Counterparts

Counterparts are a Canadian melodic hardcore and metalcore group from Hamilton, Canada. Formed in 2007, they work within melodic hardcore, melodic metalcore and metalcore, and are described as a Canadian melodic hardcore band.

Formation and early line-up

The band begins with vocalist Brendan Murphy, guitarists Jesse Doreen and Curtis Washik, bassist Eric Bazinet and drummer Ryan Juntilla. Washik leaves in 2009 and Alex Re joins, first as a temporary guitarist before becoming a permanent member. The group tours Canada in March 2009.

In 2010, Juntilla leaves and Chris Needham replaces him on drums. Needham appears on a split EP with hardcore punk band Exalt, released in November 2010. Later that year, Juntilla briefly rejoins to record the band’s second album before leaving again. Kyle Brownlee, previously of Majesty, fills in on drums for a Canadian headliner tour and later becomes a regular member.

Albums and label changes

Counterparts sign to Verona Records in 2010 through Shane Told of Silverstein. Their debut album Prophets is released on Verona Records in 2010. Murphy also features on Silverstein’s song “The Artist” from the album Rescue and appears in the song’s video.

Their second album, The Current Will Carry Us, is released in 2011 on Victory Records. The band then signs to Victory Records in spring 2011 after continuing to tour. Their third album, The Difference Between Hell and Home, follows in 2013 and receives positive critical reception. A video for “Witness” appears shortly before the album’s release.

In 2014, bassist Eric Bazinet leaves after seven years. Blake Hardman fills in on bass on the “Fuck the Message Tour” with Stick to Your Guns, and Brian Kaczmarczyk later joins on bass. Hardman also becomes part of the line-up, and Tyler Williams joins during this period as well.

Pure Noise Records period

In 2015, Counterparts sign to Pure Noise Records and New Damage Records. Their fourth album, Tragedy Will Find Us, is released that year, with Pure Noise handling the United States release and New Damage handling Canada.

The band appears on the 22nd annual Vans Warped Tour in 2017. Their fifth album, You're Not You Anymore, is released in 2017 on New Damage and Pure Noise Records. It includes the singles “Haunt Me”, “Bouquet” and “No Servant of Mine”, and it is the first recorded release without Doreen’s participation because of his departure.

Nothing Left to Love follows in 2019 on New Damage and Pure Noise Records. It marks Alex Re’s return and becomes the band’s first album to enter the Billboard 200 top 100, reaching number 97.

In 2022, the band announces A Eulogy for Those Still Here on Pure Noise Records. The album includes the singles “Unwavering Vow”, “Whispers of Your Death” and “Bound to the Burn”. “Whispers of Your Death” is written about Brendan Murphy’s cat, Kuma.

Style and standing

Counterparts are noted for their visibility within contemporary melodic hardcore and are also regarded as part of the metalcore revival wave. Their recent albums on Pure Noise Records receive critical attention from Rock Sound and Exclaim!

Current line-up

The current members listed are Brendan Murphy, Alex Re, Kyle Brownlee, Tyler Williams and Jesse Doreen. Former members include Curtis Washik, Chris Needham, Ryan Juntilla, Adrian Lee, Eric Bazinet, Brian Kaczmarczyk, Ben Leathem, Kelly Bilan and Blake Hardman.