One of Canada’s more explosive hard rock acts, Vancouver-based five-piece Art of Dying's raucous blend of ardent post-grunge and blistering, three-part, harmony-laden alt-metal falls somewhere in between Pearl Jam, Incubus, and Hinder. Formed in the mid-2000s around the talents of Jonny Hetherington (vocals), Greg Bradley (guitar), Tavis Stanley (guitar), Cale Gontier (bass), and Jeff Brown (drum), the band released their eponymous debut in 2006 on their own label, Thorny Bleeder, resulting in critical acclaim both at home and abroad, as well shows and tours with the likes of Seether, Disturbed, and Theory of a Deadman. The group’s sophomore effort (and Reprise Records debut), Vices and Virtues, arrived in March of 2011. ~ James Christopher Monger