LINE-UP
BIOGRAPHY
For years, the term “prog” has been thrown around to describe a vast array of musical outfits with little sonic consistency from one to the next. When it comes to Vancouver-based 4-piece HAWKING however, the sense in which ”progressive” is meant is clear: embedded in the group’s ethos is a razor-sharp desire to subvert expectations and tear past the boundaries of what modern metal music can sound like. HAWKING steps outside of tropes like ‘prog’ and ‘djent’, shapeshifting aggressively into whatever form they choose.
HAWKING was born into existence in 2014, and have spent the years since refining and meditating on the presentation of their work. Relentless touring and writing would sharpen their musicality, technical prowess and sense of duty as a creative force. From emotionally invigorating spells cast by tactically precise compositions, to intense and cathartic live performances that guide us into the darker recesses of our minds, the mysticism HAWKING exudes has proven to be as captivating as it is rejuvenating for fans of progressive music worldwide.
Though their on-stage energy can be unrelenting and downright aggressive, HAWKING’s thoughtful communication and presence continually remind us to honour our inner truth above all else; to resist those external forces seeking to groom us into something other than ourselves. It is this attitude and ethos that has garnered HAWKING global interest and given rise to an intimately connected and widespread following.
"This is one of those bands where you almost get angry at the fact they’re not a bigger thing. I discovered HAWKING by pure luck and it has been one of the things I’ve listened to the most during the last months. These guys have made me an eternal fan."
-Oscar Kling
"With significant elements of progressive-metal, the modern-rock bent of the material is radio-friendly and there is nothing wrong with that. Because HAWKING is full of surprises. Just check the hyper-tight finger snaps and proto-R&B married to MUSE-ish arena rock of Comfortable or hyper-time shifts, vocal swoops and full-on-metal arpeggiation in the first single, Broken Glass. I’m reminded of both THRICE and mellower moments of PROTEST THE HERO"
-Stewart Derdyn
"Where complex time signature changes meet intricate guitar work is where math rock lives. Complicated rhythms are on deck, often made more than clear by the bands as they demonstrate their skills to the point where the whole genre can feel like a talent contest. HAWKING steps in here to try and sway the public opinion, retaining the constantly changing grooves but adding in some much needed catchy vocal hooks."
-Niko Dimitrou
9.5/10 "The only thing I can say about HAWKING is wow. Alt Rock mixed with technical bits from the likes of POLYPHIA. It’s certainly a refreshing sound and it’s pieced together perfectly. Tom’s vocals soar perfectly over the drums and guitars. I feel this is a masterpiece in the over saturated scene."
-Cheri Faulkner
9/10 "HAWKING have those chops where their rhythm playing is just as percussive as the drums. Intricate math-rock postrock jamgasms complete with fretboard tapping, syncopative double bass pedalling, group chant choruses? I want this band to play at my briss. Not just because I want to hear them louder than humanly possible, but because I want to stand three feet from each fretboard and stare agape at both their picking and fingering finger-bunches."
-Joel Frieders
4.1/5 "HAWKING's Diverge shows remarkable maturity. There is such a cornucopia of rock subgenres on this album I’m having a hard time knowing where to start. HAWKING showcases a mixture of sounds that could be defined as CHON meets TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB, with a bit more emphasis on the math rock riffs."
-Ryan Getz
HAWKING PROUDLY USES
SJC Custom Drums
Jericho Guitars
Vratim Drum Shoes & Clothing
Tech 21 Cabinets
Promark Drumsticks
Evans Drumheads