Time for Rock...
Hailing from the musical heartland of Maryland, Any% Given Sin burst onto the American rock scene in 2015. This band, with their raw energy and potent sound, quickly made a name for themselves.
Green Day, the undisputed kings of pop-punk, emerged from the vibrant Bay Area punk scene of the late 80s. Founded in 1987 by the dynamic duo of Billie Joe Armstrong (vocals, guitar) and Mike Dirnt (bass, backing vocals), the band initially went by the names Blood Rage and Sweet Children before settling on Green Day in 1989. They quickly became fixtures at the legendary 924 Gilman Street club in Berkeley, a hotbed for the burgeoning punk movement.
Their early recordings, released through Lookout! Records, showcased their raw energy and catchy melodies. Their debut album, 39/Smooth (1990), established their raw talent and laid the groundwork for their future success. The arrival of drummer Tré Cool in 1990, replacing John Kiffmeyer, solidified their classic power trio lineup.
The game-changer arrived in 1994 with Dookie, their major label debut on Reprise Records. The album exploded, selling over 10 million copies in the U.S. alone, and propelled Green Day into the mainstream. They became synonymous with the punk revival alongside fellow California bands like Bad Religion, the Offspring, Rancid, NOFX, Pennywise, and Social Distortion.
Dookie cemented their status as rock stars, but Green Day continued to push boundaries. Insomniac (1995), Nimrod (1997), and Warning (2000) all achieved significant success, though they didn't quite match the phenomenal heights of Dookie.
Their seventh album, American Idiot (2004), marked a new chapter. This ambitious rock opera resonated deeply with a younger generation, selling six million copies in the U.S. and solidifying their status as a true rock force.
Green Day's momentum continued with 21st Century Breakdown (2009), their most commercially successful album to date, boasting their best chart performance ever. The band then embarked on a bold experiment with the ¡Uno!, ¡Dos!, ¡Tré! trilogy (2012), a three-part album release. While the trilogy didn't quite reach the commercial heights of their previous efforts, it solidified their enduring creative spirit.
Green Day's journey has been one of constant evolution. From their humble beginnings in the Bay Area punk scene to their global domination as rock icons, they have consistently delivered catchy tunes, powerful lyrics, and unforgettable live shows. They remain a force to be reckoned with, continuously inspiring new generations of musicians and fans alike.
Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Atlanta, Georgia, Mastodon burst onto the heavy metal scene in 2000. This four-piece powerhouse, featuring Troy Sanders on bass and vocals, Brent Hinds on lead guitar and vocals, Bill Kelliher on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, and Brann Dailor on drums and vocals, has remained an unbreakable force since their formation.
Mastodon's unique blend of progressive, psychedelic, and heavy sounds has captivated audiences worldwide, culminating in an impressive eight studio albums and numerous other releases. Their debut, Remission, released in 2002, quickly gained critical acclaim for its groundbreaking sound.
Their second album, Leviathan, a concept album inspired by Herman Melville's Moby Dick, further cemented their position in the heavy metal pantheon. In 2004, the album was crowned "Album of the Year" by three prominent magazines: Revolver, Kerrang!, and Terrorizer, a testament to its creative brilliance.
Their third album, Blood Mountain, released in 2006, contained the Grammy-nominated track "Colony of Birchmen," a nod to the band's growing influence. The album was followed by the critically acclaimed Crack the Skye in 2009 and The Hunter in 2011. The Hunter achieved remarkable commercial success, debuting at number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying Mastodon's status as a major force in the US music market.
Mastodon's unwavering commitment to innovation and powerful sound has earned them a dedicated fanbase and cemented their place as one of the most influential heavy metal bands of their generation. Their journey continues to inspire and captivate, solidifying their legacy as true giants of the genre.
Highly Suspect, hailing from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, is a force to be reckoned with in the modern rock scene. This quartet, comprised of twin brothers Rich (bass, backing vocals) and Ryan Meyer (drums, backing vocals), alongside Johnny Stevens (guitar, lead vocals) and Matt Kofos (guitar, synthesizer, backing vocals), has climbed the ranks from humble bar cover band beginnings to international acclaim.
Their journey began in the early 2000s, honing their skills by performing covers of rock legends like Sublime, Jimi Hendrix, and Pink Floyd. They captivated audiences at various Cape Cod hotspots, including the British Beer Company, J.R. Brody's Roadside Tavern, and Sundancers. Early tours with bands like 10 Years, Monster Truck, and Sevendust further honed their live performance skills.
A pivotal moment arrived when they relocated to Brooklyn, New York. There, they crossed paths with producer Joel Hamilton, who helped them craft their debut EP, "The Worst Humans." This release was a taste of things to come, showcasing their raw energy and distinctive sound.
In 2015, Highly Suspect unleashed their full-length debut, "Mister Asylum." This album garnered critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. Their song "Lydia" also received a nod for Best Rock Song, solidifying their place as a leading force in contemporary rock.
They continued their ascent with "The Boy Who Died Wolf" in 2016, which spawned the hit singles "My Name Is Human" (topping the Billboard US Mainstream Rock Songs chart) and "Little One" (peaking at number 2 on the same chart).
2019 saw the release of their third studio album, "MCID," further solidifying their signature sound and expanding their fan base. The band continued to evolve, delivering their fourth studio album, "The Midnight Demon Club," in 2022.
Most recently, Highly Suspect has released their fifth album, "As Above, So Below" in July 2024. This record promises to be a defining moment for the band, pushing the boundaries of their sound and establishing them as a cornerstone of the contemporary rock landscape.
From humble beginnings in Cape Cod to a global audience, Highly Suspect's story is a testament to talent, perseverance, and a refusal to compromise their artistic vision. They've proven their ability to captivate audiences with their intense live shows and infectious music, solidifying their status as one of the most exciting rock bands today.
Tears for Fears, the iconic English pop-rock band, emerged from the ashes of their mod-influenced first band, Graduate, in 1981, Bath, England. Founded by the songwriting duo of Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal, they quickly became synonymous with the vibrant synth-pop scene of the 1980s, riding the wave of the Second British Invasion to international stardom.
Their debut album, "The Hurting" (1983), stormed the UK charts, reaching the coveted number one spot. The album's first three singles, "Mad World," "Change," and "Pale Shelter," all landed in the top five of the UK Singles Chart, establishing their presence as a force to be reckoned with.
The band truly ascended to global acclaim with their sophomore effort, "Songs from the Big Chair" (1985). The album topped the US Billboard 200 chart, achieving multi-platinum status in both the US and UK. "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," both reached the summit of the US Billboard Hot 100, while simultaneously securing top five positions in the UK charts. "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" went on to win the prestigious Brit Award for Best British Single in 1986.
Their follow-up, "The Seeds of Love" (1989), was a delayed but triumphant return, debuting at number one in the UK and generating the transatlantic top five hit "Sowing the Seeds of Love."
However, the band's success was overshadowed by the acrimonious split between Orzabal and Smith after the "Seeds of Love" tour in 1990. Orzabal retained the Tears for Fears name, embarking on a solo career with the albums "Elemental" (1993) and "Raoul and the Kings of Spain" (1995), the former yielding the international hit "Break It Down Again."
Thankfully, in 2000, the duo reconciled, releasing the album "Everybody Loves a Happy Ending" in 2004, marking a return to their collaborative roots. Since then, Tears for Fears have continued to tour semi-regularly, proving their enduring popularity.
After a near-decade of development, their seventh album, "The Tipping Point," saw release in 2022. The album earned them their sixth UK Top 5 album, marking their highest chart peak in 30 years, and also cracked the Top 10 in numerous other countries, including the US.
In 2021, Orzabal and Smith were honored with the Ivor Novello Award for 'Outstanding Song Collection,' acknowledging their "era-defining Tears for Fears albums" and their "critically acclaimed, innovative hit singles."
Tears for Fears remain a potent force in the world of music, their legacy cemented by a string of groundbreaking albums, iconic singles, and an enduring impact on the sound and style of pop-rock.
Hailing from the heart of Los Angeles, California, Budderside is a hard-hitting rock band forged in the year 2000 by the visionary Patrick Stone. Their raw energy and infectious riffs caught the ear of the legendary Lemmy Kilmister, who signed them to his Motörhead Music label, a testament to their potent sound.
Budderside has unleashed two full-length albums, "Spiritual Violence" and their self-titled "Budderside," each showcasing their unyielding spirit and powerful songwriting. The current lineup features the dynamic Patrick Alan Stone on vocals, the blistering guitar work of Sam Bam Koltun and Logan Nikolic, and the driving rhythm section of Jeff Dewbray on drums.
Their tracks, "The Truth" and "Power Hour," have been embraced by the influential DJ Matt Pinfield on Los Angeles' 95.5 FM KLOS, further solidifying Budderside's status as a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene.
Gel, hailing from the hardcore heartland of New Jersey, are a band that's been shaking up the scene with their ferocious blend of traditional punk and brutal energy. Born in 2018 as a side project of the powerviolence outfit Sick Shit, Gel's members already had a reputation for sonic intensity.
Their sound is rooted in the raw power of Sick Shit, but they inject a distinct hardcore punk flavor, drawing inspiration from the legends of the genre. The band's impressive output includes a full-length album, two EPs, a demo, and a split mini-album, showcasing their prolific creativity. Their music is raw, fast, and relentless, a sonic assault that leaves you breathless and wanting more.
From Sick Shit to Gel: A Change in Direction
Gel's story begins with Sick Shit, a powerviolence band founded by guitarist Bobko and drummer Zach Miller. Sami Kaiser soon joined the ranks, solidifying their lineup. When Sick Shit's bassist departed, Anthony Webster stepped in, eventually transitioning to guitar. It was this lineup that birthed Gel, a space to explore a more traditional hardcore punk sound.
A Legacy of Releases:
Gel's rise to prominence was marked by a steady stream of releases. Their self-titled debut EP in 2019 introduced the world to their potent sound, followed by the "HC For The Freaks" tape later that year. 2021 saw the release of their second EP, "Violent Closure," solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with.
Critical Acclaim and Impact:
Gel's impact on the hardcore scene is undeniable. Huw Baines, writing for NME, declared them a significant force in shaping the sound of hardcore in 2023. Their raw energy and unique blend of influences have inspired a new generation of hardcore punks, solidifying their place in the underground.
Gel is more than just another hardcore band. They are a vital force, pushing the boundaries of the genre and redefining the sound of punk rock. Their music is a call to action, a sonic rebellion against the norm, and a testament to the enduring power of hardcore punk.
