Maharahj

Maharahj was a metalcore band from Oakville, Ontario founded in 1997 by Garren Ustel and Clayton Kelly under the original band name One Winged Angel. During their first US tour, label owner Matt Beckerman signed Maharahj to nowornever records. Sharing the stage with such label-mates as The Dillinger Escape Plan and Diecast (band), Maharahj found underground scene success with their blend of discordance and mathematical technicality. The studio recording full length "Chapter One, The Descent" embodied the bands raw talent, angst and grit. With a major label financial backing the record, Maharahj was able to gain a respectable fan base amidst a growing 90's metalcore scene. Regardless, the rigorous demands of the touring, egos and difficult musicianship had their toll on some of the members. In 2001, the heavy-handed nature of the band's internal songwriting process created some dramatic lineup changes. Colin and Andrew were recruited to replace Jon and Neil. Neil went on to join and play in the successful band Silverstein. Progressing as a more diverse band with varying musical interests, Maharahj recorded the sophomore effort Repetition. Despite the earnest effort, the album was not as well received as they had hoped. Poor tour support and differing egos was also a contributing factor. One year later, the band split ways and formed Explode the Airwaves. Major label signing Maharahj signed to Nowornever Records in June 1999. The band recorded both their full-length debut CD Chapter One, The Descent and sophomore effort Repetition on the Nowornever label at Signal to Noise studios in Toronto Ontario.