Converge, the Salem, Massachusetts-born metalcore titans, exploded onto the scene in 1990, forged from the creative fire of vocalist Jacob Bannon and guitarist/producer Kurt Ballou. Their early lineup solidified in 1991 with the addition of bassist Jeff Feinberg and drummer Damon Bellorado. While the band's early work laid the groundwork, it was their landmark 2001 album, Jane Doe, that cemented their legacy. The recording of Jane Doe marked a turning point, ushering in a new era with the departure of guitarist Aaron Dalbec and the arrival of bassist Nate Newton and drummer Ben Koller – a lineup that remains intact to this day.

This incredibly influential quartet, pioneers of both metalcore and its mathcore subgenre, unleashed a ferociously aggressive and relentlessly innovative sound, blending hardcore punk's raw energy with the heaviness of metal. Their impact is undeniable: Jane Doe earned accolades as the best album of 2001 (Terrorizer), the best of the decade (Sputnikmusic), and eventually landed at #61 on Rolling Stone's list of the greatest metal albums of all time.

Following the success of Jane Doe, Converge transitioned from Equal Vision Records to the larger Epitaph Records, resulting in increasingly elaborate and expensive productions. Special releases often found a home with Deathwish Inc., Bannon's own label established in 1999. The band’s prolific output continues with their ninth studio album, The Dusk in Us (2017), and their first full-length collaboration, Bloodmoon: I (2021), with Chelsea Wolfe. AllMusic aptly describes them as "one of the most original and innovative bands to emerge from the punk underground," a testament to their enduring influence and groundbreaking sound. The individual members have also actively contributed to various side projects, including Supermachiner (Bannon), Old Man Gloom (Newton), and Mutoid Man (Koller), further showcasing their diverse musical talents and commitment to pushing creative boundaries.

Hailing from Columbia, South Carolina, Crossfade emerged onto the rock scene in 1991, initially under the moniker The Nothing. This foundational lineup featured Ed Sloan on lead vocals and guitar, and Mitch James on bass and backing vocals. They later expanded, adding Brian Geiger on drums (1992) and DJ Tony Byroads on percussion and backing vocals (1996). The Nothing released two albums, The Nothing (1994) and Numb (1998), the latter containing the track "Breathing Slowly," which would later see a re-recording on their major label debut. By 1999, the band had rebranded themselves as Sugardaddy Superstar, honing their craft in a garage studio built by Sloan himself. Finally settling on the name Crossfade in 2002, the band catapulted to wider recognition with their self-titled debut album in 2004, followed by Falling Away in 2006. The current lineup boasts Sloan (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), James (bass, backing vocals), and Les Hall (lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals). Their discography also includes the 2011 release, We All Bleed. A true testament to their longevity and evolution, Crossfade`s journey showcases a band that persevered through name changes and lineup shifts to solidify their place in the rock world.

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.

Dir En Grey: A Journey Through Darkness and Evolution

Dir En Grey, often stylized as DIR EN GREY, is a Japanese metal band formed in February 1997. They've built a reputation for their unique and ever-evolving sound, defying easy categorization within the metal genre. Currently signed to Firewall Div., a sub-division of Free-Will, the band has released eleven studio albums and garnered a loyal following worldwide.

The band's core lineup consists of Kyo on vocals, Die and Kaoru on guitars, Toshiya on bass, and Shinya on drums. They've maintained this stable lineup throughout their career, which has been marked by a consistent exploration of new sonic territories.

Initially embracing the visual kei aesthetic, Dir En Grey gradually moved away from exaggerated fashion, preferring a more subtle yet dramatic stage presence. Their music, however, has always retained a distinct darkness, delving into themes of pain, despair, and the human condition.

From La:Sadie's to Dir En Grey: A Story of Reinvention

Dir En Grey's origins can be traced back to the independent rock band La:Sadie's, formed in November 1995 by Kyo and bassist Kisaki. The band, which also included Die and Shio on guitars, as well as Shinya on drums, made their live debut in January 1996. Shio's departure after only three shows paved the way for Kaoru to join in April 1996.

La:Sadie's enjoyed a whirlwind of success during their independent years, performing over 800 shows in just one year. However, the band unexpectedly disbanded in January 1997, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions. While the official reason for the split remains shrouded in mystery, rumors of internal conflicts, particularly between Kisaki and the other members, linger. Kisaki later stated that he was asked to leave the band, attributing his failure to care for his bandmates to his focus on performing.

Out of the ashes of La:Sadie's rose Dir En Grey, carrying forward the band's core members and embarking on a new chapter in their musical journey.

This rewrite emphasizes the band's evolution, focusing on their musical style and the dramatic events that shaped their history. It also includes a concise, engaging introduction and a more descriptive account of La:Sadie's, providing a better understanding of the band's origins.

Disturbed: A Heavy Metal Force to Be Reckoned With

Disturbed, hailing from the heart of Chicago, burst onto the heavy metal scene in 1994. This powerhouse quartet, featuring the blistering guitar work of Dan Donegan, the relentless drumming of Mike Wengren, the powerful vocals of David Draiman, and the solid bass lines of John Moyer, has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of rock.

While Donegan and Wengren have been with the band since its inception, Disturbed's lineup has evolved over the years. Draiman joined in 1996, replacing original vocalist Erich Awalt, while Moyer stepped in for founding bassist Steve "Fuzz" Kmak in 2004.

Their debut album, The Sickness, released in 2000, propelled them to commercial success with hit singles like "Down With the Sickness" and "Stupify". This was just the beginning of a string of chart-topping albums, including Believe (2002), Ten Thousand Fists (2005), Indestructible (2008), and Asylum (2010) - all of which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

In 2011, Disturbed took a brief hiatus, allowing members to explore side projects and release The Lost Children, a compilation of unreleased tracks. They returned in 2015 with their sixth album, Immortalized, followed by Evolution (2018) and Divisive (2022), proving their enduring appeal.

Disturbed's legacy speaks for itself: over 17 million records sold worldwide, six RIAA certifications (including 5x platinum for The Sickness), consistent top 10 charting singles on the Mainstream Rock chart, and two Grammy Award nominations. They stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Slipknot and Godsmack as one of the most successful rock bands of the 21st century, leaving an undeniable mark on the heavy metal landscape.

Dope: A Heavy Metal Juggernaut From the Streets of NYC

Dope, the American industrial metal band hailing from New York City, exploded onto the scene in 1997. Their sound, a potent cocktail of heavy metal grit and the raw aggression of industrial rock pioneers like Ministry and Skinny Puppy, set them apart from the typical 90s rock bands.

Frontman Edsel Dope, a true auteur, forged the band's identity. His songwriting and powerful vocals, combined with the rhythmic fury of drummer Chris Warner, guitarist Acey Slade, bassist Daniel Fox, and the hypnotic guitar riffs of Virus, have created a sonic experience that's both brutal and captivating.

Dope's journey is as gritty as their music. The band's early days were a struggle for survival, fueled by hustle and raw ambition. Edsel, a survivor of a broken home, reunited with his brother Simon, who joined the band as keyboardist, sampler, and percussionist. They grinded, pushing their way through the underground music scene, even resorting to dealing drugs to finance their music.

This resilience paid off. Dope went on to release seven full-length albums, their latest being the hard-hitting "Blood Money Part Zer0" in February 2023. Their music has resonated with millions, selling over one million albums worldwide, solidifying their place as a force in the heavy metal landscape. Dope's story, one of raw talent, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to their art, continues to inspire a new generation of metalheads.

Drowning Pool: A Rollercoaster Ride Through Rock & Roll

Drowning Pool, the Dallas-born rock band, burst onto the scene in 1996, their name a nod to the 1975 film "The Drowning Pool." The band's core lineup, a dynamic trio featuring guitarist C.J. Pierce, drummer Mike Luce, and bassist Stevie Benton, has remained constant, while the vocalist position has seen a revolving door of talented musicians.

Their debut album, "Sinner" (2001), catapulted them to fame, but tragedy struck when original vocalist Dave Williams was found dead in 2002. Jason Jones took the reins in 2003, delivering "Desensitized" (2004), but departed in 2005 due to creative differences. The band then recruited Ryan McCombs from SOiL, a Chicago-based band, marking a turning point. McCombs' tenure saw two albums, "Full Circle" (2007) and "Drowning Pool" (2010), breaking the band's pattern of switching vocalists after each album. However, McCombs' departure in 2011 to rejoin SOiL left Drowning Pool seeking a new frontman once again.

Jasen Moreno stepped in as vocalist in 2012, leading the band through three albums: "Resilience" (2013), "Hellelujah" (2016), and "Strike a Nerve" (2022). The band's chemistry with Moreno proved solid, but the tides turned in 2023 when McCombs rejoined the band, bringing a full circle to the band's musical journey.

The Early Years (1996-2000):

Before their rise to prominence, Drowning Pool's roots were planted in New Orleans. Pierce and Luce, the driving force behind the band's signature sound, relocated to Dallas, where Drowning Pool took shape. They quickly began honing their raw, powerful sound, laying the foundation for the band's future success.

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.

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.

Fear Factory: A History of Industrial Metal Mayhem

Fear Factory, the American industrial metal pioneers, emerged from the Los Angeles underground scene in 1989. Over the years, they've forged a distinct sound that's pushed the boundaries of their genre, churning out ten full-length albums and leaving an indelible mark on heavy music.

The band's journey has been one of constant evolution, with a revolving door of members, save for the iconic Burton C. Bell (vocals), who held the fort for 31 years before his departure in 2020. The sole remaining original member, guitarist Dino Cazares, has remained a constant force, driving the band's signature sonic assault.

Fear Factory's history is marked by internal turmoil, leading to several hiatuses. The first came in 2002, when disagreements caused a split, resulting in the departure of Cazares. Former bassist Christian Olde Wolbers stepped in on guitar, while Byron Stroud took over bass duties.

Following a second hiatus in 2006, the band reformed in 2009 with a new lineup that saw the return of Cazares, the addition of Gene Hoglan (drums) to replace original drummer Raymond Herrera, and Bell and Stroud reprising their roles. This lineup birthed the band's seventh album, the critically acclaimed Mechanize (2010).

However, the reunion was short-lived. Wolbers and Herrera, who owned 50% of the band's legal ownership, challenged the legitimacy of the reunion, sparking a legal battle. Despite the ongoing dispute, Fear Factory soldiered on, releasing three more albums: The Industrialist (2012), Genexus (2015), and Aggression Continuum (2021).

Throughout their career, Fear Factory has been a force to be reckoned with, conquering stages at Ozzfest (four times) and the inaugural Gigantour. Their influence on the industrial metal scene is undeniable, and their story continues to unfold with each new chapter.