Show Me The Body

The Animals: From Newcastle's Gritty Streets to Global Rock Icons

The Animals, a band born in the rough-and-tumble streets of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1963, became a pivotal force in the British Invasion. This iconic quintet, featuring the raspy-voiced Eric Burdon, the fiery guitar riffs of Hilton Valentine, the steady rhythm section of Chas Chandler on bass and John Steel on drums, and the soulful keyboard work of Alan Price, carved their own path in the world of rock 'n' roll.

Their sound, a potent blend of bluesy grit and raw energy, defined their early success. While they stormed the charts with pop-infused hits like "House of the Rising Sun," which topped the charts on both sides of the Atlantic, they simultaneously delivered a deeper, rhythm-and-blues-driven experience on their albums. This duality solidified their place as one of the leading bands of the era.

The Animals' meteoric rise, fueled by hits like "We Gotta Get Out of This Place," "It's My Life," and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood," was tragically cut short by internal turmoil and poor management. The original lineup disbanded in 1966, leaving a legacy of unforgettable music in their wake.

Burdon, undeterred, reformed the band with a fresh lineup, taking on the name Eric Burdon and the Animals. This new iteration, rooted in psychedelic and progressive rock, produced hits like "San Franciscan Nights" and "Sky Pilot" and cemented their status as musical pioneers.

While the original members briefly reunited in 1968 for a benefit concert, it wasn't until 1975 and again in 1983 that they graced the stage together. Despite numerous regroupings, the magic of the original Animals never truly replicated itself.

Their influence, however, remained undeniable. The Animals left an indelible mark on the history of rock, with a staggering 10 top-20 hits in both the UK and US. Their legacy was further solidified in 1994 when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

From their humble beginnings in Newcastle to their global fame, The Animals are a testament to the enduring power of raw talent, unwavering passion, and the undeniable spirit of rock 'n' roll.

Upon A Burning Body: San Antonio's Metalcore Fury

Hailing from the heart of Texas, Upon A Burning Body burst onto the scene in 2005, quickly becoming a force in the metalcore genre. Led by vocalist Danny Leal's ferocious screams, the band, rounded out by guitarist Ruben Alvarez, drummer Tito Felix, and bassist Thomas Alvarez, have carved a distinct path through the music world.

Their sophomore effort, "Red. White. Green.," made a splash in 2012, debuting at a respectable No. 105 on the Billboard 200. But it was their third studio album, "The World Is My Enemy Now," released in August 2014, that really solidified their place in the metalcore scene. This powerful record reached a career-high No. 39 on the Billboard 200, showcasing their ever-evolving sound and undeniable energy.

Riding the wave of their success, Upon A Burning Body joined forces with metal heavyweights Five Finger Death Punch, supporting them on a massive tour in 2014.

The band continued to push boundaries with their fourth studio album, "Straight From the Barrio," which hit shelves in October 2016. This album showcased a more mature sound, while still retaining the raw energy that made them stand out.

Upon A Burning Body has proven themselves to be a relentless force in the metalcore scene, continuously pushing the boundaries of their sound and captivating audiences with their fiery live performances. They stand as a testament to the vibrant and diverse musical landscape that San Antonio, Texas has to offer.

Black Flag: The Uncompromising Pioneers of Hardcore Punk

Black Flag, hailing from the sun-drenched shores of Hermosa Beach, California, burst onto the punk scene in 1976. Initially known as Panic, the band was the brainchild of Greg Ginn, a guitarist with a vision. Ginn, the band's constant through numerous lineup changes, served as the primary songwriter and driving force behind Black Flag's uncompromising sound.

Considered one of the original hardcore punk bands, Black Flag paved the way for a new wave of aggressive music. They weren't just hardcore, though, they were also pioneers of post-hardcore, bridging the gap between the raw energy of punk and the experimental edge of post-punk. After a fiery run that ended in 1986, Black Flag returned to the stage in 2003 and again in 2013, proving their enduring legacy. The second reunion yielded their first studio album in nearly thirty years, "What The...", released in 2013, before the band announced their third reunion in 2019, cementing their place in music history.

Black Flag's sound was a sonic collision of the Ramones' raw simplicity and Ginn's atonal guitar solos, expertly weaving in unpredictable tempo changes that kept listeners on the edge of their seats. Ginn's lyrics, often echoing themes of social isolation, neurosis, poverty, and paranoia, resonated with a generation disillusioned with authority. The band's message of anti-authoritarianism and nonconformity reached a new level of intensity when Henry Rollins joined as lead singer in 1981, bringing his own unique brand of lyrical intensity to the table.

Black Flag, more than just a band, was a movement. They challenged the status quo with their ferocious sound, anti-establishment message, and relentless energy, inspiring a generation of musicians and leaving an indelible mark on the world of punk rock.

Bring Me The Horizon: A Journey From Deathcore to Global Stardom

Bring Me The Horizon, a British rock band hailing from Sheffield, burst onto the scene in 2004. Led by vocalist Oli Sykes, with Matt Nicholls on drums, Lee Malia on guitar, and Matt Kean on bass, the band have become global icons, evolving their sound throughout their career.

Their debut album, "Count Your Blessings" (2006), was a pure deathcore assault, dividing listeners and attracting largely negative reviews. However, they soon began to explore new sonic territories, shifting away from their initial sound with "Suicide Season" (2008), which marked a turning point in their career, receiving critical acclaim and a boost in commercial success.

"There Is a Hell, Believe Me I've Seen It. There Is a Heaven, Let's Keep It a Secret." (2010), their third album, showcased an even wider range of influences, incorporating elements of classical music, electronica, and pop, propelling them to international fame.

"Sempiternal" (2013), their major label debut, reached Gold certification in Australia and Silver in the UK, cementing their status as a force in the rock scene. They reached even greater heights with "That's The Spirit" (2015), debuting at number two in the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200.

Bring Me The Horizon's journey has been one of consistent innovation and artistic growth, transforming them from a deathcore band to a global phenomenon known for their diverse and captivating sound. Their music continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying their place as one of the most exciting and influential rock bands of their generation.

Queen: From Prog Rock Pioneers to Stadium Anthems

Queen, a legendary British rock band, burst onto the scene in London in 1970, spearheaded by the charismatic Freddie Mercury (vocals, piano), the virtuoso Brian May (guitar, vocals), and the powerhouse Roger Taylor (drums, vocals). They initially carved their path through a blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and heavy metal, crafting intricate and ambitious soundscapes.

But Queen wasn't content with staying in their sonic comfort zone. They embraced musical evolution, gradually incorporating elements of arena rock and pop rock, creating a sound that resonated with a wider audience. Before their rise as Queen, May and Taylor had already made waves with the band Smile. It was Mercury, a devoted fan, who urged them to push the boundaries of their sound and embrace theatrical performances. In 1970, he joined their ranks, and the band adopted his suggestion for their name: "Queen". The lineup was completed by the arrival of John Deacon (bass) in 1971.

Their self-titled debut album dropped in 1973, laying the groundwork for a truly phenomenal career. 1974 saw Queen break into the UK charts with their second album, Queen II, followed by the explosive Sheer Heart Attack later that same year. But it was their 1975 masterpiece, A Night at the Opera, that propelled them to international stardom. This album featured the iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody," a six-minute opera rock epic that dominated the UK charts for an astounding nine weeks and revolutionized the music video format.

The band continued their reign of rock with the 1977 album News of the World, which spawned the anthems "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions" - now synonymous with sporting events worldwide. Queen's musical journey was marked by their willingness to experiment, their theatrical stage presence, and their ability to craft anthems that continue to inspire and resonate with generations of fans. They remain an undeniable force in the world of rock, a testament to their raw talent, creative brilliance, and unwavering passion for music.

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.