FRANKLIN is the melodic, sludgy, tension-building riff-machine your nightmares have been waiting for. Hailing from the isolated north in Whitehorse YT, this two-piece metal-menace born in the pits of a world pandemic features Kirsty Wells (Whitehorse YT) and Evan Joel (Vancouver BC). While Kirsty screams hauntingly harsh vocals and slams the fuzz and distortion-fuelled bass, Evan backs with raspy support vocals and drums hit hard enough to make ears bleed. FRANKLIN reflects the under-sung desolation, mania, and limitlessness typical of the vast north, and is currently the only femme-fronted metal project in the Yukon. 

Dubbed “gateway metal” by listeners, the duo spent 2025 sharpening their teeth with a storm of festivals and tour dates throughout the year, as well as four slow-burning but gnawing singles, a fiery music video, and a three-part live-off-the floor series. In 2026, the FRANKLIN expects to push themselves even further. 

Their first European showcase at Viva Sounds festival in Gothenburg, SE prompted international press coverage, and a new fan base in the Nordic region. 

FRANKLIN’s debut full-length album “decay” premiered January 31st, 2026 after making Exclaim! Magazine’s “Most Anticipated Albums of the Year” list, and was featured in Cups N Cakes “The Best of 2026 (so far)” list. 

This year will see FRANKLIN travel to tour dates across Canada, with several of those dates being festivals and showcases.