Bringing The Darkness To The Light, July 6, 2026

Bringing The Darkness To The Light with Catherine Nadal Patrick Gagliardi on Hard Rock, Truth, and the Long Road Back to the Stage Guest, Patrick Gagliardi, vocalist for STORM FORCE From Drummer to Front Man In this episode of Bringing the Darkness to the Light, host Catherine Nadal welcomes Patrick Gagliardi, vocalist for the Canadian rock band Storm Force. Patrick explains that his musical life began not as a singer, but as a drummer at around age twelve. Because his early bands often struggled to find a vocalist, he began drumming and singing, eventually moving fully into the role of lead singer. He traces his path through early bands, cover projects, and different musical styles, while emphasizing that hard rock was always his real passion. Family Music, Niagara Falls, and the Hard Rock Path Patrick describes growing up in a musical family near Niagara Falls, Canada, with brothers who played guitar and sang, and a mother who had once been offered a chance to sing backup for a touring band before life circumstances changed her path. He says he was the family member who moved most strongly into hard rock, becoming the “black sheep” musically. His influences included bands such as Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Kiss, Triumph, April Wine, Aldo Nova, and other classic rock and hard rock acts that shaped his understanding of performance, songwriting, and stage presence. Greg Fraser, Storm Force, and the First Album Patrick explains how he connected with Greg Fraser, guitarist from Brighton Rock, whom he had known since childhood through his brother. The two had once worked on a song called “Saviour” many years earlier, but schedules prevented the project from moving forward. Around 2018 or 2019, Greg reached out again, Patrick went into the studio, and Storm Force began to take shape. Their first album, Age of Fear, was released in January 2020 and received strong reviews internationally, but the COVID shutdown soon derailed touring and live-performance opportunities. Songs of Support, Gratitude, and Escape Catherine and Patrick discuss several songs from Age of Fear. Patrick describes “Breathe” as a song connected to depression and the importance of support, framed through a relationship where one partner helps lift the other through darkness. Catherine connects that message to mental health awareness and the importance of support systems. Patrick then explains “Because of You” as a positive relationship song about achievement, gratitude, and strength through another person, while noting that some listeners interpret it in a religious way. He later describes “Dirty Vegas” as a pure party song about nightlife, celebration, and the kind of fun that may come with a few regrets the next morning. Surface Tension and the Development Years The conversation returns to Patrick’s earlier band Surface Tension, which he describes as melodic hard rock with some heavier edges. Active in the early-to-mid 1990s, the band toured Canada, opened for Canadian acts, and gave Patrick crucial experience as a performer. He says those years taught him how to manage a band, handle time on the road, command a stage, and become a front man. He also reflects on the shifting musical climate of the 1990s, when grunge changed the industry and affected many hard rock and melodic rock bands. Building Big Sound With the Right People Patrick discusses the collaborative and production side of Storm Force, including the importance of band chemistry and mutual respect among musicians. He praises producer Darius Szczepaniak, explaining that Darius helped make the band sound big, contributed symphonic and keyboard elements, and remained the natural choice for the second album after working on the first. Patrick also mentions guest musicians on the new album, including keyboardist Ray Coburn, keyboardist Mike “Benny” Bedrosi, and cellist Margaret Maria, who contribute additional texture to the band’s sound. Truth, BraveWords Records, and What Comes Next The interview closes with Storm Force’s upcoming album Truth, scheduled for release through BraveWords Records. Patrick says the title track is not tied to any specific political leader, but is a fictional story about people rising up when someone takes advantage of a country. He describes it as a song about revolution, while making clear that Storm Force is not primarily a political band. Patrick also discusses plans for social media, videos, possible shows, festivals, and select live dates rather than a large tour. Catherine thanks Patrick, BraveWords Records, and Michael Brandvold, then closes the episode with Storm Force’s song “Truth.”