THE RISE AND FALL OF A MYSTIC MADMAN AND HIS BATTLE TO SAVE THE WORLD
Brother 12 is a contemporary rock opera inspired by the true story of religious fanatic Edward Arthur Wilson and his transformation into one of Canada's most nefarious cult leaders. Fuelled by a post-punk soundtrack, this twisted tale of greed, corruption, and desire highlights a dark chapter in Canadian history.
1. Prelude
Music and lyrics by GW Brazier (1:39)
Edward Arthur Wilson receives a message from a celestial brotherhood warning him of the world's imminent destruction.
2. Message From The Masters
Music and lyrics by GW Brazier (4:07)
Believing he has been chosen as their earthly conduit, Wilson becomes Brother 12, accepting the role with great aplomb.
3. Join The Club
Music by GW Brazier and Aras Bukauskas; Lyrics by GW Brazier (4:08)
He begins to recruit followers, promising a sanctuary where the chosen will be spared from the impending apocalypse.
4. Goldmine
Music by GW Brazier; Lyrics by GW Brazier and Ian McLeod (2:12)
Reflecting on the expenses of redemption, Brother 12 justifies his material demands as a fee for his leadership.
5. Toll For Your Soul
Music by GW Brazier; Lyrics by GW Brazier and Ian McLeod (4:00)
Brother 12 begins to strip the followers of their possessions, reminding them that salvation isn’t free.
6. House Rules
Music by GW Brazier and Aras Bukauskas; Lyrics by GW Brazier and Ian McLeod (4:48)
A colony is built and Brother 12 instructs his followers that there are three rules to follow: Submit! Comply! Obey!
7. No Turning Back
Music by GW Brazier; Lyrics by GW Brazier and Ian McLeod (1:41)
The followers believe they have finally found the acceptance they were searching for.
8. Divinely Entwined
Music and lyrics by GW Brazier (1:34)
Proselytising the belief in a universal soul, Brother 12 proceeds to seduce his followers as they entwine in orgiastic bliss.
9. Super Sex
Music by GW Brazier and Aras Bukauskas; Lyrics by GW Brazier (4:37)
What would a doomsday cult be without an orgy?
10. New Wave
Music and lyrics by GW Brazier (4:22)
Follower Mabel Zaworski discovers she is pregnant and the colony celebrates the coming arrival of an heir who will lead the next generation.
11. Not A Person But A Power
Music and lyrics by GW Brazier (5:20)
Celebration turns to rage when Brother 12 plans to eliminate the future threat to his power by terminating Mabel's pregnancy.
12. Cosmic Junkies
Music and lyrics by GW Brazier (5:06)
Brother 12 sets his nefarious plan in motion by having Mabel consume an exorbitant amount of narcotics.
13. Not A Person But A Power (reprise)
Music by GW Brazier; Lyrics by GW Brazier and Ian McLeod (1:53)
Brother 12’s followers begin to question whether his authority is truly divinely appointed.
14. In Charge
Music and lyrics by GW Brazier (3:25)
Brother 12 argues that spiritual leaders are governed by a different set of rules.
15. Unworthy
Music by GW Brazier and Aras Bukauskas; Lyrics by GW Brazier (4:49)
Mabel discovers that she has had a miscarriage, and begins to go insane with guilt.
16. Madame Z
Music by GW Brazier and Aras Bukauskas; Lyrics by GW Brazier (3:47)
Now convinced her miscarriage was the fault of the followers' lack of faith, Mabel transforms into Madame Z and dishes out sadistic retribution.
17. House Rules (reprise)
Music by GW Brazier and Aras Bukauskas; Lyrics by GW Brazier and Ian McLeod (2:12)
Furious and disillusioned, the followers rebel.
18. Fools And Traitors
Music by GW Brazier and Aras Bukauskas; Lyrics by GW Brazier (3:20)
Brother 12 rages at their mutiny and the followers react by setting the colony ablaze.
19. Message From The Masters (reprise)
Music by GW Brazier; Lyrics by GW Brazier and Ian McLeod (4:17)
The Masters revise their divine plan for the remaining followers. Who wants another chance at salvation?
Album Credits
Victor Levy — vocals (Brother 12)
Kathryn Riopel — vocals (Madame Z)
Edith Cardinal — vocals (Follower 1)
Chad Bernatchez — vocals (Follower 2)
Brad Myelde — guitars, keyboards, backing vocals
GW Brazier — bass, backing vocals
Kathryn Riopel — vocals (Madame Z)
Edith Cardinal — vocals (Follower 1)
Chad Bernatchez — vocals (Follower 2)
Brad Myelde — guitars, keyboards, backing vocals
GW Brazier — bass, backing vocals
Andrea DiTomaso — backing vocals
Pascal Racine — drums
Pascal Racine — drums
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Brad Myelde
Produced by GW Brazier
PAST PERFORMANCES
ALBUM LAUNCH
June 21, 2024 - Théâtre Sainte Catherine - Montreal
Victor Levy — vocals (Brother 12)
Kathryn Riopel — vocals (Madame Z)
Paula Davis — vocals (Follower 1)
Jayson Sharda — vocals (Follower 2)
Brad Myelde — guitar
Kathryn Riopel — vocals (Madame Z)
Paula Davis — vocals (Follower 1)
Jayson Sharda — vocals (Follower 2)
Brad Myelde — guitar
Pascal Racine — drums
GW Brazier — bass, co-producer
GW Brazier — bass, co-producer
Belinda Peres — director, co-producer
WORLD PREMIERE
December 3, 2022 - O Patro Vys - Montreal
Ian McLeod — vocals (Brother 12)
Cyriel Truchi-Tardivel — vocals (Madame Z)
Edith Cardinal — vocals (Follower 1)
Chad Bernatchez — vocals (Follower 2)
Brad Myelde — guitar
Cyriel Truchi-Tardivel — vocals (Madame Z)
Edith Cardinal — vocals (Follower 1)
Chad Bernatchez — vocals (Follower 2)
Brad Myelde — guitar
Pascal Racine — drums
GW Brazier — bass, co-producer/director
GW Brazier — bass, co-producer/director
Belinda Peres — co-producer/director
Photos by Ezra Soiferman