Interviews: Andrew Cormier of Piercing Damage talks the band's new EP 'The Set Up'

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island’s hardcore punk scene recently welcomed the arrival of Piercing Damage’s third EP, titled "The Set Up." Released just last month, this five-track offering continues to showcase the quartet’s aggressive yet nuanced take on hardcore punk, marked by sharp lyrical content and immersive instrumentation.

The band’s swift production process was driven by an upcoming tour opportunity in Newfoundland, prompting a condensed timeline that saw recording, mixing, and mastering completed within a single week in May. Despite the pressure, Piercing Damage maintained their raw energy and DIY ethos, recording primarily in a basement studio equipped with a mixture of vintage and pawn shop gear, reflecting a practical yet effective approach to capturing their sound.

A notable aspect of "The Set Up" is its artwork, created by JD from Feel The Blade. The collaboration emerged organically during the tight production window, with the band entrusting JD’s artistic vision to craft the cover. Originally designed in black and white, the artwork evolved to include a vibrant color scheme, inspired partly by a band T-shirt spotted during a recent trip to Detroit. The final product delivered a striking visual identity that complemented the EP’s sonic intensity.

Piercing Damage’s commitment to sword imagery extends beyond their album art into their promotional materials. A memorable photoshoot staged in a local tunnel featured the band members wielding swords—some borrowed from friends and local sources, others personally owned. This thematic choice stems from lead vocalist Andrew Cormier’s long-standing fascination with medieval weaponry, a motif that has been quietly championed since the band's earlier days, even inspiring the tongue-in-cheek genre label "swordcore" to describe their sound.

The band’s integration of sword symbolism not only adds a distinctive edge to their aesthetic but also ties into local community connections, including collaboration with the Maritime Sword School. Cormier expressed interest in further incorporating this martial imagery in future projects, potentially involving sword fighting demonstrations and armored visuals.

Piercing Damage’s journey to "The Set Up" has been shaped by a series of rapid and demanding creative pushes. Their initial demo arose from a spontaneous reunion jam session, while their second EP was produced under challenging health circumstances for Cormier, who managed to complete vocals amid a kidney stone surgery schedule. Each release demonstrates the band’s resilience and dedication to their craft, embracing urgency without sacrificing authenticity.

The band also benefits from a supportive local music scene, including connections to festivals like Secret Trash Fest and Be About It Fest, where they are slated to perform. Their activities extend beyond recording and touring, with members engaging in regional collaborations and fostering ties with emerging artists.

While "The Set Up" solidifies Piercing Damage’s evolving sound and image, details on some collaborations and future plans remain limited. However, the EP’s reception within the hardcore punk community suggests the band’s continued ascent as a compelling voice from the Canadian Maritimes.

In sum, Piercing Damage’s latest release is a testament to their ability to blend fierce musical execution with a unique visual narrative, all produced under tight timelines without compromising quality. Their integration of sword motifs and grassroots production practices sets them apart in the contemporary hardcore scene, promising further creative developments ahead.