Death Angel, the seminal thrash metal band from Daly City, California, exploded onto the scene in 1982, leaving an undeniable mark on the Bay Area and beyond. Initially active until 1991, their legendary status solidified through a relentless touring schedule and a string of critically acclaimed albums. Their discography boasts nine studio albums, two demos, a box set, and three live albums – a testament to their enduring legacy.

While the lineup has seen significant changes over the decades, guitarist Rob Cavestany remains the sole constant member. He and vocalist Mark Osegueda (who joined in 1984) are the only members to appear on every studio album, forming the core of Death Angel`s signature sound.

In the 1980s, Death Angel reigned supreme as a Bay Area thrash titan, sharing stages with heavyweights like Megadeth, Metallica, Slayer, Exodus, Testament, Overkill, D.R.I., Mercyful Fate, and Possessed. Their impact is undeniable; often cited as a leader of the second wave of thrash, they’re considered part of the genre`s "Big Eight" (alongside Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Testament, Exodus, and Overkill) and the "Big Six" of Bay Area thrash (with Exodus, Testament, Lȧȧz Rockit, Forbidden, and Vio-lence).

Following the underground success of The Ultra-Violence (1987) and Frolic Through the Park (1988), Death Angel signed to Geffen Records in 1989, releasing Act III the following year. Tragedy struck during the Act III tour when drummer Andy Galeon was severely injured in a bus accident, leading to the band`s initial disbandment in 1991.

Death Angel triumphantly returned in 2001 (minus original rhythm guitarist Gus Pepa) at the "Thrash of the Titans" benefit concert for Testaments Chuck Billy. Since then, they’ve released six more albums, including 2019s Humanicide, which earned them a Grammy nomination. With a tenth studio album tentatively slated for 2025, Death Angel continues to prove their enduring power and influence on the thrash metal landscape.

Failure: A Deep Dive into the Alternative Rock Pioneers

Failure, the Los Angeles-based alternative rock band, carved a significant niche in the 90s scene and enjoys a fervent resurgence today. Active from 1990 to 1997, and again since 2014, their discography boasts six studio albums and five EPs, solidifying their status as influential alt-rock innovators.

1990-1997: From Comfort to Cult Status

Their journey began in earnest in 1992 when they inked a deal with Slash Records (distributed by Warner Bros. in the US). They decamped to Minnesota’s Pachyderm Studio to record their debut, Comfort, with legendary producer Steve Albini. Released that September, Comfort marked their introduction, coinciding with early tours supporting the influential band Tool.

However, the band found themselves dissatisfied with Comfort`s raw, almost documentary-style production, clashing with their vision. Seeking a more polished and produced sound, they took matters into their own hands for their second album. In 1993, during the recording process for Magnified, drummer Will Gauss departed, forcing guitarist Greg Edwards to step in temporarily until Kellii Scott joined. The self-produced Magnified, released in March 1994, showcased a significant leap in sonic ambition. While a promotional video for "Undone" garnered little mainstream attention, critical acclaim followed, acknowledging their evolution and attracting the attention of fellow musicians. Magnified, in particular, became highly influential within the wider alt-rock community.

Turnstile, the Baltimore hardcore punk powerhouse, exploded onto the scene in 2010. Since then, theyve built an impressive discography: five EPs and four full-length albums, showcasing their evolution from raw energy to genre-bending innovation. Their breakout moment arrived with 2021s Glow On, a critically acclaimed and commercially successful album that catapulted them into the mainstream. The singles "Holiday" and "Blackout" earned them three Grammy nominations at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, solidifying their status as a major force in modern music.

Early Years and Nonstop Feeling

Emerging from Baltimore`s vibrant hardcore scene, Turnstile released their debut EP, Pressure to Succeed, in 2011, followed by Step 2 Rhythm in 2013, both via Reaper Records. Their full-length debut, Nonstop Feeling, dropped in 2015, produced by Brian McTernan at Salad Days Studios. Extensive touring followed, including East and West Coast runs with Superheaven (the "Nonstop Feeling Tour") and support for New Found Glory. This period also marked a lineup change, with guitarist Sean Coo departing and being replaced by Pat McCrory of the Maryland hardcore band Angel Du$t.

A Perfect Circle, the American rock supergroup, emerged from the Los Angeles music scene in 1999, a collaboration between guitarist Billy Howerdel and Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan. Their prolific early 2000s period yielded three studio albums: the debut Mer de Noms (2000), followed by Thirteenth Step (2003), and the innovative covers album Emotive (2004). However, the band`s activity has always been punctuated by extended hiatuses. Following Emotive, Keenan focused on Tool and his Puscifer project, while Howerdel released a solo album under the name Ashes Divide.

Though the band reunited for sporadic live performances between 2010 and 2013, culminating in the release of Three Sixty (greatest hits) and A Perfect Circle Live: Featuring Stone and Echo (live album box set), another significant break followed. A revival in 2017 led to the recording and release of their fourth studio album, Eat the Elephant (2018), followed by a supporting tour. The band remained largely inactive until a brief 2024 tour and the release of the single "Kindred."

The ever-shifting lineup, a consequence of Keenans other commitments, has seen a revolving door of musicians. While Keenan and Howerdel remain the only constant members, the initial lineup featured Paz Lenchantin on bass, Troy Van Leeuwen on guitar, and Tim Alexander on drums (the latter appearing on only a single track before being replaced by Josh Freese). Danny Lohner and Jeordie White also contributed significantly during the bands early years. This fluid membership, alternating between periods of creative output and extended silence, has become a defining characteristic of A Perfect Circle’s unique history.

Dry Kill Logic, the Westchester County, New York heavy metal band, exploded onto the scene in 1995, initially operating under the names Hinge and Hinge AD. Their journey to becoming a force in the metal world is marked by three full-length albums, but their story begins much earlier.

The Psychodrama Records Era (1997-1999):

Four years into their existence, Hinge self-released their debut EP, Cause Moshing is Good Fun, via their own label, Psychodrama Records, in 1997. This was followed by their second EP, Elemental Evil, in 1999, also self-released. This nine-track effort proved pivotal, propelling them to open for major acts like Coal Chamber, Incubus, Anthrax, and System of a Down, showcasing their raw power and establishing their presence in the burgeoning metal scene.

The Darker Side of Nonsense (2000-2003) and Beyond:

2000 marked a significant turning point. Hinge signed with Roadrunner Records, a major label deal. However, this came with a crucial caveat: a name change. A recording studio held the copyright to the name "Hinge," forcing the band to rebrand. After briefly using "Hinge AD," they ultimately settled on the moniker Dry Kill Logic after facing legal threats.

Under their new name, they released their debut album, The Darker Side of Nonsense, on June 5th, 2001. The album featured a guest appearance by J-Sin (vocals) and Bobby Burns (guitar) of Primer 55 on the track "Give Up, Give In, Lie Down," adding another layer to their already compelling sound. The band`s subsequent releases further solidified their reputation in the heavy metal genre.

The Ataris, a punk rock band hailing from Anderson, Indiana, exploded onto the scene in 1996. Their distinctive sound, forged in Kris Roes bedroom using a four-track and drum machine, landed them a record deal with Kung Fu Records—a stroke of luck facilitated by a demo tape making its way to Joe Escalante of The Vandals. Between 1997 and 2007, they released five studio albums, achieving mainstream success with their 2003 gold-certified album, *So Long, Astoria*. This albums standout track, a high-charting cover of Don Henleys "The Boys of Summer," catapulted them to a wider audience. While the bands lineup fluctuated, the sole constant throughout their history was the singer, songwriter, and guitarist Kris Roe. Their humble beginnings, from bedroom demos to a Kung Fu Records deal, is a classic underdog story in the punk rock pantheon.

Cattle Decapitation, the San Diego deathgrind titans, emerged in 1996. While the original lineup—featuring vocalist Scott Miller, guitarist Gabe Serbian, and drummer Dave Astor—is long gone, the bands legacy endures. Their early work, including the ferocious *Ten Torments of the Damned* demo (1996), laid the groundwork for their brutal sound. A pivotal moment arrived with Travis Ryans 1997 recruitment, solidifying his position as a deathgrind icon. The subsequent Human Jerky (1999) and Homovore (2000) EPs, both recorded at Double Time Studios with engineer Jeff Forrest, further honed their signature style. By 2001, all founding members had departed, with Serbian moving on to The Locust. Despite the significant lineup changes, Ryan, along with guitarist Josh Elmore (a later addition), remain the only constants throughout Cattle Decapitations eight-album discography, cementing their status as the bands core creative force.

High on Fire, the Oakland, California-bred heavy metal titans, emerged from the ashes of the late summer of 1998. Founded by Sleep guitarist Matt Pike, alongside drummer Des Kensel and bassist George Rice (formerly of Dear Deceased – who initially auditioned as vocalist!), the band quickly established a ferocious reputation.

Their initial foray was a three-track EP in 1999, released via 12th Records. These tracks were later resurrected and formed the core of their debut full-length, The Art of Self Defense (Mans Ruin Records, March 7, 2000). Following Mans Ruin`s demise, Tee Pee Records re-released the album with bonus tracks in 2001.

That same year marked a significant turning point: High on Fire signed with Relapse Records, unleashing Surrounded by Thieves on May 28, 2002. This solidified their place in the heavy metal scene, paving the way for a prolific career spanning nine studio albums, culminating in their latest release, Cometh the Storm, in 2024. Their impact reached a global peak with their 2019 Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance, earned for the blistering "Electric Messiah." From humble beginnings to Grammy glory, High on Fire’s legacy is cemented as a cornerstone of modern heavy metal.

Hailing from Salt Lake City, Utah, Chelsea Grin emerged from the ashes of the band Ahaziah in 2007, quickly establishing themselves as a major force in the American deathcore scene. The original Ahaziah lineup – vocalist Alex Koehler, guitarist Chris Kilbourn, bassist Austin Marticorena, and lead guitarist Michael Stafford – underwent a significant transformation with the addition of Andrew Carlston and a name change. Marticorena played a crucial role in this transition, contributing to the songwriting and helping shape the band`s new sound.

Their self-titled debut EP, initially released online via iTunes before receiving a worldwide CD release in July 2008, showcased their brutal yet melodic deathcore style. Early singles like "Crewcabanger" and "Lifeless" garnered significant attention on Myspace, building a dedicated fanbase. The addition of guitarist Dan Jones and bassist David Flinn solidified their lineup, leading to the creation of their acclaimed full-length debut, Desolation of Eden (2010), followed by My Damnation (2011) and the Evolve EP (2012). While the band has seen numerous lineup changes since its inception – with no founding members remaining since 2018 – bassist David Flinn stands as the sole constant across all their studio albums, a testament to his enduring contribution to Chelsea Grins legacy. Over their career, theyve released two EPs and seven full-length albums, cementing their place as deathcore veterans.

Mom Jeans. (stylized as Mom Jeans.), the Berkeley, California-bred alternative/indie rock band, emerged in early 2014. Founded by drummer Austin Carango and vocalist Eric Butler, the duo initially recorded the six-track Spring Demo EP. Released in May 2014 on cassette via Fourth Row Records (Northern California), this acoustic-only effort showcased the band`s nascent sound.

The self-titled debut EP followed, featuring expanded instrumentation. Josh Perline joined on bass/vocals and David McDowall on drums, though McDowall`s tenure was short-lived. Allergic, their next EP (also pre-dating their first LP), saw Carango transitioning to drums, Perline to guitar, and bass duties shared between the remaining members. This lineup shift also saw the departure of Perline (amicably) and the addition of Gabe Paganin on bass for live performances.

Mom Jeans. independently released their full-length debut, Best Buds, on July 3, 2016, initially on cassette through Fourth Row Records. Counter Intuitive Records (Massachusetts) then picked up the album, issuing a vinyl pressing in November 2016. A split EP with Fresnos Graduating Life followed on March 7, 2017, solidifying Mom Jeans. growing presence in the indie rock scene.