Electronicore

Hailing from Westerville, Ohio, Attack Attack! burst onto the metalcore scene in 2007, initially operating under the moniker Ambiance. Their self-released debut EP quickly caught the attention of Rise Records, leading to a record deal that same year. The band's potent blend of metalcore aggression and catchy melodies propelled them to release three full-length albums through Rise: Someday Came Suddenly, their self-titled effort, and This Means War. After a successful run with Rise, Attack Attack! parted ways with the label in 2012 and ultimately disbanded the following year, concluding with a farewell tour. However, the Ohio five-piece's legacy proved far from over. A highly anticipated reformation was announced on October 19, 2020, featuring a mix of original members and new recruits, igniting renewed interest in this influential metalcore act.

The band's genesis involved a convergence of talent from various local high school bands. Johnny Franck, Andrew Whiting, Nick White, and Andrew Wetzel connected with Austin Carlile, eventually recruiting Caleb Shomo on keyboards. This lineup solidified as Attack Attack!, and the band immediately hit the ground running, self-recording material and leveraging MySpace to build momentum and generate buzz before signing to Rise Records.

I See Stars: A Journey Through Electronicore

Hailing from Warren, Michigan, I See Stars emerged in 2006 as a force in the burgeoning electronicore scene. The band, known for their high-energy live shows and blend of electronic elements with heavy metal, quickly garnered a loyal following.

Their debut album, 3-D (2009), showcased their raw talent and landed them a respectable spot on the Billboard 200 chart. Subsequent releases like The End of the World Party (2011) solidified their position within the genre.

However, it was their third album, Digital Renegade (2012), that marked a significant shift in their sound. The album embraced a more aggressive musical style, showcasing a heavier, grittier approach that set them apart. Their exploration of EDM influences continued with New Demons (2013), which further pushed their sonic boundaries while retaining their signature intensity.

Throughout their journey, the band's core lineup remained relatively stable, with only a few key changes. Notably, guitarist Jimmy Gregerson and vocalist Zach Johnson departed in 2015, leaving the band to forge ahead with a new direction.

Lead vocalist Devin Oliver, known for his dynamic range, now seamlessly switches between clean and unclean vocals, adding another layer of depth to their music.

I See Stars' evolution is a testament to their adaptability and willingness to push boundaries. They continue to be a force in the music scene, captivating audiences with their raw energy and electrifying live performances.

We Came as Romans: A Metalcore Journey from Michigan to the World

We Came as Romans, often shortened to WCAR, emerged from the metalcore scene in Troy, Michigan, in 2005. The band's journey has been marked by both a name change and multiple lineup shifts, showcasing their resilience and evolution. They signed with Equal Vision Records in 2009, releasing a string of successful albums that propelled them to prominence in the metalcore scene. In 2016, they moved to SharpTone Records, marking a new chapter in their journey.

From This Emergency to We Came as Romans

The band's roots lie in a high school band called This Emergency, formed by Sean Zelda, Dave Stephens, Jonny Nabors, Mark Myatt, and Joshua Moore. Stephens was initially a multi-instrumentalist, handling guitars, keyboards, and backing vocals. Early performances in the Detroit area helped the band hone their sound. Nabors left the band in 2005, replaced by Sean Daly, but a year later Zelda departed to pursue higher education. The band underwent a significant change in the summer of 2006, welcoming Larry Clark as the new vocalist and rebranding themselves as We Came as Romans.

A New Vocalist and Early EPs

Clark's tenure was short-lived, ending in late 2007. The band then welcomed Chris Moore as their lead singer, solidifying the lineup that would release their first EPs, "Demonstrations" and "Dreams," both in 2008. These early releases showcased their signature metalcore sound, blending heavy riffs with melodic vocals and powerful breakdowns.

Six Albums and Continued Evolution

We Came as Romans have released six studio albums, each building on their previous success and showcasing their musical growth. From their debut album, "To Plant a Seed" (2009), to their latest, "Darkbloom" (2022), the band has consistently pushed boundaries, experimenting with different textures and tempos while staying true to their metalcore roots. The band also released three more studio albums in between: "Understanding What We've Grown to Be" (2011), "Tracing Back Roots" (2013), and "We Came as Romans" (2015), further solidifying their position as a major force in the metalcore scene.

The Impact of We Came as Romans

Their music has resonated with fans worldwide, earning them a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim. Their powerful lyrics, often exploring themes of struggle, resilience, and self-discovery, have resonated with listeners across generations. We Came as Romans continues to evolve and inspire, solidifying their legacy as a metalcore band that has left an indelible mark on the music world.