The Sisters of Mercy

The Bonstones: East Bay Bred, Punk Rock Fed

Calling The Bonstones simply a "pop punk band from the East Bay" is a gross understatement. It's like describing nachos as "chips with stuff." Born and raised in Alameda, a town so East Bay it practically defines the term, these veteran rockers are steeped in the region's vibrant musical legacy.

Robby, Marky, and Joey Bonstone aren't musical newbies. Each boasts a resume longer than a CVS receipt, but their past achievements pale in comparison to their ambitious future. The Bonstones craft infectious, melodic noise that burrows into your brain like a catchy earworm, equally inspired by classic punk pioneers like The Ramones, The Pretenders, Buzzcocks, and The Clash, mid-90s heroes The Queers, Screaching Weasel, Chixdiggit, and The Lillingtons, and modern pop-punkers like Jagger Holly, The Prozacs, Dee Cracks, and Sweatpants Party.

With roots firmly planted in the Lookout Records scene, The Bonstones are a collective force, writing and creating as a tight-knit unit. Their self-produced debut album, "East Bay Elegy," has been captivating listeners on streaming platforms since 2023 and saw physical release in 2024 on Sell The Heart Records and Monster Zero Records.

Known for their high-energy, crowd-pleasing live shows, The Bonstones regularly rock the San Francisco Bay Area. They've also taken their infectious sound on the road across the US and even toured Europe, spreading their infectious East Bay spirit across the globe.

The Flaming Lips: A Psychedelic Journey Through Rock History

The Flaming Lips, hailing from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, are a psychedelic rock band that burst onto the scene in 1983. Their sound, a vibrant mix of experimental noise, catchy melodies, and deeply personal lyrics, has cemented their place as one of the most influential and enduring bands of the past four decades.

The core of the Lips has remained remarkably consistent, with Wayne Coyne (vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards) and Steven Drozd (guitars, keyboards, bass, drums, vocals) at the helm since 1991. Coyne, the band's visionary leader, is the only original member still standing after the departure of bassist and keyboardist Michael Ivins in 2021.

The band's early years were spent honing their craft on the independent label Restless Records, releasing a string of albums and EPs that foreshadowed their later success. The breakthrough came in 1992 when they signed to Warner Bros. Records and released "Hit to Death in the Future Head," followed by the critically acclaimed "Transmissions from the Satellite Heart" (1993) and the hit single "She Don't Use Jelly." This marked their entrance into the mainstream and propelled them toward a dedicated fan base.

The Flaming Lips continued to push boundaries and explore new sonic landscapes with albums like "The Soft Bulletin" (1999), which was named NME magazine's Album of the Year, and the groundbreaking "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots" (2002), widely regarded as a modern rock classic. Their unique blend of psychedelic rock, electronic elements, and theatrical performances earned them critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including a BRIT Award nomination for "Best International Act" in 2007 and three Grammy Awards.

The band's impact is undeniable, as evidenced by their inclusion on Q magazine's "50 Bands to See Before You Die" list in 2002. The Flaming Lips have become synonymous with vibrant, adventurous music that pushes the boundaries of genre and leaves a lasting impression on anyone who experiences their live shows or listens to their music.

Early Days (1983-1990)

The Flaming Lips story begins in Oklahoma City, 1983. Wayne Coyne, on guitar, joined forces with his brother Mark on vocals, Michael Ivins on bass, and Dave Kotska on drums. This early lineup laid the foundation for the band's distinctive sound, setting the stage for the psychedelic rock revolution that was to come.

Veil of Maya: A History of Metalcore Mayhem

Veil of Maya, hailing from the heart of Chicago's metal scene, emerged in 2004 with a sound that would redefine the landscape of metalcore. Forged from the ashes of melodic death metal act Insurrection, the band's core lineup – guitarist Marc Okubo, drummer Sam Applebaum, and bassist Danny Hauser – quickly attracted talented musicians, crafting a unique blend of technical riffs, punishing breakdowns, and melodic vocals.

From Humble Beginnings to a Searing Debut:

Their early years saw a whirlwind of lineup changes, with guitarist Timothy Marshall and vocalist Adam joining the fold, followed by a brief but impactful stint with guitarist Scott Okarma. This period saw the band honing their craft through local gigs and their self-released 2005 demo, a raw testament to their burgeoning talent. The departure of both Marshall and Okarma led to the arrival of Bryan Ruppell, solidifying their lineup as a five-piece force to be reckoned with.

All Things Set Aside: A Defining Moment:

Armed with their signature blend of heavy and melodic, Veil of Maya unleashed their self-produced debut album, "All Things Set Aside," in 2006 through Corrosive Recordings. This record served as a blistering introduction to their signature sound, a fusion of technical proficiency and emotional depth. It cemented their place as pioneers of a new wave of metalcore, pushing boundaries and garnering critical acclaim.

The Common Man's Collapse: A New Era of Brutality:

Following the release of their debut, Veil of Maya continued to evolve. The band's sophomore album, "The Common Man's Collapse," in 2009, marked a significant shift in their sound. The album showcased a more brutal and aggressive direction, further cementing their reputation for powerful and uncompromising music.

A Legacy in the Making:

This is just the beginning of Veil of Maya's story. The band has gone on to release six more critically acclaimed albums, consistently pushing the limits of metalcore and solidifying their place as a force to be reckoned with in the genre. They have captivated audiences worldwide, becoming a cornerstone of the modern metal scene. Their latest album, "Mother," released in May 2023, exemplifies their continued evolution, leaving fans eager to see what the future holds for this relentless and innovative metalcore juggernaut.

The Black Keys: A Garage Rock Dynamo

The Black Keys, hailing from Akron, Ohio, burst onto the scene in 2001 as a raw, two-piece force. This gritty garage rock duo, consisting of Dan Auerbach (guitar, vocals) and Patrick Carney (drums), honed their sound in basements, self-producing their early records. Their independent spirit and dedication to their craft soon propelled them to the forefront of a garage rock revival in the early 2000s.

Influenced by blues legends like Junior Kimbrough, R.L. Burnside, Howlin' Wolf, and Robert Johnson, the Black Keys' music drips with a raw, bluesy intensity. Their story is one of true grit and perseverance. Friends since childhood, Auerbach and Carney formed the band after dropping out of college, and they quickly gained a loyal following through relentless touring, frequent album releases, and strategic licensing of their music.

Their 2004 album, Rubber Factory, solidified their status as a critical darling, earning them a major label deal with Nonesuch Records in 2006. After years of self-production, they embraced a more professional approach for Attack & Release (2008), collaborating with producer Danger Mouse, who became a key player in their sound.

The Black Keys' commercial breakthrough arrived in 2010 with Brothers. This Grammy Award-winning album, featuring the hit single "Tighten Up," cemented their place as a major force in contemporary rock, and their journey from basement sessions to international stardom is a testament to their raw talent and dedication to their unique, blues-infused garage rock sound.

Jinjer: A Ukrainian Metalcore Force to Be Reckoned With

Hailing from the gritty heart of Donetsk, Ukraine, Jinjer exploded onto the metal scene in 2009, leaving behind their initial 2008 formation. While the original lineup's four-song EP, "Objects in Mirror Are Closer than They Appear," set the stage, it was the arrival of powerhouse vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk and guitarist Roman Ibramkhalilov that truly ignited the band's potential.

This dynamic duo joined forces with bassist Eugene Abdukhanov and drummer Vladislav Ulasevich, solidifying the lineup that continues to dominate the metalcore landscape. This revamped Jinjer, fueled by a relentless touring schedule and self-funded efforts, unleashed their ferocious energy on the world, culminating in their latest masterpiece, "Wallflowers," released in August 2021.

A Brief History:

• 2008: Jinjer emerges with a lineup consisting of Maksym Fatullaiev (vocals), Dmitriy Oksen (guitar), Oleksiy Svynar (bass), and Vyacheslav Okhrimenko (drums). This incarnation delivers the EP, "Objects in Mirror Are Closer than They Appear," setting the groundwork for what would become Jinjer's unique sound.
• 2009: The band undergoes a pivotal shift. Fatullaiev exits, replaced by the explosive force of Tatiana Shmayluk, while Roman Ibramkhalilov joins as the second guitarist. This lineup, considered the band's official beginning, marks a defining moment in their evolution.
• 2011: Jinjer continues to refine their sound and lineup. Oleksiy Svynar makes way for bassist Eugene Abdukhanov, and Vyacheslav Okhrimenko is replaced by Oleksandr Koziychuk on drums.
• 2012: This solidified lineup self-releases the EP "Inhale, Do Not Breathe," showcasing their raw power and setting the stage for their ascent to international recognition.

Jinjer's history is a testament to the band's resilience, dedication, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of metalcore. Their electrifying live performances and captivating music continue to draw fans worldwide, solidifying their position as a leading force in the global metal scene.

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.