METZ (official capitalization) is a Canadian punk rock band formed in 2007 in Ottawa,[11] and currently based in Toronto.[12][13][14] The band consists of guitarist and vocalist Alex Edkins, bassist Chris Slorach and drummer Hayden Menzies.[10] In an interview with Austin, TexaszineThe Cosmic Clash, Edkins has labeled METZ's style as punk rock, "at the core."[11]
History
METZ was formed in Ottawa, Ontario, in 2007 by guitarist/vocalist Alex Edkins and drummer Hayden Menzies, two longtime friends soon joined by Chuck Saso on bass. After a year of working on material, Edkins and Menzies decided to move Toronto, while Saso stayed in Ottawa. In Toronto they found their new bassist, Chris Slorach.[15]
On February 17, 2015, the band announced a new album, II, with the release of the album's first track, "Acetate", and an accompanying music video; the album was released May 5, 2015, in North America and the previous day elsewhere.[19]II was a long-listed nominee for the 2015 Polaris Music Prize.[20]
In May 2017, METZ announced their third studio album, Strange Peace, recorded by Steve Albini, which was released on September 22, 2017.[21][22]
Drummer Hayden Menzies has a degree in fine art from Concordia University and designs the artwork for the band.[22]
In July 2020, METZ announced that their fourth studio album, Atlas Vending, would arrive on October 9 via Sub Pop.[23]
On February 14, 2024, METZ announced their fifth album Up On Gravity Hill. The album was released on April 12 followed by a tour. On October 10, 2024 the band announced an indefinite hiatus to take time to focus on other endeavors and enjoy more time at home with family.[24]