The History of CAVEAT
One of the leaders of the current western heavy music revolution, Calgary, Alberta’s Caveat released their debut album, The Biggest Secret (independent), in May 2004, to favorable reviews from the local music community. In the summer of 2005, the group returned with a self-titled EP(Scarab Productions) that had their fans banging their heads in approval. If The Biggest Secret was the sound of a band trying to find it niche, Caveat’s follow up EP is an unapologetic shout to forge ahead, devil horns to the sky. Now in 2007 with the release of Caveat's latest & most ambitious album to date entited 'RED'(Cyclone Records) set to be released on June 1 2007, Caveat are heading full speed ahead into the next year with a no holes barred album & a cross Canada tour to spread their brand of their full trottle, progressive metal across the country. To understand the evolution of this unique band, one only has to look at the origins of Caveat.
In December of 2001, local vocalist/guitarist Greg Musgrave (ex-Toke/Stonewater/One Step Down member) recruited former industrial rockers Cryptomnesia’s bassist Terry Baldwin to join himself and drummer Jawad Baloch(ex-Stonewater & Occam's Razor) in what would become Caveat. The original intention of the members was to have two completely different styles intermixed into one band, enabling Caveat to perform a heavy set or a completly acoustic/melodic set at any performance.
However, the next year saw a number of changes to both the line-up and the sound of Caveat. Baloch announced he was leaving the band early 2002 and was replaced by former Old School drummer Rodney Maxwell. Meanwhile the addition of Baldwin allowed the band to incorporate a second voice and delve into the world of harmonizing and cross vocalising, which would soon become a key ingredient to the Caveat sound. Also during this time, the writing style of Musgrave and Baldwin was getting more experimental, resulting in a heavier and more progressive sound. Instead of keeping Caveat as two separate definitive styles, it was decided to use more of an experimental/ progressive approach, combining the heavy and acoustic elements into a multi-layered sound.
In July of 2003, B.C. rhythm man Casey Rogers (ex-Stonewater/Amoral Minority/Self Control member) replaced Maxwell on drums. This addition was to have a noticeable impact on the music of Caveat as Casey brought both the diversity and progressive edge needed to elevate the whole sound of the band to the next level.
Following the release of The Biggest Secret, with the members of Caveat already leaning towards a heavier sound, the band realized their desire to broaden their sound with the addition of a second guitarist. This led to ex-Thorazine guitarist Joe Sikorski joining the band in July of 2004. Sikorski’s raw talent and creative edge defined the characteristics needed to bring Caveat’s sound to a true multi-layered musical experience.
With all the pieces finally in place, Caveat prepared for their second recording sessions by playing a consistent schedule of live shows in and around Western Canada. Late this summer Caveat entered Sundae Sound Studios to record their self-titled EP showcasing 3 new tracks and 2 re-recorded, heavier versions of tracks from The Biggest Secret. The new EP marked a significant growth in both song writing & dynamics, with the band firing on all cylinders. Ignoring the traditional metal song-writing format in favour of a more experimental approach, Caveat created a distinctive, multi-layered sound, blending booming death metal vocals with melodic three part vocal harmonies and ever-changing time signatures.
After the success of 2005’s self titled EP, which was rated by Beatroute Magazine as one of 2005’s top Calgary releases, the band decided to morph yet again seeing Greg & Joe trading in their 6 string guitars in for 7 strings & Caveat began an extensive writing session over 2006 for what would become their 3rd album & 1st release through Toronto, Canada based label Cyclone Records. June 1, 2007 marks the release of Caveat's 3rd & most involved album to date entitled 'Red'. The 7 song opus showcases their steady writing & musical growth over 2006 which has resulted in a much more focused collection of songs delivering both a heavier & more technical approach to the song writing resulting in Caveat’s most complex & elaborate album yet. With 'RED', Caveat have assembled a collection of multi-layered musical chaos that breaks all rules of conventionality, while still maintaining the key elements that have gained Caveat their current fan base. The band continues to push forward an awakening of Canadian metal with a fresh and distinct sound.
