The italian prog-AOR power trio Canada is based in Rimini.
The first incarnation of Canada (a three piece with bass, keyboards and guitar) was born in 1984 during the British new wave/prog explosion. The band wore its influences clearly on its sleeve: Pallas, Twelfth Night, Pendragon and IQ.
Two years later, a harder sound emerged with the addition of a guitarist, while the bass player began playing keyboards too. They recorded their first (self titled) demo tape in 1987, which led to an article published in Rockerilla magazine and reviews in HM and Metal Shock as well as in other major European and North American publications.
In 1988 the band recorded a 12” EP called ENDLESS PICTURES, unfortunately unreleased, as there proved to be little interest in the band’s new sound, heavily influenced by Rush, Praying Mantis, Grand Prix and Stampede.
At this point Canada released another demo, including a song called “Don’t Throw Your Heart” which sparked the interest of Fireball Management and led to its inclusion on a compilation LP called SURGERY OF THE POWER in 1989.
Another guitarist came into the picture in 1990, leading to the recording of another demo, BUT FOR YOU, before Canada broke up.
Five years later, the band reformed. Along with Paul Manners, they recorded an Italian language demo entitled MR. GONE, which proved to be truly Canada’s swan song.
Now CANADA is back with a new line-up:
Massimo Cillo – Bass, Vocals, Keyboards, Synthesizers, Occasional Rhythm guitar, Bass pedals, Mandolin and Percussion;
Massimo Arke – Guitars;
Tiziano Fabiani – Drums and Percussion.
In June 2010, CANADA’s taken part in a prog-rock festival called eXprog in Mogliano Veneto (Italy), opening for Marillion, Tony Levin Trio and the italian prog band Le Orme. They also released a retrospective album called "Afterimage".
In January 2012 the band will release a new EP entitled “Re-Cycled”.
“Re-Cycled” contains four original songs and “Tom Sawyer” by Rush as bonus track.
At the same time they are writing new songs for their first album.
It will be a concept entitled “Of Once and Future Kings” and it will be released late in 2012.
Canada has a Rush meets Asia kind of a hard rock - progressive sound but their latest music sounds like Tiles, Enchant and Unruly Child.
Canada in one song: Eyes On You (from the album "reCycled" - 2011 - MySelf Music)
Notables:
* Produced 2 albums
* One song included in the album "Surgery Of The Power" - 1989 - LM Records
* Played live at :: eXprog :: 2010 in Treviso (Italy) with, among others, Marillion, Le Orme, The Watch and Tony Levin Trio
* One song included as soundtrack in the movie "I Giorni di Ieri" directed by Stefano Pozzan
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