Gates of Winter - Unoffical Fan Site

Gates of Winter Profile

Canada is the second largest country by land mass in the world, with a history of British and French occupation. Although Canada has excelled in both sport and entertainment it often, unfortunately, doesn’t get the credibility deserved. The average American thinks of Canada and music and country or pop comes to mind. For those familiar with the music and culture of Canada we know music comes in all forms and among those set to lead the way in progressive metal music from Canada is Gates of Winter.

With the release of their “Lux Aeterena” the Canadian metal band Gates of Winter has drawn attention. Critics like it, fans have clamored for it and with a keen ear towards the fans the band clearly understands “give them what they want.” Many produce music with energy, and catchy melodies come from many talents but wrapping that together with a bow of passion is a gift to metal fans everywhere.

Formed in 2003, Gates of Winter is from Sault Ste Marie in Ontario. The city has made a name in the steel industry while Gates of Winter seek to make a name of their own in a different kind of metal and with a different type of music than the rock group Treble Charger, from the same city.

With influences such as Metallica, Iron Maiden, Iced Earth, Dream Theater, Children of Bodom, Dimmu Borgir, Cradle of Filth, In Flames and Nevermore there is an inspirational talent to pull from and the members of Gates of Winter make no waste of that inspiration. Although a young band in age and in time together do not let that distract from the talent within the music. The average age of the band members is 20, with little formal musical education.

In 2004 they recorded, practiced, wrote and prepared to hit the ground running and with the release of the 5 track demo they achieved a fast-out-of-the-gate start that didn’t sacrifice quality for speed. In 2005 they released an EP Gates of Winter with the full length cd “Lux Aeterena” being released in early 2008. There is a professional sound much beyond age and it underscores experience and natural talent. The first demo cd, released in February 2005, included five tracks that were self produced and included popular crowd songs like “Hidden Enemy” and “Far Gone”. As they gained a following, and a “name” they headlined the first RotaryFest Original Music show as well as co-headlined with Heatwave that year. 

Lee Maines leads Gates of Winter on vocals and rhythm guitar. Rounding out the band is Bryan Belleau on lead guitar, Steve Angelo Furgiuele on bass, Brian Holmes on keyboards and David Gold on drums. With their self released cd there is solid bass underscoring enough keyboards for good effect with flashes of synth coming out to get enough attention in the right way.

Like any developing band this one has seen changes but the power of the music holds on. With a solid first effort it sets the stage for a career delivering good music to metal fans. It’s a combination of features that they make their own. Each member brings something special to the table and while each member of the team is talented, when welded together it makes music that must be heard.

Lee Maines cites writing music as a favorite pastime while David Gold endorsed, and plays, Peace Drums. Although just 28 Gold has been playing drums for 14 years, moving up just as Gates of Winter are now. With a personal and professional life close together music is more than just a job.

Lee Maines brings a near theatrical feel to the music with both highs and lows of emotion. He does an outstanding job vocally and is absolutely a talent to watch. With early influences of the Stone Temple Pilots Metallica and Tool among others and more recently Nevermore, Dream Theater Rhapsody and Symphony X among the influences there is a high level to aim for musically and from a writing standpoint.

Guitarist Bryan Belleau is a gifted musician graced with an ability to make his guitar not just talk but with  strength and vigor demand attention with power chords, active riffs (like that heard on "Winter Flight,") and top notch solos.

Brian Holmes keyboards are blend perfectly into the overall end result, with the ideal amount of volume. This is underscored especially on songs like "The Wildwood Pariah" and "Gates of Winter."

Adding to the band is solid bassist Steve Furguiele who makes the bass come alive on songs such as "Gates of Winter". With over 50 live shows under their belts the live show combines the freshness of new music with the experience to be able to step up as a progressive sound.