Time for Rock...
Time for Rock...
Founded in: 2003
Hailing from Bridgend, Wales, Bullet for My Valentine (BFMV) are heavy metal titans forged in the fires of 1998. Originally christened Jeff Killed John, the band cut their teeth covering Metallica and Nirvana, laying down six unreleased tracks before a stylistic shift prompted a name change and a new direction. Two of those early demos were later reworked into their BFMV catalog.
The current lineup features Matthew Tuck (vocals, rhythm guitar), Michael Paget (lead guitar), Jason Bowld (drums), and Jamie Mathias (bass). Previous bassists included Michael Thomas, Jason James, and Nick Crandle. Their sonic evolution, heavily influenced by metal legends like Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Slayer, solidified their place in the vibrant Cardiff music scene.
In 2002, BFMV inked a five-album deal with Sony BMG, setting the stage for their rise. Their debut album, The Poison, dropped in the UK in October 2005 and saw a Valentine's Day release in the US in 2006 – a clever nod to their moniker. The album charted at #128 on the Billboard 200, marking the beginning of their global conquest.
Founded in: 2006
Asking Alexandria, a hard rock band originally formed in Dubai, UAE, but now based in York, North Yorkshire, England, have had a dynamic and occasionally turbulent career. The band, initially spearheaded by Ben Bruce, solidified its lineup in 2008, featuring Bruce, Danny Worsnop (vocals), James Cassells (drums), Cameron Liddell (guitar), Joe Lancaster, and Ryan Binns.
Their debut album, Stand Up and Scream (2009), followed the departure of Lancaster and Binns and the addition of bassist Sam Bettley. Subsequent releases, Reckless & Relentless (2011) and From Death to Destiny (2013), established them in the scene. However, 2015 saw the departure of vocalist Worsnop, replaced by Denis Stoff for The Black (2016). Stoff's brief tenure ended that same year, leading to Worsnop's triumphant return.
The self-titled fifth album (2017) marked a significant stylistic shift. Like a House on Fire (2020) and See What's on the Inside (2021) showcased a more straightforward melodic hard rock sound, while also incorporating diverse genre influences. Their latest release, Where Do We Go from Here (2023), continues this evolution. The current lineup features Liddell, Cassells, Worsnop, and Bettley. Asking Alexandria’s journey demonstrates a band capable of reinventing itself while maintaining a core identity.
Founded in: 2010
Lebanon Hanover, a Swiss-British post-punk duo, emerged from the bustling streets of Sunderland, England in 2010. The band's sound is a potent blend of icy synth melodies, driving basslines, and Larissa Iceglass's hauntingly beautiful vocals.
Iceglass, a Swiss native, provides the band's signature guitar riffs and vocals, while William Maybelline, a British multi-instrumentalist, anchors the band's sonic landscape with bass, synths, and backing vocals.
Their name, a nod to two neighboring towns in New Hampshire, USA, hints at the band's unique blend of international influences and nostalgic Americana. Signed to Fabrika Records in Greece, the band has released six studio albums, each showcasing their artistic evolution and unwavering dedication to crafting captivating post-punk masterpieces.
From Last.fm to the Stage:
Larissa and William's musical journey began in the online world, where they connected through the music platform Last.fm, trading recommendations for 80s music. Their shared passion for post-punk led to a real-life meeting in Sunderland, and Lebanon Hanover was born.
Their debut performance took place in Berlin's legendary King Kong Club in October 2010, marking the start of their ascent to post-punk prominence. A split EP with La Fete Triste in 2011 caught the attention of Fabrika Records, propelling them to the forefront of the international music scene.
Their debut album, "The World is Getting Colder," dropped in 2012, followed by their second album, "Why Not Just Be Solo," later that same year. These albums cemented Lebanon Hanover's status as a force to be reckoned with in the post-punk revival, captivating audiences worldwide with their haunting melodies and raw emotional intensity.
Founded in: 1982
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.
Founded in: 1991
Cradle of Filth, hailing from the depths of Suffolk, England, burst onto the extreme metal scene in 1991. Initially steeped in the raw fury of black metal, they evolved into a force to be reckoned with, forging a distinct and compelling sound that blended the darkness of gothic metal, the grandeur of symphonic metal, and other metal genres.
Their lyrical tapestry, woven with threads of Gothic literature, poetry, mythology, and horror films, creates a unique and unsettling atmosphere. At the helm is the band's founding member and vocalist, Dani Filth, a charismatic figure whose stage presence and lyrical prowess have become synonymous with Cradle of Filth. The band is also comprised of seasoned musicians including drummer Martin "Marthus" Å karoupka, bassist Daniel Firth, guitarists Marek "Ashok" Å merda and Donny Burbage, and keyboardist Zoe Marie Federoff.
While retaining their core extreme metal roots, Cradle of Filth transcended their niche by embracing mainstream exposure. This strategic move brought them to the attention of major publications like Kerrang! and MTV, and propelled them onto the stages of iconic festivals like Ozzfest, Download, and even the mainstream Sziget Festival.
Their embrace of theatrics and their imagery, while often drawing comparisons to Satanism, are more for shock value than genuine belief. While their lyrical references to Satanism are few and far between, their aesthetic and presentation have cemented their image as a band that thrives on pushing boundaries and challenging norms.
Early Years (1991-1996)
The band's first three years were characterized by a whirlwind of demos (Invoking the Unclean, Orgiastic Pleasures Foul, and Total Fucking Darkness) and frequent lineup changes. In fact, Cradle of Filth has had over thirty musicians pass through its ranks throughout its history.
An album, "Goetia," was recorded prior to their third demo and slated for release on Tombstone Records. Tragically, the label went out of business, and the band, lacking the funds to reclaim the recordings, saw their debut work vanish into the void.
The Rise of a Gothic Metal Icon:
The story of Cradle of Filth is one of relentless creativity, constant evolution, and a refusal to be confined by genre boundaries. From their black metal roots to their present status as gothic metal titans, they've carved a unique path for themselves, leaving an indelible mark on the extreme metal landscape.
Founded in: 1985
Carcass, the legendary English extreme metal band from Liverpool, emerged in 1985, carving a path through the brutal soundscapes of grindcore and melodic death metal. The band's journey has been marked by several line-up changes, leaving guitarist Bill Steer and bassist/vocalist Jeff Walker as the only consistent members. While they disbanded in 1996, Carcass triumphantly returned in 2007, minus their original drummer Ken Owen due to health concerns. Their impact, however, has remained indelible.
Carcass has released a staggering amount of music, including seven studio albums, two compilation albums, four EPs, two demo albums, one video album, and six music videos. Their influence is undeniable, as they're widely considered pioneers of both grindcore and melodic death metal, earning their place among the first and most influential bands in these genres. Their early work was often labeled "splatter death metal" or "hardgore," a testament to their morbid lyrics and gruesome album art.
Their fourth album, Heartwork (1993), stands as a landmark in melodic death metal, a testament to their evolution and their enduring impact on the genre. Carcass's ability to blend technicality with melody and brutality set them apart. They were one of the few death metal bands to sign with a major label, with Columbia Records distributing Heartwork in North America. Earache Records handled the worldwide distribution for the album, having released all of their albums up to and including Swansong (1996).
Carcass first formed as a school band, a collaboration between Bill Steer and Ken Owen. However, their initial foray into music was short-lived, as the band soon disbanded.
Founded in: 1980
Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Leeds, England, The Sisters of Mercy emerged in 1980. Their unique blend of gothic rock, infused with elements of post-punk and darkwave, quickly gained them a devoted following in the underground music scene. The band achieved mainstream success in the mid-1980s, releasing a string of acclaimed albums that cemented their place as pioneers of the gothic rock genre.
The Sisters of Mercy's three original studio albums - "First and Last and Always" (1985), "Floodland" (1987), and "Vision Thing" (1990) - each showcased a distinct musical evolution, yet remained unified by the constant presence of the band's visionary frontman, Andrew Eldritch, and the driving force of the Doktor Avalanche drum machine.
Their journey, however, was marked by internal conflict and a tumultuous relationship with their label, WEA. The band's frustration with the label's handling of their career culminated in a public protest in the early 1990s, when they refused to release new material. This led to a period of artistic stagnation, during which WEA released the album "Go Figure" under the name SSV, without the Sisters' involvement.
Despite being released from their contract with WEA, The Sisters of Mercy have remained independent, choosing not to sign with another label or release new studio albums. However, they have continued to tour extensively, captivating audiences with their dark and captivating live performances, often showcasing new, unreleased material.
The band's influence on the goth and alternative music scenes is undeniable. Their legacy is further cemented by the successful careers of former members, who went on to form iconic bands like Ghost Dance and The Mission. The Sisters of Mercy's story remains a testament to their enduring musical vision and their unwavering commitment to artistic integrity.
Founded in: 1997
The Libertines, hailing from the gritty streets of London, burst onto the scene in 1997, driven by the raw energy of frontmen Carl Barat and Pete Doherty. Their music, fueled by a raw, punk-infused energy, quickly made them a focal point of the garage rock revival sweeping the UK.
Barat and Doherty's songwriting partnership was the band's heart, with bassist John Hassall and drummer Gary Powell providing the rhythmic backbone for most of their recording career. Their sound, a blend of buzzsaw guitars, anthemic melodies, and introspective lyrics, resonated with a generation yearning for authenticity in their music.
While their early success was overshadowed by Doherty's well-documented struggles with drug addiction, and the volatile relationship between the two songwriters, the Libertines' profile steadily rose. Their second album, self-titled and released in 2004, cemented their place as a major force in British music. It was a critical darling, hitting the top spot on the UK album charts and even being voted the year's second-best album by NME magazine.
The band's sonic blueprint, produced by Mick Jones, the legendary co-founder of The Clash, solidified their punk-rock pedigree. Despite their commercial and critical triumphs, internal conflicts stemming from Doherty's addiction ultimately led to the band's demise in 2004.
Doherty later claimed that the band's breakup stemmed from personal differences with Barat, not his drug use.
The Libertines, a band marked by both artistic brilliance and self-destructive tendencies, remain a symbol of the raw passion and complex realities of rock'n'roll. Despite their turbulent history, their music continues to resonate with fans, reminding us of the enduring power of a band that, at its core, embodied the spirit of rebellion and unflinching honesty.
Founded in: 1977
Def Leppard, hailing from the industrial heartland of Sheffield, England, burst onto the scene in 1976, becoming a cornerstone of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Their journey, however, took them far beyond the headbanging hordes of the early 80s, culminating in a career marked by massive commercial success and stadium-filling anthems.
The band's core lineup since 1992 consists of the rhythm section powerhouse of Rick Savage (bass, backing vocals) and Rick Allen (drums), fronted by the charismatic Joe Elliott (lead vocals), and flanked by the twin guitar attack of Phil Collen (guitar, backing vocals) and Vivian Campbell (guitar, backing vocals).
Their debut album, "On Through the Night" (1980), while reaching the UK Top 15, failed to make a significant impact elsewhere. It wasn't until their second album, "High 'n' Dry" (1981), produced by the legendary Mutt Lange, that Def Leppard truly found their sonic signature. Lange's influence helped shape their melodic hard rock sound, giving birth to the iconic "Bringin' On the Heartbreak" - one of the first rock videos to grace MTV in 1982.
The arrival of Phil Collen in 1982 solidified the lineup that would propel them to global stardom. Their third album, "Pyromania" (1983), exploded onto the scene, fuelled by the twin power of "Photograph" and "Rock of Ages." These tracks dominated the US Rock Tracks chart and cracked the Top 20 on the Hot 100. "Pyromania" itself achieved Diamond status in the US, reaching No. 2 on the album chart. It also hit the UK Top 20, though its impact elsewhere remained limited.
Def Leppard's story is one of perseverance, evolution, and undeniable talent. They carved a path from the underground heavy metal scene to the forefront of stadium rock, leaving an indelible mark on the history of rock music.
Founded in: 1991
Oasis, hailing from the musical heartland of Manchester, burst onto the scene in 1991. Their original lineup was a potent mix of swagger and raw talent: Liam Gallagher (the charismatic frontman), Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs (the rhythm guitarist), Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan (the bassist), and Tony McCarroll (the drummer). But it was the arrival of Liam's older brother, Noel Gallagher, that truly cemented their destiny. Noel, with his sharp songwriting and blistering lead guitar, joined the band just a few months later and soon became the creative driving force, crafting the anthems that would define their sound.
Oasis quickly became synonymous with the Britpop movement, rising to international fame with a sound that was both nostalgic and fresh, drawing inspiration from classic British rock while injecting it with a youthful energy and attitude.
They signed with Creation Records in 1993, unleashing their debut album, "Definitely Maybe," the following year. It was a monumental success, smashing records to become the fastest-selling debut album in British history. The album's iconic tracks, like "Live Forever" and "Champagne Supernova," became anthems for a generation.
The band’s follow-up, "(What's the Story) Morning Glory" (released in 1995 with new drummer Alan White), cemented their status as Britpop royalty. It spent an astonishing ten weeks at the top of the UK charts, becoming one of the biggest selling albums of all time – a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate today.
However, the Gallagher brothers' tumultuous relationship was well documented, their fiery personalities and public spats splashed across the tabloids throughout the 1990s. Despite the drama, their music continued to captivate, creating a legacy that will forever be etched in the history of rock and roll.