Vancouver’s Prog-Metal maestros Utility Provider are set to release their third studio album, Challenger, on November 26, 2024. Before its debut, the band has offered fans a powerful taste with the lyric video for Scabs, a track that delves deep into the struggles of addiction and trauma.
Frontman Tyler Mayfield describes Scabs as a standout, blending clean and raspy vocals with a dynamic instrumental composition. Starting with a striking drum-only intro, the track shifts between melodic rock and Heavy Metal, culminating in an emotionally charged falsetto harmony paired with intricate bass and guitar work.
Mayfield notes, “It’s a song about survival, shedding the mental scabs of past wounds, and finding strength in the process.”
Mayfield says it is his favourite track on the album. “It has perhaps the best sounding vocals, clean and raspy, and uniquely features an unexpected drums-only intro. It is also the longest song on the album at 5 minutes and 55 seconds. The first half of the song is more rock sounding, and you can hear this primarily in the guitars and vocals, although that signature U.P <etal/rock guitar tone is still present.
“Things heat up in the second half with a distinctly Metal riff, very powerful drums, and intense vocals. The ending is my favourite part. A single guitar riff with repeating harmonic notes and quiet drums which allow a beautiful falsetto harmony between Chris and myself to shine through.
“Listen closely and you’ll also hear a subtle but intricate bass riff in the background separate from the guitar. If you close your eyes, you can hear the ghost of old-school Alice In Chains.”
Utility Provider – Challenger. “…You can hear the ghost of old-school Alice In Chains.”
Utility Provider – A Leap Forward
The album, produced by Nick Bergeron at Starport Studios and mixed by Michael Kraushaar at Little Red Studios, marks a leap forward for the band. With a fresh lineup and experimental tuning transitions, Challenger delivers a rich, textured sound influenced by Prog-Metal, grunge, Thrash, and blues rock.
Fans of Mastodon, Alice in Chains, and Gojira will find much to love in its 12-track lineup, which includes the fiery Social Murder and the atmospheric instrumental Northern Storm.
Utility Provider aims to inspire listeners with themes of resilience and transformation woven throughout Challenger. “Each song tells its own story,” Mayfield says. “This album is about overcoming adversity and breaking free from the chains that hold us back.”
With the album available for pre-order on Bandcamp and the lyric video for Scabs streaming on YouTube, fans won’t have to wait long to immerse themselves in this bold new chapter.
Utility Provider will also be performing live at Bully’s Studios in New Westminster, BC, on December 20 alongside Mourning High and Assailant.
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Utility Provider Unveil Lyric Video for Scabs Ahead of New Album Challenger first appeared on
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