Blessed by a Broken Heart
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Tyler Hoare |
| Headquarters | Montreal , Canada |
| Products | Studio albums |
Blessed by a Broken Heart is a rock group originating from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They have produced three studio albums, with their most recent release, Feel the Power, issued through Tooth & Nail Records, achieving placements on the Billboard Christian Albums and Heatseekers Albums charts.
The band underwent multiple personnel shifts over time, resulting in Tyler Hoare remaining as the only founding member. In July 2012, Tony Gambino stepped down from his role as lead singer, succeeded by Sam Ryder. Gambino rejoined the ensemble in 2022 when the group announced its comeback.
History
Established in 2003 by Tyler Hoare, the initial lineup featured vocalist Hugh Charron, bassist Joel Sauvé, guitarists Robbie Hart and Hoare himself, drummer Frank Shooflar, and keyboardist Simon Foxx. Their first album, All Is Fair in Love and War, was released under Blood and Ink Records in 2004.
Following changes in membership during 2005, Hoare transitioned to bass duties while guitarist "Shred" Sean Maier joined, guiding the band's sound toward a 1980s glam metal influence. In 2006, they headlined a UK tour alongside Enter Shikari.
With Tony Gambino taking over vocal responsibilities in 2007, the band secured a deal with Century Media Records. Their sophomore album, Pedal to the Metal, was recorded with producer Garth Richardson in Vancouver. They embarked on extensive tours across the United States supporting bands such as The Devil Wears Prada, A Day to Remember, and Bring Me the Horizon.
In 2008, after touring Europe alongside Bring Me the Horizon and other acts, original members Robbie Hart and Simon Foxx were dismissed. They were replaced by Casey Jones on rhythm guitar and Slater on keyboards. The album Pedal to the Metal saw its European release in August and followed by a U.S. release in September 2008, accompanied by a European headlining tour.
Post-tour, drummer Frank Shooflar exited the band; Slater transitioned to drums while Ben Schauland (also known as "Rex Krueger") joined as keyboardist. In 2009, their contract with Century Media concluded through mutual agreement.
In 2010, Blessed by a Broken Heart took part in the Scream the Prayer tour but withdrew early due to logistical complications and personal matters. Keyboardist Schauland departed; Sam Ryder stepped in on rhythm guitar during their European tour.
On June 24, 2011, Tooth & Nail Records announced signing Blessed by a Broken Heart. The band commenced work on their third album. Prior to its January 2012 release of Feel the Power, singles "Deathwish" and "Forever" were issued. Tony Gambino left in July 2012; Sam Ryder assumed lead vocal duties and appeared on the single "Out of Control".
On September 7, 2013, guitarist Sean Maier declared that the band was disbanding due to legal disputes with record labels and insufficient support from booking agencies. Ryder continued as lead vocalist for Close Your Eyes before eventually departing that group.
The band reunited for a final performance on October 31, 2014.
In October 2022, hints of a reunion surfaced alongside an announcement of an upcoming show at Furnace Fest 2023. The refreshed lineup features Tony Gambino, Tyler Hoare, "Shred" Sean Maier, Ian "Slater", and newcomer Don Vedda.
They released the singles "SHOTS FIRED" on March 3, 2023, followed by "Days of Thunder" on June 24, 2023.
Band members
Current
- Tyler Hoare – bass guitar (2005–2013, 2014, 2023–present), backing vocals (2003–2013); rhythm guitar (2003–2005)
- "Shred" Sean Maier – lead guitar (2005–2013, 2014, 2023–present)
- Tony Gambino – lead vocals (2007–2012, 2014, 2023–present)
- Brandon Miller – rhythm guitar and backing vocals (2023–present)
- Jared Baez – drums (2023–present)
Former
- Hugh Charron – lead vocalist (2003–2005)
- Joel Sauvé – bass player (2003–2005)
- Nathan – rhythm guitarist (2005)
- Robbie Hart – lead guitar (2003–2005), rhythm guitar (2005–2008), backing vocals (2003–2008)
- Frank "The Bird" Shooflar – drummer (2003–2008)
- Simon Foxx – keyboards and additional guitar (2003–2008)
- Matt Kirk – lead singer (2005–2006)
- Jon Cline – lead vocalist (2006–2007)
- Ben Schauland "Rex Krueger" – keyboardist (2009–2010)
- Sam Ryder – lead vocals (2012–2013), rhythm guitar (2010–2013)
- Ian "Captain Morgain" Scott – rhythm guitarist (touring) (2012–2013)
- Joel "Casey" Jones – rhythm guitar and backing vocals (2008–2010, 2014)
- Ian "Slater" Evans – keyboards (2008–2009, 2010–2013, 2014), drums (2009–2013, 2014), backing vocals (2008–2013, 2014)
Timeline
Discography
| Year | Album | Label | Chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Christian Albums | US Heatseekers | |||
| 2005 | All Is Fair in Love and War | Blood and Ink Records | — | — |
| 2008 | Pedal to the Metal | Century Media Records | — | — |
| 2012 | Feel the Power | Tooth & Nail Records | 28 | 19 |