me, millions of lightyears to roam
I am now presented with endless possibilities, with the whole universe ahead of me to explore.
For once in my life the journey is mine and I don't know which way to go
I am free to choose my own path, but I am uncertain which direction to take.
Breaking the curse has given me purpose, charging into the unknown
I have found new motivation to move forward and explore, having broken the constraints that held me back.
Choosing to right the wrongs far behind and forging a path of my own
I am determined to correct past mistakes and create my own destiny.
But with such power, think how you could rule
Having gained immense power, it's easy to consider using it to control others.
Hold to your promise to watch over those in despair
It's important to remember my commitment to helping those who are suffering.
Why would you choose to serve when you could be master of all
It's tempting to seek ultimate power, but serving others can be a greater calling.
Be true to your honour and fight for a world that is fair
Staying true to my values and fighting for justice can lead to a better world for all.
Out of shadow, out of darkness, welcome to the light
I have emerged from a dark place and am now entering a brighter, more positive phase.
As the day shines boldly over night
A new dawn has arrived, bringing with it fresh opportunities and a sense of hope.
Follow me to finally be who you are inside
I invite others to join me on this journey of self-discovery and growth.
Open wide, embrace the afterlife
I embrace the unknown and welcome whatever comes next in my journey.
Don't waste your chance to seek revenge at last
While it can be tempting to seek revenge, it's important not to let it consume me.
I won't waste my freedom, vengeance will not make me whole
I refuse to be held back by seeking revenge, as true freedom is found in letting go.
Fight back you fool, make them pay for transgressions past
It's easy to feel angry about past wrongs, but it's important to channel that energy in a constructive way to create positive change.
Fear not your anger, use it to rise up and free your soul
Rather than being consumed by anger, I will harness it as a force for good and let it propel me forward in my journey of self-discovery.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: PAT BUCHANAN, SHAWN PATRICK FICHTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind