Goat Horn

Originating in the quiet town of Pembroke, Ontario, before relocating to Toronto, Goat Horn was founded in 1999 by vocalist/bassist Jason Decay, guitarist Brandon Wars, and drummer Steel Rider (yes, Steel Rider!) -- all of whom were barely out of their teens at the time. Recorded in a single day, 2001's inaugural set, Voyage to Nowhere, was a rough but entertaining exercise in "basement" metal, and its songs generally split the difference between Cathedral-style doom and early Celtic Frost-reminiscent blackened thrash, with a little '80s retro metal thrown in. 2003's follow-up album, Storming the Gates reached even further back in time, incorporating New Wave of British Heavy Metal influences (Venom, Witchfinder General, etc.) while generally stepping up the tempo, and 2005's Thundering Force EP, though similarly appointed and boasting more polished production, couldn't even get a proper distribution deal. Citing injury, drummer Steel Rider departed the group at this time, and a retooled Goat Horn trio featuring new drummer Al Tillery performed a well-received set at the April 2006 New England Metal and Hardcore Festival. But, when faced with mounting internal strife between the two remaining co-founders, Goat Horn officially announced their breakup by June of the same year.
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