Ken Mode

Ken Mode

Ken Mode is a noise rock group from Winnipeg, Canada, active since 1999. Their music combines noise rock with metal and hardcore, and they are also associated with mathcore and noisecore. The band’s name comes from the phrase “Kill Everyone Now,” a term linked to Black Flag frontman Henry Rollins and used to describe a particular performance mindset.

Formation and members

Brothers Jesse Matthewson and Shane Matthewson found the band and remain central to its identity. Both are classically trained at the Royal Conservatory of Music and hold business degrees. The group’s line-up also includes Darryl Laxdal, Chad Tremblay, Andrew LaCour, Scott Hamilton and Kathryn Kerr.

Releases and production

Ken Mode build a reputation in underground music circles in the early 2000s. Their later albums include Venerable, produced by Kurt Ballou; Entrench, produced by Matt Bayles; Success, produced by Steve Albini; and Loved, produced by Andrew Schneider. The band releases music on Season of Mist.

Touring and live appearances

The group tours widely and has shared stages with Russian Circles, Torche, Deafheaven, Norma Jean, Kylesa, Pelican, Daughters, Revocation, Full of Hell, Inter Arma, Today is the Day and Birds In Row. They also appear at major festivals including SXSW, Hellfest Open Air, CMJ Festival, Pitchfork Festival Chicago, Hopscotch Festival and Roadburn Festival. Their live session appearances include BBC Radio 1 and Daytrotter.