Dethklok: The Metalocalypse's Reign of Parody

Dethklok, the fictional melodic death metal band from Adult Swim's animated series "Metalocalypse," is a masterclass in satirical metal mayhem. Known for their over-the-top lyrics and tongue-in-cheek humor, Dethklok quickly became a cult favorite, capturing the spirit of the genre with an unapologetic dose of absurdity.

Their debut album, "The Dethalbum," dropped on September 25, 2007, making a splash on the Billboard charts, landing at number 21. The band continued their reign of musical terror with "Dethalbum II" in 2009, hitting the road with fellow metal giants Mastodon, High on Fire, and Converge. Dethklok's third album, "Dethalbum III," saw the light of day in 2012, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with.

To bring their music to life on stage, a real-life band was formed, capturing the raw energy and monstrous sound of Dethklok. The brainchild of Brendon Small (creator of "Metalocalypse") and Tommy Blacha, this collaboration made the fictional band's musical dreams a reality. Small himself lends his talents to the music heard in the show and on the albums, recruiting a cast of seasoned musicians for live performances.

In 2017, Small released "Brendon Small's Galaktikon II," a solo album widely considered a continuation of Dethklok's legacy, a testament to the enduring power of the band's sound, even if the name itself remains under the control of Adult Swim. Dethklok has become more than just a fictional band; it's a cultural phenomenon, a testament to the enduring power of metal and the infectious humor that comes with it.

Dying Fetus, the purveyors of brutal death metal, emerged from Upper Marlboro, Maryland in 1991. The project, founded by guitarist/vocalist John Gallagher and bassist/vocalist Jason Netherton, quickly established a notorious reputation. The band`s name, deliberately chosen for its offensiveness by the young musicians, has become synonymous with their extreme sound.

Initial lineup shifts saw guitarist/vocalist Nick Speleos join in 1992, with Gallagher temporarily handling drums. This period culminated in the 1993 demo Bathe In Entraills. The arrival of drummer Rob Belton and guitarist Brian Latta in late 1993, replacing Speleos, solidified the classic Dying Fetus lineup – Gallagher returning to full-time guitar and vocals. This four-piece then unleashed the Infatuation with Malevolence demo in early 1994. Both demos were later compiled and released in 1995 by Wild Rags Records, marking a significant early chapter in the bands history. Gallagher remains the sole original member, the undisputed driving force behind Dying Fetuss nine studio albums and enduring legacy.

Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Frozen Soul delivers a brutally direct death metal assault. The band's genesis lies in a 2016 encounter between guitarist Michael Munday and Chad Green at a comic book store. A shared passion for music and gaming forged their connection, leading them to compose riffs too extreme even for their previous band, End Times. This creative excess ultimately birthed Frozen Soul.

Full of Hell, the grindcore titans hailing from Ocean City, Maryland, and Central Pennsylvania, exploded onto the scene in 2009. Initially releasing music through A389 Recordings and Profound Lore Records, they've since ascended to become a Relapse Records powerhouse. Their ferocious discography boasts six full-length albums: Roots of Earth Are Consuming My Home (2011), Rudiments of Mutilation (2013), Trumpeting Ecstasy (2017), Weeping Choir (2019), Garden of Burning Apparitions (2021), and Coagulated Bliss (2024). This impressive output is further augmented by a slew of EPs and split releases.

Their collaborative spirit is equally legendary. Full of Hell have unleashed five critically acclaimed collaborative albums, including the landmark 2014 pairing with Japanese noise artist Merzbow, Full of Hell & Merzbow. They've also teamed up with sludge metal behemoths the Body (One Day You Will Ache Like I Ache (2016) and Ascending a Mountain of Heavy Light (2017)), doom metal titans Primitive Man (Suffocating Hallucination, March 2023), and shoegaze innovators Nothing (When No Birds Sang, December 2023), showcasing their versatility and influence across multiple subgenres.

The band's history also includes a lineup change in 2015, with original bassist Brandon Brown departing and being replaced by Sam DiGristine of Jarhead Fertilizer (another project featuring Brown and drummer Dave Bland). Spencer Hazard maintains a straight edge lifestyle, while Bland is the band's only vegan member, reflecting the diverse personalities within this intensely focused collective. A notable release was the Amber Mote in the Black Vault EP (2016) via Bad Teeth Recordings, featuring a compelling cover of Melvins' "Oven," a testament to their eclectic influences and long-standing admiration for the grunge pioneers.

Gatecreeper: A Phoenix, Arizona Death Metal Juggernaut

Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, Gatecreeper has quickly cemented its place as a force to be reckoned with in the death metal scene. Their career trajectory is a testament to relentless energy and undeniable talent.

The band's journey began in 2014 with a self-titled four-song EP, a brutal introduction to their signature sound. They followed up with a series of impactful splits, collaborating with Take Over and Destroy (2015), Homewrecker, Outer Heaven, and Scorched (2016), and Young and in the Way (2016). These releases showcased their growing intensity and garnered them a dedicated following.

2016 marked a pivotal moment: the release of their debut full-length album, Sonoran Depravation, via the legendary Relapse Records. This album solidified their position, establishing Gatecreeper as a major player.

The band continued to build momentum, culminating in the release of Deserted in October 2019, another Relapse Records triumph. The album earned critical acclaim, notably a spot on Loudwire's "50 Best Metal Albums of 2019" list. Further demonstrating their creative output, Gatecreeper dropped the An Unexpected Reality EP in January 2021, which garnered a #14 ranking on Revolver Magazine's "25 Best Albums of 2021."

Gatecreeper's rise is a compelling story of raw talent, consistent output, and a dedicated fanbase. From their early EP to their critically acclaimed albums, they've consistently delivered crushing death metal, establishing themselves as a band to watch—and to fear.

Gates To Hell is a Louisville, Kentucky based band who released their debut self-titled album in September of 2022. The band consists of vocalist Ryan Storey, bassist Dustin Cantrell, guitarists Seth Lewis, Stephen Price, and Eli Hanson, and drummer Jared Barron.

Meshuggah: The Architects of Modern Metal

Hailing from the frigid north of Umeå, Sweden, Meshuggah emerged in 1987 as a force to be reckoned with in the extreme metal scene. Since 2004, the band's core has remained steadfast, with founding members Jens Kidman (vocals, a growling beast) and Fredrik Thordendal (lead guitar, a shredding master) joined by rhythm guitarist Mårten Hagström, drummer Tomas Haake (a polyrhythmic powerhouse), and bassist Dick Lövgren.

Their sonic legacy is one of sheer innovation. Meshuggah's nine studio albums, six EPs, and eight music videos stand as testament to their relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries. Their latest offering, "Immutable" (released in April 2022 via Atomic Fire Records), cements their status as pioneers.

Their signature sound, characterized by complex polyrhythms, intricate polymeters, and crushing heaviness, has earned them a loyal following and influenced a generation of musicians. They've risen from the underground to become a force to be reckoned with, earning accolades from giants like Rolling Stone (listing them among the ten most important hard rock/heavy metal bands) and Alternative Press (dubbing them the most influential metal band). In the late 2000s, their influence helped birth the djent subgenre, a testament to their enduring impact.

Meshuggah's musical prowess has also garnered recognition from the industry. They were nominated for two Swedish Grammis Awards (in 2006 for "Catch Thirtythree" and 2009 for "obZen") and, in 2018, achieved the ultimate accolade – a Grammy nomination for their song "Clockworks" in the "Best Metal Performance" category.

Meshuggah's story is a testament to the power of innovation, pushing the boundaries of music and leaving an undeniable mark on the world of metal. They are more than just a band; they are a sonic force that continues to inspire and challenge.

Napalm Death: The Unrelenting Grindcore Pioneers

Napalm Death, hailing from Meriden, England, are widely considered the godfathers of grindcore. Formed in 1981, the band has undergone numerous lineup changes, though the core of bassist Shane Embury, guitarist Mitch Harris, drummer Danny Herrera, and vocalist Mark "Barney" Greenway has remained remarkably consistent since 1992's Utopia Banished.

Napalm Death's relentless sonic assault is a furious blend of crust punk, death metal, and sheer noise. Their signature sound is defined by distorted, down-tuned guitars, a grinding overdrive bass, blistering blast beats, and vocals that range from incomprehensible growls to piercing shrieks. They're renowned for their incredibly short songs, often clocking in under a minute, and their politically charged lyrics.

Their 1987 debut album, Scum, released on Earache Records, became a landmark release in the global metal scene, solidifying their influence and legacy. In fact, their song "You Suffer," according to Guinness World Records, is the shortest song ever recorded, clocking in at a mere 1.316 seconds.

By their third album, Harmony Corruption (1990), Napalm Death leaned further into death metal, exploring longer song structures and more complex arrangements. Despite the shift in style, the band's core sonic assault remained undiluted.

As of 2003, Nielsen SoundScan recognized Napalm Death as the seventh best-selling death metal band in the United States. Their early albums, Scum and From Enslavement to Obliteration (1988), have collectively sold over 400,000 copies worldwide, according to former vocalist Lee Dorrian.

Napalm Death's influence is undeniable. Their relentless energy and uncompromising sound have inspired countless bands across the metal spectrum. Their legacy continues to grow with each new release, cementing their place as a cornerstone of extreme music.

Obituary: Death Metal Titans from Florida

Hailing from Tampa, Florida, Obituary emerged in 1984, initially under the name Executioner, and quickly established themselves as a cornerstone of the death metal genre. Their impact on the scene is undeniable, cementing their place as one of the genre’s most enduring and successful acts. Over their career, they've unleashed eleven studio albums, maintaining a relentless touring schedule with only a brief five-year hiatus from 1998 to 2003.

The band's current lineup features the Tardy brothers – John on guttural vocals and Donald on drums – alongside rhythm guitarist Trevor Peres, bassist Terry Butler, and lead guitarist Ken Andrews. While the band has seen lineup changes throughout its history, the Tardy brothers and Peres remain the constants, their unwavering commitment a testament to Obituary's longevity.

Obituary's signature sound is built on a foundation of crushing, groove-laden guitar and drum riffs, perfectly complemented by John Tardy's iconic, earth-shattering growl. This potent combination established a distinctive death metal sound that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

Early Years (1984-1990): From Executioner to Xecutioner to Obituary

Formed in Seffner, Florida as Executioner in 1984, a name change to Xecutioner followed quickly after discovering another band using the same name. The original lineup comprised John Tardy (vocals), Donald Tardy (drums), Trevor Peres (rhythm guitar), Jerome Grable (bass), and Jerry Tidwell (lead guitar). Influenced by bands like Savatage and Nasty Savage, as well as their contemporaries in the burgeoning Florida death metal scene (Death and Morbid Angel), the band honed their craft, releasing demos between 1985 and 1987 (the 1985 demo as Executioner, and the subsequent demos as Xecutioner).

Opeth, the seminal Swedish progressive metal band from Stockholm, emerged in 1990. Their sound is a masterful blend of progressive metal, death metal (particularly prominent in their early work), folk, blues, classical, and jazz influences. This eclectic mix is woven into epic compositions characterized by acoustic guitar passages, Mellotron textures, harsh death growls, and dramatic dynamic shifts.

The band`s history is marked by significant personnel changes; every original member has since departed. However, Mikael Åkerfeldt, the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter, has remained the creative force since the departure of founder David Isberg in 1992. Initially, Opeth played live shows sparingly, but following their 2001 breakthrough album Blackwater Park, they embarked on numerous world tours, cementing their status as a major live act.

Opeth boasts an extensive discography: fourteen studio albums, four live DVDs, four live albums (three paired with DVDs), and two box sets. Their debut, Orchid, dropped in 1995. The band achieved significant international chart success with Ghost Reveries (2005), cracking the Top Ten in Sweden and charting in numerous other countries. Their subsequent album, Watershed (2008), debuted at number one in Finland and reached a respectable #23 on the US Billboard 200. Their impact on progressive metal and the wider metal scene remains undeniable.