DragonForce, the London-based power metal titans, exploded onto the scene in 1999. Their signature sound—a blistering fusion of breakneck speed, intensely technical guitar solos, and fantastical lyrical narratives—quickly established them as a force to be reckoned with. The band themselves label their style "extreme power metal," a description perfectly capturing their over-the-top energy and relentless intensity. Their music often evokes the feel of classic video games, adding another layer to their unique appeal.

The current lineup features guitarists Herman Li and Sam Totman, vocalist Marc Hudson, drummer Gee Anzalone, and bassist Alicia Vigil. However, DragonForces history boasts a revolving door of talent, with notable past members including vocalist ZP Theart, keyboardist Vadim Pruzhanov, drummer Dave Mackintosh, and bassist Frédéric Leclercq, each contributing to the bands evolution.

Their extensive discography includes eight studio albums, two live albums, a compilation, a live DVD, and a demo. Their breakthrough arrived with 2005s *Inhuman Rampage*, certified gold by both the RIAA and BPI. The albums lead single, "Through the Fire and Flames," became an anthem, achieving iconic status and featuring in several video games, including Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. Further cementing their success, "Heroes of Our Time," the lead single from their fourth album, earned a Grammy nomination in 2009. DragonForce is frequently cited among power metal`s "big four," alongside Helloween, Blind Guardian, and Sabaton, a testament to their enduring influence on the genre.

The bands origins trace back to 1999 when guitarists Sam Totman and Herman Li, along with vocalist ZP Theart, formed the band under the name DragonHeart. [Further details on early years, *Valley of the Damned*, and *Sonic Firestorm* could be added here, drawing on the provided texts final paragraph.]

Gloryhammer: A Power Metal Epic

Gloryhammer, the brainchild of Alestorm`s keyboardist and vocalist Christopher Bowes, is a British power metal band unlike any other. Their music is a fully realized theatrical experience, with each band member embodying a specific character within their elaborate, ongoing narrative. Onstage, they command attention in full armor and costume, bringing their fictional world to life.

A History Forged in Fife (and Space):

The bands journey began with their debut album, *Tales from the Kingdom of Fife*, released by Napalm Records on March 29, 2013. Preceding the albums release, the single "Angus McFife" premiered on Napalm Records` YouTube channel on March 7, 2013. Subsequent videos for "Universe on Fire" (August 8, 2015) and "Rise of the Chaos Wizards" (September 11, 2015) further fueled their growing fanbase.

Their second studio album, Space 1992: Rise of the Chaos Wizards, hit shelves on September 25, 2015, propelling Gloryhammer onto official album charts across multiple countries and securing them coveted tour slots alongside metal giants like Stratovarius, Blind Guardian, and HammerFall.

The band`s success earned them recognition from the German edition of Metal Hammer magazine, receiving nominations for "Best Up & Coming Band" in both 2017 and 2018. In January 2018, they cemented their status with a triumphant 24-date European headline tour.

Alestorm, the Scottish pirate metal powerhouse, formed in Perth in 2004, have carved a unique niche in the heavy metal scene. Their sound is instantly recognizable: a potent blend of heavy metal riffs and hilariously bawdy lyrics all centered around a swashbuckling pirate theme. This has earned them a dedicated following and widespread critical acclaim as a leading act in the subgenre.

The current crew consists of vocalist/keytarist Christopher Bowes, bassist Gareth Murdock, drummer Peter Alcorn, keyboardist/harsh vocalist Elliot Vernon, and guitarist Máté "Bobo" Bodor.

Since signing with Napalm Records in 2007, Alestorm have consistently plundered the charts with a string of successful albums: Captain Morgan`s Revenge (2008), Black Sails at Midnight (2009), Back Through Time (2011), Sunset on the Golden Age (2014), No Grave But the Sea (2017), Curse of the Crystal Coconut (2020), and Seventh Rum of a Seventh Rum (2022). Their consistently high-energy performances and infectious brand of pirate metal have cemented their status as a must-see live act and a cornerstone of the genre.

Hailing from Ipswich, England, Basement emerged from the ashes of pop-punk act In This for Fun in September 2009. Initially opting for a simple, unassuming moniker – "Basement" – the band quickly made their mark, releasing their debut EP, Songs About the Weather, in May 2010. This led to a record deal with Run for Cover Records, culminating in their critically acclaimed full-length debut, I Wish I Could Stay Here, in 2011.

Following the release of their sophomore effort, Colourmeinkindness (2012), which saw them break into the US Billboard Top 200, the band took a hiatus. However, their hiatus proved temporary. Reuniting in 2014, they dropped the Further Sky EP, and then delivered their third studio album, Promise Everything, in 2016, achieving chart success in Australia, the UK, and the US. Rounding out their impressive discography is their fourth studio album, Beside Myself, released in October 2018. From their humble beginnings to their international success, Basement`s journey showcases a band with enduring appeal and remarkable staying power within the emo/post-hardcore scene.

Ozzy Osbourne (December 3, 1948 – July 22, 2025), the iconic "Prince of Darkness," reigned as one of heavy metals most influential figures. Co-founding Black Sabbath in 1968, he spearheaded the bands meteoric rise through the 1970s, delivering powerhouse vocals on seminal albums like Black Sabbath, Paranoid, and Master of Reality. His tumultuous tenure, however, ended in 1979 amidst struggles with substance abuse.

Launching a wildly successful solo career in the 1980s, Osbourne, alongside Randy Rhoads and Bob Daisley, crafted classics like Blizzard of Oz and Diary of a Madman. His outrageous stage presence and offstage antics fueled controversy, with accusations of Satanism from religious groups adding to his legendary status. He released thirteen platinum-selling solo albums, seven achieving multi-platinum status in the US alone.

Osbournes relationship with Black Sabbath remained complex. He rejoined the band in 1997, remaining until 2005, and again in 2012, contributing vocals to their final studio album, *13* (2013), before embarking on a farewell tour concluding in 2017. His final performance, on July 5, 2025, at Birminghams "Back to the Beginning" concert, marked a poignant end to a career that irrevocably shaped the landscape of heavy metal.

Hot Milk, the Manchester-based rock band, exploded onto the scene in 2018, formed by the dynamic duo of singer/guitarists Hannah "Han" Mee and Jim Shaw. Their unique sound defies easy categorization, blending genres seamlessly while tackling complex social and political themes in their lyrics. Since signing to Music For Nations in 2021, they`ve rapidly built momentum, releasing three EPs and culminating in their debut studio album, A Call to the Void, on August 25th, 2023.

Their ascent has been meteoric. Sharing stages with giants like the Foo Fighters and You Me At Six, they’ve conquered major festivals including Download and Lollapalooza, and garnered significant airplay on BBC Radio 1 and Kerrang! Radio. Alternative Press has rightfully recognized them as key players in Manchester`s burgeoning new wave of artists.

History: 2018-2019 – Origins and Are You Feeling Alive

The Hot Milk story began in Manchester in 2018, a testament to the power of unlikely connections. Mee and Shaw, who met on Tinder and dated for four years before remaining close friends and housemates, both possessed deep roots in the Manchester music scene. Having played in various bands since the age of 16, they brought a wealth of experience to the project; Mee as a tour promoter and Shaw as a lighting director, their backgrounds providing a strong foundation for their burgeoning musical partnership. This unique blend of experience and their undeniable chemistry propelled Hot Milk into the spotlight, laying the groundwork for their future success.

Hailing from Lowestoft, England, The Darkness exploded onto the hard rock scene in 2000. The lineup, fronted by the flamboyant Justin Hawkins (vocals, guitar) alongside his brother Dan Hawkins (guitar), Frankie Poullain (bass), and Rufus Tiger Taylor (drums), quickly gained notoriety. Their 2003 debut, Permission to Land, became a phenomenon, fueled by anthemic singles like "I Believe in a Thing Called Love," "Growing on Me," "Get Your Hands off My Woman," and "Love Is Only a Feeling." The album achieved quadruple platinum certification in the UK, selling over 1.3 million copies. This success translated into three Brit Awards in 2004: Best British Group, Best British Rock Act, and Best British Album.

However, the whirlwind success took its toll. Extensive touring led to bassist Frankie Poullains departure in 2005, replaced by Richie Edwards. Their follow-up album, *One Way Ticket to Hell... and Back*, released in November 2005, failed to replicate the debuts success. Further compounding matters, Justin Hawkins struggles with alcohol and cocaine abuse culminated in his departure the following year after completing rehab. This, combined with the albums disappointing sales, resulted in Atlantic Records dropping the band in October 2006. The Darkness` story is a classic tale of meteoric rise, internal struggles, and the volatile nature of the music industry.

Don Broco: A Rock n Roll Story from Bedford to Number One

Don Broco, the British rock band hailing from Bedford, England, exploded onto the scene in 2008. The quartet – Rob Damiani (lead vocals), Simon Delaney (guitar), Tom Doyle (bass and programming), and Matt Donnelly (drums, lead and backing vocals) – have since carved a significant path in the UK rock landscape.

Their journey began even before university, honing their skills at Bedford Modern School. While initial gigs laid the groundwork, it was after their time at Nottingham University that they solidified their commitment to becoming a band. Early iterations saw them cycle through names like "Summer Fall" and "Club Sex" before settling on "Don Loco," a moniker swiftly transformed to Don Broco following a football-related wrist injury to guitarist Simon Delaney.

Their meteoric rise began with a UK tour in November 2008, hitting cities like Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester, and more. Early festival appearances at Camden Crawl and Download Festival (2009) and supporting slots for Enter Shikari further amplified their presence. They also graced the stage at the Underage Festival in London`s Victoria Park in both 2009 and 2010, solidifying their reputation on the burgeoning UK music scene.

The bands hard work culminated in the release of four studio albums: *Priorities* (2012), *Automatic* (2015), *Technology* (2018), and their chart-topping *Amazing Things* (2021), which achieved the coveted No. 1 spot on the UK Album Charts – a testament to their enduring appeal and undeniable talent. Don Brocos story is a vibrant example of a band`s dedication transforming into mainstream success.

Hailing from Leeds, West Yorkshire, Static Dress exploded onto the UK rock scene in 2018. This quintet, currently comprised of vocalist Olli Appleyard, drummer Sam Ogden, bassist George Holding, guitarist Vincent Weight, and the enigmatic masked guitarist known only as Contrast, has quickly built a reputation for their intense and eclectic sound. Their journey began with a different lineup, featuring Appleyard (who previously honed his skills as a photographer and videographer for other bands), bassist Connor Reilly, and guitarist Tom Black, along with original drummer Sam Ogden. These members, some hailing from a previous band called Galleries, experimented with various styles, initially dabbling in hardcore punk before solidifying their distinctive sound. Although their early hardcore explorations remained unreleased, their trajectory was set. The band first grabbed attention with the release of their debut single, "Clean," on August 14th, 2019, complete with a striking music video directed by Appleyard and Ogden. Since then, they`ve unleashed a full-length studio album, three EPs, and a collection of powerful standalone singles, solidifying their place as a force to be reckoned with in the modern rock landscape.

Hailing from Liverpool, Loathe (sometimes stylized as LOATHE) are a heavy-hitting force in the modern metal scene. Formed in 2014, the quartet—vocalist Kadeem France, guitarist/vocalist Erik Bickerstaffe, drummer Sean Radcliffe, and bassist Feisal El-Khazragi—have quickly carved a unique niche. Signed to SharpTone Records, their sonic journey began with the 2015 EP Prepare Consume Proceed, re-released by SharpTone in 2016 as the label`s inaugural release.

Their ascent continued with the 2017 debut album The Cold Sun, followed by a collaborative split EP, This Is as One, with labelmates Holding Absence in 2018. The band solidified their status with their second full-length, I Let It In and It Took Everything (2020), and further expanded their sound with the entirely ambient The Things They Believe (2021), a fascinating companion piece to its predecessor.

Loathe defy easy categorization, blending the aggression of metalcore and nu-metal with experimental flourishes of shoegaze, progressive metal, and industrial influences. This unique sonic tapestry has garnered significant critical acclaim, earning them nominations for Best UK Breakthrough Band (Heavy Music Awards) and Best New Band (Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards) in 2018. Their potential for mainstream success was further highlighted in a 2020 Revolver magazine poll where they were voted the third most likely contemporary band to break through.