The Barbed Wires

The Iron Roses are a force of nature, a vibrant tapestry of talent woven into a musical entity that yearns to reshape the world. Their music, forged in the fires of contemporary injustice, resonates with the raw power of seasoned musicians channeling their righteous anger into protest anthems. Unwavering in their commitment, their voices still roar with the fire of rebellion, refusing to succumb to apathy.

Witnessing these six individuals pour their souls into their truth is an awe-inspiring spectacle. Their growth over the past few years, a testament to their unwavering spirit, has culminated in this powerful new record. The Iron Roses, and their music, embody a potent cocktail of strength, love, and passion - qualities desperately needed in our troubled times.

A Second Strike of Lightning: Sean Van Vleet's Triumphant Return to Music

In the fickle world of music, success is rarely a guarantee, especially for those who have tasted it before. Yet, Sean Van Vleet defies the odds, proving that sometimes, lightning strikes the same place twice. After the dissolution of his former band, Empires, Van Vleet found himself writing for others, penning songs for the likes of All Time Low, Oliver Tree, and PVRIS, while also contributing to over 200 tracks for television shows, commercials, and video games.

However, a creative spark ignited within him, leading him to form Blame My Youth in 2020. The band’s debut single, "Right Where You Belong," found its way onto the GRAMMY-nominated soundtrack of "Bill & Ted Face the Music," solidifying their presence and captivating audiences. The momentum continued with their subsequent single, "Fantastic," which amassed millions of streams and climbed the Rock radio charts.

As Blame My Youth toured the US and UK, sharing stages with renowned acts like HARDY, The Offspring, 311, and AWOLNATION, their third single, "Prizefighter," made its mark on US Alternative radio. This whirlwind of success showcased the undeniable connection Van Vleet’s music has with listeners.

A pivotal moment arrived when Van Vleet began collaborating closely with Billboard Top 100 Producer of 2023, Joey Moi, the co-founder of Big Loud Rock. What began as a typical songwriter-producer dynamic evolved into something more profound. In the studio, they unexpectedly began writing together, discovering a shared passion for the creative process. This newfound synergy resulted in "The Break," a song that marks the beginning of a new chapter for both Van Vleet and Blame My Youth.

"The Break," while undeniably infectious and upbeat, delves into a deeper vulnerability and emotional rawness that sets it apart from Van Vleet's previous work. This transformative track signifies a fresh start, and as he boldly declares, "It's only going to get better and bigger from here." Van Vleet's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, artistic evolution, and the enduring magic of music that resonates across generations.

The Armed: A Force of Unpredictable Noise in the Hardcore Scene

The Armed, often represented by the symbol 🔪, are a shrouded American hardcore punk collective hailing from Detroit, Michigan. Their identity is as elusive as their music, with no official members publicly revealed. However, the enigmatic project is often associated with creative director and advertising guru Tony Wolski, formerly known as Adam Vallely.

Their sound is a chaotic blend of hardcore punk, metalcore, post-hardcore, and experimental hardcore, infused with a potent dose of self-deprecating humor. The Armed have embraced a cult-like presentation, often referring to themselves as "the world's greatest band" and employing the mantra "refract" as a recurring motif.

Their music thrives on collaboration, featuring guest appearances from a rotating roster of musicians, including Chris Pennie, Nick Yacyshyn, Ben Koller, Troy Van Leeuwen, and Urian Hackney. Converge guitarist Kurt Ballou has also been a consistent presence, lending his expertise to the recording and production of most of their releases.

From Slicer Dicer to "These Are Lights"

Wolski claims The Armed emerged from the ashes of a Detroit band called Slicer Dicer. Their debut album, "These Are Lights", mixed by Kurt Ballou, was released for free in 2009. Wolski explained this unconventional release strategy to Thrash Hits: "Wanting people to actually hear the music made us give it away for free. We've all played in other bands for a while now, and whether it is good or not, it's undeniable that for the most part young people do not place the same sense of monetary value on recordings as they once did."

This move epitomized The Armed's approach: unconventional, unpredictable, and unafraid to challenge the norms of the music industry. Their music, like their identity, is a mystery waiting to be unraveled, leaving audiences both intrigued and bewildered.

Breaking Benjamin: A Story of Resilience and Enduring Sound

Breaking Benjamin, hailing from the heartland of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, burst onto the scene in 1999 with a sonic force spearheaded by frontman and guitarist Benjamin Burnley and drummer Jeremy Hummel. Their initial lineup, rounded out by guitarist Aaron Fink and bassist Mark James Klepaski, unleashed their debut album, Saturate, in 2002, followed by We Are Not Alone in 2004. The band's raw energy and powerful sound quickly captured attention, but a shift in the rhythm section occurred in 2005 with the arrival of Chad Szeliga on drums.

This new chapter saw the release of two critically acclaimed albums, Phobia (2006) and Dear Agony (2009), solidifying Breaking Benjamin's status as a force in the rock world. However, the band went on an extended hiatus in early 2010 as Burnley battled recurring health issues.

Amidst this silence, a storm brewed within the band. The unauthorized release of a compilation album, Shallow Bay: The Best of Breaking Benjamin (2011), ignited legal turmoil, leading to the departures of Fink and Klepaski. Further upheaval followed in 2013 when Szeliga left due to creative differences. Burnley, the band's driving force, found himself as the sole remaining member.

Undeterred, Burnley rallied, assembling a new lineup in late 2014 that included bassist/backing vocalist Aaron Bruch, guitarist/backing vocalist Keith Wallen, guitarist Jasen Rauch, and drummer Shaun Foist. This fresh energy led to the release of Dark Before Dawn (2015), which stormed the Billboard 200 charts at number one, followed by Ember (2018) hitting number three. The band then surprised fans with a compilation album, Aurora (2020), showcasing acoustic interpretations of their hits alongside a brand new original track.

Through these trials and triumphs, Breaking Benjamin's musical foundation has remained steadfast, with Burnley at the helm as the primary composer and vocalist. Despite the ever-shifting lineups, the band's raw power, signature sound, and emotionally charged lyrics have continued to resonate with audiences, cementing their legacy as a rock powerhouse.

New Pants: A Chinese Rock Icon Embracing New Wave

New Pants, also known as Xinkuzi Yuedui (新裤子乐队), is a Chinese rock band that has been a cornerstone of the country's new wave scene since its inception. The band's story began in 1995, when high school classmates Peng Lei (lead singer), Liu Baobao (bass), and Shang Laugh (drums) joined forces as "Metal Workshop Physical Master."

Their first single, "I'm OK," was recorded in 1996, marking the official start of New Pants. The band quickly established themselves as a leading force in China's burgeoning new wave movement, earning recognition as pioneers of the genre.

The band's original lineup saw Peng Lei also take on guitar duties, while Liu Baobao became the bassist and Shang Xiao the drummer. Over the years, the band has undergone some lineup changes, with their current members including Peng Lei (vocals), Pang Kuan (keyboards), Zhao Meng (bass), and Hayato Kitō (drums).

Their musical journey saw them release their debut album, "New Pants" in 1998, followed by "Disco Girl" in 2000 and "We Are Automatic" in 2002.

New Pants has continued to evolve and push boundaries, even achieving mainstream success in recent years. In 2019, the band participated in the iQiyi variety show "The Big Band", where they won the championship. Their song "Do You Want To Dance? 你要跳舞吗" was featured in the music program "We Are Blazing 炙热的我们 2020," performed by SNH48 Group, further highlighting their influence.

New Pants has become a symbol of Chinese rock and new wave, inspiring a new generation of musicians while maintaining a vibrant and innovative approach to their music. They have carved out a unique space in the Chinese music scene, proving their enduring power and influence as a pioneering force.

Hailing from the heart of the Mid South in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Goodridge is an emo band that's earned a reputation for being a favorite among other bands. They wear the badge of "band's favorite band" with pride, proving that their music resonates deeply with those who understand the genre's soul.