ANTI-HERO: Rock ‘N’ Roll Revolutionaries


To label London, Ontario-based ANTI-HERO a grunge or alternative band would short change anyone who loves pure rock ‘n’ roll. These four inspired performers - Rose, Nic, Jesse and Matty - are providing fans of a myriad of music genres with a cauldron of constant creative inspiration. It’s evident in their début CD, Unpretty, and it’s visible during their exhausting, exhilarating performances. ANTI-HERO may be at an early career juncture, and each member may borrow from a diverse musical background ranging from punk to opera, but their love and respect for the roots of rock ‘n’ roll shines brightly, whether on stage, or in studio producing priceless, timeless pieces.

Don’t be fooled by the June 2005 release date of, Unpretty, nor their May 2005 début video shoot. ANTI-HERO has been a long time in the making. While the four-member group formed during the summer of 2004, each ANTI-HERO member has been finely in tune with rock music their entire life. The result? A world-wide audience can now enjoy the collective achievements of these rock ‘n’ roll revolutionaries. Boasting passionate, ass-kicking vocals, intricate rhythm guitar lines, an extraordinary bass sound and a drum beat bound to hypnotize listeners, ANTI-HERO is here to stay.

A female-fronted band, ANTI-HERO brings together a cornucopia of cool sounds - punk, pop, alternative - all in the name of rock ‘n’ roll. Listen closely to their music and lyrics, and you hear hints of the Sex Pistols and Ted Nugent, with just the right mix of soul from lead vocalist, Rose Perry. Daring. Innovative. Fearless. All these words describe this young, vibrant, versatile performer. A singer/songwriter, actor, model/spokesperson, and entrepreneur, Perry first performed at age 4, listing everyone from the Beatles to AC/DC as her musical influences. Like many great artists before her - including Alicia Keys and Pat Benatar - Perry finds her roots in opera and classical music. At age 7, she composed her first song. At age 15, she formed HER, an all-girl pop/rock band which gained local and national fame and played in front of audiences of 20,000 screaming fans. Today ecstatically committed to ANTI-HERO, Perry also manages the group through her company, HER Records. ANTI-HERO - and rock ‘n’ roll revival - is in good hands.


“We aren’t going to stop until we are heard. We aren’t just another rock band - we’ve got a message, we speak out for what we believe in, and we want to make a change.” - Rose Perry


In fact, when Perry and lead guitar/piano/keyboards player Jesse Tomes formed ANTI-HERO, they had a clear vision for the group, one shared heavily by background vocalist/bass/guitar player Nicole VanHaverbeke, and drummer Matty Cole. Each member wishes to inspire listeners through their music, and through the band’s unparalleled dedication to combining their talents for the good of the group - and for rejuvenating appreciation of true blue rock ‘n’ roll.


“ANTI-HERO is a constant reminder of why I got into this business in the first place. It’s great to have a group of people come together purely for the purpose of covering each other’s back. You don’t find that in too many places.” - Jesse Tomes


Tomes met Perry when he was also undergoing a metamorphosis as an artist. He moved on from performing with the goth/industrial group, Eliminate The Body, as Perry left HER. The rest is history. Tomes’ own past includes many musical influences: Marilyn Manson, NIN, Tool, System Of A Down. His personal musical style incorporates "controlled chaos and orchestrated noise".

Like Perry, VanHaverbeke is a stunningly beautiful woman, but look closer: behind those hypnotic eyes is a marvelous musical mind - plus the ability to create a death metal sound that will bring you to your knees. One listen to her bass sound and you realize why she lists Pantera, Slayer and Tool as her musical influences. Her hard-hitting background vocals are the perfect twin to Perry’s lead sound. Throw in Tomes’ guitar and Cole’s kick, and you have the unique sound of ANTI-HERO.


“I try to take everything as it comes - always have fun with my band mates. I never plan on giving up what I believe in. Look out world, here we come!” Nic VanHaverbeke


Nirvana. Korn. Disturbed. Godsmack. Metallica. Black Label Society. Pantera. Rush. Wouldn’t you like to meet a drummer who lists those icons as his musical influences? Meet Matty Cole, ANTI-HERO’s man on kick who once actually performed at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall. Cole has come a long way since that high school music festival in the Big Apple, but now he plans on changing the world through ANTI-HERO’s unique blend of music and message.


“My whole exhilaration behind playing shows is seeing crowds cheer and watching fans rock out when we bust out our original songs. There’s nothing more exciting.” - Matty Cole


The Unpretty Tour lists destinations including Club 279/Hard Rock Café, Toronto; Wakefest, Ottawa; Call The Office, London; and Warped Tour, Barrie. ANTI-HERO has already shared the stage with such notables as Mony Mony, Staylefish, CJ Sleez, Robin Black & The Flairs, The Black Donnellys, 63 Monroe, Scratching Post, and Rockit Girl (ex Veruca Salt). And, they’ve won accolades from the local music community, receiving a nomination for Best Punk/Alternative Band at the 2005 London Music Awards.

Unpretty is winning ANTI-HERO new fans from coast to coast. Produced by highly-regarded Rob Sanzo of Signal to Noise Studios, Toronto (Sum41, Skinnypuppy, Treble Charger, Joydrop) and mastered by Roger Lian of Masterdisk , New York City (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, U2), Unpretty is a magical mix of 10 tunes, each one worthy of radio play. Perry writes the basic song structures, works with Tomes’ riffs, solos and strumming patterns, then collaborates with the entire band before creating the unique ANTI-HERO sound. From the heavy-metal title track, to the melodic tune, Lullaby, ANTI-HERO has no boundaries - and no fears. When Perry pours her heart out while performing the title track, it’s clear where the band is coming from:


"I feel so damn unpretty I’ll never be the girl posing in your fashion magazines My skin’s broken out, I’m only a size three I feel so damn unpretty
- Chorus, Unpretty, from ANTI-HERO’s début album, Unpretty



“Anti-hero means, question authority. We chose the song, Unpretty, because it comments on the ideals of beauty in society. It will get people interested in what we’re all about.” - ANTI-HERO


Rock ‘n’ roll is here to stay. So is ANTI-HERO. Watch out world, here they come.

-Jeffrey Reed

ANTI-HERO's Official Site