The Unveiling

Formed in the winter of 2003, Cry of the Afflicted grew up together in their hometown, about three hours northeast of Vancouver B.C. “We were never a metal or a hardcore band,” explains vocalist Garrett Packer. “I’d say we’re more of a modern rock band with screaming. We’ve come almost full circle. At first we were all melody with a small fraction of screaming. When we got on the road, hardcore was the popular thing and we were always the melodic band on the bill.” That balance couldn’t be more evident than on the band’s Solid State debut, The Unveiling, which captures the soaring and perfectly layered vocals of Packer, Johnson and bass guitarist and backing vocalist Nik Wagener without losing the distortion and precision of fellow band mates, guitarist Steve Lockhart and drummer Troy Doell. Another aspect that sets Cry of the Afflicted apart from their contemporaries is the vocalist’s acute attention to lyrics.