Melvins

Powerman 5000: A Rock Band Forged in the Fire of Rebellion

Powerman 5000, also known as PM5K, is an American rock band that emerged from the underground scene in 1991. Led by the charismatic frontman Spider One, younger brother of metal legend Rob Zombie, PM5K has carved out a unique space in the rock landscape with their intense energy, industrial-infused sound, and a constant evolution of their musical identity.

From Boston's Underground to the Billboard Charts

Spider One's early career was marked by a raw talent for music, landing him the "Best Rap Act" title in the Boston Phoenix/WFNX 1990 Readers' Poll. His burgeoning musical vision soon led to the formation of Powerman 5000, where he was joined by a crew of dedicated musicians including drummer Al Pahanish Jr., bassist Dorian Heartsong, guitarist Adam 12, and percussionist Jordan Cohen. The band initially released a limited-edition EP "A Private Little War" in 1993, followed by the "True Force" EP and their debut album, "The Blood-Splat Rating System," in 1994 and 1995 respectively. These releases generated buzz on the local scene, paving the way for their first major breakthrough: a performance on the second stage of Ozzfest in 1996, which catapulted them into the mainstream consciousness. Later that year, they even made a cameo appearance in the popular TV show "Beverly Hills, 90210," filming a music video for their single "Strike the Match".

Tonight the Stars Revolt!

Their 1999 album, "Tonight the Stars Revolt!," became their most commercially successful release. Reaching number 29 on the Billboard 200, the album spawned hit singles "When Worlds Collide" and "Nobody's Real" and firmly cemented their place in the rock world. Despite several lineup changes over the years, Spider One has remained the band's core, guiding their sound through ten albums and countless live performances.

Powerman 5000 has never been content with resting on their laurels. Their career has been marked by experimentation and evolution, constantly pushing their sonic boundaries while keeping their roots firmly planted in the raw energy of rock. They remain a force to be reckoned with, continuing to inspire and entertain generations of fans with their relentless drive and captivating performances.

Puddle of Mudd: A Grunge Legacy Built on Muddy Boots

Formed in the heartland of Kansas City in 1991, Puddle of Mudd emerged from the post-grunge scene with a sound that resonated with millions. The band, fronted by the ever-present Wes Scantlin (vocals, rhythm guitar), has become synonymous with the raw, emotive energy that defined the era.

Their name, inspired by the Missouri River levee that often flooded their practice space, reflects the band's gritty, unpolished beginnings. Scantlin himself has described their early days as a struggle, "walking through a pile of shit" just to get to practice.

Despite the challenges, Puddle of Mudd persevered, releasing their debut EP, "Stuck," in 1994. The seven-song collection, produced by the band and E.J. Rose, showcased their signature sound, a blend of raw power and emotional vulnerability.

Their hard work paid off, and their major-label debut, "Come Clean," catapulted them to mainstream success, selling over five million copies and solidifying their position in the post-grunge landscape. Since then, Puddle of Mudd has released an impressive six studio albums, with their latest, "Ubiquitous," dropping in September 2023, proving their enduring appeal.

Over the years, the band has faced lineup changes, but Scantlin has remained the constant, his distinctive vocals and songwriting driving their sound and forging a connection with their devoted fanbase. With over seven million albums sold, Puddle of Mudd has carved a distinct path in the music world, forever marked by their gritty roots and the enduring power of their music.

Carcass: A Grindcore and Melodic Death Metal Legacy

Carcass, the legendary English extreme metal band from Liverpool, emerged in 1985, carving a path through the brutal soundscapes of grindcore and melodic death metal. The band's journey has been marked by several line-up changes, leaving guitarist Bill Steer and bassist/vocalist Jeff Walker as the only consistent members. While they disbanded in 1996, Carcass triumphantly returned in 2007, minus their original drummer Ken Owen due to health concerns. Their impact, however, has remained indelible.

Carcass has released a staggering amount of music, including seven studio albums, two compilation albums, four EPs, two demo albums, one video album, and six music videos. Their influence is undeniable, as they're widely considered pioneers of both grindcore and melodic death metal, earning their place among the first and most influential bands in these genres. Their early work was often labeled "splatter death metal" or "hardgore," a testament to their morbid lyrics and gruesome album art.

Their fourth album, Heartwork (1993), stands as a landmark in melodic death metal, a testament to their evolution and their enduring impact on the genre. Carcass's ability to blend technicality with melody and brutality set them apart. They were one of the few death metal bands to sign with a major label, with Columbia Records distributing Heartwork in North America. Earache Records handled the worldwide distribution for the album, having released all of their albums up to and including Swansong (1996).

Early Days (1985-1989): A School Band's Beginnings

Carcass first formed as a school band, a collaboration between Bill Steer and Ken Owen. However, their initial foray into music was short-lived, as the band soon disbanded.

Oxymorrons: NYC's Rap-Rock Hybrids

Oxymorrons, hailing from the melting pot of Queens, New York, are a force of nature in the rap-rock scene. Brothers Kami ("K.I.") and Demi ("Deee") are the driving force behind this sonic explosion, blending their love for hip-hop and rock into a genre-bending experience.

Their journey began with a shared dream to create music that defied categorization. After years of honing their craft in other bands, they decided to unleash their unique sound on the New York music scene. The lineup expanded with the addition of powerhouse drummer Matty Mayz, whose explosive beats are a defining element of their live shows. Jafe Paulino, a multifaceted musician, contributes vocals, bass, and guitar, adding another layer of depth to their sound.

Oxymorrons are more than just a band; they are a voice for the ostracized and overlooked. Their message of embracing individuality resonates with anyone who's ever felt like an outsider. Their music is a defiant anthem for the underdog, encouraging listeners to celebrate their unique identities.

Their explosive energy has captivated audiences at major festivals like SXSW, Firefly, and AfroPunk. They've shared stages with major artists like Ludacris, Juicy J, Bruno Mars, and Rihanna, solidifying their place in the contemporary music landscape.

In 2018, Oxymorrons dropped "Brunch," the lead single from their upcoming project. VIBE Magazine christened them "The Mash Out Posse," recognizing their ability to seamlessly blend hip-hop, rock, funk, and alternative elements into a singular and unforgettable sound.

Oxymorrons are proof that musical boundaries are meant to be broken. With their high-energy performances, socially conscious lyrics, and eclectic sound, they are rewriting the rules of rock, one blistering track at a time.

Fever 333: A Rock Band Born from the Ashes

Fever 333, a fierce rock band, emerged from the vibrant scene of Inglewood, California, in July 2017. This explosive trio was forged by the talents of Jason Aalon Butler, the former vocalist of the influential band Letlive, Stephen Harrison, a guitar virtuoso who previously shredded with the Chariot, and Aric Improta, a powerhouse drummer known for his work with Night Verses.

Their debut EP, "Made an America," unleashed in March 2018, was a testament to their raw energy and unapologetic approach. Fever 333 quickly gained notoriety, signing with both Roadrunner Records and 333 Wreckords, cementing their place in the rock landscape.

Their first full-length album, "Strength in Numb333rs," dropped a year later, showcasing their sonic evolution and solidifying their sound. In 2020, they further expanded their musical horizons with their second EP, "Wrong Generation."

The Genesis of a Revolution:

Before Letlive disbanded, Jason Aalon Butler had a chance encounter with Travis Barker. The meeting led to a Super Bowl Sunday jam session with John Feldmann, where they explored the intersection of hip-hop and afro-punk. This sparked the initial concept for Fever 333, a band envisioned as a "dangerous" and uncompromising force.

Once Letlive's chapter closed, Butler reached out to Stephen Harrison, whose band, The Chariot, had also disbanded a few years prior. They delved into conversations about the lack of black representation in rock music and shared their vision for a band that would break down barriers and push creative boundaries.

Fever 333's journey began with a spontaneous performance, a pop-up show held inside a U-Haul truck in the parking lot of Randy's Donuts in Inglewood on July 4th, 2017. This impromptu gig marked the beginning of a powerful musical force that continues to challenge norms and ignite stages with their electrifying performances.

Of Mice & Men: A Rock Band's Journey from Metalcore to Mainstream

Of Mice & Men (OM&M for short) is an American rock band that burst onto the scene in 2009, hailing from Costa Mesa, California. The current lineup features drummer Valentino Arteaga, guitarists Phil Manansala and Alan Ashby, and bassist/lead vocalist Aaron Pauley.

The band's origins trace back to the departure of vocalist Austin Carlile from Attack Attack! in mid-2009. Carlile, alongside bassist Jaxin Hall (originally from Auckland, New Zealand), formed OM&M in Columbus, Ohio, marking the start of their rock journey.

OM&M's early sound was firmly rooted in the intense world of metalcore and post-hardcore. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2010, showcased their raw energy and aggressive style. Over time, the band's sound evolved, incorporating more melodic elements and exploring genres like nu metal, alternative metal, and hard rock, while retaining their core musical identity.

This evolution is evident in their discography, which spans eight studio albums:

• Of Mice & Men (2010) - Their explosive debut, firmly in the metalcore realm.
• The Flood (2011) - A continuation of their metalcore sound, further solidifying their place in the scene.
• Restoring Force (2014) - Marking a shift towards a more melodic direction.
• Cold World (2016) - A further exploration of their evolving sound, blending metalcore with alternative rock influences.
• Defy (2018) - A more experimental album, showcasing their continued growth and pushing the boundaries of their sound.
• Earthandsky (2019) - A deeply personal album, reflecting on the band's experiences and internal struggles.
• Echo (2021) - A powerful album exploring themes of introspection and resilience.
• Tether (2023) - Their latest offering, showcasing their ability to continue pushing boundaries while staying true to their core sound.

OM&M's journey has taken them beyond the studio, onto the international stage, performing at major festivals like the Vans Warped Tour (2010, 2011, 2012, 2014) and Soundwave Music Festival (2013, 2015).

Through it all, Of Mice & Men has cemented their place as a powerhouse in the rock scene, constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of their music while staying true to their core identity. Their journey from metalcore newcomers to genre-bending rock stars is a testament to their talent, hard work, and unwavering passion for music.