The Glorious Sons
The Glorious Sons are a Canadian rock band formed in Kingston, Ontario, in 2011, consisting of brothers Brett Emmons (vocals, guitar, harmonica, keys) and Jay Emmons (guitar, vocals), along with Steve Kirstein (guitar, vocals), Adam Paquette (drums, vocals), Peter Van Helvoort (bass, vocals), and Josh Hewson (keyboards, piano, guitar).[1][2] The group blends alternative rock with hard rock and roots influences, gaining prominence through high-energy performances and introspective lyrics addressing personal struggles and human experiences.[1][2] They signed with Black Box Music in 2013 and have since released four studio albums, achieving multiple No. 1 hits on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart and two Juno Awards for Rock Album of the Year.[3][4][5] The band emerged from the local Kingston music scene, initially building a following through independent EPs like Shapeless Art (2013) before their major-label debut The Union in 2014, which earned a Juno nomination for Rock Album of the Year and helped establish their reputation for raw, anthemic rock.[1][3] Their breakthrough came with the 2017 album Young Beauties and Fools, produced by Frederik Thaae, which topped the Billboard Canada Rock chart and won the Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year in 2018, fueled by singles like "Kill the Lights" and "Everything Is Alright" that amassed over 40 million Spotify streams.[1][5] Follow-up A War on Everything (2019), also produced by Thaae and recorded in Kingston, continued their momentum with U.S. chart success, including No. 1 Mainstream Rock hits "S.O.S. (Sawed Off Shotgun)" and "Panic Attack," and secured a second Juno win for Rock Album of the Year in 2020.[1][4][5] The Glorious Sons have toured extensively, supporting major acts such as The Rolling Stones and Twenty One Pilots while headlining their own arena shows across North America, including the SOS Tour in Canada.[1] Their 2023 release Glory marked a reflective evolution, incorporating eclectic sounds while maintaining their rock core, and reinforced their status as a leading Canadian rock export with a 2024 Juno nomination for Rock Album of the Year.[1][3] In September 2025, they released the single "New Plan," continuing their activity with tours throughout 2025.[6] Eleven of their singles have reached the Top 10 on Billboard's Canada Rock chart, underscoring their consistent commercial impact in the genre.[7]History
Formation and early releases (2011–2013)
The Glorious Sons were formed in late 2011 in Kingston, Ontario, by brothers Brett Emmons on vocals and guitar and Jay Emmons on guitar, alongside Andrew Young on guitar, Adam Paquette on drums, and Chris Huot on bass.[8][9][10] The band emerged from the local music scene, where the members, many of whom were longtime friends and family, bonded over shared influences and a desire to create raw, energetic rock music rooted in their experiences growing up in a small Canadian city.[11][12] In their initial years, the group focused on building a presence through local performances in Kingston venues, often drawing crowds with high-energy sets that showcased their chemistry as a five-piece outfit.[13][12] This grassroots approach led to their signing with Black Box Recordings in 2013, a pivotal move that provided professional production support and wider distribution opportunities.[14][15] Under the label, they honed their sound, emphasizing guitar-driven riffs and Brett Emmons' distinctive, emotive vocals. The band's debut EP, Shapeless Art, was released on November 19, 2013, marking their first official recording and capturing the unpolished vitality of their early material.[16][17] Produced by John-Angus MacDonald of the Trews, the EP featured singles "Mama," which peaked at number 6 on the Canadian Active Rock charts, and "White Noise," reaching number 2 on the same charts.[14][18] These tracks highlighted the band's initial songwriting, which explored themes of youthful rebellion, personal frustration, and the constraints of small-town life in Kingston.[19][20] The EP's success laid the groundwork for further development toward a full-length album.Breakthrough with The Union (2014–2016)
The Glorious Sons achieved their breakthrough with the release of their debut studio album, The Union, on September 14, 2014, through Black Box Recordings. Produced by Gavin Brown, the album marked the band's transition from independent releases to a major label debut, featuring a blend of hard rock anthems and introspective tracks. It peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Canadian Albums Chart, establishing the group as rising stars in the Canadian rock scene. Building on the momentum from their earlier EP Shapeless Art, The Union showcased the band's raw energy and lyrical depth, drawing attention from rock radio stations across Canada. The album spawned several successful singles that dominated Canadian rock radio charts. "Heavy," released as the lead single, reached number 3 on the Billboard Canada Rock chart and was accompanied by an official music video directed by Kyle McIntyre, which highlighted the band's high-energy performance style. Follow-up singles "Lightning" and "The Contender" performed even stronger, peaking at number 2 and number 1, respectively, on the same chart, with "The Contender" marking the band's first chart-topping hit. These tracks, characterized by driving riffs and anthemic choruses, helped propel The Union to widespread airplay and solidified the band's reputation for crafting accessible yet gritty rock songs.[21] In recognition of their breakout success, The Union earned a nomination for Rock Album of the Year at the 2015 Juno Awards, highlighting the album's impact on the Canadian music landscape. Additionally, the band won Group of the Year and Rock Group of the Year at the 2015 SiriusXM Indie Awards during Canadian Music Week, affirming their rising prominence among independent acts. These accolades underscored the Glorious Sons' ability to connect with audiences through authentic songwriting and live performances.[22] The band's momentum continued with the release of the single "Sometimes on a Sunday" on October 30, 2015, which extended the The Union era with its melodic introspection and further radio play. Supported by extensive early touring across Canada, including headline shows and festival appearances, the Glorious Sons built a dedicated fanbase through high-octane live sets that emphasized their chemistry and stage presence. This period of relentless promotion laid the groundwork for their subsequent national and international growth.Rise to prominence: Young Beauties and Fools (2017–2018)
Following the success of their debut album The Union, The Glorious Sons built momentum with the release of their lead single "Kill the Lights" on January 27, 2017. The track, a high-energy rock anthem, quickly gained traction on radio and peaked at number 2 on the Canadian rock radio charts.[23][24] This single heralded the band's sophomore effort, Young Beauties and Fools, which arrived on October 13, 2017, via Black Box Recordings. The album, produced by Fast Friends, showcased their evolving sound blending raw rock edges with introspective lyrics, and it peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Canadian Albums Chart.[25] A standout from the record was the single "Everything Is Alright," which became a major hit, reaching number 1 on the Canadian alternative rock radio charts and earning a 2× Platinum certification from Music Canada for sales and streaming exceeding 160,000 units.[26][27] The album's impact was cemented at the 2018 Juno Awards, where Young Beauties and Fools won Rock Album of the Year, affirming the band's rising status in Canadian music. During this period of heightened touring and acclaim, the group recorded their live album Little Prison City at a February 2018 hometown show in Kingston, Ontario, capturing the energy of their performances at the time.[28][29]A War on Everything era (2019–2022)
The Glorious Sons released their third studio album, A War on Everything, on September 13, 2019, through Black Box Recordings in Canada and BMG internationally. The album peaked at number 13 on the Canadian Albums Chart and explored introspective themes, including mental health struggles and the complexities of relationships, as evident in tracks like the lead single "Panic Attack," which addresses anxiety and the desire for normalcy. "Panic Attack," released on June 5, 2019, topped the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart in the United States and spent ten weeks at number one on Canada's rock radio charts; it was later certified Platinum by Music Canada on May 13, 2025. The second single, "Pink Motel," issued on July 19, 2019, delved into relational tensions amid materialistic pressures, further emphasizing the album's raw emotional core.[30][31][32][33][34][35] In recognition of the album's impact, The Glorious Sons won the Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year in 2020, marking their second win in the category following Young Beauties and Fools. This accolade highlighted the band's evolution toward more vulnerable songwriting while maintaining their high-energy rock sound. Amid the buildup to the full album release, the band issued the live album An Unplugged Evening With (Live at Longboat Hall) on March 1, 2019, featuring acoustic performances recorded in Toronto the previous year, which showcased their versatility and set the stage for the era's thematic depth.[36] The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the band's touring plans in 2020, leading to adaptations in their output during the subsequent years. On May 18, 2021, they released the standalone single "Daylight," a high-energy track capturing live performance energy amid restrictions that halted traditional tours. To engage fans further, the band dropped the EP The Young King Sessions on January 26, 2022, exclusively through their app initially; it featured acoustic reimaginings of select songs, reflecting a period of creative introspection and resilience.[37][38][39]Glory and ongoing evolution (2023–present)
In August 2023, The Glorious Sons underwent a significant lineup change with the departure of founding guitarist Chris Koster, who had been with the band since its inception in 2011. The announcement, shared via social media by lead singer Brett Emmons, marked the end of Koster's tenure after contributing to the band's songwriting and live performances across multiple albums. Around this time, the band also parted ways with bassist Chris Huot, replacing him with Peter Van Helvoort, and added guitarist Steve Kirstein to the lineup. This shift occurred amid a period of transition following the introspective themes explored in their previous release, A War on Everything.[40][41][8] The band quickly rebounded with the release of their fourth studio album, Glory, on September 6, 2023, via TGS Music.[42] Co-produced by Frederik Thaae, the album features 10 tracks rooted in introspective lyricism and rock energy, supported by lead singles "Mercy Mercy" and "Lightning Bolt," which previewed its themes of resilience and personal evolution.[43] To promote Glory, the band launched The Glory Tour in September 2023, a 57-date North American run spanning the United States and Canada, concluding in February 2024 with high-energy arena performances that highlighted their signature blend of anthemic rock and crowd engagement.[44] In 2024, The Glorious Sons maintained momentum through festival appearances, including a performance at the Rock 95 Birthday Bash in November, where they delivered a set drawing from their catalog.[45] That August, they were announced as part of the ShipRocked 2025 cruise lineup, joining acts like Parkway Drive and Jinjer for the January 19–25 sailing from Miami, signaling continued expansion into themed festival circuits.[46] The band's evolution continued into 2025 with the live debut of the unreleased track "New Plan" at the Meadows Music Festival on May 31 in Fergus, Ontario, where it was performed for the first time during their closing set.[47] This song evolved into their latest single, released on September 12, 2025, offering a sober reflection on moving forward and hinting at material for a potential fifth album through its raw, forward-looking energy.[48] Ongoing tours in 2025 have included festival slots and intimate shows, fostering direct fan connections amid their post-Glory creative surge.[49]Musical style and influences
Core genre and evolution
The Glorious Sons are primarily known for their alternative rock and hard rock sound, infused with roots rock elements that evoke heartland and Southern influences through gritty, anthemic arrangements.[2] Their music blends classic rock punch with a modern sheen, featuring catchy hooks and high-energy rhythms that prioritize emotional delivery over technical flash.[50] The band's sound has evolved from a raw, garage-tinged edge in their early EPs like Shapeless Art (2013), characterized by ragged vocals and straightforward rock structures, to a more polished production in subsequent albums.[51] By their debut full-length The Union (2014), the style incorporated soulful rock elements with strong hooks and varied tempos, while later works like Young Beauties and Fools (2017) shifted toward anthemic, stadium-ready tracks with folk underpinnings transformed into rock anthems.[52] This progression continued into A War on Everything (2019), embracing contemporary introspection, and reached a refined peak in Glory (2023), where experimental touches like electronic hints and psychedelic flourishes added depth to their roots rock foundation.[8] The album Glory notably incorporates piano and harmonica for a more organic, down-to-earth texture, marking a renaissance in their sonic palette after pandemic-induced reflection.[53][54] Lyrically, the band draws from small-town Canadian life in Kingston, Ontario, exploring themes of relationships, personal struggles, and blue-collar perseverance with poetic directness.[19] Early songs often romanticized fleeting connections and everyday battles, evolving in A War on Everything to confront mental health challenges, such as panic attacks and the inaccessibility of treatment, reflecting broader human vulnerabilities.[34][50] At the core of their instrumentation is a guitar-driven setup, anchored by the dual vocals of brothers Brett and Jay Emmons—Brett on lead vocals and Jay providing harmonies alongside guitar—which creates a dynamic, layered vocal presence.[55] The rhythm section of drums and bass delivers propulsive energy, while live performances frequently expand to include keys and piano for added texture, enhancing their anthemic live dynamic.[34][53]Key influences
The Glorious Sons' music draws heavily from classic rock pioneers, particularly in their emphasis on heartland storytelling and raw energy. Frontman Brett Emmons has cited the Rolling Stones and Lynyrd Skynyrd as key early influences, shaping the band's gritty, riff-driven sound and themes of working-class struggle.[56][24] Similarly, Bruce Springsteen's narrative-driven anthems, such as those on Born to Run, have inspired Emmons' approach to crafting vivid, personal tales of small-town life, infusing the band's lyrics with emotional depth and accessibility.[57] In the realm of modern alternative rock, the band looks to fellow Canadian acts for a sense of national rock heritage. The Tragically Hip hold a profound, indirect influence, embedded in the Kingston music scene where Emmons grew up; he learned to play their song "Wheat Kings" as one of his first on acoustic guitar and describes them as "the kings of Kingston," shaping his tastes from childhood.[58] Likewise, bands like Arkells have guided The Glorious Sons in blending indie rock with soulful, hip-hop-infused swagger, reflecting a shared Ontario rock ethos that prioritizes energetic, community-rooted performances.[59] The local Kingston scene has further molded their sound through exposure to blues and folk traditions, evident in Emmons' use of harmonica on tracks like "Mama," which evokes swampy, rootsy textures.[60][61] This regional flavor ties into Emmons' songwriting, which often stems from personal experiences in Ontario's cultural landscape, such as the introspective "three-year hangover" in his hometown that fueled early albums.[62]Band members
Current members
The current lineup of The Glorious Sons consists of six core members who contribute to the band's songwriting, recording, and live performances as of November 2025.[63] Brett Emmons serves as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and harmonica player, and is a founding member who joined in 2011 after initially forming the band with his brother and friends while still in school; he committed full-time in 2013.[64][8] Jay Emmons, Brett's older brother, plays guitar and provides backing vocals; he co-founded the band in 2011 alongside drummer Adam Paquette.[8][63] Adam Paquette handles drums and backing vocals, and has been with the band since its inception in 2011 as one of the original members.[8][63] Josh Hewson contributes piano and guitar, having joined the band around 2018 to expand their live and studio arrangements.[65][63] Peter Van Helvoort plays bass guitar and adds backing vocals, replacing former bassist Chris Huot and joining in 2021 following the latter's departure amid personal challenges.[41][11][63] Steve Kirstein provides guitar and backing vocals, having joined in late 2023 after the exit of guitarist Chris Koster to maintain the band's dual-guitar dynamic during their ongoing evolution.[8][41][63]Former members
The former members of The Glorious Sons include three key individuals who shaped the band's early sound and development before departing. Andrew Young joined as guitarist and backing vocalist in 2011, remaining with the band until 2015. He contributed significantly to the debut EP Shapeless Art (2013), providing guitar work and harmonies on tracks like "White Noise" and "Mama," and participated in the group's initial tours across Ontario and eastern Canada.[8][51] Chris Huot served as bassist from the band's formation in 2011 until 2020, anchoring the rhythm section during the recording of Shapeless Art and helping establish the group's raw, roots-rock foundation in live performances. His tenure overlapped with the core lineup's formative years in Kingston, Ontario.[66][10][8] Chris Koster took over as guitarist in 2015, serving until his departure in 2023, and was instrumental in the band's breakthrough period. He performed on the debut album The Union (2014), co-writing and playing guitar on hits like "The Union," as well as Young Beauties and Fools (2017) with tracks such as "My Poor Heart," A War on Everything (2019) including "A War on Everything," and early recording sessions for Glory (2023). His exit was announced on August 29, 2023, via the band's social media, citing a mutual parting to pursue solo endeavors; he was subsequently replaced by the current guitarist.[67][41][8]Touring members
The Glorious Sons have occasionally augmented their core lineup with touring musicians for live performances, particularly during their early promotional cycles. Tony Silvestri served as a touring member, providing piano and acoustic guitar support from 2015 to 2016, contributing to the band's initial tours in promotion of their debut album The Union.[11][68] Following Silvestri's tenure, the band has not employed additional touring members, instead relying on their established core musicians for subsequent live outings, including the Glory Tour spanning 2023–2024 and scheduled 2025 performances.[69][8]Discography
Studio albums
The Glorious Sons debuted with their first full-length studio album, The Union, on September 14, 2014, via Black Box Music. The record peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart, establishing the band's presence in the domestic rock landscape.) Their sophomore effort, Young Beauties and Fools, arrived on October 13, 2017, also through Black Box Music. It reached number 16 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart and earned a Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year in 2018. The third studio album, A War on Everything, was released on September 13, 2019, by Black Box Music and BMG Rights Management. It climbed to number 13 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart, reflecting the band's growing commercial momentum.[70] In 2023, the band independently issued their fourth studio album, Glory, on September 6 via TGS Music Inc. and Warner Music Canada. While specific album chart peaks were not prominently documented, several singles from the band's prior releases, such as those from Young Beauties and Fools, have achieved double Platinum certification in Canada through Music Canada.[71]| Album | Release date | Label | Peak chart position (Billboard Canadian Albums) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Union | September 14, 2014 | Black Box Music | #23) |
| Young Beauties and Fools | October 13, 2017 | Black Box Music | #16 |
| A War on Everything | September 13, 2019 | Black Box Music / BMG | #13[70] |
| Glory | September 6, 2023 | TGS Music Inc. / Warner Music Canada | N/A |
Live albums and EPs
The Glorious Sons have issued two extended plays and two live albums, showcasing their evolving sound through intimate recordings and high-energy performances. These non-studio releases capture key moments in the band's career, from early experimentation to acoustic reinterpretations of their catalog. Their debut EP, Shapeless Art, was released on November 19, 2013, via Black Box Recordings. Produced by John-Angus MacDonald of the Trews and mixed by Gordie Johnson, the seven-track collection introduced the band's raw alternative rock edge with songs like "Mama" and the title track, marking their first major label output following formation in 2011.[72][73] In 2022, the band followed with The Young King Sessions, an acoustic EP released exclusively through their TGS Union mobile app on January 26. This six-song set features stripped-down versions of tracks such as "Daylight," "Young King," "Hold Steady," and "I Will Destroy the Void in You," offering fans a closer, more vulnerable take on material from their recent studio work.[38] On the live front, Little Prison City (Live at Rogers K-Rock Centre) arrived on July 25, 2018, capturing a full hometown performance from February 24, 2018, in Kingston, Ontario. The double album spans 21 tracks, including crowd favorites from The Union and earlier material, highlighting the band's explosive stage presence during their rise to prominence.[29][74] Their second live release, An Unplugged Evening With (Live at Longboat Hall), was issued digitally on March 1, 2019, with a vinyl edition following in May. Recorded during an acoustic session at Toronto's Longboat Hall in August 2018, the 13-track album emphasizes emotional depth in renditions of hits like "S.O.S. (Sawed Off Shotgun)" and "White Noise," reflecting the band's versatility in smaller venues.[39][75] As of November 2025, the band has not announced additional EPs or live albums beyond these releases.[76]Singles
The Glorious Sons have released numerous singles since their formation, achieving significant commercial success on Canadian rock radio charts, with eleven tracks reaching the top 10 on Billboard's Canada Rock chart.[76] Their early breakthrough came with tracks from the 2013 EP Shapeless Art and the 2014 album The Union, establishing a pattern of high-charting releases characterized by anthemic rock hooks and introspective lyrics. Many of these singles have earned certifications from Music Canada, reflecting strong streaming and sales performance, particularly in the alternative and mainstream rock formats. Key singles include "Mama" (2013), which peaked at number 6 on the Canadian rock radio charts and marked the band's initial radio presence.[77] "White Noise" (2013) followed, reaching number 2 and helping propel their debut EP. From The Union, "Heavy" (2014) climbed to number 3, accompanied by an official music video directed by Kyle McIntyre that showcased the band's raw energy through performance footage in industrial settings.[78] "The Contender" (2015) achieved number 1 status, solidifying their rising profile. The 2017 album Young Beauties and Fools yielded further hits, including "Kill the Lights," which peaked at number 2 and featured an official video blending narrative storytelling with live elements.[79] "Everything Is Alright" (2017) topped the charts at number 1 and has been certified double platinum by Music Canada as of May 2025.[80] Subsequent releases from A War on Everything (2019) continued this momentum. "Panic Attack" reached number 1 on both Canadian Active Rock (for 10 weeks) and U.S. Mainstream Rock charts, earning platinum certification in May 2025; its official music video, released in June 2019, depicts visceral depictions of anxiety through dynamic visuals.[81][82] "S.O.S. (Sawed Off Shotgun)" (2017), from Young Beauties and Fools, also hit number 1 on multiple rock charts, including a record 64 weeks on Canadian rock radio, and received double platinum certification in May 2025.[4][83] Later standalone efforts include "Daylight" (2021), which maintained their rock radio presence without specified peak data. In 2023, "Mercy Mercy" and "Lightning Bolt" from Glory continued their output, focusing on evolving themes of resilience. In 2025, "New Plan" debuted live at the Meadows Music Festival in May before its official release on September 12, offering a reflective anthem on personal reinvention; no chart performance has been reported as of November.[48] "The Taxmen Demanded," also released September 12, 2025, draws from a serendipitous backstory involving a literal tax notice that prompted its finalization, though chart details remain pending.[48]| Single | Year | Peak (Canada Rock) | Certification | Album Association | Music Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Mama" | 2013 | #6 | - | Shapeless Art EP | Yes |
| "White Noise" | 2013 | #2 | - | Shapeless Art EP | No |
| "Heavy" | 2014 | #3 | - | The Union | Yes |
| "The Contender" | 2015 | #1 | - | The Union | No |
| "Kill the Lights" | 2017 | #2 | - | Young Beauties and Fools | Yes |
| "Everything Is Alright" | 2017 | #1 | 2× Platinum (2025) | Young Beauties and Fools | Yes |
| "S.O.S. (Sawed Off Shotgun)" | 2017 | #1 | 2× Platinum (2025) | Young Beauties and Fools | Yes |
| "Panic Attack" | 2019 | #1 | Platinum (2025) | A War on Everything | Yes |
| "Daylight" | 2021 | - | - | Standalone | No |
| "Mercy Mercy" | 2023 | - | - | Glory | No |
| "Lightning Bolt" | 2023 | - | - | Glory | No |
| "New Plan" | 2025 | - | - | Standalone | Visualizer |
| "The Taxmen Demanded" | 2025 | - | - | Standalone | No |
Awards and nominations
Juno Awards
The Glorious Sons earned their first Juno Award nomination in 2015 for Rock Album of the Year with their debut studio album, The Union, marking an early recognition of their rising presence in Canadian rock music.[84] The band achieved their breakthrough Juno success in 2018, winning Rock Album of the Year for their sophomore release, Young Beauties and Fools, which highlighted their evolution toward a more polished and introspective sound while solidifying their commercial appeal.[28] They repeated this accomplishment in 2020 at the Juno Awards, securing another win in the Rock Album of the Year category for A War on Everything, their third studio album, praised for its raw energy and thematic depth amid the challenges of the global pandemic.[85] In 2021, the band received a nomination for Group of the Year. They earned another nomination for Rock Album of the Year in 2024 for Glory, their fourth studio album.[84]| Year | Category | Album | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Rock Album of the Year | The Union | Nomination[84] |
| 2018 | Rock Album of the Year | Young Beauties and Fools | Win[28] |
| 2020 | Rock Album of the Year | A War on Everything | Win[85] |
| 2024 | Rock Album of the Year | Glory | Nomination[84] |