A Family Reunion
If you want to talk about the school of Vancouver heavy metal, the Golers would be one of the professors. Now entering their fifteenth year the Golers are a lesson in perseverance and friendship. Let us go back to the mid 1990s Vancouver metal scene. All four members of the Golers were part of the abrasive metal band called Subversion, which was gaining speed and garnering some well-deserved international attention. So much, in fact, Slayer’s Dave Lombardo poached their bass player for his new post Slayer band called, Grip Inc. Rather than feeling hung out to dry the remaining members picked up the pieces and started a new band.
They kept the metal, added some punk rock and an incestuous offspring was birthed. They named it, The Golers. The bass player that left in the 1990’s was Jonny, and he has returned for a second stint. He also was in the band from 2006-2009, bringing the group full circle and feeling rejuvenated. Both Jonny and guitarist Henry sat down eager to discuss the exciting ‘on-goings’ in the Golers camp. Henry illustrates emphatically about having their bass player return, “It means an awful lot to have Jonny back in the band. Knowing we’re going to go play all these places in Canada [and] with Jonny in the band, is just fucking great.” Getting him back could not have happened at a better time. With a new album out and a cross-Canada tour in June, there really was no time or patience to bring in a new unknown. He was a good friend, an amazing bass player, and already knew most of the older songs.
The new album is called The In 'n' Outlaws. This is their fourth release and it will be out independently in June to coincide with the tour. After listening to just a couple tracks it is easy to conclude that it has the definitive Golers sound that melds elements of thrash, extreme and punk metal. Jonny was not on the recording so he has his own take. “As someone who has played with, recorded with, hung out with and become really good friends with these dudes for almost twenty years now. But not having much to do with the new album. It is what should have happened next. It’s a natural progression. It has elements of all the earlier stuff. It’s definitely the Golers when you hear it. It’s fresh.” The Golers are rounded out with drummer Cranswick and guitar/vocalist Charlie. Not having Jonny around for the recording strong armed Charlie into a multitasking fantasy world during the process. Not only did he do the vocals and guitar leads but also was responsible for laying the bass tracks down for the new album.
The Golers have done their fair share of touring, with multiple visits south and overseas, but they’ve yet to do Canada shore to shore. This will bring them to the Maritimes for the first time! And that is significant in more ways than one, particularly their “name” and its controversial ties to Nova Scotia. One quick Google search of “Golers family Nova Scotia” will show you! “It is going to be great and I am sure it will create a fuss of some kind. Sort of a no press is bad press type situation,” says Henry in hopes of a possible backlash. “I am anticipating it a little bit. Who knows, we just might start disappearing one at a time.” So you best get out to see them before they get lynched.
The Golers kickoff their tour in Victoria on June7th, they play Vancouver with Tyrants Blood on June 8th at FUNKYS.
- Heath Fenton
