About Shotmaker

Matt, Tim and Nick from Belleville, Ontario, Canada formed Shotmaker in 1993, a post-hardcore/emo outfit who played aggressive yet melodic hardcore music. Shotmaker's catalogue comprises three 7"s, two full length LP's and a 12" split EP. The group parted ways in 1996, but released their double CD retrospective The Complete Discography: 1993-1996 in 2000, comprising the entirety of their recorded material, including several tracks exclusive to compilations and three unreleased songs. 33 of the 43 tracks were lifted straight from vinyl due to DAT tapes being lost. From their first 7" (pulled due to its controversial cover illustrating a child holding a pistol) to their final LP, Shotmaker's success lies in the intermingling of explosive riffs and complex, flowing rhythms, creating tensions best exhibited in Table, where tempos and time signatures shuffle in and out at break-neck speed. However, a number of disparate moods are explored, such as the abrasive curve or the restrained controller.controller. The trio approach catchy on 10/22/94, and an untitled instrumental track on their final album includes nothing but acoustic guitar played over radio frequency white noise. The lyrics are rather ambiguous, sung and screamed with an urgency that complements the unyielding compositions. There is a sincerity about something, but just exactly what is open for interpretation. Shotmaker's members went on to play in such bands as the short lived 30 Second Motion Picture, Three Penny Opera and more recently The Grey.