Napoleon to hit Toronto with new music and a hometown performance at Sneaky Dee’s.
Ahead of the release of their upcoming EP, Toronto-based Napoleon will take the stage.
Known for their high energy, post hardcore style, the band says their music is best experienced live.
“We’re a post hardcore, kind of metal core like band, a very high energy, very in your face, kind of sound. People have told me that we are best served live. That’s what I’ve heard, not to toot my own horn, but that’s what they said. And yeah, I think we’re pretty cool,” said Jon Elmaleh, lead singer with Napoleon. “We got a new EP coming out on Friday. It’s the first of three self-titled EPs that are going to come out this year. Yes, each one has three songs on it. And I definitely think these are my three favorite songs that we’ve ever recorded, which is really exciting. It’s a lot heavier, a lot more aggressive than what we’ve had before. And, yeah, we’re just, we’re just really stoked to get into this here, because we feel like it’s new page for us, and we feel like we’ve just leveled up in every way.”
Unlike their 2024 EP Dear God, which explored themes of faith and doubt, the new project does not follow a single overarching concept. Instead, each track tells its own story, reflecting different experiences and moments the band has encountered.
One of the songs, No Victory, is inspired by the band’s experience touring in Timmins, Ontario, where they were warned about frequent vehicle break-ins.
“We were told to park our van with the trunk against the wall so when we got broken into, they couldn’t take anything big,” Elmaleh said.
Despite challenges on the road, the band views these moments as part of the touring experience rather than setbacks, shaping both their perspective and their music.
Playing at home holds particular significance, following a previous sold-out performance at the same venue. Hometown shows offer a stronger sense of connection, allowing the band to perform for friends, long-time supporters and a crowd that understands their journey.
Fans can expect a set featuring the full EP, along with unreleased material from upcoming projects. The band has also reworked older songs to match their newer, heavier sound, creating a more cohesive and intense live experience.
“We’re really excited to play this weekend. We’re excited to play the new EP in full, like we’re gonna play all three songs, and we haven’t played them yet,” Elmaleh said.
That excitement reflects the band’s confidence in their new material and the direction they are heading as they continue to evolve their sound.
“Yeah, we’re hoping that people really like these new songs. Like, I’m really stoked on them. Yeah, I know I was telling people that, like, on the last cycle, I feel like this one’s even like, better. Like, I feel like we’ve just once again taken a leap forward, and we’re I’m really stoked on these songs,” Elmaleh said.
Additional tracks such as Safe House on Fire and Feed with the Rats highlight the band’s evolving sound, incorporating darker themes and more experimental structures that push beyond their earlier work.
The band believes staying authentic has been key to their growth, choosing not to follow trends or fit into a specific music scene. Instead, the band focuses on creating music that reflects their own interests and experiences.
“We’ve kind of learned that you got to just do it because you love it,” Elmaleh said.
As the band prepares to take the stage in Toronto, the performance serves not only as a hometown return but as a statement of growth, marking a new chapter defined by heavier sound, creative risk, and a commitment to making music on their own terms.
