Hawking is a progressive metal band from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, composed of vocalists and guitarists Tom Vanderkam and Saul Sitar and drummer Noel Dufour.
Musical style The band's music is most broadly categorized as progressive 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."Hawking" . GreenGrass Radio, August 15, 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. 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.
Hawking EP (2015)
Hawking released their debut self-titled EP independently on July 14, 2015."TOUR HARD, ROCK EVEN HARDER: INTRODUCING HAWKING" PopWrapped June 24, 2015"PREMIERE - Hawking - Safe and Sound"PureVolume May 13, 2015 Reviews were largely positive given the band's emerging status."Hear: Hawking - Cold Hands" Audio Fuzz April 12, 2015 The band completed a 43-date North American tour in the months immediately following the release, and became known for maintaining a relentless touring schedule.
On August 26, 2016, the band released their single "Comfortable", completing a Canadian tour in support.
Diverge (2017)
Hawking released their full-length album Diverge on April 7, 2017, completing a North American tour in support. In the fall of 2017, they completed a Western Canadian tour with Ninjaspy and The Body Politic.
Present (2018–present)
In the fall of 2018, Hawking completed a Western Canadian tour with Youth Fountain.
In the spring of 2019, Hawking completed a Western Canadian tour. In the fall of 2019, the band completed a 28-date North American tour supporting Stellar Circuits.
On January 31, 2020, Hawking released their single “Never Bow”.
On March 20, 2020, Hawking released their single “Elucidate, Articulate”.
On March 18, 2022, Hawking released their single “A Tragedy (This Melody)”.
Noel Dufour replaced Chartwell Kerr on drums in 2023.
In August, 2024, Hawking completed a Western Canadian co-headlining tour with Cliffside.
Band members
Current Tom Vanderkam - Lead Vocals, Guitar Saul Sitar - Vocals, Lead Guitar Noel Dufour - Drums
Former Chartwell Kerr - Vocals, Drums Ben Klassen - Vocals, Lead Guitar Chris Young - Bass Paul Engels - Vocals, Bass
Other appearances Hawking appears in the film Midnight Sun (2016).
Frontman Tom Vanderkam appears in the film Deadpool (2016).
Vanderkam and former lead guitarist Ben Klassen appeared in the film If I Stay (2014).
Vanderkam works as a researcher at The University of British Columbia Department of Psychology. He is affiliated with Dr. Peter Suedfeld, a Holocaust survivor who researches psychological resilience.
Vanderkam owned and operated an independent booking agency, Badmouth Booking.
Discography A Tragedy (This Melody) (Single) (2022) Elucidate, Articulate (Single) (2020) Never Bow (Single) (2020) Diverge (2017) 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 Comfortable (Single) (2016) Hawking EP (2015) 01. Safe and Sound 02. Cold Hands 03. Books on Tape 04. Diastole 05. Systole
References
External links Band Website Band Facebook Page Band Instagram Page