# Tusk II — Royal Tusk

- **Artist:** [Royal Tusk](https://musiclist.ca/artist/royal-tusk)
- **Format:** ALBUM
- **Release Date:** 2018-10-26
- **Record Label:** MNRK Heavy
- **Total Tracks:** 10
- **MusicList Registry URL:** https://musiclist.ca/releases/tusk-ii
- **Spotify:** https://open.spotify.com/album/2SNhkWR9piKEwse7WJtgFl
- **Apple Music:** https://music.apple.com/ca/album/tusk-ii/1435212555

## The Story of the Release

Tusk II is the acclaimed sophomore studio album by Edmonton rock trio Royal Tusk, released on October 26, 2018 via Entertainment One (MNRK Heavy). Recorded at The Machine Shop in Belleville, New Jersey with producer Machine (Clutch, Lamb of God), the album channeled raw frustration, political turbulence, and social consciousness into thunderous, blues-infused heavy rock anthems. Powered by top-charted Canadian rock radio hits including 'Aftermath', 'Die Knowing', and 'First Time', Tusk II expanded the band's international profile and spurred extensive North American touring.

## Canadian Press & Critical Reception

> "Tusk II is a thunderous blast of hard rock that pairs arena riffs with Daniel Carriere's soaring, soulful vocals."
> — **Exclaim!** (2018-10-24) [Read Article](https://exclaim.ca/music/article/royal_tusk-tusk_ii)

> "Tusk II captures Royal Tusk at the peak of their heavy blues-rock power with massive guitar hooks and hard-hitting rhythms."
> — **The Spill Magazine** (2018-10-26) [Read Article](https://spillmagazine.com/spill-album-review-royal-tusk-tusk-ii/)

> "A raw and unapologetic modern rock album built on muscular riffs and emotive storytelling."
> — **Metal Nexus** (2018-10-25) [Read Article](https://metalnexus.net/album-review-royal-tusk-tusk-ii/)

## Complete Track-by-Track Liner Notes & Credits

### 01. First Time (3:43)
- **Performance & Session Musicians:**
  - **Daniel Carriere**: Lead Vocals, Guitars, Songwriting [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/daniel-carriere)
  - **Quinn Cyrankiewicz**: Guitars [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/quinn-cyrankiewicz)
  - **Sandy MacKinnon**: Bass [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/sandy-mackinnon)

### 02. Aftermath (3:45)
- **Story:** "Top-10 Canadian rock radio smash channeling disillusionment into an irresistible anthemic hook." — *Exclaim!*
- **Performance & Session Musicians:**
  - **Daniel Carriere**: Lead Vocals, Guitars, Songwriting [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/daniel-carriere)
  - **Quinn Cyrankiewicz**: Guitars [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/quinn-cyrankiewicz)
  - **Sandy MacKinnon**: Bass [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/sandy-mackinnon)

### 03. Die Knowing (3:14)
- **Performance & Session Musicians:**
  - **Daniel Carriere**: Lead Vocals, Guitars, Songwriting [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/daniel-carriere)
  - **Quinn Cyrankiewicz**: Guitars [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/quinn-cyrankiewicz)
  - **Sandy MacKinnon**: Bass [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/sandy-mackinnon)

### 04. Under Northern Skies (3:36)
- **Performance & Session Musicians:**
  - **Daniel Carriere**: Lead Vocals, Guitars, Songwriting [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/daniel-carriere)
  - **Quinn Cyrankiewicz**: Guitars [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/quinn-cyrankiewicz)
  - **Sandy MacKinnon**: Bass [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/sandy-mackinnon)

### 05. Freedom (3:23)
- **Performance & Session Musicians:**
  - **Daniel Carriere**: Lead Vocals, Guitars, Songwriting [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/daniel-carriere)
  - **Quinn Cyrankiewicz**: Guitars [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/quinn-cyrankiewicz)
  - **Sandy MacKinnon**: Bass [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/sandy-mackinnon)

### 06. Long Shot (3:21)
- **Performance & Session Musicians:**
  - **Daniel Carriere**: Lead Vocals, Guitars, Songwriting [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/daniel-carriere)
  - **Quinn Cyrankiewicz**: Guitars [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/quinn-cyrankiewicz)
  - **Sandy MacKinnon**: Bass [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/sandy-mackinnon)

### 07. The Ride (3:31)
- **Performance & Session Musicians:**
  - **Daniel Carriere**: Lead Vocals, Guitars, Songwriting [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/daniel-carriere)
  - **Quinn Cyrankiewicz**: Guitars [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/quinn-cyrankiewicz)
  - **Sandy MacKinnon**: Bass [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/sandy-mackinnon)

### 08. Reflection (3:57)
- **Performance & Session Musicians:**
  - **Daniel Carriere**: Lead Vocals, Guitars, Songwriting [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/daniel-carriere)
  - **Quinn Cyrankiewicz**: Guitars [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/quinn-cyrankiewicz)
  - **Sandy MacKinnon**: Bass [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/sandy-mackinnon)

### 09. Control (3:40)
- **Performance & Session Musicians:**
  - **Daniel Carriere**: Lead Vocals, Guitars, Songwriting [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/daniel-carriere)
  - **Quinn Cyrankiewicz**: Guitars [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/quinn-cyrankiewicz)
  - **Sandy MacKinnon**: Bass [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/sandy-mackinnon)

### 10. Ungodly (4:09)
- **Performance & Session Musicians:**
  - **Daniel Carriere**: Lead Vocals, Guitars, Songwriting [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/daniel-carriere)
  - **Quinn Cyrankiewicz**: Guitars [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/quinn-cyrankiewicz)
  - **Sandy MacKinnon**: Bass [SOURCED] [Profile](https://musiclist.ca/person/sandy-mackinnon)

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*Documented and verified via MusicList.ca — Canada's Independent Music Registry.*