Bad Religion, formed in Los Angeles in 1980, are legendary figures in punk rock. Their insightful lyrics tackle religion, politics, society, media, and science with sharp wit and intellectual depth. Musically, they`re renowned for their melodic sensibility and intricate three-part harmonies – a unique sound in the genre.

While the lineup has seen changes over the years, Greg Graffin has remained the constant frontman. Founding members Jay Bentley and Brett Gurewitz have also been pivotal throughout their history, with guitarist Brian Baker joining the ranks in 1994. Mike Dimkich (guitar) and Jamie Miller (drums) solidified the current lineup in 2013 and 2015, respectively.

Their prolific output includes seventeen studio albums, plus numerous live albums, compilations, EPs, and DVDs. Having sold over five million albums worldwide, theyre undeniably one of punk rocks best-selling acts.

Their early releases on Gurewitzs Epitaph Records cultivated a massive underground following and critical acclaim. The bands 1993 signing to Atlantic Records marked a transition to mainstream success, playing a key role in the 90s punk rock revival. Bad Religion essentially set the template for a generation of California punk bands, influencing acts like Green Day, The Offspring, NOFX, and Rancid. Their impact extends beyond their contemporaries; they`re cited as a major influence on pop punk, skate punk, post-hardcore, screamo, and emo scenes throughout the 90s and 2000s.

Minor Threat, the seminal hardcore punk band, exploded onto the Washington, D.C. scene in 1980. Founded by vocalist Ian MacKaye and drummer Jeff Nelson – veterans of the local scene who`d previously cut their teeth together in Teen Idles – the band quickly solidified its lineup with bassist Brian Baker and guitarist Lyle Preslar. In 1982, Steve Hansgen joined, adding a second guitar as Baker shifted to bass.

Despite a brief lifespan of only three years, Minor Threat left an indelible mark on American hardcore. Their raw, aggressive sound and fiercely independent ethos, embodied by their self-released material on Dischord Records (MacKaye and Nelsons own label), became a blueprint for countless bands. Their DIY approach to distribution and promotion helped define the genres ethos.

Their iconic song, "Straight Edge," spawned a subculture emphasizing abstinence from alcohol, drugs, and promiscuous sex. AllMusic rightly calls their music "iconic," praising its enduring quality in a genre where many contemporaries haven`t held up as well. Alongside Bad Brains (D.C.) and Black Flag (California), Minor Threat set the standard for hardcore punk throughout the 80s and 90s. Their landmark releases, the Minor Threat EP and Out of Step EP, remain highly influential and critically acclaimed works of the hardcore punk genre. Their impact extends beyond music, shaping the cultural landscape of the scene with their uncompromising message and DIY ethic.

Rancid, the seminal American punk rock band, exploded onto the scene in Berkeley, California in 1991. Formed by Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman, veterans of the influential Operation Ivy, they spearheaded (alongside Green Day and The Offspring) a punk rock revival that swept the US in the mid-90s, catapulting the genre back into the mainstream.

Over their three-decade career, Rancid has maintained a fiercely loyal following, deeply rooted in their underground origins. While the lineup has seen some changes – notably Brett Reed`s departure in 2006, replaced by Branden Steineckert on drums – the core of Armstrong (guitar and vocals) and Freeman (bass and vocals) remains constant. Lars Frederiksen (guitar and vocals) completed the current, enduring lineup. Frederiksen joined after the recording of their debut, making his first appearance with the band on tour.

Their prolific output includes ten studio albums, a split album, a compilation, two EPs, and a number of live releases. These recordings have solidified Rancids place as one of punk rocks all-time giants, with over four million records sold worldwide. Their ascension to fame was cemented in 1994 with Let`s Go, their second album, and the breakout single "Salvation."

Hailing from Tarpon Springs, Florida, Savatage emerged in 1979, forged by the Oliva brothers, Jon and Criss. Initially christened Avatar, a name clash forced a rebranding just before their 1983 debut, Sirens. This pivotal shift marked the beginning of a legendary career. Savatage became a cornerstone of the US heavy metal scene in the early-to-mid 80s, profoundly influencing countless metal subgenres.

Their prolific output includes eleven studio albums, two live albums, five compilations, and three EPs. While Fight for the Rock (1986) brought them initial chart success (#158 Billboard 200), Hall of the Mountain King (1987), Gutter Ballet (1989), Streets: A Rock Opera (1991), and Edge of Thorns (1993) solidified their critical acclaim and cemented their legacy. Tragedy struck on October 17, 1993, when Criss Oliva died in a car accident, just six months after Edge of Thorns` release.

Undeterred, Jon Oliva (with producer Paul ONeill) carried on Savatages torch, releasing four more studio albums amidst several lineup changes before an extended hiatus in 2002. The bands members went on to create other notable projects, including Jon Olivas Pain, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Circle II Circle, and Doctor Butcher, further cementing their impact on the broader landscape of rock and metal.

Danzig, the iconic American heavy metal band fronted by the legendary Glenn Danzig (formerly of Samhain and the Misfits), emerged in Lodi, New Jersey in 1987. Their sound immediately carved a unique niche, blending bluesy, doom-laden metal with Danzig`s distinctive baritone vocals—a captivating blend evoking the styles of Roy Orbison and Elvis Presley. A live version of their 1988 track "Mother" became a major hit, propelling them forward. The band subsequently experimented with industrial music before returning to their heavy metal roots. As of 2023, Danzig boasts an impressive discography: twelve studio albums (including two covers albums), two EPs, a live album, and a compilation album.

History:

Beginnings (1986-1987): Samhains final show, a July 14, 1986 performance at New Yorks Ritz, proved pivotal. In attendance was producer Rick Rubin, actively seeking talent for Def Jam Recordings. Initially interested in signing Glenn Danzig for a hard rock supergroup, Rubin encountered a crucial stipulation: Danzig would only sign if Samhain bassist Eerie Von was included. By 1987, the lineup solidified with the additions of guitarist John Christ and drummer Chuck Biscuits (ex-Black Flag). To signal the shift in musical direction and future-proof the band`s identity against potential lineup changes, Rubin suggested renaming Samhain to Danzig—a moniker that would become synonymous with their powerful and distinctive sound.

Avenged Sevenfold (A7X), the Huntington Beach, California heavy metal titans, exploded onto the scene in 1999. Their current lineup—M. Shadows (vocals), Zacky Vengeance (rhythm guitar), Synyster Gates (lead guitar), Johnny Christ (bass), and Brooks Wackerman (drums)—continues to deliver their signature blend of hard-hitting riffs and dramatic flair.

Initially emerging with a metalcore edge on their debut, Sounding the Seventh Trumpet, and solidifying that sound on Waking the Fallen, A7X dramatically shifted gears with their major label breakthrough, City of Evil. This album marked a transition to a more classic heavy metal style, a path they further explored on their self-titled release. Their ascent to mainstream success was tragically interrupted by the death of founding drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan in 2009. Undeterred, the band, with the assistance of Dream Theater`s Mike Portnoy, delivered the emotionally charged Nightmare in 2010, their first #1 debut on the Billboard 200.

Arin Ilejay took over drumming duties in 2011, contributing to Hail to the King (2013). This album, Ilejays only with the band, showcased a powerful blend of heavy metal and hard rock, reflecting A7X’s deep respect for their musical influences. From metalcore beginnings to their current mastery of a more traditional, yet undeniably unique heavy metal sound, Avenged Sevenfolds journey is a testament to their resilience and artistic evolution.

Hailing from San Francisco, Huey Lewis and the News exploded onto the music scene in the 1980s, becoming one of the era`s defining acts. Their infectious blend of blue-eyed soul, new wave, power pop, and roots rock, drawing heavily from classic pop, R&B, and doo-wop influences, yielded a remarkable nineteen top ten singles across the Billboard Hot 100, Adult Contemporary, and Mainstream Rock charts.

While their early albums garnered critical acclaim, showcasing Huey Lewiss undeniable charisma, it was 1983s Sports that propelled them to global stardom. Fueled by extensive MTV airplay, Sports became a phenomenal success. The albums impact was amplified by "The Power of Love," featured in the blockbuster film *Back to the Future*. This iconic track hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned an Academy Award nomination. Further cementing their reign, their 1986 album *Fore!* delivered two more chart-topping hits: "Stuck with You" and "Jacobs Ladder." Their string of 80s top ten hits also included classics like "Do You Believe in Love," "Heart and Soul," "I Want a New Drug," "The Heart of Rock & Roll," "If This Is It," "Hip to Be Square," "I Know What I Like," "Doing It All for My Baby," and "Perfect World," solidifying their place in music history.

REO Speedwagon (originally stylized as R.E.O. Speedwagon, or simply REO) roared out of Champaign, Illinois, in 1967. The band built a strong following throughout the 1970s, exploding into mainstream success during the 80s. Their 1980 album, Hi Infidelity, became a multi-platinum juggernaut, spawning four Top 40 hits and selling over 10 million copies. In total, REO Speedwagons electrifying sound has sold over 40 million records and yielded 13 Top 40 hits, including the number-one anthems "Keep On Loving You" and "Cant Fight This Feeling."

History: Formation

The band`s genesis took place in the fall of 1966. Neal Doughty, a junior electrical engineering student at the University of Illinois, Champaign, met fellow student Alan Gratzer on his very first night of classes. Doughty, a self-taught pianist familiar with Beatles tunes, and Gratzer, a seasoned high school drummer with local band experience, launched an impromptu jam session in the basement of their Illinois Street Residence Hall dorm. Gratzer continued playing with his existing band, while Doughty became a frequent guest, eventually joining in on several songs, laying the groundwork for the rock behemoth to come.

The Cars, Boston`s seminal new wave rock act, exploded onto the scene in 1976. The lineup – Ric Ocasek (rhythm guitar, lead vocals, primary songwriter), Benjamin Orr (bass, lead vocals), Elliot Easton (lead guitar), Greg Hawkes (keyboards), and David Robinson (drums) – masterfully blended the raw energy of 70s guitar rock with the burgeoning sounds of synth-pop, a pivotal moment in musical history.

Their innovative sound, described by Robert Palmer of the New York Times and Rolling Stone as a "personal and appealing blend" of punk minimalism, art rock textures, rockabilly revival, and power-pop terseness, quickly captivated audiences. This groundbreaking fusion earned them the Best New Artist title in Rolling Stones 1978 Readers Poll. Their self-titled debut album achieved platinum status, spending an astounding 139 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart.

The Cars cemented their place in music history with four Top 10 hits: "Shake It Up," "You Might Think," "Drive," and "Tonight She Comes." Their innovative video for "You Might Think" further solidified their impact, winning Video of the Year at the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards in 1984.

After a highly influential run, the band disbanded in 1988. The tragic loss of bassist Benjamin Orr to pancreatic cancer in 2000 served as a somber reminder of their enduring legacy. Their impact on the evolution of rock music, however, remains undeniable.

Sleater-Kinney (pronounced SLEY-ter KIN-ee) exploded onto the scene in Olympia, Washington in 1994, quickly establishing themselves as a cornerstone of the riot grrrl movement and a vital force in American indie rock. The core duo, Corin Tucker (vocals, guitar) and Carrie Brownstein (guitar, vocals), forged a sound both ferocious and fiercely intelligent. For many years, the powerhouse rhythm section was completed by Janet Weiss (drums, harmonica, vocals), until her departure in 2019.

Their early output – Sleater-Kinney (1995), Call the Doctor (1996), Dig Me Out (1997), The Hot Rock (1999), All Hands on the Bad One (2000), One Beat (2002), and The Woods (2005) – cemented their reputation, showcasing their dynamic interplay and politically charged lyrics. After a 2006 hiatus dedicated to solo pursuits, the band reunited triumphantly in 2014, releasing No Cities to Love (2015), The Center Won`t Hold (2019), Path of Wellness (2021), and Little Rope (2024), proving their enduring relevance and continued creative evolution.

Sleater-Kinneys influence is undeniable. Critics like Greil Marcus and Robert Christgau have championed them as essential figures in early 2000s rock, with Marcus even declaring them Americas best rock band in 2001. Stereogums Tom Breihan further solidified their legacy in 2015, calling them the greatest rock band of the previous two decades. Their feminist and progressive ideals, interwoven with their powerful music, have inspired generations of musicians and listeners alike. The bands impact extends far beyond their discography; they remain a potent symbol of female empowerment and artistic integrity within the broader landscape of alternative rock.