Godsmack is an American rock band from Lawrence, Massachusetts, formed in February 1995. The band`s current lineup consists of lead singer and rhythm guitarist Sully Erna and bassist Robbie Merrill. Throughout their career, Godsmack has released nine studio albums, an EP, four DVDs, a compilation album, and a live album, with their final album, Lighting Up the Sky, released in 2023.

Since their formation, Godsmack has participated in various major tours and festivals, including multiple appearances at Ozzfest, and has also headlined their own arena tours. They have achieved significant commercial success with three consecutive number-one albums on the Billboard 200 (Faceless, IV, and The Oracle), and have had 25 top-ten rock radio hits, with 12 reaching number one. In recognition of their achievements and the release of their sixth studio album, 1000hp, August 6 was declared Godsmack Day in Boston by Mayor Marty Walsh.

Currents, the Connecticut metalcore quintet, emerged from Newtown in 2011, founded by drummer Jeff Brown. While the lineup has undergone significant turnover—no original members remain since 2018—the current iteration features vocalist Brian Wille, guitarists Ryan Castaldi and Chris Wiseman (also a founding guitarist of Shadow of Intent), bassist/backing vocalist Christian Pulgarin, and drummer Matt Young.

Their journey began with the independently released Victimized EP in January 2013. Two years later, they followed up with the Life // Lost EP, featuring a guest appearance by Ricky Armellino of This or the Apocalypse. A pivotal moment arrived in March 2017 when Currents signed with SharpTone Records. This led to the release of their debut full-length, The Place I Feel Safest, in June 2017, followed by an instrumental version in May 2018. SharpTone also released their I Let the Devil In EP, including an instrumental version, in December 2018. Their critically acclaimed second album, The Way It Ends, dropped via SharpTone in June 2020, solidifying their place in the metalcore scene.

Starset, the Columbus, Ohio-based rock band, exploded onto the scene in 2013, the brainchild of Dustin Bates. Their debut album, Transmissions (2014), marked the beginning of their unique approach – crafting concept albums and expanding their narrative through innovative multimedia strategies. This savvy use of social media and YouTube generated significant revenue, exceeding $230,000 in YouTube ad revenue alone by November 2016, a testament to their engaged fanbase. Their breakout single, "My Demons," amassed over 280 million YouTube views during the same period.

The bands ascent continued with *Vessels* (2017), featuring the commercially successful track "Monster," which climbed to #2 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in May 2017. Further solidifying their position in the rock landscape, they released *Divisions* in 2019 and *Horizons* in 2021, consistently building upon their signature blend of cinematic soundscapes and intricate storytelling. Bates, the bands lead vocalist, songwriter, and keyboardist, draws inspiration from his background in electrical engineering, research for the US Air Force, teaching at the International Space University, and a fascination with astronomy, all woven into the rich fictional lore that underpins Starset`s musical universe.

Las VegasPalaye Royale: A Rockn` Roll Dynasty

Palaye Royale, the American rock band known for their theatrical style and dramatic sound, emerged from the Las Vegas scene in 2008. Initially formed as Kropp Circle by brothers Remington Leith (vocals), Sebastian Danzig (guitar/keyboards), and Emerson Barrett (drums), the trio honed their skills in their early years. Their youthful energy was evident even then, as their mother, following advice from Paul Weller of The Jam, supported their decision to leave school and pursue music full-time.

Kropp Circles early work showcased a softer, acoustic rock sound, culminating in the release of their four-track EP, *Who We Really Are*, in 2010. This release included the singles "Who We Really Are" and "Cant Stop the Rain," each accompanied by a music video. The band also gained early exposure through appearances on online platforms like Radio Disney`s N.B.T. (Next Big Thing) in 2009.

However, their sonic evolution was still underway. In 2011, a pivotal rebranding occurred with the adoption of the name Palaye Royale, a tribute to the Palais Royale dance hall in Toronto, where their grandparents met. This name change signaled a shift towards a more mature and distinct sound. Their debut single under the new moniker, "Morning Light," dropped in March 2012. Since then, signed to Sumerian Records, Palaye Royale has built an impressive discography, releasing five full-length albums and four EPs, solidifying their place as a force in modern rock.

Hailing from Bridgeport, Connecticut, Hatebreed emerged in 1994 as a powerhouse in the metalcore/hardcore scene. Their raw energy quickly gained them a dedicated following, starting with a self-released demo and a split 7" with Neglect. The critically acclaimed Under the Knife EP, initially slated for Big Wheel Recreation, saw self-release in 1996, fueling a tour across the East Coast and Midwest supporting UKHC act, Voorhees. 1997 marked a pivotal moment with the release of their debut full-length, Satisfaction Is the Death of Desire, on Victory Records. This album wasnt just a success—it became the best-selling debut in Victorys history, catapulting Hatebreed to cult status and solidifying their place within the American hardcore landscape. Their subsequent signing to Universal Records and the release of Perseverance in 2002, which cracked the Billboard 200, cemented their position as major players, blending hardcore intensity with heavy metal`s crushing power, and leaving an undeniable mark on the Connecticut hardcore scene.

Agnostic Front, a seminal New York City hardcore punk band, exploded onto the scene in 1980. Their influence on the NYC hardcore scene and pioneering role in crossover thrash is undeniable.

Early Years (1980-1992): A Story of Line-Up Shifts and Hardcore Fury

The original lineup, formed in 1980, featured Vinnie Stigma (lead guitar, formerly of the Eliminators), Diego (bass), Rob Krekus (drums, aka Robby Crypt Crash), and John Watson (vocals). Initially billed as Zoo Crew at their first show, a last-minute name change, courtesy of Stigma, solidified them as Agnostic Front. Early instability saw Raybeez (Ray Barbieri) taking over on drums and Adam Mucci joining on bass. Following Watsons arrest and the departure of James Kontra (who clashed with Capuccio over sticker distribution), a pivotal moment arrived. Stigma, impressed by Roger Mirets (ex-Psychos) slam dancing style, recruited him as vocalist without prior contact.

This lineup, solidified in 1983, unleashed their debut EP, United Blood. However, even before the official release, bassist Mucci exited, replaced by Todd Youth. Crucially, this early Agnostic Front was entirely composed of skinheads, a significant aspect of their identity and the burgeoning hardcore scene.

Johnny Thunders and Jerry Nolan, fresh off their tumultuous tenure with the New York Dolls, ignited the New York City punk scene in 1975 with the formation of the Heartbreakers. Often dubbed "Johnny Thunders` Heartbreakers," this seminal band spearheaded the first wave of punk rock, leaving an indelible mark on music history.

Their story begins with the Dolls implosion amidst creative tensions and poor sales. Thunders and Nolan, departing mid-Florida tour in March 1975, found themselves unexpectedly aligned with Richard Hell, whod just bailed on Television, citing its increasing pretentiousness. Hells desire for a raw, compelling rock & roll band perfectly complemented Thunders and Nolans vision.

The trio, christened the Heartbreakers, debuted at Queens Coventry club on May 30th, 1975 (note: a different band, Tom Pettys Heartbreakers, wouldnt start gigging until the following year). Adding guitarist Walter Lure (formerly of the glam-punk Demons) in July at CBGBs completed their explosive lineup.

The Heartbreakers rapidly ascended to underground New York royalty, commanding sold-out shows at iconic venues like CBGB, Mothers (across from the Chelsea Hotel), and Maxs Kansas City. Their raw energy and uncompromising sound cemented their place as pioneers of a genre that would soon take the world by storm.

Twisted Sister, the New Jersey-born (Ho-Ho-Kus, to be precise), Long Island-based hard rock band, exploded onto the scene in 1972. While initially categorized as glam metal—a label frontman Dee Snider vehemently disputes—their image was undeniably flamboyant, characterized by outrageous hairstyles, androgynous clothing, and theatrical makeup. This visual spectacle perfectly complemented their high-energy live shows.

Their legacy rests on anthemic tracks like "Were Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock," both immortalized in memorably slapstick music videos. The bands evolution from their earlier incarnation, Silver Star, involved several lineup changes before solidifying in 1982 with the iconic quintet of Jay Jay French (guitars), Eddie "Fingers" Ojeda (guitars), Dee Snider (vocals), Mark "The Animal" Mendoza (bass), and A.J. Pero (drums). This lineup powered their first four albums.

While Under the Blade (1982) and *You Cant Stop Rock n Roll* (1983) garnered critical acclaim and built a strong underground following, it was their third album, *Stay Hungry* (1984), that catapulted them to mainstream success. The albums title track, "Were Not Gonna Take It," became their only Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Although subsequent releases, *Come Out and Play* (1985) and *Love Is for Suckers* (1987), didnt replicate Stay Hungrys phenomenal success, Twisted Sisters impact remained undeniable. The band disbanded in 1988 but reunited in the late 1990s, before a more permanent reformation in 2003, releasing Still Hungry (a re-recording of Stay Hungry) in 2004 and a Christmas album, A Twisted Christmas, in 2006.

Death, the pioneering American death metal band, emerged from Altamonte Springs, Florida in 1983. Forged by guitarist Chuck Schuldiner (who would become the band`s iconic vocalist), drummer/vocalist Kam Lee, and guitarist Rick Rozz, they were instrumental in shaping the Florida death metal scene. Their seminal 1987 debut, Scream Bloody Gore, is widely considered a foundational death metal album, alongside early works from Possessed and Necrophagia.

Deaths lineup was notoriously fluid, with Schuldiner the only consistent member (excepting a European tour). Their sound evolved significantly, transitioning from the raw, visceral assault of their initial releases to a more complex and sophisticated style in later years. The bands legacy was tragically cut short by Schuldiner`s death from glioma and pneumonia in December 2001, but their influence on heavy metal remains undeniable.

Early Days (1983-1985):

Initially formed as Mantas in either 1983 or 1984 by Schuldiner, Death quickly gained recognition as a key player in the burgeoning death metal landscape, alongside Californias Possessed. Influenced by bands like Nasty Savage, Death was among the first wave of the Florida death metal scene. Early rehearsal tapes, including the pivotal *Death by Metal* demo, circulated extensively within the underground tape-trading network, rapidly establishing the bands reputation and solidifying their place in metal history.

Deftones, the Sacramento, California quintet formed in 1988, are pioneers of alternative metal. Founded by Chino Moreno (vocals), Stephen Carpenter (guitar), and Abe Cunningham (drums), the lineup solidified in 1993 with the addition of Chi Cheng (bass) and, later in 1999, Frank Delgado (keyboards/turntable). Their experimental sound, often compared to a "Radiohead of metal," has consistently defied easy categorization.

Signed to Maverick Records, their 1995 debut Adrenaline built a devoted fanbase through relentless touring and word-of-mouth. The follow-up, 1997`s Around the Fur, catapulted them into the alternative metal stratosphere, achieving chart success and earning the band their first RIAA certification.

White Pony (2000) marked a pivotal shift, showcasing a more experimental, nuanced sound while maintaining their raw power. The albums lead single, "Change (In the House of Flies)," became their biggest commercial hit, and "Elite" garnered a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance. *White Pony* achieved platinum status in the US, the first of three Deftones albums to reach this milestone. Their self-titled fourth album, released in 2003, continued to garner critical acclaim, though commercial success didnt quite match the heights of White Pony. Despite this, Deftones` enduring influence on the genre remains undeniable.