Bio

Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Imperial Ashes was born of an immense frustration with the rampant power abuse and inequality that exists in today’s world. While researching a master’s thesis on wealth inequality and stigma, lead vocalist Rayna felt that her voice was limited within the confines of academia, and recognized that marrying her lyrics to the power of hard rock/alternative music was the perfect vehicle for unapologetic criticisms of the grave injustices rampant in the world.

Our music is for the fighters, the ones who resist against oppressive systems and for the grassroots agitators and accomplices who confront issues like sexism, racism, ableism, fatphobia, homophobia, transphobia, classism, and xenophobia. Our music is for people on the margins who feel alone. Know that others are in the struggle with you.

Musically, the band blends a unique fusion of Alternative Rock, Prog and Post Hardcore for explosive anthems that combine raw, visceral emotiveness, compelling melodies, and musical sophistication.

A collective of seasoned musicians, the members have toured internationally and shared stages with some of the world’s biggest bands. Their years of experience culminates in a focused musical vision and the conviction to say things that others are afraid to say, tackling the world’s injustices head on through the energy of rock music.

Imperial Ashes is currently recording new material with multiple Grammy-winning producer/mixer David Bottrill (Tool, Mastodon, Rush, Silverchair) and engineer Michael Phillips (Stone Sour, Between the Buried and Me, Chiodos).

Music & Words

A Toxic Life

Imperial Ashes

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A Toxic Life depicts lead vocalist Rayna Elizabeth's journey as a white settler learning about the historic and ongoing atrocities against Indigenous people.

Executive and vocal production: David Bottrill

Drums recorded by Michael Phillips at Subterranean Sound Studios, Toronto, Canada

Mixed by Michael Phillips

Assistant engineer (drums): Scott

A Toxic Life depicts lead vocalist Rayna Elizabeth's journey as a white settler learning about the historic and ongoing atrocities against Indigenous people.

Executive and vocal production: David Bottrill

Drums recorded by Michael Phillips at Subterranean Sound Studios, Toronto, Canada

Mixed by Michael Phillips

Assistant engineer (drums): Scott Watson Lake

Additional production: Drew Hallenbeck & Andrew Lauzon

Mastered by Maor Appelbaum

Cover photo: Mathew Andreini

Cover design: Greg Olsen

Special thanks: Wolfgang Webb

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A Toxic Life 3:47

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Walls

Imperial Ashes

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Walls is a critique of people in positions of power who use propaganda to further their selfish motives. We live in societies, not in bubbles - so when we hurt others, we hurt ourselves. We need to let those in power know that their divisive rhetoric will not be tolerated.

Music by Rayna Slobodian, Drew Hallenbeck, Andrew Lauzon, Greg Olsen, Nick

Walls is a critique of people in positions of power who use propaganda to further their selfish motives. We live in societies, not in bubbles - so when we hurt others, we hurt ourselves. We need to let those in power know that their divisive rhetoric will not be tolerated.

Music by Rayna Slobodian, Drew Hallenbeck, Andrew Lauzon, Greg Olsen, Nick Chiarore (SOCAN)

Lyrics by Rayna Slobodian

Drums Engineered by: Michael Philips at Subterranean Sound Studios

Assistant Drum Engineer: Scott Watson Lake

Vocal Production & Mix by David Bottrill

Mastered by: Joao Carvalho at Joao Carvalho Mastering

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Walls 3:36

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Ordinary Lights

Imperial Ashes

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Written and recorded entirely via remote sessions during the 2020 Covid isolation period, Ordinary Lights is a melodic hard-rock anthem dedicated to the challenges faced by the working class in their struggle for fair treatment, and highlights the precarious positions often faced by front-line workers - a fact that has been brought to the

Written and recorded entirely via remote sessions during the 2020 Covid isolation period, Ordinary Lights is a melodic hard-rock anthem dedicated to the challenges faced by the working class in their struggle for fair treatment, and highlights the precarious positions often faced by front-line workers - a fact that has been brought to the forefront by the pandemic.

Music by Rayna Slobodian, Drew Hallenbeck, Nick Chiarore, Greg Olsen, Andrew Lauzon (SOCAN)

Lyrics by Rayna Slobodian

Produced by Andrew Lauzon & Drew Hallenbeck

Mixed by Andrew Lauzon

Mastered by João Carvalho

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Ordinary Lights 3:48

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Xenophobic War

Imperial Ashes

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Xenophobic War is our reaction to the tragedies and senseless human suffering caused by anti-immigration fuelled policies implemented by governments close to home and around the world.

Music by Rayna Slobodian, Drew Hallenbeck, Andrew Lauzon, Nick Chiarore, Greg Olsen (SOCAN)

Lyrics by Rayna Slobodian

Drums Engineered by: Michael Philips at

Xenophobic War is our reaction to the tragedies and senseless human suffering caused by anti-immigration fuelled policies implemented by governments close to home and around the world.

Music by Rayna Slobodian, Drew Hallenbeck, Andrew Lauzon, Nick Chiarore, Greg Olsen (SOCAN)

Lyrics by Rayna Slobodian

Drums Engineered by: Michael Philips at Subterranean Sound Studios

Vocal Production & Mix by David Bottrill

Assistant Drum Engineer: Scott Watson Lake

Mastered by: Joao Carvalho at Joao Carvalho Mastering