MySpace.com - My Terminal Ritual * MTR * 2008 - Windsor / Detroit / Niagara Region, CA - Alternative / Rock / Grunge

Inspired by the stress and anxiety of modern day society, MTR represents the drive to break the routine of our ritualistic lifestyle. We are all participants in society’s rituals and habits. Programmed lifestyles and emotions determine modern day living. MTR’s vision is to stand up and break the cycle. Acceptance is no longer accepted!! Less explanation and more correction is needed. We are not groups, but individuals that have needs and our own emotions. Our music provides listeners with the ability to release those desires and bottled up emotions that hold us back. Freedom of expression is a powerful and versatile tool. This allows us to write music with no boundaries, just pure emotion and drive.

In the summer of 2004, bassist Raymond Solomon and drummer Dwayne Laframboise decided to embark upon yet another (final?) musical project together. Armed with Solomon's cassette tapes worth of home 'demo' guitar riffs, they searched for a guitarist with whom they'd hoped would want to form a new sound; blaze a new trail, instead of just following the current trend. Enter Glen Latouf.

An old friend passed his demo CD down to them, and after a brief listen to a few tracks, along with a meet and greet, they knew they'd found the guy for the band. Writing began almost instantly. Solomon's tapes were barely used, as Latouf's riffage was arranged and rearranged by the trio in rehearsals. Three songs were born out of those sessions. They would later become Pedestal, Steal, and Something to Say. But first, they needed someone to write lyrics and sing to their songs. Enter Bill Dupuis.

Solomon and Dupuis had been longtime friends and former band mates years prior. Bill had since relocated to the Niagara Falls area, but kept in touch. After years of trying to peak Dupuis' musical interests, Solomon passed the 3 song demo they'd just recorded along. Finally!! Bill was in. At the time, Dupuis was singing in a TOOL tribute band, so the guys knew he was game for working thru these original songs presented to him.

The results of the above moments in time, where all their worlds and lives came together, is what is known as My Terminal Ritual. The songs are real. The band is real. The name is a metaphor for living your life. The songs are commentaries on lives lived. It's so personal, it's universal. There's not one idea, theme, concept, or emotion in these songs and in this presentation, that we cannot ALL relate to. This is a 'gut-check'. The soundtrack to reality. We live in a world obsessed with reality tv, yet most people would rather listen to fake music. MTR isn't here to spoil the party; just to ROCK their own demons to sleep. Anyone who's seen a live show can attest to that! It's a definite must-see!! More like a performance than a live band. Each member has been a player in the Windsor/Detroit music scene for years. Four honest guys making honest music. A band whose songs are inspired by true, real-life events; not so much social commentary, but rather personal realizations on universal themes. A look inward @ life itself. Acknowledging the bad to find the good. Their first offering was in the form of a 3 song EP which was recorded in the Fall of 2005, and released in early 2006. It was received very favourably by fans and friends throughout Southwestern Ontario, Michigan, and worldwide via the internet. As well, Windsor/Detroit radio gave it a fair amount of support, given the fact that it was a self-produced Indie EP. Their reputation as a 'live' band has been getting only stronger with every performance. "My Terminal Ritual slams the weighty grooves w/the raw heaviness of human emotion (a la Tool or Deftones)..." Jamie Greer Upfront Magazine.

Drawing upon the musical influences of bands like Tool, System of a Down, Disturbed, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, etc, MTR has managed to find a groove that's as heavy as it is melodic. Sometimes creepy, most times dark...the band isn't afraid to examine what's under the surface. Recording for their full length debut began in February of 2007, and the CD was completely finished and ready by the end of the Fall. The band has been hard at work on the promotional and business side of things, and is pleased to present the CD for sale globally on more than 50 digital formats, (including both MTR websites), as well as in over 250 retail outlets across Canada thru Indie Pool. The CDs artwork depicts a familiar scene for many people, especially Dupuis. His 3+ hour roadtrips for the past 3+ years haven't been easy, but haven't been in vain either. "The end result is some powerful tracks that are thought provoking and energetic." Mary-Helen Clarke-MacKinnon, Windsor Social.

2008 will see the release of On and On, as well as the official MTR website to complement the existing MySpace site. The video for the title track 'On and On' will be airing on MUCHMUSIC and MUCHLOUD as of February 1st. LOTS of new merch, and many, many live dates to be announced!! MTR would like to thank Tysha Stewart for his efforts in our live performances over the past year, and wishes him all the best. MTR's new live drummer is Martin Bak. Marty was a good fit, considering the fact that he did such an amazing job recording their CD at his SLR Studios. His knowledge of the music, along with his skills on the drumkit, have made rehearsals amazingly easy and highly productive.
Update--Martin will be taking some time off after the July 19th gig, but may just end up behind the kit sometime again soon. MTR is happy to announce that original drummer/songwriter Dwayne Laframboise, will be returning to sit-in for a little while. The band is currently looking for qualified drummers who may be called upon to sit-in from time to time for live shows. Writing is underway for the second full-length CD, and the band hopes to showcase the 'new tunes' @ upcoming LIVE shows. Keep in touch to find out the latest MTR news and updates. Feel free to visit myterminalritual.com to see the official website.

Peace,
Ray, Bill, Glen
MTR

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