Abandon All Ships carved a unique niche in the metalcore scene by blending heavy metal riffs with electronic dance music, emerging as one of Canada’s most innovative bands. Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, they redefined metalcore by infusing it with pulsating EDM elements, creating a sound that was both aggressive and infectious.
Formation and Early Days (2006–2009)
The metalcore journey of Abandon All Ships began in 2006 when a group of high school friends decided to form a band that would shake up Toronto’s music scene. Lead vocalist Angelo Aita, keyboardist Sebastian Cassisi-Nunez, and guitarist David Stephens—all students at Dante Alighieri Academy—joined forces with bassist Martin Broda and drummer Francesco Pallotta. Initially covering songs by Norma Jean, they quickly transitioned to writing original material that combined metalcore intensity with electronic flair.
By 2008, Abandon All Ships had released four demo tracks online, including “Megawacko” and “When Dreams Become Nightmares,” which caught the attention of metalcore fans nationwide. Their electrifying performances alongside bands like Blessed by a Broken Heart and Silverstein solidified their reputation in the Canadian metalcore community. A significant breakthrough came with their appearance on MuchMusic’s television program Disband, which propelled them into the national spotlight and led to their self-titled debut EP released on February 24, 2009.
Abandon All Ships Breakthrough (2009–2010)
After some lineup changes—most notably the addition of lead guitarist Kyler Browne and drummer Daniel Paiano—Abandon All Ships signed with Underground Operations in Canada and secured deals with Rise Records and Velocity Records in the U.S. This period marked a turning point in their metalcore career.
Their debut studio album, Geeving, released on October 5, 2010, was a metalcore masterpiece that showcased their innovative fusion of genres. The lead single, “Take One Last Breath,” became a hit, peaking at number five on the Canadian rock charts. The album’s title, derived from slang meaning indifference, reflected the band’s edgy and unapologetic attitude—a hallmark of their metalcore identity.
The band toured extensively, sharing stages with metalcore heavyweights like We Came As Romans and Miss May I. Their music video for “Geeving” won Best Rock Video at the 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards, highlighting their influence on the metalcore scene.
Evolution and Infamous Era (2011–2013)
As Abandon All Ships continued to evolve, they embraced even more electronic elements without sacrificing their metalcore roots. The departure of Browne and the Paiano brothers led to the addition of guitarist Daniel Ciccotelli and drummer Chris Taylor, injecting new energy into the band.
Their sophomore album, Infamous, released on July 3, 2012, pushed the boundaries of metalcore by incorporating dubstep and EDM influences. The title track’s music video paid homage to their Toronto origins, and the album reached number 54 on the Canadian Albums Chart and charted on the U.S. Billboard 200—an impressive feat for a metalcore band from Canada.
Abandon All Ships continued to tour internationally, bringing their unique brand of metalcore to fans around the world and solidifying their status as innovators within the genre.
Final Chapter with Malocchio and Disbandment (2013–2014)
In 2014, Abandon All Ships released their third album, Malocchio, Italian for “evil eye.” This record represented the culmination of their metalcore journey, blending heavy guitar work with EDM synths and beats. Keyboardist Sebastian Cassisi-Nunez played a pivotal role in bringing a stronger electronic influence to the album, pushing the metalcore genre into new territory.
Despite their continued creativity, the band announced their breakup on August 15, 2014. They performed a farewell show on September 25 in Toronto, celebrating their contributions to metalcore and leaving a lasting legacy on the genre.
Reunion and Legacy (2016–2020)
The impact of Abandon All Ships on the metalcore scene was undeniable, and in February 2016, they reunited their original lineup for a special anniversary show celebrating Geeving. They also released a new single, “Loafting,” which captured the essence of their signature metalcore sound fused with electronic elements.
In 2020, the band released their covers of “Maria (I Like It Loud)” and Drake’s “We’ll Be Fine” on streaming platforms, reminding fans and newcomers alike of their innovative approach to metalcore.
Musical Style and Influence
Abandon All Ships were trailblazers in the metalcore genre, known for their seamless integration of metalcore’s aggressive guitar riffs, breakdowns, and screaming vocals with electronic dance music’s synthesizers and beats. This fusion created a dynamic and energetic sound that set them apart from their contemporaries.
Their willingness to push the boundaries inspired a new wave of metalcore bands to explore electronic elements, leaving a lasting influence on the genre’s evolution.
Band Members
Final Lineup
• Angelo Aita – Unclean Vocals
• Martin Broda – Clean Vocals, Bass Guitar
• Sebastian Cassisi-Nunez – Keyboards, Programming
• Daniel Ciccotelli – Lead Guitar
• Andrew Paiano – Rhythm Guitar
• Daniel Paiano – Drums
Former Members
• David Stephens – Lead Guitar
• Francesco Pallotta – Drums
• Nick Fiorini – Rhythm Guitar
• Chris Taylor – Drums
• Kyler Browne – Lead Guitar
• Melvin Murray – Drums
Discography Highlights
Studio Albums
1. Geeving (2010)
• The debut album that introduced their groundbreaking metalcore and EDM fusion.
2. Infamous (2012)
• Continued their evolution, diving deeper into electronic sounds while maintaining metalcore roots.
3. Malocchio (2014)
• Their final album, showcasing a matured sound that blended heavy metalcore with EDM influences.
Notable Singles
• “Take One Last Breath”
• “Megawacko 2.0”
• “Infamous”
• “Loafting”
Legacy in Metalcore
Abandon All Ships left an indelible mark on the metalcore genre. Their fearless experimentation and genre-blending have inspired countless bands to explore beyond traditional metalcore boundaries. By integrating EDM elements into their music, they expanded the possibilities of what metalcore could be, influencing both their peers and the next generation of artists.
Abandon All Ships will always be remembered as pioneers who reshaped metalcore with their innovative sound. From their early days in Toronto to their international tours, they remained true to their vision, leaving a legacy that continues to resonate within the metalcore community. Their music not only entertained but also pushed the genre forward, solidifying their place in metalcore history.
