Abandon All Ships was a Canadian post-hardcore band from Toronto, Ontario. Formed in 2006, it was signed domestically to Universal Music Canada via Underground Operations, along with an American deal to Rise Records and its imprint Velocity Records.

Abandon All Ships
Abandon All Ships live at the Cactus Courtyard venue in Lubbock, Texas (2011)
Abandon All Ships live at the Cactus Courtyard venue in Lubbock, Texas (2011)
Background information
OriginToronto, Ontario, Canada
Genres
Years active2006–2014, 2016–2020
Labels
Past members
  • Angelo Aita
  • Sebastian Cassisi-Nunez
  • Martin Broda
  • Daniel Ciccotelli
  • Andrew Paiano
  • Daniel Paiano
  • Francesco Pallotta
  • David Stephens
  • Nick Fiorini
  • Chris Taylor
  • Kyler Browne
  • Melvin Murray

History

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Formation and self-titled debut EP (2006–2009)

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Abandon All Ships was founded in 2006 in Toronto, Ontario, originally playing covers of Norma Jean songs.[1] The band started when the members were in 8th grade doing screamo and pop punk.[2] Most of the band members attended Dante Alighieri Academy, including lead vocalist Angelo Aita, keyboardist Sebastian Cassisi-Nunez, and original guitarist David Stephens; Toronto friends Martin Broda and Francesco Pallotta were added on bass and drums respectively.[2][1] In 2007, Nick Fiorini was added on rhythm guitar.[citation needed]

By 2008, the band had released four demo songs online: "Megawacko", "When Dreams Become Nightmares", "Brendon's Song" and "Pedestrians Is Another Word for Speedbump".[citation needed] After rising in the Toronto scene, the group toured and opened for many larger bands in their same genre, such as Blessed by a Broken Heart and Silverstein.[3] By the end of 2008, Nick Fiorini had been replaced by Andrew Paiano.[1] They were given even more exposure after their appearance on the MuchMusic's Canadian television program Disband and began playing shows outside of Ontario.[3] The band released their self-titled EP on February 24, 2009.[2] In 2009, the band embarked on the Drop Your Pants and Dance tour with support from These Silhouettes and Hometown Beatdown.[4]

Because Christian themes appeared in the band's earlier material, some thought that Abandon All Ships was a Christian band, but it was not; its regular use of profanity and suggestive lyrics eventually settled the debate.[5]

Geeving (2009–2010)

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At the end of 2009, David Stephens and Francesco Pallotta left the band; they were replaced by Kyler Browne on lead guitar and, on drums, Daniel Paiano (Andrew's brother).[1] In early 2010, the group was signed to Underground Operations, Rise Records, and Velocity Records.[6] In January 2010, the band performed at the Tattoo Rock Parlour in Brampton, along with other Disband groups including These Kids Wear Crowns.[7] Around this time, they started writing their debut studio album,[8] before embarking on the Snocore Tour, alongside Protest the Hero, Hawthorne Heights, Elias in March 2010.[9] They performed at the Canadian Music Week festival in Toronto on March 10.[10] In May 2010, the group toured with Silverstein, Miss May I and The Devil Wears Prada.[8] Following the tour, they began recording their album with engineer Anthony Cali and it was produced by Mark Spicoluk. The album was mixed by the band's guitarist, Andrew Paiano.[8] Three weeks into recording, they joined A Skylit Drive on the Go Fist Pump Your Self tour in the United States.[8] On June 29, 2010, they released their first single, "Take One Last Breath"; the music video premiered on MuchMusic the following day.[8] The song peaked at number five on the Canadian rock music charts.[2] They played at the 2010 Bluesfest in Ottawa,[11] performing new songs "Geeving", "Guardian Angel" (which features Lena Katina from the Russian band t.A.T.u.), "Maria (I Like It Loud)", and "Take One Last Breath", all of which were to appear on the up-coming album, Geeving. The name of the album is taken from its Urban Dictionary definition, "Couldn't care less. Don't give a shit. Leave me alone. Fuck off."[2]

The single "Megawacko 2.0" was released on iTunes on August 24, 2010,[12] with the video premiering on MuchMusic that same day.[13] From August to September 2010, the band toured with We Came As Romans.[14] In September, "Bro My God" also premiered via online streaming.[15] On October 5, MuchMusic premiered Geeving for online streaming, before it was released physically on October 12.[16] The album peaked at number 27 on the Canadian Albums Chart and number 16 on the US Heatseekers Albums chart.[17][18] The group embarked on the headlining Geeving Across Canada tour in October 2010.[16] Abandon All Ships was then included on the Monument tour from October 29, 2010, to December 5, 2010, with Miss May I, Sleeping with Sirens, The Crimson Armada, and Bury Tomorrow.[19] On December 17, the music video for "Geeving" was released,[20] and the song won Best Rock Video at the 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards.[21]

Lineup instability, Infamous (2011–2013)

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Members Martin Broda, Angelo Aita and Daniel Ciccotelli at the 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards.

The band joined Close Your Eyes, I See Stars and Us From Outside on a United States tour in January 2011.[22] On January 24, 2011, lead guitarist Kyler Browne left the band and was replaced by Daniel Ciccotelli.[23] Abandon All Ships participated in the 2011 Vans Warped Tour for selected dates on the east leg.[24] On July 14, 2011, the Paiano brothers, Andrew (rhythm guitar) and Daniel (drums), left the band.[25] In August 2011, the group performed at Celebration Square as part of the Amphitheatre Unplugged series along with San Sebastian.[26]

On January 18, 2012, the band announced that they were in the process of recording their second studio album.[27] The title was announced as Infamous, and it was released on July 3, 2012.[28] The video for its title track was released on the first of May with its environment and direction being described as "very Toronto".[29] The group joined Secrets, Sleeping with Sirens and Conditions on tour in March 2012.[30] The album peaked at number 54 on the Canadian Albums Chart.[17] The album also debuted at number 142 on the Billboard 200,[31] selling over 3,500 copies in its first week.[32]

In September 2012, the band supported We Came as Romans on a Canadian headlining tour alongside Skip the Foreplay and Ice Nine Kills.[33] On November 14, the band premiered the music video for "August".[34] On November 29, the band was announced as support for For the Fallen Dreams European/UK tour beginning in March alongside fellow supporting acts Dream On, Dreamer, and No Bragging Rights.[35] On December 14, drummer Chris Taylor left the band.[36] The group along with Dance Gavin Dance supported Hollywood Undead on tour in March 2013.[37] They released a music video for "Less Than Love" in June 2013.[38]

Malocchio and breakup (2013–2014)

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In September 2013, the band revealed that have been working on their third studio album.[39] Aita described the record as "a little bit heavier" than their previous albums.[23] They announced the album title Malocchio on December 20, 2013, which was released on February 11, 2014. Along with the announcement, the band streamed the album's first single, "Reefer Madness" on YouTube.[40] The album title is the Italian word for "evil eye" and according to Aita, he thought the concept behind it sounded "really cool." He also thought that the title fit well with the album's artwork.[23] During the writing and recording of the album, Browne returned to the group and helped write songs for the record.[23] On January 25, 2014, the band released the second single, "Cowboys".[41] The group embarked on a headlining tour in February and March 2014, in support of the album.[42] On February 24, the group premiered the music video for "Trapped".[43] The album did not reach the Canadian Albums Chart or the Billboard 200, but peaked at number nine on the iTunes Rock chart.[23]

On August 5, 2014, the band was announced to go on a short tour with Dance Gavin Dance and Stolas beginning at the end of August[44] and on the 15th of that same month, guitarist Daniel Ciccotelli left the band.

Abandon All Ships announced its breakup on August 15, 2014, and played their last show on September 25 in Toronto with current and past members.[45] Some members went on to form a new band, Sine of the Lion.[46] Martin Broda started a new band, Cherry Pools.[47]

Reformation and sporadic releases (2016–2020)

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In February 2016, the band announced that they will be reuniting their original lineup for an anniversary show for their debut studio album, Geeving on March 18, in Toronto.[48] The group also released a new single titled "Loafting", which features the band's original line-up, except for Kyler Browne, and with the addition of Daniel Ciccotelli.[49] The track features mixing from Andrew Paiano.[50]

On October 30, 2020, the band officially released their cover of Scooter's song "Maria (I Like It Loud)" on streaming services, 10 years after its unofficial release alongside Geeving.[51] On November 3, the band released their cover of Drake's "We'll Be Fine" on streaming services.[52] "We'll Be Fine" was a 9-year-old cover but hadn't been released on streaming services prior.[53]

Musical style

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The band's third album incorporates elements from their first and second albums, plus new elements as keyboardist Sebastian Cassisi-Nunez brought in more of an EDM influence.[54] Allmusic's Gregory Heaney described the group as "an electronicore band who fused crabcore with EDM" besides stating that they "combine elements of electronic music and post-hardcore and technical metal into a strangely triumphant hybrid.[1] The band cites Metallica, Anthrax, Pantera, Alice in Chains, Avenged Sevenfold, Linkin Park, Slipknot, Lamb of God, Benny Benassi, Gigi D'Agostino, Hardwell, Tiësto, deadmau5, Lordz of Brooklyn and Beastie Boys as influences.

Members

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Final Lineup

  • Angelo Aita – unclean vocals (2006–2014, 2016)
  • Sebastian Cassisi-Nunez – keyboards, programming, electronics (2006–2014, 2016)
  • Daniel Paiano – drums (2009–2011, 2016)
  • Andrew Paiano – rhythm guitar (2008–2011, 2016)
  • Martin Broda – clean vocals (2006–2014, 2016), bass guitar (2009–2014, 2016), drums (2006–2009)
  • Daniel Ciccotelli – lead guitar (2011–2013, 2016)

Former members

  • David Stephens – lead guitar (2006–2009)
  • Francesco Pallotta – bass guitar (2006–2009)
  • Nick Fiorini – rhythm guitar (2007–2008)
  • Chris Taylor – drums (2011–2013)
  • Kyler Browne – lead guitar (2009–2011, 2013–2014)
  • Melvin Murray – drums (2013–2014)

Timeline

Discography

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Abandon All Ships discography
Studio albums3
EPs1
Singles8

Studio albums

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List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and sales figures
Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
CAN
[17]
US
[31]
US Heat
[18]
US Rock
[55]
Geeving 27 16
Infamous
  • Released: July 3, 2012[56]
  • Label: Universal Music Canada
  • Format: Compact disc, digital download
54 142 3 50
Malocchio
  • Released: February 11, 2014
  • Label: Universal Music Canada
  • Format: Compact disc, digital download
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Extended plays

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List of extended plays with selected details
Title EP details
Abandon All Ships
  • Released: February 24, 2009[2]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Compact disc, digital download

Singles

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List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
CAN Rock
[2]
CAN
Pop

[2]
"Take One Last Breath" 2010 5 65 Geeving
"Megawacko 2.0"[57]
"Infamous"[58] 2012 Infamous
"Reefer Madness" 2013 Malocchio
"Cowboys" 2014
"Loafting"[59] 2016 Non-album singles
"Maria (I Like It Loud)"[60] 2020
"We'll Be Fine"[61]
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Promotional singles

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List of promotional singles
Title Year Album
"Bro My God"[15] 2010 Geeving
"Good Old Friend"[62] 2012 Infamous

Music videos

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Title Year Director(s) Ref.
"Take One Last Breath" 2010 Davin Black [63]
"Megawacko 2.1" [64]
"Geeving" [65]
"Infamous" 2012 Michael Nardi [66]
"August" [67]
"Less Than Love" 2013 [68]
"Trapped" 2014 Indiescope [69]
"Loafting" 2016 Andrew Paiano [70]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Heaney, Gregory. "Artist Biography". Allmusic. All Media Network. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Bobby Goodwin. "Interview: Abandon All Ships". Substream Music Press. Archived from the original on January 8, 2011. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  3. ^ a b "Abandon All Ships". MuchMusic. Archived from the original on September 18, 2011. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
  4. ^ Julien, Alexandre (September 19, 2009). "The Zyphoid Process & Great White North". Abridged Pause Blog. Archived from the original on December 29, 2019. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  5. ^ "Abandon All Ships – Geeving – Album Review". AbsolutePunk. October 6, 2010. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  6. ^ Diane Wild (May 3, 2010). "Disband Discovered Premieres on MuchMusic May 5". TV Eh?. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  7. ^ "Wanna See the Best of Disband?!". MuchMusic. January 15, 2010. Archived from the original on November 28, 2011. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  8. ^ a b c d e "In Their Own Words: Abandon All Ships". MuchMusic. June 29, 2010. Archived from the original on November 29, 2011. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  9. ^ "Contest Alert! Win Tixs to Snocore!". MuchMusic. March 9, 2010. Archived from the original on July 20, 2010. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  10. ^ "Check Out Disband Live This Wednesday!". MuchMusic. March 10, 2010. Archived from the original on December 6, 2010. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  11. ^ "The complete line-up for Bluesfest 2010". Ottawa Start. July 3, 2010. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  12. ^ "Megawacko 2.0 - Single by Abandon All Ships". Apple Music. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  13. ^ "Abandon All Ships Are Coming Home!". MuchMusic. August 12, 2010. Archived from the original on September 18, 2011. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  14. ^ Johan Wippsson (August 26, 2010). "Toronto's Abandon All Ships To Release 'Geeving" October 5th". Melodic. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  15. ^ a b Johan Wippsson (September 10, 2010). "Abandon All Ships Post New Song On Myspace". Melodic. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  16. ^ a b "Listen to Abandon All Ships Album and Get An Update From the Band". MuchMusic. October 5, 2010. Archived from the original on September 19, 2011. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  17. ^ a b c Peak positions for Abandon All Ships albums on the Canadian Albums Chart:
  18. ^ a b Peak positions for Abandon All Ships on the US Heatseekers Albums Chart:
  19. ^ "Confide cancels tour". Lambgoat. September 29, 2010. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  20. ^ "Abandon All Ships - Geeving Featuring Jhevon Paris (Official Music Video)". YouTube. December 17, 2010. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  21. ^ Karen Bliss (June 20, 2011). "Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber Win at MuchMusic Video Awards". Billboard. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  22. ^ Doug Van Pelt (December 21, 2010). "Close Your Eyes announce tour dates". HM. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
  23. ^ a b c d e Amy Ebeling (March 5, 2014). "Interview With Abandon All Ships: Staying Afloat". The Aquarian Weekly. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  24. ^ "More bands added to Warped Tour 2011 lineup". Las Vegas Sun. January 11, 2011. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  25. ^ Common, Tyler. "Abandon All Ships lose two members, one joins Woe, Is Me". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on May 5, 2012. Retrieved July 31, 2011.
  26. ^ Joseph Chin (August 9, 2011). "Bands unplugged in amphitheatre". Mississauga.com. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  27. ^ "Abandon All Ships frontman confirms second album plans". Archived from the original on January 21, 2012. Retrieved January 19, 2012.
  28. ^ "Abandon All Ships release 'Infamous' tracklisting". Alternative Press. May 22, 2012. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  29. ^ Ramirez, Carlos. "Abandon All Ships, 'Infamous': Metalcore Meets Rap in New Video". Noisecreep. Retrieved May 3, 2012.
  30. ^ "Secrets post video update". Alternative Press. March 6, 2012. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  31. ^ a b "Abandon All Ships Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 14, 2019. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  32. ^ a b "Metal By Numbers 7/11: Djamn Periphery Djid Good This Week!". Metal Insider. July 11, 2012. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  33. ^ "We Came As Romans announce Canadian headlining tour". Alternative Press. August 16, 2012. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  34. ^ "Abandon All Ships premiere "August" video". Alternative Press. November 14, 2012. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  35. ^ "For the Fallen Dreams Announce European Tour Dates". Under the Gun Review. Archived from the original on May 13, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  36. ^ "Update re: myself and Abandon All Ships". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 18, 2012. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  37. ^ "Hollywood Undead announce tour with Falling In Reverse, Dance Gavin Dance, Abandon All Ships". Alternative Press. February 11, 2013. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  38. ^ "Abandon All Ships release "Less Than Love" video". Alternative Press. June 12, 2013. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  39. ^ "Abandon All Ships release new studio update". Alternative Press. September 5, 2013. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  40. ^ "Abandon All Ships release new song; launch pre-orders for new album". Alternative Press. December 20, 2013. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  41. ^ "Abandon All Ships stream new song, "Cowboys"". Alternative Press. January 24, 2014. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  42. ^ "Abandon All Ships stream new album, 'Malocchio'". Alternative Press. February 12, 2014. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  43. ^ "Abandon All Ships - "Trapped" (video premiere)". Alternative Press. February 24, 2014. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  44. ^ "Dance Gavin Dance, Abandon All Ships, Stolas tour". Lambgoat.com. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  45. ^ "Abandon All Ships announce breakup, farewell show". Alternative Press. August 15, 2014. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  46. ^ Axl Rosenberg (September 26, 2014). "Nu-Deathcore Band Sine of the Lion". MetalSucks. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  47. ^ Leah (March 22, 2018). "An Interview With The Toronto-Based Indie-Pop Band, CHERRY POOLS!". All Access Mediabase. Archived from the original on April 12, 2019. Retrieved October 2, 2020.
  48. ^ "Abandon All Ships to reunite with ex-Woe, Is Me, past members for 'Geeving' show". Alternative Press. February 1, 2016. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  49. ^ Kriston McConnell (February 6, 2016). "Abandon All Ships Premiere Music Video For "Loafting"". New Noise Magazine. Retrieved March 11, 2020.
  50. ^ "Abandon All Ships return with ex-Woe, Is Me member on new single". Alternative Press. February 6, 2016. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  51. ^ Philip Trapp (November 9, 2020). "Abandon All Ships Return With New Song 'Maria (I Like It Loud)'". Note to Scene. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  52. ^ "We'll Be Fine - Single by Abandon All Ships". Apple Music. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  53. ^ "Abandon All Ships release Drake cover". Alternative Press. December 30, 2011. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  54. ^ "Abandon All Ships release new studio update". Alternative Press. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
  55. ^ "Top Rock Albums: Week of July 21, 2012". Billboard. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  56. ^ "FANS REPORT IN: Abandon All Ships Album And Music Video Details". Under the Gun Review. March 6, 2012. Archived from the original on June 10, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
  57. ^ "Megawacko 2.0 - Single by Abandon All Ships". Spotify. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  58. ^ "Infamous (feat A. Game) - Single by Abandon All Ships". Apple Music. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  59. ^ "Loafting - Single by Abandon All Ships". Spotify. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  60. ^ "Maria (I Like It Loud) - Single by Abandon All Ships". Spotify. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  61. ^ "We'll Be Fine - Single by Abandon All Ships". Spotify. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  62. ^ Tyler Common (June 12, 2012). "Abandon All Ships release new song, 'Good Old Friend'". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on June 16, 2012. Retrieved May 12, 2024.
  63. ^ "Abandon All Ships - Take One Last Breath (Official Music Video)". YouTube. August 10, 2010. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  64. ^ "Abandon All Ships - Megawacko 2.1 (Official Music Video)". YouTube. October 4, 2010. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  65. ^ "Abandon All Ships - Geeving Featuring Jhevon Paris (Official Music Video)". YouTube. December 17, 2010. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  66. ^ "Abandon All Ships feat. A Game - Infamous [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]". YouTube. May 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  67. ^ "Abandon All Ships - August [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]". YouTube. November 13, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  68. ^ "Abandon All Ships - Less Than Love". YouTube. June 12, 2013. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  69. ^ "Abandon All Ships - Trapped". YouTube. March 12, 2014. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  70. ^ "Abandon All Ships - Loafting (Official Music Video)". YouTube. February 6, 2016. Retrieved May 14, 2024.