Wu Tiao Ren(五条人)

Slayer: The Kings of Thrash Metal

Slayer, hailing from Huntington Park, California, emerged in 1981 as a force of pure sonic aggression. Founded by guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, drummer Dave Lombardo, and bassist/vocalist Tom Araya, they quickly established themselves as a dominant force in the thrash metal scene. Their blistering speed and relentless intensity earned them a place amongst the "Big Four" of thrash alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax.

Slayer's musical style is defined by its raw power and uncompromising aggression. Their lyrics, often focusing on themes of serial killers, torture, genocide, and other dark subjects, have generated controversy and even bans throughout their career. But the band's influence on metal is undeniable. Their third album, Reign in Blood (1986), is considered one of the heaviest and most influential thrash metal albums ever released.

Their signature sound was forged through the songwriting partnership of King and Hanneman, who also contributed to the band's lyrics. While the band has undergone numerous lineup changes, the current iteration features King, Araya, drummer Paul Bostaph, and guitarist Gary Holt, who joined permanently after Hanneman's passing in 2013.

Throughout their career, Slayer have released a substantial body of work including twelve studio albums, three live albums, a box set, six music videos, two extended plays, and a cover album. Four of their studio albums have achieved gold certification in the United States, and they sold an impressive 5 million copies between 1991 and 2013, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Slayer's legacy is cemented as a cornerstone of thrash metal, a band that pushed boundaries and challenged conventions with their uncompromising sound and controversial lyrical content. Their influence can be felt in countless bands that followed in their wake, forever solidifying their status as true pioneers of the genre.

Skillet: A Rock Band Powerhouse

Skillet, a Christian rock band hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, has been shaking the music scene since 1996. Fronted by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo, John and Korey Cooper (lead vocals, bass, rhythm guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals), the band is also complemented by Jen Ledger (drums, co-lead vocals) and Seth Morrison (lead guitar).

Skillet's musical journey has seen them release eleven studio albums, including "Collide" and "Comatose," both of which garnered Grammy nominations. They've achieved massive commercial success, with "Comatose" going platinum and "Awake" soaring to double platinum status by the RIAA. "Rise" and "Unleashed" also achieved gold certifications. Their chart-topping singles, "Monster," "Hero," "Awake and Alive," and "Feel Invincible," have achieved multi-platinum status, while other hits like "Whispers in the Dark," "Comatose," and "The Resistance" reached platinum status.

Throughout their career, Skillet has weathered numerous lineup changes, leaving John Cooper as the sole remaining original member. Their unwavering dedication to touring has been a defining characteristic, earning them a top-five ranking in Songkick.com's "Hardest Working Bands of 2010."

Early Days: A Genesis of Rock (1996-2002)

The roots of Skillet can be traced back to two prominent bands from Tennessee: Seraph, featuring John Cooper on vocals, and Urgent Cry, featuring Ken Steorts on guitar. Both bands shared the stage on tour, but eventually disbanded. Their pastor encouraged them to collaborate, and thus, the name "Skillet" was born, initially intended as a side project.

Dethklok: The Metalocalypse's Reign of Parody

Dethklok, the fictional melodic death metal band from Adult Swim's animated series "Metalocalypse," is a masterclass in satirical metal mayhem. Known for their over-the-top lyrics and tongue-in-cheek humor, Dethklok quickly became a cult favorite, capturing the spirit of the genre with an unapologetic dose of absurdity.

Their debut album, "The Dethalbum," dropped on September 25, 2007, making a splash on the Billboard charts, landing at number 21. The band continued their reign of musical terror with "Dethalbum II" in 2009, hitting the road with fellow metal giants Mastodon, High on Fire, and Converge. Dethklok's third album, "Dethalbum III," saw the light of day in 2012, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with.

To bring their music to life on stage, a real-life band was formed, capturing the raw energy and monstrous sound of Dethklok. The brainchild of Brendon Small (creator of "Metalocalypse") and Tommy Blacha, this collaboration made the fictional band's musical dreams a reality. Small himself lends his talents to the music heard in the show and on the albums, recruiting a cast of seasoned musicians for live performances.

In 2017, Small released "Brendon Small's Galaktikon II," a solo album widely considered a continuation of Dethklok's legacy, a testament to the enduring power of the band's sound, even if the name itself remains under the control of Adult Swim. Dethklok has become more than just a fictional band; it's a cultural phenomenon, a testament to the enduring power of metal and the infectious humor that comes with it.

The werewolf in question is none other than Michael J. Wolf, frontman of Wolf-Face, a local punk band now achieving legendary status. Their sound echoes influences like the Misfits, Dillinger Four, Dead Mechanical, and even the late Jay Reatard.

Ten years ago, Tampa Bay was introduced to Wolf-Face when they emerged from their practice space, armed with anthems like "Give Me a Keg of Beer," "Be a Man!," and "​​I'm a Son of a Bitch." These songs, filled with biting lyrics, were a direct response to the producers of the 1985 film "Teen Wolf," who, according to Wolf, appropriated his life story and turned it into a movie.

Descartes a Kant is a Mexican group with a long history and a constantly evolving discography that fuses eclectic musical influences: experimental pop, avant-garde rock, punk and electronica, among others.

A Wilhelm Scream: A Melodic Hardcore Force from New Bedford

A Wilhelm Scream (AWS) is a melodic hardcore band from New Bedford, Massachusetts, known for their energetic, infectious, and often chaotic sound. Their music blends the intensity of hardcore with catchy melodies, drawing comparisons to bands like Strung Out, Hot Water Music, Propagandhi, and Strike Anywhere.

The band's name is a nod to the iconic "Wilhelm scream," a famous stock sound effect widely used in movies. This playful reference reflects the band's own unique brand of energetic and memorable music.

A Storied History:

AWS's journey began long before their current moniker. They emerged from the ashes of several earlier bands, including Adam's Crack, Koen, and Smackin' Isaiah. These early bands honed their musical chops, experimenting with styles like Nirvana-inspired grunge and skate punk/ska before settling on their signature melodic hardcore sound.

From Early Days to A Wilhelm Scream:

In 1993, the core of A Wilhelm Scream formed as Adam's Crack, releasing a demo cassette. Over the following years, members from several bands joined forces, forming Koen and eventually, Smackin' Isaiah, who released their first major recordings.

The transition to A Wilhelm Scream was a natural progression, marking a new chapter for the band as they solidified their sound and identity. The name change also reflected their commitment to crafting their own distinctive musical voice.

Stay Tuned for More:

A Wilhelm Scream's story is one of passion, perseverance, and evolution. They continue to captivate audiences with their high-energy live shows and compelling music, solidifying their place as a major force in the world of melodic hardcore.