The Black Maria
| Company type | Independent, later signed to Victory Records |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | November 2002 |
| Founder | Chris Gray, Alan Nacinovic, Kyle Bishop, Mike De Eyre, Derek Petrella |
| Headquarters | Toronto , Canada |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
The Black Maria was a rock ensemble originating from Toronto, Canada, taking its name from the early 1900s police transport vehicles.
History
Established in November 2002, The Black Maria independently launched their self-titled EP The Black Maria in 2003. The founding lineup featured vocalist Chris Gray, guitarists Alan Nacinovic and Kyle Bishop, keyboardist and bassist Mike De Eyre, along with drummer Derek Petrella. Gray and De Eyre had previously collaborated in the band Montgomery 21. Their inaugural performance occurred in Toronto during 2003.
By 2004, the group secured a contract with Victory Records and proceeded to record their first full-length album, Lead Us To Reason, under the production of Mike Green at Signal To Noise Studios. Released on January 25, 2005, this album moved over 50,000 units and facilitated touring opportunities alongside bands such as Aiden, Alexisonfire, and Eighteen Visions. Due to internal disagreements, Bishop exited the band; his role was first filled by Mike Charette and subsequently by Scott Swain.
Their profile rose significantly after winning Yahoo! Music's "Who's Next?" on LAUNCHcast. Following an injury to Petrella, Adam Veselisin stepped in as a temporary drummer; Petrella eventually departed permanently and was replaced by Theo McKibbon.
In September 2006, they unveiled A Shared History of Tragedy, an album crafted and produced by Swain and McKibbon, featuring artwork designed by Oliver Nacinovic. Although sales figures were somewhat lower than their debut, the album received favorable reviews from critics.
The band engaged in extensive tours with notable acts including Queens of the Stone Age, MxPx, Goldfinger, Paramore, Rise Against, Silverstein, Alkaline Trio, Chevelle, and supported Evanescence during their 2007 tour.
The Black Maria disbanded around mid-2007. It is important to note that a different group sharing the same name exists in New Mexico but is unrelated.
Discography
Albums
- Lead Us to Reason (2005), (Victory Records)
- A Shared History of Tragedy (2006), (Victory Records)
EPs
- The Black Maria (2003), Independent
- Waking Up With Wolves (2006, split with On the Last Day), Victory Records