On a cold day in January, 1994 five dudes emerged from a basement in suburban Burlington, ON and ventured west to the steel city - Hamilton, ON to play their first show. On the way, listening to one of their favorite bands of the day, Lincoln, one of the guys suggested they use one of the song titles for their band name. The song was called Grade Curve, which was quickly shortened to Grade. They announced their name that night to the crowd, and played a short set consisting of 5 original songs, an Integrity cover and a Lincoln cover. After that there was no looking back.
They were comprised of singer Kyle Bishop, guitarists Greg Taylor and Shawn Magill, bassist Matt Jones and Chris Danner. Grade broke up in 2002.
Grade’s first album And Such Is Progress, was included in Alternative Press’s 10 Essential Metal-core Classics.
Grade’s albums (LP) include Such is Progress (1996)(1998 re-issue), Under the Radar (1999), The Embarrassing Beginning (2000), and Headfirst Straight to Hell (2001). They have opened for bands Fugazi, Jimmy Eat World and the Promise Ring and were signed to Victory Records. Grade’s first music video was for “A Year in the Past (Forever in the Future)” and was played on MTV’s show, 120 Minutes.
Twitter Updates
@seanbonner yeah good luck with that daddio ;)
05:46 AM December 21
@Ratbeard I'm on vacation, I'll hit you up when I get home!
12:54 PM November 18
Thanks! RT @seanbonner: I really dig these new (unreleased) grade songs. Haven't stopped listening to them since @baldass hooked me up.
07:33 AM November 18
Guy next to me is reading Watchtower as I'm listening to Seasons in the Abyss! LOL. Slayer!!!
05:18 AM November 16
@adamwhite Dropbox has been great for me. I'm only using the free option, but there are pro upgrades.
12:20 PM November 10
Under the Radar changed my life. Given a burned copy by a friend.. i've bought and given away dozens of copies to friends and strangers. No one else i've ever met knows of 'em. Good to see a following here.
Apr 24 2008, 10:56 PM
I really miss Grade
Jan 31 2008, 10:44 AM
I have some autographed GRADE posters, stickers and CDs back from the 90s. They are my favorite things in the world <3 RIP GRADE!
Jan 10 2008, 04:54 PM
i almost went to that show in 2006, but it was in canada, and i couldnt really find someone to go with me. its a long drive from long island.
Oct 22 2007, 04:57 PM
GRADE CAME TO QUESNEL AND I NEVER GOT TO SEE THEM! THEYRE THE BEST BAND OF ALL TIME KSDJFHSDKJFHksjfhssd
Oct 17 2007, 04:24 AM
grade did have a reunion show nubs, summer of 2006. im pretty sure it was at the opreas house n u can get vids of it on youtube.
Oct 05 2007, 10:15 AM
Grade is the number one band on my wist list of bands to reform. I still listen to their CD's as much as the day I first got them.
Sep 11 2007, 07:43 PM
this is probably the only band that really matters... sucks they broke up and couldnt make the reunion show, but at least i was able to catch them at cb's way back in the day.