All Systems Go!

All Systems Go! first formed due to the creative initiative of John Kastner, formerly of the Doughboys; he was an experienced vocalist, guitarist, and also the band's main songwriter. After joining forces with Mark Arnold (guitar, vocals) in Montreal in 1998, the duo relocated to Toronto, determined to record their debut album together. Bassist Frank Daly and drummer Matt Taylor rounded up the group that soon entered a local studio to work on their full-length, and counting on the production duties of Daniel Rey (the Ramones, L7, the Misfits). All Systems Go!, the band's eponymous debut album, hit the record stores not long after, and soon the group entered on an extensive tour which included opening slots for Pearl Jam and a spot on the Warped Tour. During the following period the crew remained inactive, only reorganizing in late 2000, with the additions of Dean Bentley substituting for Taylor, and Peter Arsenault (guitar). Dedicating the following months to an intense touring schedule in Canada and the U.S, All Systems Go! eventually sealed a deal with Australia's Shock Records; a move which boosted the band's first album all over again. All Systems Go! then started preparing for yet another tour, this time alongside the Satanic Surfers, which included shows in Europe and in Australia.