Louder Than Life

My Chemical Romance is an American rock band from New Jersey. The band's current lineup consists of lead vocalist Gerard Way, lead guitarist Ray Toro, rhythm guitarist Frank Iero, and bassist Mikey Way. They are considered one of the most influential rock groups of the 2000s and a major act in the emo and pop-punk genres, despite the band rejecting the former label.

Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Although the lineup changed several times in the early years, it has remained stable for most of the band’s history with Harris, lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson, drummer Nicko McBrain, and guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers. As pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal movement, Iron Maiden achieved significant commercial success with a series of albums certified Platinum and Gold in the UK and the US. Their early releases include the debut album "Iron Maiden" (1980), "Killers" (1981), and "The Number of the Beast" (1982), the latter being their first album with Dickinson, who replaced Paul Di’Anno as lead vocalist. "The Number of the Beast" became one of the best-selling and most influential heavy metal albums, with worldwide sales of nearly 20 million copies. Following lineup changes and a period of transition in the 1990s, the return of Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith in 1999 marked a resurgence in the band’s popularity. Subsequent releases such as "The Final Frontier" (2010), "The Book of Souls" (2015), and "Senjutsu" (2021) reached number one in more than 25 countries. Iron Maiden have sold over 130 million albums globally and have earned more than 600 certifications. They are regarded as one of the most influential and enduring heavy metal bands, having received multiple awards, including Grammy and Brit Awards. The band’s discography includes 41 albums: 17 studio albums, 13 live albums, four EPs, and seven compilations. They have also released 47 singles, 20 video albums, and two video games. Iron Maiden’s lyrics frequently explore themes such as history, literature, mythology, war, fantasy, science fiction, religion, and social commentary. As of 2019, the band had performed approximately 2,500 live shows. Their mascot, Eddie, has appeared on nearly all of their album and single covers and has become one of the most recognizable figures in heavy metal culture. Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Maiden Studio albums Iron Maiden (1980) Killers (1981) The Number of the Beast (1982) Piece of Mind (1983) Powerslave (1984) Somewhere in Time (1986) Seventh Son of a Seventh Son (1988) No Prayer for the Dying (1990) Fear of the Dark (1992) The X Factor (1995) Virtual XI (1998) Brave New World (2000) Dance of Death (2003) A Matter of Life and Death (2006) The Final Frontier (2010) The Book of Souls (2015) Senjutsu (2021)

Tool is an American progressive metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1990. The group consists of vocalist Maynard James Keenan, guitarist Adam Jones, drummer Danny Carey, and bassist Justin Chancellor, who replaced founding member Paul D'Amour in 1995. Tool has received multiple Grammy Awards, undertaken international tours, and achieved commercial success with several chart-topping releases. The band has released five studio albums, one EP, and one box set. Tool first gained attention with a heavy metal-influenced sound on their debut full-length album "Undertow" in 1993, following the earlier EP "Opiate" in 1992. They became associated with the progressive metal movement with their second album "Ænima", released in 1996. Their later work, including "Lateralus" in 2001 and "10,000 Days" in 2006, incorporated elements of musical experimentation, visual art, and thematic exploration of personal development, contributing to both critical and commercial success. Their fifth studio album, "Fear Inoculum", was released on 30 August 2019 and received widespread critical acclaim. Prior to its release, the band had sold more than 13 million albums in the United States. Tool has been described as a style-transcending act, drawing from progressive metal, avant-garde metal, post-metal, psychedelic and art rock. The band has maintained a complex relationship with the music industry, including disputes over censorship and a preference for privacy. The members of Tool relocated to Los Angeles during the late 1980s. Maynard James Keenan and Adam Jones met in 1989 and began collaborating musically, later joined by Danny Carey and Paul D'Amour. After performing locally, the band signed with Zoo Entertainment and released the EP "Opiate" in 1992, featuring tracks such as "Hush" and "Opiate". The band toured extensively in support of the release. In 1993, Tool released "Undertow", which expanded their sound and included singles such as "Sober" and "Prison Sex". The album achieved commercial success and was certified platinum. During this period, the band performed at major festivals including Lollapalooza. In 1995, Paul D'Amour left the band and was replaced by Justin Chancellor. The following year, Tool released "Ænima", produced by David Bottrill. The album was dedicated to comedian Bill Hicks and included tracks such as "Stinkfist" and "Ænema". Despite issues with censorship, the album achieved commercial success and was later certified multi-platinum. The band toured internationally and headlined major festivals. During the late 1990s, Tool became involved in legal disputes with their record label and management, which delayed further releases. In 2000, the band issued the box set "Salival", which included live recordings, a new track, and reinterpretations of earlier material. In 2001, Tool released "Lateralus", which marked a further development in their progressive and experimental style. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and earned a Grammy Award for the track "Schism". The band supported the album with extensive touring, including a series of performances with King Crimson. Their fourth studio album, "10,000 Days", was released in 2006 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The album included the single "Vicarious" and continued the band’s commercial success, although it received a more mixed critical response compared to its predecessor. Touring continued throughout this period, despite some interruptions. Between 2012 and 2019, Tool worked intermittently on new material while touring. Delays were attributed to legal issues and other commitments. In 2019, the band released "Fear Inoculum", their first album in 13 years. The album topped charts internationally and won a Grammy Award for the track "7empest". Around the same time, the band made their catalogue available on digital streaming platforms. In 2020, Tool postponed and cancelled tour dates due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, they released a re-recorded version of "Opiate" titled "Opiate²". From 2022 onwards, the band began developing material for a sixth studio album, with members indicating ongoing writing and recording activity and a possible release targeted for the late 2020s. Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tool_(band) Studio albums Undertow (1993) Ænima (1996) Lateralus (2001) 10,000 Days (2006) Fear Inoculum (2019)

Limp Bizkit is an American nu metal band from Jacksonville, Florida, consisting of lead vocalist Fred Durst, drummer John Otto, guitarist Wes Borland, and turntablist DJ Lethal. Their music is characterized by Durst's aggressive vocal style and Borland's experimental guitar work. The band has been nominated for three Grammy Awards, sold 40 million records worldwide, and received multiple other awards. The band was formed in 1994 by Durst and bassist Sam Rivers and was soon joined by Otto and later Borland. Limp Bizkit gained recognition in the Jacksonville underground music scene in the late 1990s and signed with Flip Records, distributed by Interscope, releasing their debut album "Three Dollar Bill, Y'all" in 1997. They achieved mainstream success with the albums "Significant Other" (1999) and "Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water" (2000), though their rise was accompanied by controversies related to performances at Woodstock '99 and the 2001 Big Day Out festival. Borland left the band in 2001, and Durst, Rivers, Otto, and Lethal continued with guitarist Mike Smith. Following the release of their fourth album "Results May Vary" (2003), Borland returned to record the EP "The Unquestionable Truth (Part 1)" (2005) with Durst, Rivers, Lethal, and drummer Sammy Siegler before the band went on hiatus. In 2009, Limp Bizkit reunited with Borland and resumed touring, culminating in the release of "Gold Cobra" (2011). The band subsequently left Interscope, signed with Cash Money Records, and saw DJ Lethal briefly leave before returning in 2018. After years of teasing an album tentatively titled "Stampede of the Disco Elephants," they released their sixth studio album "Still Sucks" on October 31, 2021. Founding bassist Sam Rivers, who recruited Otto into the band, died in October 2025. Limp Bizkit has released 26 singles, with notable tracks including "Nookie," "Re-Arranged," "Break Stuff," "Take a Look Around," "Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)," "My Generation," "My Way," "Eat You Alive," and a cover of The Who's 1971 single "Behind Blue Eyes," all of which have reached the top 20 of the US Alternative Airplay Chart. Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limp_Bizkit Studio albums Three Dollar Bill, Y'all (1997) Significant Other (1999) Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000) Results May Vary (2003) Gold Cobra (2011) Still Sucks (2021)

Pantera is an American heavy metal band formed in Arlington, Texas, in 1981 by brothers Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul. The best-known line-up consisted of vocalist Phil Anselmo, bassist Rex Brown, and the Abbott brothers. The band are widely associated with the development and popularisation of groove metal during the 1990s, following an earlier period in which they performed glam metal. They have sold an estimated 20 million records worldwide and received multiple Grammy nominations. The band’s early years were marked by a glam metal style. With vocalist Terry Glaze, they released the albums "Metal Magic" (1983), "Projects in the Jungle" (1984), and "I Am the Night" (1985), all through their own label and with limited commercial impact. Seeking a heavier sound, the band recruited Phil Anselmo in 1986. Their fourth album, "Power Metal" (1988), showed a stylistic transition, combining elements of glam metal, traditional heavy metal, and thrash metal. Pantera achieved wider recognition after signing with a major label and releasing "Cowboys from Hell" (1990), which is often regarded by the band as their official debut. The album marked a shift to a heavier, groove-oriented sound. Its successor, "Vulgar Display of Power" (1992), further established their reputation, featuring a more aggressive vocal approach and heavier guitar work. The band’s popularity increased significantly during this period, aided by radio play and music television exposure. Their next album, "Far Beyond Driven" (1994), debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. During the mid-1990s, internal tensions began to emerge. Anselmo experienced chronic back pain, which led to substance abuse issues and strained relationships within the band. These tensions affected the recording of "The Great Southern Trendkill" (1996), with members working separately. Despite these difficulties, the band remained commercially successful and released the live album "Official Live: 101 Proof" in 1997. Their final studio album, "Reinventing the Steel" (2000), continued their established style and received positive chart performance. Pantera went on hiatus in 2001. Ongoing disputes, particularly between Anselmo and the Abbott brothers, led to the band’s breakup in 2003. Following the split, the Abbott brothers formed the band Damageplan, while Anselmo and Brown continued with other projects. On December 8, 2004, Dimebag Darrell was shot and killed on stage during a Damageplan concert in Columbus, Ohio. The incident also resulted in multiple additional fatalities. No definitive motive was established. After his brother’s death, Vinnie Paul later formed the band Hellyeah. He died in 2018 from heart disease, leaving Anselmo and Brown as the only surviving members of the classic line-up. In 2022, it was announced that Anselmo and Brown would reunite for a Pantera tour, using guest musicians to fill the roles of the deceased members. The reformed line-up began performing later that year and continued touring internationally into the mid-2020s. Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantera Studio albums Metal Magic (1983) Projects in the Jungle (1984) I Am the Night (1985) Power Metal (1988) Cowboys from Hell (1990) Vulgar Display of Power (1992) Far Beyond Driven (1994) The Great Southern Trendkill (1996) Reinventing the Steel (2000)

Ice Nine Kills is an American heavy metal band from Boston, Massachusetts. The band's music is primarily described as horror-themed metalcore, but incorporates many other musical styles. It was originally a ska punk band called Ice Nine, formed in 2000 by high school friends Spencer Charnas and Jeremy Schwartz, before adopting a metalcore style in 2010. Charnas is currently the only remaining founding member. The band is signed to Fearless Records.

The Mars Volta is an American progressive rock band formed in 2001. The band's only constant members are Omar Rodríguez-López and Cedric Bixler-Zavala, whose partnership forms the core of the band. The band's current line-up also includes founding member Eva Gardner (bass), Omar's brother Marcel Rodríguez-López, Leo Genovese and Linda-Philomène Tsoungui (drums).

Mastodon is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 2000, the band's lineup of Troy Sanders (bass/vocals), Brent Hinds, Bill Kelliher, and Brann Dailor (drums/vocals) remained unchanged for 24 years. Hinds departed Mastodon in March 2025, and died five months later in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta, Georgia.

Bilmuri is a American one man alternative/pop rock/post-hardcore project founded by former Attack Attack! member Johnny Franck in 2016. The name Bilmuri is a abbreviated parody of the great comedian and actor Bill Murray. Bilmuri debuted in 2016 with "Jaguar Shark", "Letters" and a self-titled album, followed up by "Frame" and "Banana" in 2017, along with "Taco" and "Solid Chub" in 2018. A year later in 2019, he would release "Pasteurized Milk", "Wet Milk" and "Rich Sips", which were all well received among his current fanbase. The project gained more attention from former Attack Attack! fans by releasing a single from "Rich Sips" entitled "Thicc Thiccly", featuring former Attack Attack! bandmate and Beartooth vocalist Caleb Shomo, parodying Attack Attacks hit single "Stick Stickly". In 2020, Bilmuri released a collaborative EP called "Bilmuri and Friends" (or "Muri and Friends" for short) with Dayseeker, No Dice, Tilian Pearson, Jonathan Young, Lauren Babic, Surf Team and Whale Bones. This was followed by the release of "400LB BACK SQUAT" in 2021 and "GOBLIN HOURS" in 2022.

Thomas Baptist Morello is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter and political activist. He is known for his tenure with the rock bands Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. Between 2016 and 2019, Morello was a member of the supergroup Prophets of Rage. Morello is also an occasional touring musician with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Under the moniker the Nightwatchman, Morello released his solo work. Together with Boots Riley, he formed Street Sweeper Social Club. Morello co-founded Axis of Justice, which airs a monthly program on Pacifica Radio station KPFK in Los Angeles.

Black Veil Brides is an American post-hardcore band based out of Hollywood, California and formed in 2006 in Cincinnati, Ohio . The group is composed of Andy Biersack (vocals), Jake Pitts (lead guitar), Jinxx (guitar, violin), Christian (CC) Coma (drums) and Lonny Eagleton (bass), who replaced their former bassist, Ashley Purdy, in 2019. Released on StandBy Records, the band's debut album, We Stitch These Wounds was released in July 2010 and sold nearly 100,000 copies in its first week, ranking at #36 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, and #1 on the Billboard Independent chart. Black Veil Brides are known for their distinct appearance, mainly being inspired by Kiss's famous stage persona as well as numerous 1980s glam metal acts. On June 14, 2011, Black Veil Brides released their second album, "Set The World On Fire", via label "Lava Records". This is the first album to feature new drummer, Christian Coma. Band: Andy Biersack (formerly Andy Six/Sixx) - Vocals Lonny Eagleton - Bass Jake Pitts - Guitar Jinxx - Guitar / Violin Christian "CC" Coma - Drums font: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Veil_Brides

Kublai Khan TX is an american Metalcore/Beatdown Hardcore band from Sherman, Texas, previously called Kublai Khan. The group formed in the summer of 2009 and have released four full-length albums. Kublai Khan self-released their first EP, Youth War in 2010. In February 2014, Kublai Khan signed to Artery Recordings. On April 29, 2014, the band released their debut full-length album titled Balancing Survival and Happiness. The album was listed in Alternative Press's "The Best Albums Of 2014 so far" list. On November 27, 2015, Kublai Khan released their second full-length album titled New Strength. In July 2017, Kublai Khan signed to Rise Records, and on September 29, 2017, they released their third full-length album titled Nomad. Kublai Khan play a style of metalcore reminiscent of the early 1990s Metallic Hardcore scene (Integrity, Earth Crisis, All Out War, Hatebreed). The band employs heavy, slow breakdowns, heavily downtuned guitars (sometimes 7-string guitars tuned to drop G#) and raspy vocals.

Underoath is an American rock band from Tampa, Florida. It was founded by lead vocalist Dallas Taylor and guitarist Luke Morton in 1997 in Ocala, Florida; subsequently, its additional members were from Tampa, including drummer, singer and last remaining original member Aaron Gillespie. The band's current lineup consists of Gillespie, keyboardist Christopher Dudley, lead guitarist Timothy McTague, bassist Grant Brandell, and lead vocalist Spencer Chamberlain. Originally, the band identified as a Christian group; they have since distanced themselves from Christianity.

President are an anonymous English rock band formed in 2025, who blend metalcore with electronica. The band had released no music and were unknown until they were announced to play at that year's Download Festival, sparking speculation to their identity. Their frontman, the eponymous President, is described by Revolver as "silver-haired, wearing an eerie, not-quite-lifelike mask etched with deep wrinkles and radiating wax-figure unease". They released their debut EP, King of Terrors, in 2025. Their debut studio album, Blood of Your Empire, is set for release on 4 September.

Palaye Royale is an American rock band from Las Vegas, formed in 2008 by brothers Remington Leith, Sebastian Danzig, and Emerson Barrett. Formed under the name Kropp Circle, the band released one EP and two singles before changing their name to Palaye Royale in 2011. Under this name, they have released five full-length albums and four EPs through Sumerian Records.

L.S. Dunes - guitarist Frank Iero (My Chemical Romance), guitarist Travis Stever (Coheed and Cambria), vocalist Anthony Green (Circa Survive), bassist Tim Payne (Thursday), and drummer Tucker Rule (Thursday/Yellowcard) migrated from rock’s thriving emo, post-punk and hardcore scenes searching to unshackle themselves from the expectations and aesthetics of their already successful careers. The seeds of promptu jam sessions was instantaneous. With the addition of Circa Survive’s vocalist Anthony Green, it was clear, this time the music formed the band. Members - Vocals - Anthony Green (Circa Survive, Saosin, The Sound of Animals Fighting) Guitar - Frank Iero (My Chemical Romance, Leathermouth) & Travis Stever (Coheed and Cambria) Bass - Tim Payne (Thursday) Drums - Tucker Rule (Thursday, Saetia) Discography - L.S. Dunes - Past Lives (2022) L.S. Dunes - Violet (2025)

Downswing is a five-piece metalcore band from Albany, New York. They rose quickly through the ranks to become one of the leading acts on Albany's HC scene. Downswing were formed in early 2017 by guitarist Anthony Salvaggio, bassist Brandon Jared, and drummer Nick Manzella, who had previously worked together in a metalcore band called Animal. The musicians were eager to change up their sound, and as it happened, so was vocalist Brett Colvin, who has been singing in pop-punk bands for nine years without enjoying much success. After recruiting Colvin and guitarist Chris Arnold, Downswing's lineup was complete, and in March 2017 the band released a three-song demo, titled Swingstyle.

Metal Church is an American heavy metal band formed in 1980. Originally based in San Francisco, California, they relocated to Aberdeen, Washington the following year and briefly called themselves Shrapnel. Led by guitarist and songwriter Kurdt Vanderhoof, the band has released fourteen studio albums and is considered to be an integral part of the then-emerging Seattle heavy metal music scene of the 1980s, as well as pioneers of the thrash metal, speed metal and power metal genres. They achieved considerable popularity that decade, with two of their first three albums entering the Top 100 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. The band's early lyrical topics, such as conflict and paranoia, later expanded into philosophical, political and social commentary.

The Acacia Strain is an American metal band that was founded in 2001 and originally based in Chicopee, Massachusetts, but now based in Albany, New York. The group is currently signed to Rise Records and initially consisted of high school friends Vincent Bennett, Christopher Daniele, and Ben Abert, Karrie Whitfield, Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz, and Daniel Daponde joining shortly after. They recorded and released their debut album ...And Life Is Very Long in 2002 via Devil's Head records. The band has released thirteen full-length albums throughout their tenure.

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus is an alternative rock/post-hardcore band that was originally formed in 2003 in Middleburg, Florida, about 30 miles south west of Jacksonville. The current members of the band are Ronnie Winter, the lead vocalist, Joey Westwood, bassist, Josh Burke, guitarist, & Jon Wilkes, drummer, all of whom do back-up vocals. Art often thrives in the aftermath of adversity, and since we last heard from Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, there have been plenty of variables that the five-piece alternative rock act had to endure. But for the Middleburg, Florida-based band, hardships eventually ironed out thanks to unrelenting perseverance, paving the way for the band’s incredibly ambitious (and aptly titled) The Hell Or High Water EP, release August 24th, 2010. The self-released project comes on the heels of the band’s voluntary parting of ways with Virgin Records, the company that first signed the band for 2006’s gold selling Don’t You Fake It (spawning the smash single “Face Down”), followed by 2009’s Lonely Road (which debuted in the top twenty of the Billboard 200), but eventually became more of an albatross than an anchor for the burgeoning band. According to the Reap Song facts, the first single from The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus' third studio album, Am I the Enemy?, "Reap", was released via YouTube on March 24 2011, then for download a month later on April 26, 2011. The whole album was released on August 29, 2011. Ronnie Winter - Lead Vocals, Josh Burke - Guitar Randy Winter - Guitar Joey Westwood - Bass, Vocals Kris Comeaux - Drums, Vocals www.redjumpsuit.com www.myspace.com/redjumpsuit http://www.purevolume.com/theredjumpsuitapparatus www.twitter.com/redjumpsuit www.twitter.com/redjumpsuitfl http://www.facebook.com/redjumpsuitapparatus

Holding Absence is a rock band from Cardiff, Wales formed in 2015. The group consists of lead vocalist Lucas Woodland, guitarist Scott Carey, bassist Benjamin Elliot and drummer Ashley Green. The band released an initial collection of singles in 2017, as well as a split EP with Loathe in 2018, before finally releasing their debut record, Holding Absence, in 2019. They are signed with SharpTone Records. In April 2021, they released their second album, 'The Greatest Mistake of My Life'. They also announced a split EP with Alpha Wolf, titled 'Aching Longing' in June 2022. In August 2023, they released their third LP, 'The Noble Art of Self Destruction'.

Madball is an American New York hardcore band. Originated in the late 1980s as a side project of Agnostic Front, the band developed after Agnostic Front's vocalist Roger Miret would let his younger half-brother Freddy Cricien take the microphone and perform lead vocals during Agnostic Front shows. Following Agnostic Front's 1992 disbandment, Madball became the members' main project and many became a part of the band who were never in Agnostic Front.

I See Stars is an American electronicore band from Warren, Michigan, formed in 2006. It consists of lead vocalist Devin Oliver, guitarist Brent Allen, keyboardist and co-vocalist Andrew Oliver, and bass guitarist Jeff Valentine. The band has released all six of their studio albums, and other releases, through Sumerian Records.

Angel Du$t are an American hardcore punk supergroup formed in Baltimore, Maryland in 2013, made up of members of Turnstile and Trapped Under Ice . In 2018, they signed to Roadrunner Records. In 2019, Billboard noted them as one of the most important bands in broadening the scope of what hardcore punk is. Kerrang! included their 2019 album Pretty Buff as one of their "25 Best Albums of 2019" and Loudwire named it one of the 50 best metal albums of 2019.

The Word Alive is an American melodic metalcore/alternative metal band from Phoenix, Arizona, formed in 2008, the band is currently signed to Fearless Records. Their 2009 label debut, Empire reached position 15 on the Top Heatseekers, meeting a great amount of positive acclaim upon its release in 2009. The following year, the group recorded and released their debut full-length album, Deceiver on August 31, 2010, which reached 97 on the Billboard 200 and 15 on Independent Albums. The Word Alive has gained renown praise for their innovative style of modern metalcore; blending alternative metal and ambient elements into their overall delivery. The Word Alive was founded in 2008 by Craig Mabbitt (lead vocals) with Zack Hansen (lead guitar) and Tony Pizzuti (rhythm guitar) who were former members of the bands Calling of Syrens and Clouds Take Shape. As a side-project of Mabbitt during his part in Escape the Fate, the remaining required members he recruited to start The Word Alive were chosen to be Nick Urlacher (bass), Dusty Riach (keyboard) and Tony Aguilera (drums). The group recorded songs with the intention of releasing them as a self-titled EP, despite that it never surfaced. Later on, the band forced Mabbitt to leave due to their dissatisfaction with Escape the Fate's schedules, which required Mabbitt to work as a full-time member. The day after, Mabbitt posted a blog to his fans via his Myspace account explaining that leaving the band was not his decision and that "[The Word Alive] pretty much replaced me while I was on the road due to the fact that they wanted to tour and couldn't until I was available, I started that band with those guys and I'm very hurt at how they replaced me while I was touring...it's bullshit." On December 3, the band officially announced that Tyler "Telle" Smith, who was formerly one of the vocalists for In Fear and Faith and bassist for Greeley Estates, joined The Word Alive as their new frontman. Feeling somewhat stagnant in their progression beforehand, the addition of Smith catapulted the band’s ambitions to the forefront. With this initiation, their goals and aspirations were much more a reality, and they set to work on what would become their record label debut, Empire. During March 2009, the band were taken in with a contract by a new label, later on during the 26th of that month the group officially confirmed that the label they were then signed to was Fearless Records. Smith stated "We hope to just keep touring, touring, touring... we couldn't be happier or more appreciative to be on tour right now, I think despite having some of the worst luck in the early beginnings of being a touring band yet never missing a show, we always have a positive attitude and that will make us a stronger band." The band set out to create an EP to be released through the label wherein it was titled Empire and was recorded with producer Andrew Wade in Ocala, Florida. It was released on July 21, 2009 where it reached #15 on the Billboard Heatseeker chart. During February the band reached an agreement to leave founding drummer, Tony Aguilera out of the group. Both parties (Aguilera and the rest of the band) shared their concerns and reasoning for the matter publicly. It was overall described that the band wanted to pursue a different percussionist of alternate talent than the founding member. Aguilera was replaced with Justin Salinas, whom previously was a part of the bands Scars of Tomorrow and Catherine as well as serving as a past live drummer for MyChildren MyBride. In April 2010, The Word Alive entered the studio in Ocala, Florida with Andrew Wade to record their debut full-length album, Deceiver. By June, Deceiver was fully mastered and engineered. On June 23, 2010 the band premiered their first single from the album, “Epiphany” as streaming media online.The following day, Fearless Records released their 2010 Summer Sampler which also featured the track "Epiphany". A week later, the album's album art and track listing was released. Guitarist Zack Hansen explained upon this premiere that "We all felt like that was going to be the best choice considering how comfortable the recording process is with Andrew. The tracking was a lot of fun and everyone had a good time. We got the opportunity to stay in a house while we recorded and surprisingly we didn't party as much as I thought we would haha." Hansen later followed along explaining that his favorite track on the record is “The Hounds of Anubis”, which was written by him and Pizzuti and stated that he "wrote this song with an 'Egyptian feel' to it and I think we got our point across." Smith described that its lyrics describe the times of when The Word Alive overcame their hardships that they face with the help and support from their fans. "The Hounds of Anubis" was released as the album's second single on July 26, 2010. It premiered on the official Revolver website. By November of 2011, the band made plans to return to the studio on February 7, 2012 with Joey Sturgis to begin recording their next album, with an expected recording session lasting from that time until mid-March. However by February (and before the date of entering the studio), the announcement of two members leaving occurred; keyboardist, Dusty Riach and drummer, Justin Salinas were simultaneously confirmed to no longer be a part of the band. Salinas stated his reason was because he grew tired of touring, although Riach's reason was preferred to be kept silent. In regards to the band's second studio album, it was reported that 17 songs were recorded in its process. 13 of those will be on the standard edition of the album, while the another three will be included on the deluxe edition. The name of the album will be Life Cycles and both editions will be released the same day.On March 23rd of the year, the group issued a statement that 18-year old Arizona resident Luke Holland has joined as the new drummer, however, Holland was not included for the recording sessions of Life Cycles. The drumming for the record was done by a friend of the band named Matt Horn wherein Holland joined after these sessions were already completed. On March 18, 2014, the band released a new single entitled "Play the Victim." Along with the song, they also announced their third full-length album Real. would be released on June 10. The album would be the first to feature Luke Holland on drums. The band released their fourth album, Dark Matter, on March 18, 2016. The band also revealed the tracklist and a headlining North American tour with support from Fit for a King and Out Came the Wolves. The album's lead single, "Trapped", was released January 8. In November 2016, Luke Holland announced he would be leaving the band at the end of 2016 after finishing their last tour of the year to pursue other musical endeavors. In February 2017, the band announced that Matt Horn would be taking Holland's place as drummer. Shortly after, a new single "Misery" was released. On August 7, 2017, The Word Alive and Daniel Shapiro mutually announced they were parting ways due to a "new musical adventure" of Shapiro's. The next day, The Word Alive announced that they would be joining I Prevail on their Rage on the Stage Tour along with We Came as Romans & Escape the Fate.

Since forming at the University of Florida in 2017, [arist]Arrows in Action (singer/guitarist Victor Viramontes-Pattison, guitarist Matthew Fowler, and drummer/founding member Jesse Frimmel) have ascended from undergrads to underground buzz band on the back of a swirling blend of angular indie-rock, ‘80s electric sheen, and saccharine alt-pop – attracting more than a half-million Spotify listeners to their effortless melodies, vulnerable lyricism, and rich sonic ear candy. Now, their debut full-length, Built To Last, finds the fast-tracked Nashville trio at their most poignant and personal. Produced and mixed by longtime collaborator Dan Swank, the independently released Built To Last is the soundtrack to new beginnings and next chapters.

Born in a South Florida garage in the summer of 2022, Chained Saint's debut album, Blindside, combines the raw, organic riffery of the best old-school ‘80s thrash metal with a dash of modern-day brutality befitting the many challenges confronting the youth of 2024. The past and present collide, resulting in modern, metallic maelstrom made by a bunch of kids who play with fire in their veins — and their hands! Comprised of four high school students —Ethan Kahn 17 (guitar), Sebastian De Avila 18 (bass), Cameron Cottrell 18, (drums) and Sean Sterling 18 (vocals) — Chained Saint represent the latest generation pushing back with justifiable fury against the harsh realities of an unforgiving world. Blindside, produced by William DuVall of Alice In Chains, focuses that fury into a powerfully concise, eight-song LP. The album was recorded and mixed to analog tape with no computers involved whatsoever in the recording sessions. No AI. No studio trickery. No bullshit. Just real riffs made by real players. The end result is a ferocious set of performances that maintain the essential “tight-but-loose” naturalness of four musicians bashing it out in the same room together — a quality too often lacking in today’s digitally-driven musical landscape. Get to know Chained Saint now — so you can say you were there from Day One

Holy Wars in an american rock band founded by Katherine Pawlak (ex-Sad Robot) in 2017. Every war has its point of origin, that moment when some long- simmering conflict boiled over. It’s the archduke’s assassination. It’s the sinking of the Maine. For frontwoman Kat Leon, the music she’s created in dark pop powerhouse Holy Wars was precipitated by a sudden change, but at the same time, it was born from an inner conflict that had long been there.In 2015, the Connecticut-born songwriter was fronting the buzzing L.A. indie band Sad Robot, collaborating with musician Nick Perez on the project and taking part in all the attendant stuff: the video, the studio time, the album release, the photo shoots. Then everything stopped.Leon--whose thoughts and work had always been informed by the spectre of death and the occult--lost both parents in short order that year, plunging her into a grief she’d never known. Music stopped for a while, or at least performing did; for the next year, she saw Holy Wars erupt. In early 2017, Leon re-emerged, altered as an artist by her darkest days. Holy Wars became an extrapolation of the turmoil she felt inside: the sacred and the martial intermingled, doubt and hope at once. Leon had penned in Holy Wars’ first collection of songs a set of letters to grief.The twisting chord progressions Holy Wars employs might at times call to mind Radiohead circa OK Computer; the band’s cannon fire riffs and soaring melodies could be likened to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Kat Leon doesn’t whisper or put on airs as a singer; her voice rises from deep down and takes flight. Some musicians have an agenda; some just want to make people dance. This one is another animal altogether. Holy Wars is less a choice for Kat Leon and more an inevitability. The real war is inside, set in motion by personal grief. That she’s able to transform her grief and conflict into these acts of beauty for the rest of us to connect with--that’s the real gift.

Butcher Babies is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, consisting of frontwoman Heidi Shepherd, guitarist Henry Flury, Drummer Dave Nickles. Their debut album, Goliath, was released on July 9, 2013, via Century Media Records. It sold 3,300 copies in the US during its first week of release and charted at No. 3 on the Billboard Heatseeker chart and No. 112 on the Billboard 200.

200 Stab Wounds is a brutal death metal band from Cleveland, Ohio. They formed in 2019. The band consists of Steve Buhl (vocals, guitars), Lance Buckley (guitars), Ezra Cook (bass) and Owen Pooley (drums). Their lyrical themes include death and decay. They released their debut EP Piles of Festering Decomposition in 2020. In 2021, they released their first album named Slave to the Scalpel through Maggot Stomp. They are currently signed to Metal Blade Records.

Fox Lake is the name of two bands. 1) The more notable one are a hardcore/nu metal band from Denver, Colorado. They have played shows with Counterparts, SeeYouSpaceCowboy..., and are currently preparing for a U.S. tour with Within Destruction. 2) Fox Lake is also the name of a midwest emo/math rock band from Winnipeg, Canada. They've released a split with Sit Calm and a full length, and are gearing up in 2023 to play more shows. They share members with other local acts such as Storyteller and Viridians

sace6 is an alternative metal/rock band based in Los Angeles, California. Initially the solo project of lead singer Sace, now a duo with best friend & longtime collaborator, vocalist/guitarist Noah Thomas. Their sound can be described as a clash between elements of r&b and modern alternative metal. In January of 2026 it was announced that they had signed to Sumerian Records. With that came the release of the single ego, which in March of 2026 was followed up by covet alongside the announcement of their debut full length album brutalist set to release on May 8th, 2026.

Corpse Pile is a brutal death metal band from Houston, Texas that formed in the year 2019. The band consists of Jason (vocals), Landry (guitars) and Nikolie (drums). They have only released two demos and a split with Snuffed on Sight. They are not signed to any record label. Spotify Bandcamp Metal Archives Facebook Instagram Twitter

40 Below Summer is a nu metal music band from New Jersey, USA. Formed in 1998, 40 Below Summer came together after drummer and Peruvian native Carlos Aguilar met with singer Max Illidge. Joey D'Amico later joined the duo, followed by Jordan Plingos and Puerto Rican-born Hector Graziani. Their first album Side Show Freaks (1999) and EP Rain (2000) were self released. Invitation to the Dance (2001-2002) Eventually, a deal was signed with London-Sire Records. Their debut major label album Invitation to the Dance was released on October 16, 2001, and was produced by GGGarth. Two months after its release, Warner Music Group dissolved the London-Sire label, and the album was reissued by Warner's Reprise label. After performing on the Jägermeister Music Tour with Drowning Pool, Coal Chamber and Ill Niño, and then again with Slipknot, Fear Factory, and Chimaira, but only on select dates. They started to write material for their second album. While the band started writing almost immediately after the release of their previous album, they threw out some fifteen songs before coming up with twenty one that they reduced down to the final ten (plus a bonus track, "The Day I Died"). The Mourning After (2003-2005) Unsigned at this point, Razor & Tie Records saw the band in February 2003 when they played in New York with E.Town Concrete. A deal was signed in June just as the band entered the studio. The band would later strike a licensing deal with Roadrunner Records for the album's UK release. Their second album The Mourning After was released on October 28, 2003. Two singles were released from the album in "Self-Medicate" and "Taxi Cab Confession". The video for the former received a fair amount of airplay on MTV2's Headbanger's Ball. The band negotiated a release from their contract in 2004. Not long after this Jordan was temporarily replaced by Ty Fury. The band then recruited Ryan Juhrs (formerly of Flaw) to fill the spot officially and Carlos left soon after. Ali Nassar replaced Carlos, and after playing two shows under the 40 Below Summer moniker, they decided to rename the project Black Market Hero. They were soon joined by another former member of Flaw, drummer Micah Havertape, who replaced Nasser. In January 2006, Graziani was forced to leave the band due to severe hearing loss he had suffered after years of performing. Former Confliction bassist Matt Fortin joined in August 2006. Black Market Hero's first single, "Freedom Dealer," was released in summer 2007. The Last Dance (2006) Despite breaking up, 40 Below Summer released The Last Dance on October 31, 2006 via Crash Music Inc. The album features nine demo versions of songs intended for their third LP, as well as a bonus DVD featuring footage of the band's "last" performance at the Starland Ballroom (September 2005). The album sold 1,095 copies during its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan.[1] In October 2006, there was speculation that the band had reunited. This was later dismissed by guitarist Joey D'Amico who stated that the band was just going to do a few shows to promote the release of The Last Dance. However, D'Amico also stated that there was a possibility that 40 Below Summer would record a new album in the future. The band filmed a music video for the single "Relapse" with director Frankie Nasso. The song was originally written by 2005 guitarist Ty Fyhrie (Fury). Ty went on to work with the band Murder Of Crows but now resides in the band Dirty Little Rabbits with Slipknot percussionist M. Shawn Crahan also known as Clown. In a radio interview with All Knowing Force, Illidge stated that he expected 40 Below Summer would tour and play 5-10 shows a year. Although his main priority is with his new project Black Market Hero, he didn't rule out the possibility of the band one day recording another album. According to Max and Joey, 40 Below Summer is dead. The band did however re-issued their independently released EP Rain with seven bonus tracks on July 31, 2007 via Crash Music. In addition to the five songs originally released, seven demo tracks have also been included, as well as all new cover artwork. Sideshow Freaks was also re-released on July 15, 2008 by ex-Korn guitarist Brian "Head" Welch's record label Driven Music Group. Reformation and new album (2011–present) On July 12, 2010 it was announced that 40 Below Summer would play a reunion show on Saturday, October 2, 2010 at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, New Jersey. God Forbid played support. 40 Below played "Invitation to the Dance" from cover-to-cover. On April 20, Max Illidge posted on his Facebook stating "Starting pre production for the new 40 below record. Oh boy." indicating the band has reunited for a new record. The band's next two albums, "Fire at Zero Gravity" (2013) and "Transmission Infrared" (2015) were released by Super Massive Media Group.

Bodybox is an American brutal death metal/deathcore band from Orlando, Florida. Formed in 2021 and known for their aggressive, "doublewide" sound blending death metal, grindcore, and hardcore with crushing riffs, guttural vocals, and heavy breakdowns. Tackling themes of addiction, violence, and societal decay. Led by vocalist Harrison Brown, they've gained traction in the underground scene with high-energy shows and releases on labels like Maggot Stomp, releasing their debut album "3" in 2025.

No Resolve is an American rock band from Detroit formed in 2005 by lead singer Oscar Pegorraro, lead guitarist Jason Hatmaker, drummer Derek Bjornson, and bassist Dennis Patterson. Their debut EP, A New Beginning, was released in 2012 and their breakout single Get Me Out came out in 2013. Their full-length debut album Unity (2017), The Divide (2019), Shivers (2021), and Take Cover (2022) followed. The group signed their first record deal with Noise Machine Records in 2020. The band gained significant mainstream recognition for their cover songs, releasing rock versions most notably with Garth Brooks' The Thunder Rolls, and Sia's Unstoppable, which both reached #1 on Billboard's Hard Rock Digital Song Sales chart.