Like A Storm

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.

Matchbox Twenty: A Rock Band Legacy

Hailing from Orlando, Florida, Matchbox Twenty (also known as Matchbox 20 and MB20) emerged onto the music scene in 1995. This American rock band, fronted by the charismatic Rob Thomas (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards), has become a household name thanks to their infectious melodies and relatable lyrics. They are completed by the tight rhythm section of Brian Yale (bass guitar) and Paul Doucette (drums, rhythm guitar, backing vocals), alongside the skilled lead guitarist and vocalist, Kyle Cook.

Matchbox Twenty's debut album, "Yourself or Someone Like You" (1996), propelled them to global stardom. The album achieved a phenomenal 12x Platinum (diamond) certification in the United States, and multi-platinum status in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. This success was fueled by hits like "Push," "3 AM," and "Long Day."

Their second album, "Mad Season" (2000), further cemented their position as a major force in rock music. The album hit the top three on the Billboard 200 chart and garnered 4x Platinum certification in the United States. Tracks like "Bent" and "If You're Gone" became instant fan favorites.

"More Than You Think You Are" (2002), their third album, continued their impressive run, achieving 2x Platinum status in the United States.

In 2004, the band went on hiatus following the departure of rhythm guitarist Adam Gaynor. Paul Doucette stepped up to fill the void upon their reunion in 2007. They released a compilation album, "Exile on Mainstream," which went Gold in the United States, followed by a tour to support it.

Following another hiatus in 2010, as Rob Thomas pursued his solo career, the band reunited yet again.

Matchbox Twenty's influence on the rock scene is undeniable. Their consistent success throughout the years, coupled with their enduring appeal, has secured them a place in the annals of music history.

Capital Theatre: A Rock Band's Hero's Journey

Capital Theatre, a hard-hitting rock trio hailing from New Zealand, is comprised of Adam Stevenson (vocals, piano, guitar), Roy Oliver (vocals, guitar), and Paul Reid (vocals, drums).

From Underground Club to Global Studios

The band's story begins in the unlikely setting of the Pony Club, an Auckland underground gentleman's club, where they met during a "Sing Sing" jam night hosted by owner Brooke Howard-Smith. The venue, known for its "decrepit cesspool" and "70s porn den" aesthetic, became an unlikely birthplace for a band destined for bigger stages.

A Hero's Journey Begins

Capital Theatre's musical journey took a significant leap in early 2020, when they began recording their original songs with legendary Guns N' Roses producer Mike Clink at NRG Studios in Los Angeles. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to return to New Zealand, where they found themselves locked down for six weeks. Undeterred, they forged a new path, remotely collaborating with Clink via FaceTime and a live audio stream from Neil Finn's Roundhead Studios.

Their dedication paid off, culminating in the release of their debut single, "Force To Fight," on November 3, 2020. Their debut album, "A Hero's Journey," followed suit on June 24, 2022, further solidifying their presence in the rock scene.

A Global Reach, From Lockdown to Barcelona

Capital Theatre's resilience shone through even during the ongoing pandemic. They released four singles from their album, one of which, "Delicately Poised," saw them venturing to Barcelona for its music video shoot. While New Zealand remained under lockdown, the band filmed in the underground adult entertainment club, Bagdad, showcasing their bold creativity and unwavering determination.

With their unique blend of rock anthems and captivating storytelling, Capital Theatre has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Their journey, from the underground club to the global stage, is a testament to their passion, resilience, and undeniable talent.

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.

Tokio Hotel: From German Rock to Global Electropop

Tokio Hotel, formed in 2001 by the Kaulitz twins, Bill (vocals) and Tom (guitar), along with Georg Listing (bass) and Gustav Schäfer (drums), is a band that's evolved alongside their sound. Starting as a pop-rock/alternative rock force, they've transcended genre boundaries, embracing electropop and synth-pop since 2014.

Their journey began with the moniker "Devilish," but after a demo and a split with Sony BMG, they signed with Universal Music Germany and released their German-language debut, "Schrei," in 2005. This album ignited their rise, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide and producing four top-five singles in Germany and Austria.

Building on that success, they released their second German-language album, "Zimmer 483," in 2007, alongside their first English-language effort, "Scream." These albums collectively sold over 2.5 million copies, winning them a Best InterAct award at the MTV Europe Music Awards. "Zimmer 483" spawned three top-five singles in Germany, while "Scream" propelled them into new territories, generating two top-twenty singles in France, Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

Tokio Hotel's international breakthrough culminated in a historic MTV Video Music Award win for Best New Artist in 2008. They became the first German band to achieve this milestone and to receive awards at both the MTV VMAs and the MTV Video Music Awards Latin America. They continued their winning streak at the MTV Europe Music Awards, claiming the Headliner award in 2008 and Best Group in 2009. Their global impact was solidified with a Best World Stage Performance award at the 2010 MTV Europe Music Awards.

Tokio Hotel's story is a testament to their talent, dedication, and adaptability. They've seamlessly blended genres, conquered international markets, and cemented their legacy as a band that defies categorization and continues to evolve.

Rise Against: A Punk Rock Anthem for the Ages

Hailing from the concrete jungle of Chicago, Rise Against emerged in 1999, spitting fire and fury. This ain't your average punk band, though. They're steeped in the raw energy of hardcore, but with a melodic twist that'll get stuck in your head like a broken record. Think blistering guitars, ferocious drums, and vocals that scream about injustice.

Their early days were spent cutting their teeth on the independent label Fat Wreck Chords, where their albums The Unraveling (2001) and Revolutions per Minute (2003) built a loyal following in the underground scene. But Rise Against wasn't content with just the back alleys. They signed with Dreamworks in 2003, and with Siren Song of the Counter Culture (2004), they broke through to the mainstream. Tracks like "Give It All" and "Swing Life Away" became anthems for a generation yearning for change.

Their next album, The Sufferer & the Witness (2006), solidified their status. It hit the top ten on the Billboard 200 and conquered charts worldwide, proving they were more than just a flash in the pan.

With Appeal to Reason (2008), they upped the ante, pushing their sound towards a more polished and radio-friendly direction. The album's powerhouse track, "Savior," shattered records, dominating the airwaves and proving their staying power.

Rise Against aren't just about the music, though. They're vocal activists, using their platform to speak out against injustice, championing animal rights, and advocating for a greener planet. They're not afraid to ruffle feathers, and they've become a voice for those who feel unheard.

Rise Against, more than just a band, they're a movement. A punk rock revolution for a better tomorrow.