Liferuiner

Liferuiner is a Canadian straight edge hardcore and metalcore group from Toronto, active from 2004 to 2008. The band also uses the style descriptions beatdown hardcore, melodic hardcore and metalcore. It begins in the Greater Toronto Area in 2004 and plays its first show on 16 July 2004 in Waterdown, Ontario, appearing as a surprise guest after a Numbers, Revolt set.

Formation and early identity

The group starts as a reaction against mainstream straight edge bands, with lyrics written about hate and death rather than lifestyle preaching. In its early period, the band name appears as xLIFERUINERx, which later becomes part of the group’s history as a way of distinguishing different line-ups.

Record deals and releases

Liferuiner signs a one-record deal with Tribunal Records for the distribution of No Saints. In June 2007, the band announces a deal with Rise Records, but it is dropped from the label after a little more than a month. The group then signs a one-record deal with Uprising Records, which leads to the recording and release of Taking Back The Night Life in 2008.

Line-up changes and split versions

By mid-2008, O’Callaghan is the sole original member remaining and leaves the group. A new line-up then appears in August 2008 under the name xLIFERUINERx, but this version is an unrelated group of members based in upstate New York and is commonly referred to as Liferuiner US to distinguish it from the Canadian band. Tour manager Greg Moore copyrights the band name and all songs so he can continue managing the act regardless of personnel, then removes the remaining Canadian members and replaces them with US musicians. Liferuiner US signs a multi-album deal with Uprising Records in August 2008 and announces a planned album for 2009, but no recorded material is issued. That line-up develops a rotating membership and gradually ceases operations by 2010.

Later Canadian activity

In 2010, O’Callaghan announces a reformation of the Canadian version of the band, which tours across Canada with groups including Doom Cannon and Gates. In 2011, Liferuiner takes a more melodic and serious direction, with lyrics focused on subjects such as LGBT rights and humanitarianism. The Sons of Straight Edge EP appears in December 2011, and the change in style is discussed in a series of videos called Through the Eyes of, in which O’Callaghan describes changes in his attitude and his wish to write more meaningful music. The band is also said to have been influenced by bassist Burton Lavery, who joins in July 2011.

Later releases

In 2013, Liferuiner signs with InVogue Records and later releases its third full-length, Future Revisionists. In January 2016, the band releases the NOMADS EP and then appears to disband.