Under Fire: The Arena-Ready Sound of Modern Hard Rock

Under Fire is a hard rock band from Toronto, Canada, known for their high-energy live performances and radio-friendly anthems. The group achieved mainstream success with their 2018 album, Ignition, which debuted at number 12 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart and was later certified gold.

Early career

Formed in 2012, the original members—vocalist Liam Vance, guitarist Marcus Thorne, bassist Sarah Chen, and drummer Jax Reid—met while studying at college in Toronto. They began by playing local bars and small festivals, self-releasing their debut EP, Spark, in 2014. This independent release caught the attention of several regional rock radio stations, leading to a development deal with the independent label Steel Chord Records in 2015.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of their first full-length album, Ignition, on Steel Chord Records. Fueled by the lead single Burn It Down, which spent 15 weeks on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, the album's sales were driven by consistent touring and strong digital streaming. The single Phoenix followed, securing the band their first top 10 placement on rock radio formats across North America.

Key tracks

Burn It Down — This lead single from Ignition became the band's signature track and a staple on rock radio, defining their anthemic sound.

Phoenix — A top 10 rock radio hit that showcased the band's ability to blend melodic choruses with driving guitar riffs.

Stand My Ground — A fan-favorite from their 2021 album Pressure Point, known for its powerful live performance energy.

Through the Night — This 2023 collaboration with veteran producer Bob Rock highlighted a more polished, arena-oriented direction for the band.

Embers — The lead single from their 2021 sophomore effort, Pressure Point, which debuted at number 8 on the Canadian rock charts.

Following the success of Ignition, Under Fire spent two years on extensive touring, including opening slots for larger acts. Their 2021 follow-up, Pressure Point, was recorded in Nashville and saw the band experimenting with more nuanced song structures while maintaining their core hard rock identity. A notable collaboration came in 2023 when they worked with producer Bob Rock on the single Through the Night, aiming for a broader sonic reach.

Fans of Under Fire's brand of melodic hard rock often also enjoy the work of Three Days Grace, who share a similar command of radio-ready rock dynamics. The anthemic qualities in Under Fire's music also draw comparisons to The Glorious Sons, another Canadian rock act with a passionate following. Listeners appreciate the guitar-driven sound reminiscent of Seether, blending aggression with melody. The band's energetic live show ethos is also aligned with that of Monster Truck, fellow Canadian rockers known for their powerful stage presence.

The music of Under Fire is a regular feature on classic rock FM stations that program newer acts, as well as on dedicated alternative rock radio stations and online rock radio streams. Their catalog, particularly the hits from Ignition, receives consistent airplay, keeping them in rotation for fans of the modern hard rock genre.

Listeners can discover the powerful anthems of Under Fire by tuning into the hard rock and alternative radio stations featured on our website. You can hear their music, from early hits to recent releases, on various radio stations available on onairium.com.