The Alberta trio, Royal Tusk released their new album, Altruistic back in February via MNRK Heavy. A clutch of classy singles highlighted their signature blend of hypnotic hooks and hard-hitting riffs, offset by off kilter rhythms and undeniably forthright lyrics. “When an album kicks supreme ass, I’ll play air guitar or pretend I’m singing,” says bassist Sandy MacKinnon. “We want our music to inspire a physical reaction, because we put so much into the lyrics and writing. I hope you want to blast it in your car and headbang.” 

Sandy now joins us for a Why I Love on a band who invoke exactly that response – Deftones.

When I was sitting down to write my portion for “why I love…”, I had a pile of artists jump into my mind about who would fit this bill. Now, the thing about Royal Tusk, is every member has an insanely diverse and unique love and taste in music and I figured I would want to represent each member fittingly with one common group in which we all vibe.

I chose Deftones. The way this group manages to integrate heavy, haunting groves while still staying melodic, keeps me wanting more. The super low groves almost weigh heavy on your chest, and when music has that ability, it’s special. They can move from the sweetest of melodies, to an absolutely punishing groove. When I was young, and I’m sure the other fellas would agree, it just seemed so new and original. How sometimes it could be so slow and heavy, making you just wanna slowly bang your head, almost like you are falling in slow motion, and then “BAM” it brings you into another world. 

When we were writing our new record Altruistic, we definitely had some inspiration we pulled from Deftones. Specifically in the song, which is also my favourite, All My Life. The proof is that sometimes less can be more. Just staying on one note, everyone simultaneously playing it together, not really riffing, just grooving, y’know? It can be really powerful. 

I’ve seen ‘em at festivals when I’ve been an opener and watchin ‘em still makes you feel like a kid. This band fuckin pumps, and having just been writing about ‘em, I’m gonna jump into my truck and go for a rip in the Canadian snowy winter and blast some Deftones while I go get some dog food for my pups. 

Hell ya!

Our thanks to Sandy for his insight – not the first WIL to pick out this band!

Royal Tusk image by Kidpixel &Travis Nesbit

Royal Tusk online: Facebook / X – formerly Twitter / Youtube

You can read more from our extensive archive of Why I Love pieces from a wide array of artists on an even wider array of subjects, here.

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