The Birthday Massacre

Often referred to as "neo-goth," The Birthday Massacre were first born in London, Ontario, as Imagica in 1999. After a name change and a move to Toronto, the band self-released a series of limited-edition demos and EPs, as well as full-length album Nothing and Nowhere. Soon after, they signed to Metropolis Records and put out their proper debut, 2005's Violet, which collected some of their early songs as well as new material. Taking their cues from '80s synth pop and the crushing guitar walls erected by My Bloody Valentine, the heavily made-up/clad-in-black band writes songs about ritual murder, the ins and outs of being a vampire, and doomed love; the deceptively pretty, gentle vocals of singer Chibi ride over the super-heavy guitars, as keyboards add a strong New Wave feel. A trio of records followed Violet -- 2007's Walking with Strangers, 2009's live set Show and Tell and 2010's Pins and Needles.