Sequester (band)
Canadian heavy metal project blending folk, prog, and thrash.
Sequester is a Canadian heavy metal project that began in 2005, founded by Ryan Boc, who remains its only permanent member. Boc handles all songwriting and performs every instrument—vocals, guitar, bass, drums, and keyboards. The music blends heavy metal with influences from progressive and psychedelic rock, traditional English and Scottish folk, grunge, alternative rock, blues, jazz, and classical. Lyrically, the project explores fantasy, history, folklore, mythology, human nature, and spirituality. Boc sings in a clean style, often with a thrashy, aggressive edge. The songs are typically polyphonic, lengthy due to complex structures and arrangements, and frequently layer harmonized vocals and guitars.
Guest musician Kelli Gose contributed background vocals to the demo version of "Homeland" from the 2007 demo *Visions of the Erlking*.
The band’s logo was designed by Canadian graphic designer Andre Guillemette, known for his work with Savage Circus and Dark Empire. Album artwork credits include Ryan Boc for the digital art on *Visions of the Erlking*, *Winter Shadows*, and *Shaping Life and Soul*; American artist Jonathan Elliott for the cover of *Nameless One*; and Rachel Jackson, a friend and neighbour of Boc, for the painting on *Ancestry*.
- field
- Heavy metal
- nationality
- Canadian
- known_for
- Solo project with polyphonic, long-form songs blending heavy metal with folk, progressive, and other genres
- created
- 2005
- sole_member
- Ryan Boc
Lore & Background
Sequester was founded in 2005 by Ryan Boc, who remains the project's sole permanent member, handling vocals, guitar, bass, drums, and keyboard. Boc writes and performs all material, with guest musician Kelli Gose contributing background vocals on the demo version of 'Homeland' from the 2007 demo 'Visions of the Erlking'. The project's discography includes demos, EPs, and full-length albums released between 2007 and 2024.
Reader's Guide
Sequester's significance lies in its singular vision: a one-person heavy metal project that incorporates a wide range of influences—from traditional English and Scottish folk to progressive rock, jazz, and classical—while maintaining a cohesive sound. The music's polyphonic structures, lengthy compositions, and harmonized vocal and guitar layers set it apart from conventional metal. Boc's lyrical focus on fantasy, history, and mythology, delivered with clean yet aggressive vocals, adds depth. The project's longevity (2005–2024) and consistent output demonstrate a dedicated artistic pursuit. The logo by Andre Guillemette and cover art by various artists (including Boc himself) further establish Sequester's identity within the underground metal scene.
Did You Know?
- Sequester is a solo project; Ryan Boc writes and performs all material.
- The music draws from genres including traditional English and Scottish folk, jazz, and classical.
- The Sequester logo was designed by Andre Guillemette, who also worked with Savage Circus and Dark Empire.
- Guest musician Kelli Gose provided background vocals on the demo version of 'Homeland' from 'Visions of the Erlking'.
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