Montral has always had an active music scene, but it seems hard for bands to break out and reach wider audiences outside Canada. However, when a band is able to break out, they become the archetype for their respective sounds, creating something entirely unique from familiar riffs and structures.Take VOIVOIDs sci-fi thrash and speed metal mutation from the 80s, INEPSYs motr-charged wasteland punk n roll from the early 2000s and now

BTON ARMs uplifting blend of Oi!, punk and hardcore. While it seems most people are learning about the band through their recent tourshitting cities in Europe, USA, Australia and Japanthey have been active since 2018, meticulously dialing in their sound. Initially influenced by the skinhead scenes of France and Italy, their new LP Renaissance borrows from sounds outside the subculture, orchestrating harmonies to unite the punks, skins and moshers. The comparison to LINFANTERIE SAUVAGE is undeniable (they even cover “Les poings levs mais les poings lis”!) with odd song structures switching from slow melodies to fast punchy pogo beats. The Italian influence also still remains, tapping into bands showcased on the QUELLI CHE URLANO ANCHORA compilation (BASTA, NABAT, ROUGH, etc). However on this LP, there is a subtle influence of early American hardcore bands, adding more stomping rhythms and upping the pace of the songs. Renaissance is an excellent example of how a band can evolve their sound without losing the aspects that define them: razor sharps riffs, unexpected disco drum syncopations and, of course, orchestral Ohhhhhhs. Every song verges on an anthem that will get stuck in your head for days. This record truly is a Renaissance, hopefully ushering in a new era of scene unity and positivity, making you believe that together anything is possible. LUnion Fait La Force! – Matt Smith

A1. Derniers Recours
A2. Cercle Vicieux
A3. Lve-Toi
A4. Per La Vita
A5. Montral
A6. PFA
B1. Chemin de Croix
B2. Sans Limites
B3. La Nuit
B4. Combattre
B5. Territoire Hostile