Location: London, Ontario - Year: 2002. Behind a basement door emanated a series of notes and rhythms intricately carved out on two guitars. 1200 miles away, hungry and alone, a young man begins hitching his way from Truro, Nova Scotia to southern Ontario, following a hunch and an opportunity. 2 hours east nestled in a suburb of Toronto, a drummer kills a steady 4/4 count breaking into a 6/8 movement, followed by a 7/4 breakdown forcing his band to compelling new levels. And less then 20 minutes away, a bass guitarist in his dimly-lit apartment lies alone in bed listening to Les Claypool twist his wizardry up and down his spine. Over the next 24 months, these 5 lives would collide to form Shotgun Rules.

On a dark and rainy afternoon in June 2004, Shotgun Rules sat inside a remote farmhouse waiting. Over the sound of rain pounding on the tin roof they heard a faint knock at the door. Hunched-over, hiding his face away from the harsh rain lashing down on him, the messenger spoke. He wheezed his way through the great distance traveled, the challenges faced, the mountains toppled and new passages forged. Then hidden away, deep in the folds of his red and blue ski jacket, he pulled a transcribed note detailing his cargo carried. Stepping aside, guitarist, Shotgun Ric closely examined the freight to his satisfaction. Content his job complete, the messenger turned and walked away, disappearing into the rain.

Less then 72 hours later, an unmarked van pulls up to The Embassy. Located in the southeastern district of the city; a part of town often loathed by city officials and police, where clandestine strangers meet other strangers roaming the streets under the cover of night. In the reflection of the van's windshield, an illuminated billboard reads: "June 11th | Shotgun Rules CD Release Show". And with a gracious smile, Dusty Mattingley will tell you it's one of his proudest moments as drummer of Shotgun Rules.

The band's passion exploded from their debut EP, Estimated Time of Arrival (June 2004). On this album Shotgun was finally able to expand their fan base and introduce their intricate and emotional sound to a larger audience. Delivering mesmerizing riffs, striking vocal melodies and pumping drums, Estimated Time of Arrival truly showcased Shotgun's musical mastery. Sam Sutherland from Exclaim Magazine wrote, "...the EP's phenomenal opening track, demonstrates a dazzling technical proficiency woven through tight songwriting and gut-wrenching vocal layering. The stand out here is the six-minute-plus closing piano ballad, 'No Sense of Consequence', whose sonic restraint proves the band capable of producing strong music outside of the eardrum-wrecking range."

Overwhelmed by the admiration earned, and driven by their desire to spread their ground-breaking sound, Shotgun Rules launched a cross-country tour of Canada in the summer and fall of 2004. This massive tour stimulated even more enthusiasm for Shotgun Rules, and was soon followed by more tours in 2005 where fans quickly snatched-up the band's new 4-song sampler simply entitled, The Demo Sessions: Vol.1. While completing over 200 individual showcases across the country, the members of Shotgun Rules found themselves sharing the stage with such up-and-coming bands as Rufio, Midtown, Bleed the Dream, Stutterfly, Boys Night Out, Matchbook Romance, The End, Motion City Soundtrack, The Fully Down, Protest The Hero, Closet Monster and more. Their plans for the future, complete tour coverage of North America, Europe and Asia.

The collision of talent between Ric Mattingley (guitars), Corry Van Spronsen (guitars), Dusty Mattingley (drums), John MacKenzie (vocals) and Joe Giugno (bass) resulted in unconventional songwriting, and an intoxicating and explosive live performance. The songs of Shotgun Rules are impulsive and volatile, yet at the same time are not chaotic but completely directed. Their songs burst and recoil and flow so smoothly between buildups and breakdowns that by the end of the song, you will be amazed you are still listening to the same song you started with. Inspired by everything from eighties metal to progressive rock to piano ballads, the band thrives on challenging expectations and delivering an intense authenticity to their fans.

At the end of the night, exhausted from giving their all, the final piece of gear is loaded and their van pulls away from The Embassy. Much like pressing play on a Shotgun Rules album, their experience is all about the raw energy and element of surprise uniting their hard rock sound!

Band Members:

John MacKenzie - Lead Vocals
Ric Mattingley - Guitars
Dusty Mattingley - Drums
Joe Giugno - Bass
Corry Van Spronsen - Guitars

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