Behind the Riffs: Striker's Tim Brown Talks DIY Life, Vinyl Woes, and Touring Dreams

 

Canadian power metal powerhouse Striker has been shaking stages with their electrifying riffs, dynamic vocals, and DIY ethos for over a decade. I recently caught up with guitarist Tim Brown to talk about the ups and downs of being independent, their bucket-list tour goals, and what it was like sharing the stage with Metallica. Spoiler: it was epic.

 

Striker’s DIY Journey and the Challenges of Going It Alone

Q: Were there any specific obstacles, surprises, or challenges you faced during the recording and packaging of the new record? You're DIY, right?

Tim:
Yes, we are DIY. We’ve been doing everything ourselves for over 10 years now. We used to be signed to Napalm Records, but we’ve been independent for a while.

Honestly, I’ve never heard anyone say great things about their label. The music industry can be a rough place, especially when you’re tied to a bad deal. Luckily, this record went pretty smoothly—except for the vinyl. Pressing vinyl took way longer than expected… even though we expected delays! We had some issues with the test presses and are still sorting that out. But the final pressing is happening now, and we’re excited to get it out to everyone who pre-ordered.

Our main goal is making sure people get a great product—the album, the vinyl, everything.

 

Life After Labels: What's Missing?

Q: What do you miss about being on a label now that you're doing it yourself?

Tim:
We still talk to labels. Before every album, we shop it around. We know a lot of people in the industry—it’s not like we’re anti-label. It just comes down to what the label can offer versus what you’re giving up.

We’ve seen bands sign bad contracts and have their careers basically ruined. A great band can be completely derailed by a poorly written deal. So for us, staying independent has made more sense.

That said, if you do get a good label that prioritizes you, it can be a huge help. There’s only so much five guys in a band can do—especially when we all have day jobs. DIY has its limits. Labels can lighten the load if they’re doing their part.

But that kind of ideal relationship seems to be the exception, not the rule.

 

Opening for Metallica and the Dream Tour Bucket List

Q: Striker’s opened for Metallica, won a Juno... what’s still on your bucket list?

Tim:
We did a couple of shows with Metallica, and that was surreal. A full tour with them would definitely be a dream come true. They’re the biggest metal band in the world, no question. Still putting on amazing shows. The production is next-level. Just being around that level of success is inspiring.

Also, touring with bands like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden—legends who are still out there killing it after 50 years—that’s another dream. Those guys are icons.

 

That Time Striker Played Through the Never

Q: When you played with Metallica, was it in the round or a standard stage setup?

Tim:
It was for their Through the Never movie shoot, so it was in the round. Probably the biggest show they've ever done in terms of stage production.

They brought out props from every tour—Lady Liberty from ...And Justice for All that collapses on stage, giant Tesla coils for Ride the Lightning, pyro everywhere... the works. It was absolute madness.

That show was peak Metallica. Total rock-and-roll theater.

 

On the Road Again: What’s Next for Striker?

Q: Any upcoming shows or tours fans should know about?

Tim:
Yeah! We’ll be back in California in May. We’re starting off at Legions of Metal in Chicago, then hitting the West Coast as we head back to Edmonton.

Later this year, we’ll be playing ProgPower in September and touring around that as well. Our goal is to hit almost every city in North America in 2025.

 Follow Striker:
🎸 Official Website
📸 Instagram
📀 Bandcamp
🎧 Spotify