For nearly three decades, Ian Thornley and his band BIG Wreck have pushed the boundaries of rock music, blending virtuoso guitar work, intricate arrangements, and emotionally resonant lyrics. Their eighth studio album, The Rest Of The Story (Sonic Unyon, October 24, 2025), continues that tradition, offering a diverse musical journey that spans the playful to the profound.
From the first listen, it’s clear why producer Nick Raskulinecz calls Thornley “one of the best guitar players I’ve ever worked with.” Across eleven tracks, The Rest Of The Story showcases Thornley’s unparalleled skill and creative curiosity — from the shredding energy of “Holy Roller” to the introspective depth of “Out Of Range”, the socially aware angst of “Believer”, and the pastoral calm of “Laws Of Man”.
“Believer” — Angsty Rock Meets Timely Commentary
Lead single “Believer” sets a serious tone, with Thornley tackling modern disillusionment and personal resilience. Lines like “The experts say the experts lied / At least we tried, kiss them goodbye” capture a world that feels askew, while the soaring guitars and precise production heighten the song’s emotional impact. Fans immediately responded with enthusiasm, calling it “one of the best [songs] I’ve heard in 20 years” and praising Ian’s songwriting, vocals, and lead guitar work.
The track resonates not only for its musicianship but for its honesty. “Every time I think Big Wreck has peaked, Ian proves me wrong,” one fan wrote, while another noted, “Big Wreck is possibly the greatest current Canadian rock band!” On “Believer”, Thornley’s ability to marry introspective lyrics with expansive rock soundscapes proves why he remains a quietly dominant force in modern rock.
“Holy Roller” — Classic Rock Swagger with a Wink
In stark contrast, “Holy Roller” brings unbridled fun to the album. Originally darker in tone, the song evolved into a high-energy homage to party-spirited characters, with Thornley describing it as a “Frank the Tank” story akin to Old School. Musically, it’s a riff-driven tour de force with Van Halen-esque flair and a touch of Mr. Big, which fans immediately noticed: “Big Wreck meets Van Halen and Mr. Big — 🔥” and “Ian Thornley is a MONSTER!!”
The track’s playful tone acts as a release valve from the album’s heavier moments, showing Thornley’s humor and versatility. From the thundering riffs to the finger-tapping solo sections, “Holy Roller” proves BIG Wreck can still make fans of all ages throw caution (and air guitars) to the wind.
Balancing Introspection and Fun
Tracks like “Escaping In Place” and “Out Of Range” provide contrast to the album’s bolder moments. In “Escaping In Place”, Thornley explores self-imposed limitations and existential reflection, while “Out Of Range” drifts dreamily into introspection, offering moments of quiet before the band hits you with another riff-heavy gem. Meanwhile, “Laws Of Man” provides a pastoral, acoustic touch, rounding out the record with a sense of maturity and restraint.
The album’s sequencing is deliberate. Thornley and Raskulinecz maintain a creative dialogue that allows experimentation while keeping the songs focused, resulting in a record that feels cohesive despite its stylistic variety. Each track benefits from the intuitive chemistry between Thornley, bassist Dave McMillan, and drummer Sekou Lumumba, whose rhythmic prowess underpins the band’s dynamic guitar work.
Fan Reaction and Legacy
Early reactions reflect the album’s impact: listeners are thrilled to hear Thornley push both his playing and songwriting. Comments highlight everything from the “epic” chorus of “Believer” to the 1980s-inspired shredding in “Holy Roller”. Fans also appreciate the emotional connection, with one reminiscing about sharing BIG Wreck songs with his father, another marveling at the band’s creative consistency over decades. The album is proof that BIG Wreck continues to resonate deeply — technically, emotionally, and culturally.
Conclusion
The Rest Of The Story is a triumph, a showcase of Ian Thornley’s relentless musicianship and BIG Wreck’s tight, intuitive chemistry. It balances thought-provoking commentary, technical mastery, and pure rock-and-roll joy, ensuring both longtime fans and newcomers will find something to love. With “Believer” and “Holy Roller” leading the charge, this album cements BIG Wreck’s status as one of Canada’s most enduring and inventive rock bands.
I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.
