Big Wreck Unveils "The Rest of the Story": Maintaining Integrity in Modern Rock

When sound evolves over time, it naturally transforms into history. Canadian rock veterans Big Wreck are preparing to unveil their ninth studio effort, titled "The Rest of the Story," promising to continue the narrative they began decades ago.

This highly anticipated record is scheduled for release on October 24, 2025. It serves as the direct successor to their 2023 EP, "Pages." Together, these two works are designed to form a complete and cohesive musical tapestry, showcasing the diverse facets of contemporary rock while maintaining the band's signature sound. The band, known for its commitment to musical integrity and raw, live performance energy, consistently champions authenticity above all else.

The collective was first established in 1992 in Boston by students attending the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Led by the formidable vocalist and guitarist Ian Thornley, Big Wreck has maintained a steady course defined by complex musicianship and lyrical depth throughout its lengthy career. Their enduring philosophy centers on delivering music that is honest and uncompromised.

The recording sessions for the new album took place at Noble Street Studios in Toronto. For this project, Thornley stepped into a co-producing role alongside the celebrated Nick Raskulinecz. Raskulinecz is a Grammy Award winner whose extensive resume includes collaborations with major acts such as Foo Fighters and Alice in Chains, bringing significant industry experience and a fresh perspective to the Big Wreck sound.

The final tracklist for "The Rest of the Story" encompasses eleven compositions, demonstrating a wide range of stylistic approaches:

• Staff Party

Among the standout tracks is "Holy Roller," which notably carries the unmistakable influence of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen. Ian Thornley characterized this song as "a song about a funny guy who stayed too long at the party," injecting a welcome dose of self-deprecating humor and levity into the overall album experience.

The recording process was marked by active experimentation, often guided by Raskulinecz’s creative input. For instance, Thornley initially envisioned the track "Around" having a sound reminiscent of the Rolling Stones. However, the producer strongly advocated for a more pop-oriented arrangement. Thornley admitted that this approach "was uncomfortable at first, but it gave the song freshness." Furthermore, "Laws of Man," which was originally conceived in the smooth style of yacht rock, ultimately evolved into a more acoustic rendition—a decision that successfully amplified the emotional resonance of the entire album.

Reflecting on their journey spanning over three decades, Ian Thornley emphasized that his obsession with music and the pursuit of perfection remains undiminished. He concluded with a powerful statement about the band's enduring mission:

"We just continue to tell the same story — but each time it sounds deeper."