Time for Rock...
This Florida rock band is deeply inspired by the sound and style of Superdrag, striving to emulate their musical energy and iconic presence.
Hailing from Brighton, East Sussex, Architects emerged in 2004, formed by twin brothers Dan and Tom Searle. This British metalcore band initially carved a chaotic path with their first three albums, heavily influenced by the likes of The Dillinger Escape Plan. Their sound was raw, aggressive, and rhythmically complex, a sonic whirlwind for fans of the genre.
In 2011, Architects shifted gears, adopting a more melodic post-hardcore direction with "The Here and Now". While this change resonated with some, it alienated others who preferred their earlier, heavier sound. They navigated this split in their fanbase with "Daybreaker" (2012), striking a balance between melody and technical aggression while incorporating more politically charged lyrics.
Their 2014 release, "Lost Forever // Lost Together", became a turning point, catapulting Architects into mainstream recognition and critical acclaim. It solidified their unique blend of melody, technicality, and raw emotion, resonating with a wider audience.
Tragedy struck in 2016, when guitarist and primary songwriter Tom Searle passed away after battling skin cancer. This left Dan Searle as the only original member. However, Architects' legacy continued. They released "Doomsday" in 2017, a powerful single featuring Tom's final work, and welcomed Middleton as their new lead guitarist. "Holy Hell," their first album without Tom, dropped in 2018, a testament to the band's enduring spirit and a poignant tribute to their fallen brother.
Architects, despite the loss, have continued to push boundaries, evolving their sound while honoring their roots. With each album, they showcase their dedication to crafting powerful, emotionally resonant metalcore that continues to captivate fans worldwide.
Anberlin, the American alternative rock band hailing from Winter Haven, Florida, emerged from the ashes of SaGoh 24/7, their earlier musical venture. Formed in 2002 with a fresh sound and a new name, they quickly captured the attention of Tooth & Nail Records, a leading independent label, and released their debut album, Blueprints for the Black Market, in 2003.
Their second album, Never Take Friendship Personal (2005), solidified their growing fanbase, but it was their 2007 release, Cities, that truly propelled them into the mainstream. Reaching the top 20 on the Billboard 200 with a first-week sales of 34,000 copies, Anberlin proved they were a force to be reckoned with.
This success led to a major label deal with Universal Republic in 2007, and their subsequent album, New Surrender (2008), debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200. The single "Feel Good Drag" dominated the Alternative Songs chart for an impressive 29 weeks, claiming the coveted No. 1 spot.
By the time their fifth studio album, Dark Is the Way, Light Is a Place, hit shelves in 2010, Anberlin had already sold over 1 million albums, solidifying their position as one of the most successful and influential alternative rock bands of the 2000s.
With their signature blend of emotive lyrics, soaring melodies, and powerful instrumentation, Anberlin carved their own path in the rock scene, captivating fans worldwide and leaving an enduring legacy in the world of alternative music.
Evanescence, hailing from the heartland of Little Rock, Arkansas, exploded onto the scene in the late '90s, birthed from the creative partnership of the enigmatic Amy Lee (vocals, keyboards) and the visionary Ben Moody (guitar). Their early years were marked by a string of independent EPs, showcasing a raw and emotive sound that resonated with listeners.
Their breakthrough arrived in 2003 with the release of their debut album, Fallen, a powerful testament to their raw talent. Propelled by the anthemic "Bring Me to Life" and the hauntingly beautiful "My Immortal," Fallen achieved commercial and critical success, selling over four million copies in the US alone and earning the band two Grammy Awards. The album cemented Evanescence's place as a force in the rock world, their sound resonating with a generation craving emotional depth and raw energy.
Further solidifying their status, Evanescence released their first live album and concert DVD, Anywhere but Home in 2004, selling over a million copies worldwide. This marked a pivotal moment, showcasing their captivating live presence and solidifying their global reach.
Their sophomore effort, The Open Door, arrived in 2006, featuring a new co-writer in the form of guitarist Terry Balsamo. This album, while maintaining their signature sound, showcased a more mature and refined musical direction, garnering a Grammy nomination and selling over six million copies worldwide.
Following a period of change, Evanescence regrouped in 2009 with a new lineup: Terry Balsamo (guitar), Troy McLawhorn (guitar), Tim McCord (bass) and Will Hunt (drums). This re-energized lineup unleashed their self-titled third album, Evanescence, in 2011. This marked a turning point as the band collaborated on the songwriting for the first time, resulting in a record that reflected their collective creative vision. The album soared to the top of multiple Billboard charts, solidifying their position as a major force in the rock music scene.
After touring extensively in support of the album, Evanescence entered a hiatus, allowing the members to pursue individual projects and recharge their creative batteries.
Evanescence's story is one of evolution, resilience, and unwavering passion for music. From their humble beginnings in Arkansas to conquering the global stage, they have consistently delivered powerful, emotionally charged music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide. Their journey is far from over, promising exciting chapters in the band's ongoing narrative.
Hailing from Milan, Italy, Lacuna Coil is a force to be reckoned with in the world of gothic metal. Formed in 1994 as Sleep of Right, they've undergone two name changes – first to Ethereal and finally to the iconic Lacuna Coil we know today. The band has consistently pushed boundaries with their music, crafting a sound that blends heavy, melodic riffs with powerful vocals and ethereal textures.
Lacuna Coil's journey has been one of steady growth. Since their debut, they've released nine studio albums, two EPs, two live albums, two compilation albums, a video album, and a whopping sixteen singles and music videos. Their dedication to their craft and their relentless touring have earned them international recognition, cementing their status as a prominent force in the metal scene.
A Legacy of Awards and Critical Acclaim:
A Milestone Achievement:
Their 2012 album "Dark Adrenaline" reached the top 15 on the Billboard 200 chart, demonstrating their undeniable influence on the global music scene. By March 2012, Lacuna Coil had sold over two million albums worldwide, proving their staying power and widespread fan base.
The Birth of a Gothic Metal Masterpiece:
The band's foundation was laid in 1994 by vocalist Andrea Ferro and bassist/composer Marco Coti Zelati. They were joined by Raffaele Zagaria on guitars and Michelangelo Algardi on drums. After recording their first song, "Bleeding Souls," for the compilation "Noise of Bolgia," Claudio Leo became the band's second guitarist, and Leonardo Forti took over drumming duties.
Cristina Scabbia, a friend and Marco's girlfriend at the time, was asked to provide background vocals. Her voice was a natural fit, and she quickly became an integral part of the band's sound. This marked a pivotal point in their journey as the band embraced a more gothic and atmospheric sound, eventually leading to their name change to Ethereal.
The band's journey from humble beginnings to international success showcases their dedication, artistic vision, and a passion for creating unforgettable music.
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.
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.
