Napalm Death

Eagles of Death Metal: A Rock & Roll Story

Eagles of Death Metal, hailing from the desert haven of Palm Desert, California, emerged onto the music scene in 1998. Founded by the dynamic duo of Jesse Hughes (vocals, guitar) and Josh Homme (drums), the band boasts a revolving cast of talented musicians who contribute both to their studio albums and electrifying live performances. While Hughes and Homme remain the band's core, Homme's busy schedule with his other project, Queens of the Stone Age, limits his live appearances.

The band's current touring lineup features Hughes alongside a formidable crew: Leah Bluestein on drums, Scott Shiflett on guitar, Jennie Vee on bass, and Rex Roulette on guitar.

Despite their name, Eagles of Death Metal are anything but a death metal band. Their moniker, a playful twist on the iconic Eagles, is a testament to their tongue-in-cheek humor. Homme described their sound in a 2003 interview as a unique blend of "bluegrass slide guitar mixed with stripper drum beats and Canned Heat vocals."

Hughes, renowned for his captivating stage presence, is known for his energetic interaction with audiences, creating an infectious energy at their shows.

Name Origins: A Story of Humor and Misunderstanding

The band's name has been the subject of various, often conflicting, explanations, all centered around the humorous concept of a death metal version of the Eagles.

One story, as told by Hughes in a video interview, recounts a night when he and Homme were in a London bar witnessing a man dancing to "Wind of Change" by the Scorpions. When asked about his dance moves, the man declared, "This is death metal, dude!" Homme's reply, a humorous counterpoint, was "No, it's not. It's like the Eagles of death metal."

Another version claims the name originated from an exchange between Homme and a friend who was attempting to convert Hughes to the death metal genre.

Regardless of the precise origin, the name Eagles of Death Metal has become synonymous with their unique brand of rock and roll, a sound infused with blues, rockabilly, and a healthy dose of humor.

Oasis: The Britpop Giants

Oasis, hailing from the musical heartland of Manchester, burst onto the scene in 1991. Their original lineup was a potent mix of swagger and raw talent: Liam Gallagher (the charismatic frontman), Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs (the rhythm guitarist), Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan (the bassist), and Tony McCarroll (the drummer). But it was the arrival of Liam's older brother, Noel Gallagher, that truly cemented their destiny. Noel, with his sharp songwriting and blistering lead guitar, joined the band just a few months later and soon became the creative driving force, crafting the anthems that would define their sound.

Oasis quickly became synonymous with the Britpop movement, rising to international fame with a sound that was both nostalgic and fresh, drawing inspiration from classic British rock while injecting it with a youthful energy and attitude.

They signed with Creation Records in 1993, unleashing their debut album, "Definitely Maybe," the following year. It was a monumental success, smashing records to become the fastest-selling debut album in British history. The album's iconic tracks, like "Live Forever" and "Champagne Supernova," became anthems for a generation.

The band’s follow-up, "(What's the Story) Morning Glory" (released in 1995 with new drummer Alan White), cemented their status as Britpop royalty. It spent an astonishing ten weeks at the top of the UK charts, becoming one of the biggest selling albums of all time – a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate today.

However, the Gallagher brothers' tumultuous relationship was well documented, their fiery personalities and public spats splashed across the tabloids throughout the 1990s. Despite the drama, their music continued to captivate, creating a legacy that will forever be etched in the history of rock and roll.

OneRepublic: From Colorado Springs to Global Success

OneRepublic, the American pop-rock band hailing from Colorado Springs, Colorado, exploded onto the music scene in 2002. The group, known for their soaring melodies and Ryan Tedder's powerful vocals, comprises a talented lineup: Ryan Tedder (lead vocals, piano), Zach Filkins (lead guitar, viola), Drew Brown (rhythm guitar), Brent Kutzle (bass, cello), Eddie Fisher (drums), and Brian Willett (keyboards, percussion, violin).

OneRepublic first gained traction as an unsigned act on Myspace, showcasing their raw talent to a growing fanbase. Their infectious sound caught the attention of several record labels after they played shows throughout Los Angeles, ultimately leading to a signing with Velvet Hammer, an imprint of Columbia Records.

In the summer and fall of 2005, OneRepublic recorded their debut album under the guidance of producer Greg Wells at his Rocket Carousel studio in Culver City, California. Their album was initially slated for release in June 2006, but unfortunately, Columbia Records dropped the band just two months prior.

However, fate had other plans. "Apologize," the lead single from the unreleased album, found its way onto Myspace in April 2006, igniting a wildfire of interest. It topped the Myspace charts, proving the band's undeniable talent.

In 2007, OneRepublic finally released their debut album, "Dreaming Out Loud," reintroducing "Apologize" to the world. This time, the song received a remix treatment from the legendary Timbaland, propelling it to the top of the charts in sixteen countries and garnering a Grammy nomination. "Stop and Stare," the album's second single, followed in its predecessor's footsteps, achieving similar success.

From their humble beginnings in Colorado to achieving international acclaim, OneRepublic's journey is a testament to their raw talent, unwavering passion, and the power of music to connect with audiences across the globe.

Second Hand Rose: A Chinese Rock Band Breaking Boundaries

Second Hand Rose (Chinese: 二手玫瑰; pinyin: èrshǒu méiguī), hailing from Beijing, China, is a rock band that burst onto the scene in 1999, founded by the charismatic musician Liang Long. They've carved a unique niche in the Chinese rock industry by blending traditional Chinese instruments with Western rock and roll, creating a vibrant, theatrical experience. Their shows are known for their exaggerated stage design, dazzling visual effects, and humorous lyrics, adding a touch of magic and whimsy to their performances.

A Fusion of East and West:

Second Hand Rose's music is a captivating blend of traditional Chinese instruments like the erhu (a two-stringed fiddle) and the pipa (a four-stringed lute) with the energy and power of Western rock. This unique fusion allows them to explore a broad range of musical styles, from traditional Chinese folk melodies to hard-hitting rock anthems. Their debut album, released in 2004, garnered widespread acclaim in China and positive reviews from music critics in the United States, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with in the Chinese rock scene.

Liang Long's Journey: A Passion for Rock:

Liang Long, the band's lead vocalist, has a captivating story of unwavering dedication to his musical passion. Growing up in a family connected to a Chinese state-owned enterprise, he encountered resistance to his love for rock and roll, which was seen as unconventional and "backward." Despite these challenges, Liang Long's desire to create music was unyielding. He left his hometown to pursue his dreams in the vibrant city of Beijing, facing hardships and financial struggles along the way. He worked as a security guard in Harbin to save money for music lessons and eventually formed a band called "Black Lens" with fellow musicians.

From Black Lens to Second Hand Rose:

Although "Black Lens" disbanded due to financial difficulties, Liang Long's passion never wavered. He relocated to Beijing, determined to succeed in the music industry. After enduring numerous setbacks and financial difficulties, he persevered, constantly striving to showcase his musical talent. In 2000, the seeds of Second Hand Rose were sown, and the band evolved into a formidable force in the Chinese rock scene.

Breaking the Mold:

Second Hand Rose stands out for its unique approach to rock music, refusing to conform to conventional styles. The band is known for its sharp social commentary, addressing topics like modern psychological disorders and Taoist philosophy within their music. Their bold and unapologetic approach has made them a symbol of defiance and individuality within the Chinese music industry.

A Legacy of Innovation:

Second Hand Rose's impact goes beyond their musical talent. Their theatrical performances, blending vibrant costumes with traditional Chinese instruments, have redefined the concept of a rock show in China. They have become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a new generation of Chinese musicians to embrace their unique voices and push boundaries.

Second Hand Rose's story is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the courage to break free from conventional expectations. Their music continues to captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing the vibrant diversity of Chinese rock and proving that innovation and creativity can thrive even amidst challenges.

Straight out of San Francisco, CA. Hardcore thrash band Hemorage are here to share their art and make a chaotic peaceful environment creating a one of a kind experience. Formed by vocalist and guitarists Jon Orc and Bona Pak, Hemorage is rounded out by Ron Roussell on drums. Citing influences from Metal, Rap to Hardcore Punk, the band’s style is fiercely original laced with heavy breakdowns intertwined with fast-thrashing, hardcore punk riffs. The band has already seen praise from ESP guitars, Gary Holt(Exodus), and Brian Poshen, and have toured around the country independently with their DIY mobile stage and self-made merchandise. Hemorage carries a strong message of resilience, but it’s also about having fun.

Five Finger Death Punch: A Heavy Metal Juggernaut

Five Finger Death Punch, often shortened to 5FDP or FFDP, is a heavy metal force hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada. They stormed onto the scene in 2005 with a lineup featuring vocalist Ivan Moody, rhythm guitarist Zoltan Bathory, lead guitarist Caleb Andrew Bingham, bassist Matt Snell, and drummer Jeremy Spencer.

The band's lineup has undergone several changes over the years. Bingham was replaced by Darrell Roberts in 2006, who in turn was replaced by Jason Hook in 2009. Bassist Matt Snell departed in 2010, paving the way for Chris Kael in 2011. Then, in 2018, drummer Jeremy Spencer stepped down due to persistent back issues, leaving the throne to Charlie Engen. These shifts left Zoltan Bathory as the sole remaining founding member. In 2020, a further shake-up occurred as British guitarist Andy James took over the lead guitar position, replacing Jason Hook.

Despite the lineup changes, Five Finger Death Punch has remained a relentless force. Their debut album, "The Way of the Fist" (2007), rocketed to success, selling over 500,000 copies in the US. Their 2009 follow-up, "War Is the Answer," further cemented their popularity, exceeding 1,000,000 sales and earning Platinum certification from the RIAA.

Their third album, "American Capitalist" (2011), also achieved Platinum status, demonstrating their continued growth. Subsequent albums like "The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell, Volume 1" and "Volume 2" (2013), "Got Your Six" (2015), and "And Justice for None" (2018) have all achieved Platinum or Gold certifications, solidifying Five Finger Death Punch as one of the most successful heavy metal bands of the decade.

The band has become a global phenomenon, dominating music festivals like Mayhem (2008, 2010, 2013) and Download (2009, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2017). Five Finger Death Punch's raw energy, hard-hitting sound, and unwavering dedication have catapulted them to the forefront of the heavy metal world, leaving an undeniable mark on the music landscape.