Hailing from Eksjö, Sweden, Orbit Culture emerged in 2013 as a melodic death metal force. The current lineup features Niklas Karlsson on vocals and rhythm guitar, Richard Hansson on lead guitar, Fredrik Lennartsson on bass, and Christopher Wallerstedt on drums. The band`s history also includes former members Maximilian Zinsmeister (lead guitar), Christoffer Olsson (bass), and Markus Bladh (drums). Their discography boasts a formidable four studio albums and four EPs, showcasing their evolution within the genre.

Early Days (2013):

Orbit Culture`s genesis lies in the collaboration between vocalist/rhythm guitarist Niklas Karlsson and former guitarist Maximilian Zinsmeister. Meeting through mutual friends at age 17, they forged a partnership, establishing a rehearsal space in a repurposed power plant. Zinsmeister, concurrently a member of local act Abstract Noise, brought in drummer Markus Bladh, with bassist Christoffer Olsson joining the ranks later.

The Odyssey Begins (2013):

Quickly following their formation, Karlsson began composing material for their debut EP. Throughout the summer of 2013, the band immersed themselves in the recording, mixing, and production of their first songs. By August 2013, Odyssey was unleashed, marking the beginning of Orbit Culture`s journey.

Sanguisugabogg, the Columbus, Ohio death metal behemoth, erupted onto the scene in 2019, the brainchild of guitarist Cameron Boggs. The band's name—a gruesome blend of the Latin word for "leech" and British slang for "toilet"—is as fittingly visceral as their music. Since their inception, they've unleashed a demo, Pornographic Seizures with Maggot Stomp, a live album, and two studio LPs, leaving a trail of sonic carnage in their wake.

Currently, the lineup features vocalist Devin Swank, drummer/percussionist Cody Davidson, and the dual-threat guitar/bass players Cedrik Davis and Drew Arnold. Their early years (2019-2021) saw the band quickly gain momentum. Following the departure of original bassist Steph Barnes in 2020, Sanguisugabogg toured relentlessly, sharing the stage with Creeping Death and headlining their own US tour supported by Undeath, Vomit Forth, and Graveview (on select dates). The band solidified their position in the death metal underground with the release of their debut full-length, Tortured Whole, via Century Media Records in March 2021, preceded by the single "Menstrual Envy." Their rise is a testament to their raw power and uncompromising brutality.

Sepultura, meaning "grave" in Portuguese, exploded onto the global metal scene in 1984, formed by brothers Max and Igor Cavalera in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Initially making waves in thrash and death metal, they quickly became a major force in the burgeoning groove metal movement of the late 80s and early 90s. Their influence extended far beyond these genres, however, with later albums incorporating elements of alternative, world, nu-metal, hardcore punk, and industrial metal. Considered key players in the second wave of thrash, Sepultura`s relentless innovation cemented their legacy.

Their journey began with 1986s *Morbid Visions*, followed swiftly by *Schizophrenia* in 1987, which attracted the attention of Roadrunner Records. Signing with the label in 1988, they released *Beneath the Remains*, their international breakthrough. The powerhouse trio of *Arise* (1991), *Chaos A.D.* (1993), and *Roots* (1996) solidified Sepulturas status as one of the most influential and successful heavy metal bands of the 90s, selling over three million albums in the US and nearly twenty million worldwide. This success translated into multiple gold and platinum certifications across the globe, from France and Australia to Indonesia and their native Brazil.

Sepultura`s story is not without its significant lineup changes. While the band has endured, both Max and Igor Cavalera eventually departed, Max in 1997 and Igor in 2006. Their "classic" lineup, featuring Max, Igor, and bassist Paulo Jr., reigned for nearly a decade, leaving an indelible mark on the history of extreme metal. With fifteen studio albums to their name, Sepultura’s legacy continues to resonate with metalheads worldwide.

Six Feet Under, the Tampa, Florida death metal titans, emerged in 1993 as a side project spearheaded by vocalist Chris Barnes. Initially featuring Obituary guitarist Allen West, the band quickly gained momentum, solidifying its lineup with Terry Butler (Death, Massacre) and Greg Gall. Their early gigs featured covers, but by mid-1994, original material began to take shape. Barnes existing contract with Metal Blade Records (through Cannibal Corpse) facilitated Six Feet Unders signing to the label. However, Barnes` dismissal from Cannibal Corpse in 1995 transformed Six Feet Under from a side project into his full-time focus.

Their debut album, Haunted (September 1, 1995), produced by Brian Slagel (Metal Blade) and Scott Burns (Cannibal Corpses long-time producer), marked a pivotal moment. Subsequent releases solidified their position as a major force in the death metal scene, culminating in Nielsen Soundscan rankings placing them as the fourth best-selling death metal act in the U.S. The bands current lineup boasts Barnes alongside bassist Jeff Hughell, drummer Marco Pitruzzella, and guitarists Ray Suhy and Jack Owen. Their fourteen-album discography is a testament to their enduring legacy and influence on the genre.

The Black Dahlia Murder, a melodic death metal powerhouse from Waterford, Michigan, exploded onto the scene in 2001. Their name, a grim nod to the infamous 1947 unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short, instantly set a dark and captivating tone. Initially fronted by the late Trevor Strnad, the band's lineup has seen significant changes over the years, with Brian Eschbach remaining a constant. Following Strnad's tragic passing in 2022, Eschbach assumed lead vocal duties, while Ryan Knight – the band's lead guitarist from 2009-2016 – stepped in on rhythm guitar. Current members also include Max Lavelle (bass), and Alan Cassidy (drums) along with Brandon Ellis (guitar).

Their journey began with a 2001 demo, What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse, and the A Cold-Blooded Epitaph EP in 2002, quickly gaining attention. This led to a pivotal signing with Metal Blade Records in 2003 and the release of their debut album, Unhallowed, the same year. Since then, they've unleashed nine studio albums, eight of which charted on the US Billboard 200, a testament to their enduring popularity. Their 2011 release, Ritual, reached a high of #31, solidifying their status as a leading force in contemporary American extreme metal. Their latest offering, Servitude, dropped on September 27th, 2024, continuing their reign of melodic death metal mastery.

Xibalba: A Pomona Hardcore Juggernaut

Hailing from Pomona, California, Xibalba emerged in 2007, injecting a potent blend of hardcore punk with the dark undertones of death and doom metal into the scene. Their distinct sound, punctuated by lyrics in both English and Spanish, quickly established them as a force to be reckoned with.

A Career Forged in Darkness:

Founded by longtime friends Nate, Brian, Jason, and Bryan—all veterans of the hardcore scene—Xibalba sought to create music that was both brutally heavy and uniquely eccentric. Their debut album, Madre Mia Gracias Por Los Dias (2010), released via A389 Recordings, laid the groundwork for their signature style. Hasta La Muerte (2012), released by Southern Lord, further cemented their reputation, leading to tours across the globe. Notable tours included an Australian run with Warbrain and Incendiary in 2012, and the US "No Way Out" tour in 2013 alongside heavyweights like The Acacia Strain, Within the Ruins, Fit for an Autopsy, and American Me. Further solidifying their touring prowess, they also hit the road on the "Die Knowing" US tour with Comeback Kid, Backtrack, Downpresser, and To the Wind.

The Lineup:

The band`s current lineup features a solid core:

• Nate Rebolledo: Vocals (2007-present)
• Brian Ortiz: Guitar, Backing Vocals (2007-present)
• Jensen Huncle: Guitar (2007-present)
• Jason Brunes: Drums, Backing Vocals (2007-present)

Past members include Mike Salazar (guitar, 2014-2015) and Bryan Valdvia (bass, 2007-2014).

Discography:

Xibalba`s discography showcases their evolution and relentless intensity:

Studio Albums:

• Madre mía gracias por los días (2010)
• Hasta la muerte (2012)
• Tierra y libertad (2015)
• Años en infierno (2020)

EPs:

• Diablo, Con Amor...

Xibalba`s enduring legacy is testament to their unwavering dedication to their powerful, uncompromising sound, and their relentless touring schedule. They remain a cornerstone of modern hardcore, influencing a new generation of bands with their unique blend of aggression and melody.