Big Wreck - The Rest Of The Story
- Samuel Stevens
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Canadian rock veterans Big Wreck return with their eighth studio album, The Rest Of The Story, out October 24, 2025, via Sonic Unyon Records. It's a record that once again proves why Ian Thornley remains one of rock’s most gifted craftsmen. Produced by Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Korn, Evanescence), the album bridges technical mastery with genuine emotion, pairing Big Wreck’s muscular musicianship with introspective songwriting and a refined studio sheen.
Following 2023’s Pages—which earned a Juno nomination for Rock Album of the Year—The Rest Of The Story feels like a natural extension of that creative burst. The sessions share the same DNA: big guitars, cinematic production, and a sense of freedom that lets Thornley and company stretch in every direction without losing focus.
From the opening guitar plucks of “Staff Party,” Big Wreck sounds re-energized more than ever. The track sets the tone with a swagger that feels both vintage and revitalized, full of dynamic grooves and winding solos. “Holy Roller,” one of the record’s most playful cuts, follows up by channelling a classic rock energy with tongue-in-cheek lyrics and an infectious, carefree spirit. Originally darker in tone, Thornley reworked it into a lighthearted anthem about an overzealous partygoer—proof of his ability to find humour and humanity in any theme.
In contrast to the album's first two tracks, “Believer” brings weight and conviction. The track’s pounding rhythm and soaring chorus underscore its themes of resilience and standing tall amidst chaos, with a music video that juxtaposes human perseverance through historic imagery. It’s quintessential Big Wreck: thoughtful, powerful, and deeply melodic.
Thornley’s emotional depth shines brightest on the tracks, “Out Of Range” and “Laws Of Man.” The former drifts through airy soundscapes and gentle harmonies, evoking a dreamlike reflection on isolation and hope. The latter strips everything down to a pastoral acoustic moment, intimate and arresting in its simplicity. Between these two poles, the album covers an enormous sonic range—one that few rock acts today can navigate so confidently.
“Escaping In Place” stands as one of the album’s most personal and existential moments, exploring the paradox of feeling trapped in a life of one’s own making. Thornley’s lyricism balances introspection with universality, while the instrumentation swells with tension and release. Elsewhere, “Around” surprises by leaning into pop-infused textures, a creative pivot encouraged by Raskulinecz that gives the album a refreshing jolt of brightness amid its heavier rock flair.
Instrumentally, The Rest Of The Story is a masterclass. Thornley’s guitar work remains second to none—fluid, inventive, and emotionally articulate—while bassist Dave McMillan and drummer Sekou Lumumba form a rhythm section that’s both grounded and adventurous. The synergy among the trio is palpable, the result of trust and unfiltered collaboration in the studio. Even Chris Caddell’s influence is felt, with Thornley likening his presence to the late Brian Doherty—an essential glue that binds the band’s dense, riff-heavy sound together.
Raskulinecz’s production captures Big Wreck at their most expansive. Every tone feels sculpted but organic, from the crunching drive of “Dog with a Gun” to the wistful fade of “Hills,” which closes the record on a note of quiet reflection. The attention to detail—tone-shaping, layering, dynamic range—elevates the album beyond a standard rock release into something far more immersive.
At its core, The Rest Of The Story is an album about creative curiosity and rediscovery. Thornley continues to chase the thrill of surprise—the feeling of being caught off guard by one’s own art—and that ethos radiates through every track. It’s an album that demands full attention, rewarding listeners who take the journey with patience and open ears.
Big Wreck’s The Rest Of The Story is a stunning continuation of their evolution—an album that celebrates virtuosity without ego, introspection without indulgence. It’s proof that Ian Thornley and his bandmates are still writing the story of Canadian rock, one awe-inspiring riff at a time.