Oasis

Brutus: A Belgian Rock Trio That Punches Above Its Weight

Hailing from Leuven, Belgium, Brutus is a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene. Formed in 2013, the trio is comprised of vocalist and drummer Stefanie Mannaerts, guitarist Stijn Vanhoegaerden, and bassist Peter Mulders. Each member brings a wealth of experience from previous local bands, giving Brutus a solid foundation for their unique sound.

The band first made waves in Belgium, regularly playing gigs before gaining international recognition with their debut album "Burst" in 2017. This release, which caught the attention of the renowned record label Sargent House, solidified Brutus's position as a force to be reckoned with. They followed "Burst" with two more critically acclaimed albums, "Nest" in 2019 and "Unison Life" in 2022, further solidifying their place in the international rock world.

From Local Bands to International Success

The seeds of Brutus were sown in the vibrant music scene of Leuven. Mannaerts and Mulders had previously played together in Refused Party Program, a tribute band dedicated to the Swedish hardcore punk pioneers Refused. Meanwhile, Mannaerts and Vanhoegaerden were bandmates in Starfucker, showcasing their musical chemistry long before Brutus's formation.

Their rise to prominence was fueled by their energetic live performances. In 2014 and 2015, they graced the stages of prestigious Belgian festivals like Pukkelpop, Rock Herk, and Dour Festival. In the same year, they released a trilogy of two-song EPs, further building anticipation for their full-length debut.

Vancouver, Sargent House, and a Sound Defined by Intensity

In 2016, the band embarked on a journey to Vancouver, Canada, to record "Burst." They collaborated with renowned producer Jesse Gander (known for his work with Japandroids and White Lung), resulting in a raw, energetic album that solidified their sound. This collaboration also marked their signing with Sargent House, a label known for its commitment to artists pushing boundaries.

Brutus's music is characterized by its raw intensity, blending elements of post-hardcore, grunge, and noise rock. Stefanie Mannaerts' powerful vocals and pummeling drumming, combined with Stijn Vanhoegaerden's heavy riffs and Peter Mulders' solid basslines, create a captivating sonic experience that leaves audiences breathless.

With their relentless touring, critically acclaimed albums, and a dedicated fanbase, Brutus continues to be a vital force in the rock scene, defying expectations and proving that Belgium is a fertile ground for incredible music.

Napalm Death: The Unrelenting Grindcore Pioneers

Napalm Death, hailing from Meriden, England, are widely considered the godfathers of grindcore. Formed in 1981, the band has undergone numerous lineup changes, though the core of bassist Shane Embury, guitarist Mitch Harris, drummer Danny Herrera, and vocalist Mark "Barney" Greenway has remained remarkably consistent since 1992's Utopia Banished.

Napalm Death's relentless sonic assault is a furious blend of crust punk, death metal, and sheer noise. Their signature sound is defined by distorted, down-tuned guitars, a grinding overdrive bass, blistering blast beats, and vocals that range from incomprehensible growls to piercing shrieks. They're renowned for their incredibly short songs, often clocking in under a minute, and their politically charged lyrics.

Their 1987 debut album, Scum, released on Earache Records, became a landmark release in the global metal scene, solidifying their influence and legacy. In fact, their song "You Suffer," according to Guinness World Records, is the shortest song ever recorded, clocking in at a mere 1.316 seconds.

By their third album, Harmony Corruption (1990), Napalm Death leaned further into death metal, exploring longer song structures and more complex arrangements. Despite the shift in style, the band's core sonic assault remained undiluted.

As of 2003, Nielsen SoundScan recognized Napalm Death as the seventh best-selling death metal band in the United States. Their early albums, Scum and From Enslavement to Obliteration (1988), have collectively sold over 400,000 copies worldwide, according to former vocalist Lee Dorrian.

Napalm Death's influence is undeniable. Their relentless energy and uncompromising sound have inspired countless bands across the metal spectrum. Their legacy continues to grow with each new release, cementing their place as a cornerstone of extreme music.

We Save Strawberries (English band name: WE SAVE STRAWBERRIES, abbreviated as W.S.S.), is a Taiwanese post-rock band. Formed in 1998, the band was initially named "GESSO" (primer). In March of the following year, the band changed its name to "We Save Strawberries", which remains the name to this day.

== Members == Labi Wu - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar ARNY Ing - Backing Vocals, Guitar, Sound Synthesizer Chitai Hou - Backing Vocals, Guitar Hyphen - Backing Vocals, Bass Guitar Aki - Drums

== Introduction == Formed in 1998 by several college students from Tunghai University and Providence University in Taichung. Only two members knew how to play instruments in the first month. Originally, the band had a very pretentious name, "Gesso." In 1999, the first-generation band leader, DuDu, randomly chose a new name, and the members impulsively agreed, regretting it too late. The band participated in the Spring Scream Festival and started performing extensively. 2000 ～ 2002 "Generation Collapse Chronicles 2" compilation album, "Vibe" compilation album, "Theater Soundtrack Record" EP 2003 First album "Solar System" was released. 2004 ～ 2008 Experienced military service and member changes. Moved to Taipei. 2009 "Connect the Dots" Music Festival compilation album 2010 Second album "Feather River" was released. 2011 Nominated for Golden Melody Award and Golden Music Award.

Liliac: A Family Affair in the World of Vamp Metal

Liliac, a heavy metal band hailing from the vibrant musical landscape of Los Angeles, has carved its own path in the rock scene. Founded in 2015 by the Cristea siblings – Melody, Samuel, Abigail, Ethan, and Justin – the band now calls Atlanta home.

Their musical style, dubbed "vamp metal" by the band, offers a unique blend of heavy metal with a dark and theatrical twist. Liliac's sound is a testament to their shared passion for music, nurtured from a young age by their father, Florin Cristea, a veteran music producer. Florin, originally from Transylvania, Romania, recognized his children's musical talents early on, guiding them through their musical education and ultimately inspiring the formation of Liliac.

The band's lineup is a dynamic mix of musical prowess:

• Melody Cristea: Lead vocalist, bassist, and flutist, Melody brings a captivating stage presence to Liliac's performances.
• Samuel Cristea: Lead guitarist and backing vocalist, Samuel's riffs fuel the band's sonic energy.
• Abigail Cristea: Drummer, Abigail provides the driving force behind Liliac's powerful sound.
• Ethan Cristea: Bassist and rhythm guitarist, Ethan adds depth and texture to Liliac's music.
• Justin Cristea: Keyboardist, Justin weaves intricate melodies and harmonies into Liliac's sound.

With a growing fanbase and two albums under their belts, Liliac has garnered attention for their energetic live performances. Their time in Los Angeles saw them become a regular fixture at the Santa Monica Pier, their music attracting ever-larger crowds until, ironically, their popularity led to their "removal" due to the sheer number of fans drawn to their shows.

Liliac's journey from Los Angeles to Atlanta reflects their commitment to their music and their desire to connect with new audiences. With Florin Cristea as their manager, the band continues to build a legacy based on their familial bond and unwavering passion for metal.

This Florida rock band is deeply inspired by the sound and style of Superdrag, striving to emulate their musical energy and iconic presence.

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.