Living in Hope: Resthaven’s Future in the Metal Scene

For bands in Toronto, particularly those in the metal scene, playing shows regularly is their ultimate goal. Whether it be at a smaller bar or larger venue, performing live is what draws many to this vocation. As a band grows within the community, opportunities for live shows do as well.

“The future looks pretty bright… I think we’re past the local band stage of having to play every gig we’re offered.” said Braydan Parsons-Reilly, 26, lead guitarist and vocalist for Resthaven.

This group is known not only for their studio releases, but also for their energetic and dynamic live shows, during which all members are shredding or drumming to their full potential. The band recently wrapped up their first tour, which spanned Ontario-wide and ran through the month of August. The Death of Summer Tour opened doors for the band and Parsons-Reilly says it was a huge learning experience for not only the band, but for him personally.

“It really taught me that you need the headspace for it… some things can change during the tour, and you have to be prepared for that.”

Resthaven was started by Parsons-Reilly in 2020, with him releasing the band’s first demo, Decade of Perdition, in 2021. Other members, such as Billie Rogue, Charles-David Isautier, (also known as CD Grind), and Resthaven’s newest addition, Logan Baynton, have joined Parsons-Reilly to bring his dreams to fruition. The band will be playing their first out-of-province show at the end of September in Montreal, Quebec. Parsons-Reilly expresses that he would never have dreamt that the band would be this successful but is pleasantly surprised that they are. “I did not expect us to make it this far; I thought we’d be a local band that just plays in bars… the fact that people actually care about us is pretty rewarding.”

Resthaven’s top song on Spotify, Left in the Gutter, has reached over 1,300 streams and continues to rise daily. For local artists, particularly those of the metal genre, this is a feat that isn’t the easiest to accomplish. When asked what motivates him to keep going, Parsons-Reilly said the following: “The close friends and people I’ve met in the scene motivated me to do better and never give up… and of course, the fans. Those two things have kept me going.”

Resthaven’s most recent album, Lunarwave, explores themes of personal internal struggles, such as abandonment and loss. “I was in the best mental state writing that record, funny enough, but the lyrics were things that I dealt with in the past.” Parsons-Reilly admits, citing an example from one of their songs called Chained. “That song is really about making newer memories with people instead of moping around and being sad about things from the past.”

Parsons-Reilly, when asked what advice he would give to his younger self, was hesitant at first. “Well, if I gave advice to my younger self, I wouldn’t have become the person I am today.”

However, after a moment, he proceeded with the following closing statement towards his past self: “Believe it or not, you playing that guitar will get you somewhere.”