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.
Blondie: The New Wave Pioneers Who Conquered the Charts
Blondie, the iconic American rock band, burst onto the scene in New York City in 1974, spearheaded by the charismatic singer Debbie Harry and the masterful guitarist Chris Stein. They were early adopters of the nascent New Wave sound, carving their own path within the burgeoning American punk scene.
Their debut albums showcased a raw energy, blending punk and new wave influences, and while they quickly gained a passionate fanbase in the UK and Australia, Blondie remained somewhat under the radar in their home country. This changed with their 1978 release, Parallel Lines. This critically acclaimed masterpiece catapulted them to international fame, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with.
The next two years saw Blondie unleashing a string of chart-topping hits. "Heart of Glass" (US No. 1), "One Way or Another," "Dreaming," "Call Me" (US No. 1), "Atomic," "The Tide Is High" (US No. 1), and "Rapture" (US No. 1) dominated airwaves and solidified their status as musical titans. Blondie's eclectic sound, seamlessly blending disco, pop, reggae, funk, and early hip-hop influences, set them apart and captivated audiences worldwide.
After a remarkable run, Blondie disbanded in 1982 following the release of their sixth studio album, The Hunter. Their legacy as musical innovators and chart-topping superstars endures, cementing their place as one of the most influential and beloved bands of all time.
Slothrust: A Rock Band Built on Grit and Melody
Slothrust, pronounced "sloth-rust" (IPA: [ˈslɔːθˌrʌst]), is an American alternative rock duo hailing from Boston, Massachusetts. Formed in 2010, the band is known for its powerful sound and captivating lyrics, driven by the raw talent of Leah Wellbaum (vocals, guitar) and Will Gorin (drums).
Their journey began at Sarah Lawrence College, where Wellbaum and Gorin first crossed paths. After honing their skills in various school groups, the duo united to create music with a heavier, more impactful edge. The name Slothrust itself is a fusion of Wellbaum's former project, "Slothbox," and the word "rust," a fitting combination that represents the passage of time and the band's evolution.
Feels Your Pain (2012-2013)
Their debut album, Feels Your Pain, showcased Slothrust's raw potential with the lead single "7:30 AM." The track's compelling energy earned it a spot as the opening theme song for the critically acclaimed FX series, You're the Worst. The band further cemented its creative force through a collaboration with Wreckroom Records, releasing a cover of the Turtles' classic, "Happy Together."
Of Course You Do (2014-2015)
Slothrust continued its upward trajectory with the release of their sophomore album, Of Course You Do, through Ba Da Bing in February 2014. This record solidified their unique blend of rock and roll grit with introspective lyrical themes, further captivating audiences with their raw energy and undeniable talent.
Everyone Else (2016-2017)
The band's momentum reached new heights when they signed with Dangerbird Records on July 7, 2016. This milestone marked a significant step in their journey, signaling their growing influence within the alternative rock scene and promising even greater achievements to come.
Slothrust's story is one of dedication, raw talent, and a relentless pursuit of a sound that is uniquely their own. They continue to capture hearts and minds with their powerful music and captivating performances, proving themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the world of alternative rock.
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus: A Rock Band Story
Hailing from the sunny state of Florida, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus burst onto the scene in 2003, fueled by the friendship of Ronnie Winter and Duke Kitchens. These childhood buddies first bonded over their shared passion for music in an AP Music Theory class back in 2001. Their musical journey truly began when they solidified their lineup, bringing together talented musicians from other bands. The name itself, a quirky blend of random words, reflects their unique and energetic spirit.
The band's early days were marked by relentless dedication and a DIY ethos. They honed their sound at Vision Sound studios in Orange Park, Florida, crafting a six-song EP that quickly made waves across international borders.
2006: The Breakout Year
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus reached a turning point in 2006 with the release of their debut album, "Don't You Fake It". This album, their first on a major label, became a defining moment in their career. The album's lead single, "Face Down," propelled them to new heights, becoming their biggest hit. The momentum continued with follow-up singles, "False Pretense" and "Your Guardian Angel", both of which cemented their status as a force in the rock scene.
A Legacy of Success
"Don't You Fake It" achieved RIAA Platinum certification, making it the band's only certified album to date. The album's singles have also garnered numerous accolades and awards, further solidifying their impact on the music landscape.
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus continues to be a driving force in rock music, with a dedicated fan base who appreciate their unique blend of catchy melodies, raw energy, and powerful lyrics. They've gone on to release four more studio albums, each showcasing their evolution as musicians and storytellers. Their story is a testament to the power of friendship, hard work, and a relentless passion for music.
Wu Tiao Ren is a folk-rock band from Haifeng County, Guangdong Province, China, known for its use of Haifeng dialect, its rough-and-tumble style, and its focus on rural issues.
== Introduction ==
Wu Tiao Ren was formed in March 2009 by two Haifeng natives, "Amao" and "Renke." In 2001, after failing the college entrance exam, Amao moved to Guangzhou from Haifeng and made a living by selling bootleg CDs, where he was exposed to music from both China and abroad. Renke studied painting at an art school in Haifeng. During the Spring Festival in 2003, a "Haifeng Original Music Festival" was organized by the local community. Amao and Renke both participated in the event and met each other. This led Renke to move to Shipai Village in Guangzhou to join Amao and work by selling pirated books. The two struggled to make ends meet. In 2007, the Guangzhou government cracked down on street vendors in preparation for the 2010 Asian Games, so the two rented a place to open a record store and began writing songs. In 2009, with the help of several friends, they officially formed Wu Tiao Ren and recorded their first album, "County Town Chronicle."
In 2020, they participated in the second season of the iQiyi variety show "Summer of the Band." They were eliminated twice but were revived twice later, eventually finishing second in the finals (Hot 2).
== Band Name ==
The origin of the name "Wu Tiao Ren" is disputed among its members. The most common explanation is that it comes from the film "Three People" directed by Christopher Doyle. In Cantonese, "tiao" is a measure word for people, so "Wu Tiao Ren" means "five people," signifying the band's hope for success and prosperity.
The Fray: A Denver-Born Rock Band That Took the World by Storm
The Fray, hailing from Denver, Colorado, emerged in 2002 as the brainchild of schoolmates Isaac Slade and Joe King. Their debut album, "How to Save a Life," dropped in 2005 under the Epic Records banner, catapulting them to international stardom. This album, certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), resonated with audiences worldwide, achieving platinum status in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Their breakout single, "Over My Head (Cable Car)," soared to number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, propelling the album's success. But the band's biggest hit, "How to Save a Life," climbed even higher, reaching number three on the chart and garnering global acclaim, charting strongly in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Both anthems were recognized with Grammy Award nominations: "Over My Head (Cable Car)" for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, and "How to Save a Life" for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group.
The Fray's self-titled second album, released in 2009, debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 and secured platinum certification from the RIAA, as well as gold certifications in Australia and Canada. This record was fueled by the power ballad "You Found Me," their third top ten hit, and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album.
While their first two albums achieved commercial success, they received mixed critical reception. Nonetheless, The Fray's impact was undeniable, solidifying their place in the music landscape. Billboard recognized their influence by ranking them number 84 on their "Artists of the Decade" list.
This Florida rock band is deeply inspired by the sound and style of Superdrag, striving to emulate their musical energy and iconic presence.
