Terror, the Los Angeles-based hardcore punk band, has been a driving force in the scene since 2002. Founded by vocalist Scott Vogel and drummer Nick Jett, the band's relentless energy and powerful sound have made them a cornerstone of modern beatdown hardcore.
While their lineup has seen several changes throughout the years, the core of Terror remains intact. The current roster features the ferocious vocals of Vogel, the punishing drum work of Jett, and the razor-sharp guitar riffs of Martin Stewart and Jordan Posner. Chris Linkovich holds down the low end on bass, completing the sonic assault.
Terror has released eight studio albums, their latest being the impactful "Pain Into Power" (2022). This prolific output has solidified their position as one of the most influential bands in their genre, a fact acknowledged by Stereogum who called them "an institution within their genre."
Early Days: From Garage to Global Stage
The band's journey began in February 2002, with Vogel, guitarist Todd Jones, drummer Jett, and bassist Matt Smith forming the initial lineup. Their name, however, didn't come until April 2002, just before their first shows supporting Death Threat, American Nightmare, and Striking Distance on a West Coast tour. Those early gigs were preceded by a warm-up show with Diehard Youth in Ventura, California.
Their debut album, "One with the Underdogs," proved to be a massive success, selling over 40,000 copies. Terror's reach has extended far beyond their Los Angeles roots, with tours across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and South America, spreading their explosive sound and captivating a global hardcore audience.
The Eagles, a name synonymous with classic rock, emerged from the vibrant Los Angeles music scene in 1971. Their impact on music history is undeniable, marked by a staggering five number-one singles, six chart-topping albums, six Grammy Awards, and five American Music Awards – a testament to their enduring popularity.
This iconic band transcended borders, cementing their place as one of the world's best-selling acts, having sold over 200 million records worldwide, including a staggering 100 million in the US alone. Their influence was acknowledged in 1998 with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and they were further celebrated by Rolling Stone magazine, ranking them number 75 on their "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" list in 2004.
The Eagles' story began with a shared musical vision between founders Glenn Frey (guitars, vocals), Don Henley (drums, vocals), Bernie Leadon (guitars, vocals), and Randy Meisner (bass guitar, vocals). They were initially brought together by the legendary Linda Ronstadt, who saw their raw talent. Each member contributed to her third solo album, further forging their musical bonds before venturing out on their own under the banner of David Geffen's Asylum Records.
Their debut album, simply titled Eagles (1972), made an immediate impact with the chart-climbing singles "Take It Easy" and "Witchy Woman", establishing their distinct blend of rock, country, and folk. While their follow-up Desperado (1973) peaked at number 41, the title track became a beloved fan favorite.
The band's lineup evolved in 1974 with the addition of guitarist Don Felder, who brought a new dimension to their sound. On the Border became their breakthrough album, spawning the top-40 hit "Already Gone" and their first number-one single, "Best of My Love", which reached the top 15 in Australia, marking their first overseas success.
One of These Nights (1975) solidified their status, becoming their first number-one album in the US and a top-ten hit globally. The title track, a powerful ballad, became their first top-ten single outside North America, alongside other chart-toppers like "Lyin' Eyes" and "Take It to the Limit".
During this era, Bernie Leadon left the band, and the talented guitarist and vocalist Joe Walsh stepped in, bringing his own unique musical flair. The Eagles' journey, marked by powerful songwriting, dynamic performances, and a collective dedication to their craft, continued to define the musical landscape for years to come.
Greta Van Fleet: A Rock N' Roll Resurrection
Greta Van Fleet, hailing from the small town of Frankenmuth, Michigan, burst onto the scene in 2012 with a sound that harked back to the golden age of rock. The Kiszka brothers – Josh on vocals, Jake on guitar, and Sam on bass and keyboards – along with drummer Danny Wagner, have become a force to be reckoned with in the modern rock landscape.
Their early success came in 2017 when they signed with Lava Records. A month later, they unleashed their debut EP, "Black Smoke Rising," showcasing their raw energy and blues-infused riffs. The lead single, "Highway Tune," rocketed to the top of both the Billboard U.S. Mainstream Rock and Active Rock charts for a solid four weeks, marking their first taste of mainstream success.
Building on this momentum, they released their second EP, "From the Fires," in November 2017, expanding their sonic palette with four new tracks. The album was a critical and commercial triumph, culminating in a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 2019.
Their debut full-length album, "Anthem of the Peaceful Army," dropped in October 2018 and stormed the charts, claiming the top spot on the Billboard Rock Albums chart in its debut week. The lead single, "When the Curtain Falls," cemented their status as a chart-topping band, becoming their third number-one on the U.S. Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. "Anthem of the Peaceful Army" also conquered the Billboard Hard Rock charts and the Billboard Top Album Sales charts in its opening week, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with.
Continuing their relentless momentum, Greta Van Fleet unleashed their sophomore album, "The Battle at Garden's Gate," in April 2021. With each release, the band has refined their sound while staying true to their retro roots, proving themselves to be not just a throwback band, but a powerful new voice in the modern rock landscape.
The band is recognized as an energized powerhouse during their live performances. Their shows are a space where all bullshit and ego is left at the door - everyone is welcome, equal and needs to get on their fucking feet.
Killswitch Engage: A Metalcore Giant
Hailing from Westfield, Massachusetts, Killswitch Engage emerged in 1999 from the ashes of the influential metalcore bands Overcast and Aftershock. This powerhouse quartet, consisting of vocalist Jesse Leach, guitarists Joel Stroetzel and Adam Dutkiewicz, bassist Mike D'Antonio, and drummer Justin Foley, has carved a formidable path in the heavy music scene.
Their rise to prominence began with the release of their 2004 masterpiece, "The End of Heartache," which peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200 chart and achieved RIAA gold certification for exceeding 500,000 units sold in the US. The album's title track was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2005.
Since then, Killswitch Engage has released seven more studio albums, solidifying their status as metalcore pioneers. Their music is a sonic tapestry woven with intense aggression, melodic hooks, and soaring vocals, often incorporating elements of heavy metal and hardcore punk. This unique blend has garnered them a dedicated fan base worldwide, earning them a place among the leading forces of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal.
Early Years and Debut Album (1999-2001):
The band's origins can be traced back to the disbandment of Overcast in 1998. After Overcast's demise, bassist Mike D'Antonio joined forces with Adam Dutkiewicz, guitarist from Aftershock. This collaboration, coupled with the addition of guitarist Joel Stroetzel (also from Aftershock) and vocalist Jesse Leach (from Nothing Stays Gold), birthed Killswitch Engage. The band's debut album, "Killswitch Engage," was released in 2001, showcasing their early raw energy and aggressive sound.
Throughout their career, Killswitch Engage has graced stages at renowned festivals such as Soundwave, Wacken Open Air, Reading and Leeds, Ozzfest, Download, Rock on the Range, Rock am Ring, Mayhem, Monsters of Rock, Pointfest, Knotfest, and Heavy MTL, spreading their music and captivating audiences globally.
Hawthorne Heights: A Post-Hardcore Powerhouse
Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, Hawthorne Heights burst onto the scene in 2001, originally known as "A Day in the Life." The band's current lineup features the powerhouse vocals and rhythm guitar of JT Woodruff, the steady bass and backing vocals of Matt Ridenour, the searing lead guitar and gruff vocals of Mark McMillon, and the driving force of drummer Chris Popadak.
Hawthorne Heights gained widespread recognition with their first two albums, "The Silence in Black and White" (2004) and "If Only You Were Lonely" (2006), both achieving RIAA Gold certification. The latter album, in particular, reached the pinnacle of the Billboard's Independent Albums chart and claimed the #3 spot on the Billboard 200 chart, cementing their position as a force in the post-hardcore scene.
Their 2006 single, "Saying Sorry," became an anthem, achieving gold status and reaching #7 on the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart. Tragically, the band lost guitarist Casey Calvert in 2007, leaving them as a four-piece. Despite the loss, Hawthorne Heights released their third album, "Fragile Future," in 2008, through Victory Records after a protracted legal battle. This album marked their first without Calvert and demonstrated their resilience and determination.
Hawthorne Heights carved a unique path in the post-hardcore landscape, blending melodic vocals with raw energy and emotional depth. They continue to resonate with fans through their impactful music and enduring legacy.
The Beatles: A Revolution in Sound and Culture
The Beatles, hailing from the bustling streets of Liverpool, were more than just a band - they were a cultural phenomenon. Formed in 1960, the core quartet of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr redefined what popular music could be. Their influence, stretching far beyond the realm of music, shaped the 1960s counterculture and elevated popular music to a new level of artistic appreciation.
Their roots lay in the raw energy of skiffle, beat music, and 1950s rock 'n' roll, but the Beatles transcended their origins. They incorporated elements of classical music and traditional pop, blending them into a unique sound that captivated a generation. Their musical journey was vast, venturing into folk, Indian music, psychedelia, and even hard rock. This musical diversity, coupled with their groundbreaking recording techniques, innovative songwriting, and artistic presentation, revolutionized the music industry. The Beatles became more than musicians; they were icons, representing the spirit of youth and leading sociocultural movements of the era.
Their story begins with Lennon's earlier group, the Quarrymen, where the seeds of musical collaboration between Lennon and McCartney were sown. The band honed their craft in the smoky clubs of Liverpool and Hamburg, Germany, spending three years forging their signature sound. While Stuart Sutcliffe initially played bass, the core trio of Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison, together since 1958, experienced a revolving door of drummers. They finally found their rhythm section in Ringo Starr, who joined in 1962.
Enter Brian Epstein, their charismatic manager, who transformed them into a polished professional act. Producer George Martin, a visionary in his own right, guided their recordings, elevating their sound and pushing them to new heights. After signing with EMI Records, their first hit, "Love Me Do", exploded onto the scene in late 1962, marking the beginning of Beatlemania.
The Beatles' popularity became a global phenomenon, with screaming fans affectionately dubbing them "the Fab Four." Their legacy extended beyond the four musicians themselves; Epstein, Martin, and other key figures in their entourage were often referred to as the "fifth Beatle", demonstrating the collaborative spirit that fueled their success.
The Beatles were more than just a band; they were a force of nature that shook the world with their music and their impact on popular culture, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of history.
