Sixguns over tombstone

Sixguns over Tombstone is a Canadian metal band formed in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 2004. They combine many elements from various and diverse musical forms, but are mainly influenced by power and thrash metal. Pop music, along with other typically “non-metal” genres, often find their way into the writing process of the band.

History
Early Days (2004-2005)

Sixguns over Tombstone was started in early 2004 by drummer Mike Nagy, guitarist Braden Burritt, and bassist Dave Grafton. The original line up was soon completed by the addition of a second guitarist, Brent Parkins, and vocalist Tim Brown, under the name “Sixgun”. This line up played a few notable shows, including their Ross Sheppard High School graduation, and “Stripdown”, a musical competition reality show not unlike American Idol, which never made it to production, and their very first show, at the “New Moon Cafe”. The line up also recorded the bands first, untitled, demo, which showcased its early, punk/hard rock sound.

In 2005, Adam Brown, brother of Tim Brown, replaced Mike Nagy on drums. Adam represented a shift in the sound of the band, due to his high energy, high tempo playing style. This line up broke into the bar scene in Edmonton, playing its first show in a bar (JJ’s Pub). This was especially important due to the age of most members, either turning 18 recently, or still being minors. Prior to that show, all performances were in all ages venues, typically in a competition or showcase format, which offered both good experience and good exposure, playing large venues such as Red’s (now the Edmonton Events Center) and the Jubilee Auditorium. 2005 also saw Tim Brown learning to play the guitar, and using his newfound skills to write new material for the band. This new material was influenced by Tim’s love of early NWOBHM bands, hard rock/hair metal bands of the 80’s, and others such as Megadeth, Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Judas Priest. Combined with Adam’s aggressive drumming, this proved to solidify their sound into its current power/thrash metal state.

Fire From the Sky E.P. and record deal (2006)

In 2006, the band had saved enough money from bar shows around Alberta to enter the studio for a second time. The E.P. produced was called the “Fire from the Sky E.P.” and contained tracks that have become a staple of their live show. This was also the first time Tim Brown had recorded guitar parts, having taken over from Braden Burritt earlier that year. This new configuration, along with the demo, generated enough interest in the band to be contacted by record labels. Sixgun was signed to Deadbunny Records, an independent label, late in 2006. At this point, Dave Grafton left the band, and was not replaced until nearly a year later by Kelly Holdstock, which prevented the band from playing shows. It was during this time that the band entered the studio for a third time, writing and recording what they thought would be their debut album. Recording the album involved some difficulties, as there was no bass player, and Brent Parkins had broke his wrist just before recording began. This left Tim to record the entire guitar, bass and vocal parts on the album. After nearly completing the album, difficulties between the label and its bands began to appear. The record was never released, and Sixgun and Deadbunny records parted ways amicably.

Sixguns over Tombstone E.P., New name, and future(2007−present)

After regrouping, Sixgun went into the studio yet again with veteran music producer Stew Kirkwood at Sound Extractor Studios in Edmonton. The resulting E.P. was far superior to any efforts in the past, and saw renewed interest in the band. A song from the disc, “When the Walls Fell” was selected to be part of the Downtown Metal v.9 compilation album, which features up and coming metal acts from across North America. The self titled E.P. was released nationwide in late 2007, being available in major record retailers such as HMV, and internationally through online music stores, such as iTunes. Because of the wide scope of the release, Sixgun was forced to change their name to Sixguns over Tombstone, due to legalities relating to other bands with Sixgun moniker. Soon after the release of the E.P., Kelly Holdstock was replaced by Robbie “RAV” Abinader on bass. Robbie was a good friend of the band, and had shared the stage with them many times before, playing in another local metal band Shadowblade. It was at this time that Tim Brown joined Shadowblade to assist in guitar duties.

Sixguns over Tombstone is entering the studio again, in late April 2009, with Stew Kirkwood at Sound Extractor Studios. They are also filming a live DVD at the Urban Lounge, Oct 16, 2008. New songs for the album feature a dichotomy between stronger pop and melodic death metal influences, often both appearing within a single song. The band has also made a name for themselves through their stage show, which includes fire breathing, human pyramids, comedic interludes between songs, and spandex pants.

Band members
Current line-up
*Tim Brown - vocals, guitars Shadowblade
*Brent Parkins - guitars
* - bass, vocals Shadowblade
*Adam Brown - drums, vocals

Former members
*Mike Nagy - drums
*Braden Burritt - guitar
*Dave Grafton - bass, vocals
*Kelly Holdstock - bass, vocals

Discography
E.P.s
*Fire from the Sky E.P. (2006)
*Sixguns over Tombstone (2007)

Demos
*Untitled (2004)

Compilations featuring Sixguns over Tombstone
*"Downtown Metal v.9" (2008)

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See Also

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