Magnus Rising started with an ad in a local university newspaper seeking a few guys to play heavy metal tunes together. Aaron, Matt, and Roger liked what they heard after the first of many midnight rehearsals, and they have been writing and performing together ever since. Nick James, an aspiring session drummer at the age of 18, joined the band in mid 2008, and has since brought to the band a style of his own. Creating something altogether new to all of them, vocalist Aaron Hawkins, bassist Matt Snow, guitarist Roger Cranford, and drummer Nick James set out to play the greatest stages the world has to offer. Early in their musical career, huge strives were made. After overcoming the loss of thier jam space and most of their equipment, Magnus Rising set their sights on their first studio recording. Magnus Rising EP (2005 release) was well received and made airplay on local radio stations. Seemingly that was not enough, in the fall of 2005 Magnus Rising toured Eastern Canada, reaching as far as Montreal. Riding on their newly recorded Ep and their highly recognized live show Magnus Rising relocated to Vancouver BC. In a very short period of time Magnus Rising found their place on the Western seaboard. In early 2007 they began preproduction on their first major studio effort, which would later become "Counting the Numbers." After spending much of that year in and out of the studio a Dec. 2007 release was set. With the CD, Magnus Rising has since toured Western Canada twice and made radio play, but more importantly solidified the face behind the throne with Nick James. After the completion of their latest tour, Magnus Rising opened for ICED EARTH at the Commodore Ballroom. With a packed house of screaming fans, there wasn't a disappointed face in the house. Shuffling through songs old and new there was a true connection with the crowd. Since the performance the band has been approached to serve many venues worldwide. Magnus Rising continue to broaden their horizons, joining forces with CMEL8R records, expect their latest studio effort to be released in early 2010.