TRAVELER

Shortly after the early 2018 release of their debut demo Canada s Traveler had a good problem on itsS hands. The reception - from fans and critics - was so positive that founding member/primary songwriter/guitarist Matt Ries (also of Gatekrashör and Hrom) had no choice but to take what was originally a side-project and turn it into a full-fledged band. In 2019 Traveler is ready to meet the demand with it s self-titled first full-length album. Traveler who are now rounded out by vocalist Jean-Pierre Abboud (also of Gatekeeper) second guitarist Toryin quot;Juniorquot; Schadlich bassist Dave Arnold (ex-Striker) and drummer Chad Vallier tracked drums at AB Records guitars at Ries s home studio and vocals at Richhobo Studios. Ries cites his bandmembers musical abilities as one of the driving factors behind the album s multi-faceted nature from Abboud s potent delivery to Schadlich s shredding capabilities and the powerful rhythm section of Arnold and Vallier. A complete lineup will also be the realization of another of Ries s goals: To make Traveler a live band. The self-titled album comprises three songs from the band s debut demo along with five brand-new compositions. Ries worked with Abboud to come up with some of his most demanding vocal parts to date - ensuring a lively spirited approach that captures the vocalist s sheer strength and diverse range. Abboud also has the less-than-enviable task of singing songs in E-standard tuning. One of the most rigorous tunings that is often reserved for vocalists with the ability to quot;reach the rafters quot; Abboud and Ries show they re perfect torchbearers for the time-honored style of classic metal where big brash choruses soaring leads and manic drums lead the way. Traveler s quot;let it ripquot; approach pays dividends across the self-titled album. They have gone above and beyond now heading into terrain where only a few will dare to go. Feel the reign of the Starbreaker!