answered by vocalist Amanda Kiernan
The Order of Chaos– Acclaimed metal band from Edmonton, Canada
Interview conducted on March 11, 2020
By Dan Locke
Chaos and Order, two seemingly opposing forces that, when observed closely enough, work together subtly to create art in its most divine form. Enter The Order of Chaos, a highly regarded and well-respected heavy metal group from the rural northern wastelands of Alberta Canada
Band Members
Amanda Kiernan – Vocals
John Simon Fallon – Guitars
John Saturley – Guitars
Barrett Klesko –
TBA soon – Drums
How did you discover music?
Amanda Kiernan: I first discovered music when I was maybe 10 years old. My stepfather Robert would always play his guitar, I loved watching him play. My parents got me a guitar and he started teaching me songs like The Beatles etc.
How did you learn how to play an instrument?
My step father Robert taught me how to play guitar. We would sing songs at family dinners and when we were out camping. Then I went from there taking guitar lessons, voice lessons, drum lessons even. In high school and also Grant Macewan University. Different vocal teachers around town.
What are your musical roots?
I was always interested in music even when I was in kindergarten my favorite thing was the music room. So, it went from there. My step dad being a guitar player. taking guitar lessons in high school. Meeting Timothy who introduced me to Metal. I love all music there’s so much out there to explore! At a young age I was playing and listening to The Beatles Pink Floyd Queen Ozzy etc…
How did you band get together?
The Order of Chaos formed in 2004 I believe by John Simon Fallon and Sterling Burrows. After that they had members come and go. They even had 2 vocalists before me. Drew Copland was Rhythm Guitar and Timothy Prevost was the Drummer when I joined the band in 2006. I was in high school and Timothy was dating my sister. He introduced us to metal and started sneaking me into shows! When my sister Jenna heard TOOC needed a vocalist she told Tim ‘well what about my sister’ He asked me ‘well can you sing metal? I just kinda answered Hell Yeah even though I had no idea what I was doing. Then one lovely evening at a metal show in Edmonton. Drew Copland heard me singing Megadeth Tornado of Souls drunk in an alley Haha and the rest was history I went to audition singing that song and also Bark at the Moon by Ozzy.
How did you get your name for the band?
Simon was in a religion history class in university and they were talking about opposing forces, tiamat, marduk, and Order/Chaos
How is live music in Edmonton Canada?
The music scene in Edmonton is great. It’s just a big metal family coming together headbanging and having a good time. Although it’s not always packed at local shows the people who are there are really amazing and there’s always people to meet if you want to be social. Canada has great shows and tours that come so when the big bands do play Canada the crowd is always insane and super fun!
How was it to win the 2013 Heavy Metal Recording of the Year for your 2nd LP? What other awards would you like to win?
It was a dream come true! We got to play the Edmonton Music Awards and then accept the award! It was so fun and we are so thankful for that experience. I’m sure anyone would just like to win All of the awards out there haha!I’ve definitely imagined and daydreamed about winning awards such as Juno and another EMA etc
Would you like to win a Grammy?
I’ve 100% thought about winning a Grammy it’s always in my affirmations when I meditate! That would be an intense experience!
What is you’re feeling about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
I think Rock n Roll Hall of Fame is really amazing. It makes me feel very inspired and wanting to work harder! Seeing all the talent and the unique individuals just be themselves and make it into The Hall of Fame is so cool.
What was your first gig like?
My first gig ever I think was in Calgary and it was this female-fronted show in the basement of a venue. I was so nervous I couldn’t sit still. Honestly, though the second my foot hit that stage I knew this is exactly what I wanted to do. That’s what I love about the stage my brain turns off and it’s just pure Feeling. Heart Soul Bliss I’m sure I wasn’t a very good vocalist for a long time, haha but I have come a long way.
What was it like to record your first CD?
I think we made a couple EPs
Our first full length album though was very exciting. It was expensive but it’s all we wanted to do. It was also very hard work but we had a great team behind us. I was nervous and it is kind of a mind fuck when you get in there because the studio will do that to you. Thinking you’ve got all your notes and lyrics correct and then you hear it back and a lot of changes get made. That’s how the studio works though I feel like it makes you a better musician.
How was your first overseas festival at the Turack Open Air Festival?
Just to even be at Turack Open Air was incredible. It was so surreal it felt like a dream and it still feels like a dream to this day. It was so exciting and full of energy! With great people! So many amazing bands! The place was so beautiful. I have a bad memory but I will never forget how that place looks and feels. We were honored and so thankful for that festival. They treated us so well and we had the best times of our lives there!
You ended up on the A-list band “Battle Beast”, which lead you to tour in China. What bands did you support on that tour?
Yes, it was so fun touring with Battle Beast! They were so hard working, Focused, and Funny! We truly became a family on that tour. They taught us so much that we still take with us today! China was also an amazing tour (they all are) We didn’t really open for too many bands. A few shows we were the headliner but all the bands we did play with were so awesome! The big one though was Protest the Hero at Midi Festival we opened for them! We also played with a band from Shanghai an all-girl band and I still remember them it was so cool to see.
How was it to pen up for Godsmack back in 2007, at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium?
Godsmack was probably the biggest band we ever opened up for. We won a battle of the bands. We got very lucky. That show was crazy and we had no idea what to expect. We met Godsmack and they were very nice. I think the crowd liked us but a lot of people may have thought we were too heavy haha! They like that we play Bark at the Moon by Ozzy though. It was the Best feeling. It always is when you’re on that stage. Nothing else can compare especially when you are opening up for a huge successful band like Godsmack! We were so nervous but also so high off of life for days after that! Any band that gets to open up a show like that. You really feel so good after and feel like you’re going places! You feel unstoppable and invincible
What is the different in touring in Europe and China vs touring in Canada?
15. There is a huge difference touring outside of Canada. We love touring in Canada it’s our home and we always have the best time. Of course, Europe and China are huge accomplishments for us! We noticed that fans are at the gigs early! Haha. they want to see every band on the bill even the openers! We love the food and accommodations. Obviously being in places like that are exciting for us so it was so unreal to explore the towns and really get into the culture. For Canada. we live there we know it very well and its beautifully amazing. So, when we tour outside of our country there’s way too much to see and explore and learn! I noticed Europe had more showers in their venues haha which was nice. Obviously, the weather was a lot warmer! Those third world countries are amazing. The people treat you like Rockstar’s for some reason. We are very blessed for every single place we’ve been
How the new release Believe in the Demon?
This new album is something else. It still has its TOOC feel and sound but it feels a bit more upgraded. Simon and I worked the lyrics and had a lot of emotion going into it so it seems more intense. There’s a lot of diversity in this album I think for this band we stepped out of our regular ways and tried new things.
I see you support the homeless. What other causes do you support?
I’m actually a part in a Fundraising Team called Adlyn Executes! So, in the last two years we chose to fundraise for our hometown’s Bissell Centre for the homeless. I’ve wanted to do charity work for a long time so I connected with my good friend Josh Hudon and we work hard for that. I also help and volunteer at other fundraisers. Last year there was a Metal for Mutts show. Raising money for dogs in need
If there are friends on my Facebook who have a go fund me or a fundraiser online, I usually donate $20 at least to their charity. There are way too many charities out there I wish I could help them all. One year at a time, I guess.
Amanda- Magician Stripper?
Hahaha! I am a DJ at a Strip Club called Shade Gentlemen’s Club. We are always putting on events and we have to share it on Facebook. So yes, March 17th we are having the only Magician Stripper in the world come to Shade. Suzie Malone from Ballys Las Vegas! It shall be a good time. I love my job!
Do you enjoy hockey?
I don’t really watch sports. I will if someone else is into it. The playoffs are happening soon though and all of the bars and clubs make a ton of money when The Oilers win! So right now, I do watch it because if they go into the playoffs that means more money for me haha! It is pretty amazing though to watch sports. I love seeing the passion and hard work. I love watching the team’s expressions when they win! You can see and feel just how hard they worked to get to that point and how happy they are. It’s truly inspiring.
Amanda- How did you get the name The Wench?
I think Simon named me The Wench. Back in the day, I was very hyper and crazy. I’d always be doing something silly. Maybe getting out of control sometimes Haha so that name kinda just fit. My actions and my cackling laugh pretty much gave me that name. I’m not called The Wench anymore but it will always be my name lol I have a lot of nicknames.
Any plans to play in the states?
I actually went on two American Tours with my other band Into Eternity. As I always say. They were the best times of my life. Every tour is. I really hope to go back with or without my bands. I miss Tour so much. nothing is planned though at this time.
How do you stay healthy on the road?
Staying healthy on the road is quite challenging. With so many great friends and beer and food it’s hard not to party every day! I am though super hydrated on tour. I drink a ridiculous amount of water. I Try to do a jog or jump rope and small work out wherever I can. I get lots of sleep which is not always the case depending on where you are touring and your accommodations. Europe has been great for that because we stay in a bus and have bunks so you can go sleep whenever you want. As long as you go buy some healthy snacks from day to day then maybe eating out at restaurants every day won’t be as bad but you should have some discipline in what you’re putting into your body. Easier said than done though. Tour is a riot and the best times of my life.
Are you going to tour this year?
I really hope something comes around. TOOC is kind of going through a lot of changes right now so we have no idea what’s going on or what’s to come. Into Eternity is a bit inactive right now but I hope I get to play at least one show this year! I’ve been so lucky and blessed with all those busy years of having almost too many tours to count. So, I’m trying not to let this bring me down. All I want to do is tour. I know it’s not over for me I will continue no matter what happens.
How do you see yourself in five years?
I never really think that far ahead! I should though Haha I have begun to imagine my future. I really hope to be playing music still with or without my bands. I’ve been writing and recording my solo stuff so I’m excited for what that may bring. I hope to be healthier and focused. Working hard. Having more energy! Possibly being in a better financial place so maybe I can buy a house in beautiful British Columbia. Just taking all my goals accomplishing them and making more goals!
Anything you like to close with?
Thank you so much for this opportunity to do this interview I love each and every person on this planet!!! I hope everyone is just taking it day by day one step at a time and really recognizing your worth! Rebuilding Recharge Reinventing themselves! We’ve got this! Love Love Love
You must be logged in to post a comment.