Vancouver Island Heavy
Metal

Hailing from Port McNeill on northern Vancouver Island, Sidewinder is an old-school metal band led by powerhouse vocalist/lyricist Riley MacNeil and guitarist/producer Jaydan MacNeil.

Riley’s gritty, soaring vocals give the band its commanding voice, shifting from melodic restraint to full-throttle metal wails. Underneath, Jay’s precision-driven guitar work combines razor-sharp riffs, harmonized leads and carefully constructed solos with driving rhythms and massive hooks. Together, they form the creative core of a sound that is heavy and aggressive without sacrificing melody or memorable songwriting.

Sidewinder draws from the speed, musicianship and larger-than-life character of classic metal while bringing its own identity to the style. With a growing catalogue of original material and development underway alongside producer Garth Richardson, the band is focused on creating metal that feels timeless rather than nostalgic—powerful vocals, relentless guitars and songs built to leave a mark.