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.

Hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, Escape the Fate emerged onto the scene in 2004, originally from the nearby town of Pahrump. The band's current lineup features vocalist Craig Mabbitt, guitarists Matti Hoffman and TJ Bell, bassist Erik Jensen, and drummer Robert Ortiz – the sole remaining founding member.

Their journey began with the 2006 debut album, Dying Is Your Latest Fashion, fronted by original vocalist Ronnie Radke. However, Radke's 2006 legal troubles led to his dismissal and replacement by Mabbitt (formerly of Blessthefall). This shift marked a turning point, resulting in This War Is Ours (2008), their first album with Mabbitt. The album debuted strongly at #35 on the Billboard 200, selling 13,000 copies in its first week.

Escape the Fate's self-titled third album (2010) reached a career high of #25 on the Billboard 200. Ungrateful (2013), their fourth studio album, further solidified their position, boasting "One for the Money," their highest-charting single on the US Mainstream Rock charts. The band's history is marked by both musical evolution and significant lineup changes, with Ortiz as the steadfast anchor through it all.

Evanescence: A Rock Band Story of Triumph and Evolution

Evanescence, hailing from the heartland of Little Rock, Arkansas, exploded onto the scene in the late '90s, birthed from the creative partnership of the enigmatic Amy Lee (vocals, keyboards) and the visionary Ben Moody (guitar). Their early years were marked by a string of independent EPs, showcasing a raw and emotive sound that resonated with listeners.

Their breakthrough arrived in 2003 with the release of their debut album, Fallen, a powerful testament to their raw talent. Propelled by the anthemic "Bring Me to Life" and the hauntingly beautiful "My Immortal," Fallen achieved commercial and critical success, selling over four million copies in the US alone and earning the band two Grammy Awards. The album cemented Evanescence's place as a force in the rock world, their sound resonating with a generation craving emotional depth and raw energy.

Further solidifying their status, Evanescence released their first live album and concert DVD, Anywhere but Home in 2004, selling over a million copies worldwide. This marked a pivotal moment, showcasing their captivating live presence and solidifying their global reach.

Their sophomore effort, The Open Door, arrived in 2006, featuring a new co-writer in the form of guitarist Terry Balsamo. This album, while maintaining their signature sound, showcased a more mature and refined musical direction, garnering a Grammy nomination and selling over six million copies worldwide.

Following a period of change, Evanescence regrouped in 2009 with a new lineup: Terry Balsamo (guitar), Troy McLawhorn (guitar), Tim McCord (bass) and Will Hunt (drums). This re-energized lineup unleashed their self-titled third album, Evanescence, in 2011. This marked a turning point as the band collaborated on the songwriting for the first time, resulting in a record that reflected their collective creative vision. The album soared to the top of multiple Billboard charts, solidifying their position as a major force in the rock music scene.

After touring extensively in support of the album, Evanescence entered a hiatus, allowing the members to pursue individual projects and recharge their creative batteries.

Evanescence's story is one of evolution, resilience, and unwavering passion for music. From their humble beginnings in Arkansas to conquering the global stage, they have consistently delivered powerful, emotionally charged music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide. Their journey is far from over, promising exciting chapters in the band's ongoing narrative.

Hailing from Toronto, Evans Blue emerged onto the Nu Metal scene in 2005. This Canadian quintet, initially formed from members of three different bands who connected through a local musician's online forum, quickly made a name for themselves. Lead singer Kevin Matisyn coined the band's name, a reference to the medical dye used to measure blood volume – a fittingly dark and intriguing moniker for their sound.

Their unique blend of aggressive riffs and melodic hooks caught the attention of producer Trevor Kustiak (Cool for August) and Mari Dew of The Pocket Studios. Despite the departure of their original lead guitarist, Kevin Smith, before securing a record deal, the band persevered. They honed their sound, crafting three demo tracks – "Black Hole," "Saturnalia," and "Starlight" – which would later feature on their debut.

By November 2005, Evans Blue had completed their seminal album, The Melody and the Energetic Nature of Volume. The album’s release was bolstered by their debut single, "Cold (But I'm Still Here)," accompanied by a music video, further propelling the band's rise. Their success story continued with over a million albums sold worldwide, encompassing five studio albums and a live album, solidifying their place in the Nu Metal landscape.

Everclear: A Ride Through the 90s and Beyond

Everclear, a rock band hailing from Portland, Oregon, burst onto the scene in 1991. Fueled by the songwriting, vocals, and guitar prowess of Art Alexakis, they quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. The core lineup, solidified by bassist Craig Montoya and drummer Greg Eklund, defined the band's most popular era.

Their debut album, "World of Noise," was a promising start, but it was their first three releases on Capitol Records that truly catapulted them to stardom: "Sparkle and Fade," "So Much for the Afterglow," and "Songs from an American Movie Vol. One: Learning How to Smile." These albums achieved platinum status, cementing their place in the 90s alt-rock landscape.

However, the following two albums, "Songs from an American Movie Vol. Two: Good Time for a Bad Attitude" and "Slow Motion Daydream," failed to capture the same critical and commercial success. This shift in momentum led to Montoya and Eklund departing the band in 2003.

Undeterred, Alexakis continued to champion the Everclear name, recruiting new musicians and releasing two more albums: "Welcome to the Drama Club" and "Invisible Stars." He also took the 90s nostalgia wave by storm, launching the Summerland Tour in 2012, which features Everclear alongside other iconic bands from that era.

In 2015, Everclear released their ninth studio album, "Black is the New Black," proving their enduring appeal. And in September 2023, they added another chapter to their story with the release of their live album, "Live At The Whisky A Go Go," a testament to their enduring energy and fan-favorite performances.

Everclear's journey has spanned over three decades, a testament to their resilience and the enduring power of their music. From their 90s heyday to their ongoing presence in the world of rock, Everclear continues to resonate with audiences, proving that their sound remains as relevant as ever.

Hailing from the rock-infused streets of Burlington, Ontario, Finger Eleven emerged in 1990, ready to carve their own path in the Canadian music scene. Over the years, they've unleashed seven studio albums, including one under their cheeky alter ego, Rainbow Butt Monkeys, showcasing their evolution and musical prowess.

Their breakout moment came with the release of The Greyest of Blue Skies, propelling them into the mainstream spotlight. Then, in 2003, their self-titled album Finger Eleven achieved Gold in the US and Platinum in Canada, fueled by the chart-topping single "One Thing". This anthem marked their first entry on the prestigious US Hot 100 Chart, reaching a peak at number 16.

Fast forward to 2007, and Finger Eleven unleashed their electrifying Them vs. You vs. Me album. The album's lead single, "Paralyzer", took the world by storm, conquering the Canadian Hot 100 and both US rock charts. It also reached a remarkable No. 6 on the US Hot 100 and No. 12 on the Australian Singles Chart, solidifying their global presence. Their hard work was recognized with a Juno Award for Rock Album of the Year in 2008, a testament to their musical prowess. Them vs. You vs. Me went on to achieve Gold in the US and multi-platinum in Canada, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with in the rock world.

Five Finger Death Punch: A Heavy Metal Juggernaut

Five Finger Death Punch, often shortened to 5FDP or FFDP, is a heavy metal force hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada. They stormed onto the scene in 2005 with a lineup featuring vocalist Ivan Moody, rhythm guitarist Zoltan Bathory, lead guitarist Caleb Andrew Bingham, bassist Matt Snell, and drummer Jeremy Spencer.

The band's lineup has undergone several changes over the years. Bingham was replaced by Darrell Roberts in 2006, who in turn was replaced by Jason Hook in 2009. Bassist Matt Snell departed in 2010, paving the way for Chris Kael in 2011. Then, in 2018, drummer Jeremy Spencer stepped down due to persistent back issues, leaving the throne to Charlie Engen. These shifts left Zoltan Bathory as the sole remaining founding member. In 2020, a further shake-up occurred as British guitarist Andy James took over the lead guitar position, replacing Jason Hook.

Despite the lineup changes, Five Finger Death Punch has remained a relentless force. Their debut album, "The Way of the Fist" (2007), rocketed to success, selling over 500,000 copies in the US. Their 2009 follow-up, "War Is the Answer," further cemented their popularity, exceeding 1,000,000 sales and earning Platinum certification from the RIAA.

Their third album, "American Capitalist" (2011), also achieved Platinum status, demonstrating their continued growth. Subsequent albums like "The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell, Volume 1" and "Volume 2" (2013), "Got Your Six" (2015), and "And Justice for None" (2018) have all achieved Platinum or Gold certifications, solidifying Five Finger Death Punch as one of the most successful heavy metal bands of the decade.

The band has become a global phenomenon, dominating music festivals like Mayhem (2008, 2010, 2013) and Download (2009, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2017). Five Finger Death Punch's raw energy, hard-hitting sound, and unwavering dedication have catapulted them to the forefront of the heavy metal world, leaving an undeniable mark on the music landscape.

Foghat: Masters of the Electric Slide

Hailing from the bustling streets of London, Foghat emerged in 1971, becoming a cornerstone of the British blues-rock scene. They're best known for their masterful use of the electric slide guitar, crafting a sound that was both gritty and melodic. Their signature tune, the 1975 smash hit "Slow Ride," became an anthem for a generation, showcasing their raw power and undeniable swagger.

A Legacy Built on Blues and Rock

The band's journey began with a trio of seasoned musicians: Dave "Lonesome Dave" Peveret on guitar and vocals, Tony Stevens on bass, and the thunderous Roger Earl on drums. This powerhouse trio, fresh off their departure from Savoy Brown, found their missing piece in guitarist and slide virtuoso, Rod Price, who joined the ranks after leaving Black Cat Bones. They christened themselves "Foghat," a nonsensical word inspired by a game Peveret played with his brother.

Their debut album, simply titled "Foghat," landed in 1972, produced by the legendary Dave Edmunds. The album featured a captivating cover of Willie Dixon's "I Just Want to Make Love to You," which quickly became a radio staple, particularly on FM stations.

A Transatlantic Journey to Success

Foghat's raw talent and captivating sound didn't go unnoticed. They signed with Bearsville Records and embarked on a journey across the Atlantic, bringing their unique brand of blues-rock to American audiences. Their success was undeniable, resulting in eight gold albums, one platinum, and one double platinum record.

Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, Foghat's dedication to their music has never wavered. They continue to tour and record, carrying the torch of their distinct sound and inspiring generations of musicians with their electrifying performances. Their legacy remains firmly etched in the annals of rock and roll history, a testament to the enduring power of their unique blend of blues and rock.

Foo Fighters: A Rock 'n' Roll Story

Foo Fighters, the American rock titans, emerged from the ashes of Nirvana in 1994, Seattle's grunge scene simmering in the background. Born as a solo project by Dave Grohl, the band's founding drummer, Foo Fighters soon transformed into a full-fledged rock machine.

Grohl's initial vision took flight with the release of their self-titled debut in 1995, featuring a powerful lineup that included Nate Mendel (bass) and William Goldsmith (drums), both veterans of the renowned emo band Sunny Day Real Estate. Pat Smear, who had shared the stage with Nirvana on tour, added his signature guitar licks to the mix. The band's first public performance in February 1995 signaled their arrival on the rock scene.

However, the recording process for their sophomore album, The Colour and the Shape (1997), saw the departure of Goldsmith, leaving Grohl to fill the drum chair for the majority of the tracks. Smear also parted ways with the band around this time.

The band soldiered on, welcoming Franz Stahl and Taylor Hawkins into the fold to replace Smear and Goldsmith respectively. This new lineup solidified Foo Fighters' iconic sound, propelling them to international acclaim and a legacy that continues to inspire and enthrall generations of rock fans.

Foreigner: A Rock Anthem From Two Continents

Foreigner, a powerhouse rock band formed in the heart of New York City in 1976, is a true fusion of musical talents from across the Atlantic. The band's core was formed by the British guitarist Mick Jones, lead vocalist Lou Gramm, drummer Dennis Elliott, and keyboardist Al Greenwood, along with the American bassist Ed Gagliardi. Completing the lineup was Ian McDonald, a multi-instrumentalist and founding member of the legendary prog-rock group King Crimson.

The band's name, "Foreigner," was born from the diverse nationalities of its members. With British and American musicians sharing the stage, the band was destined to resonate with a global audience. And resonate they did! Foreigner has become one of the best-selling bands of all time, selling over 80 million records worldwide, including a staggering 37.5 million in the United States alone.

Their self-titled debut album in 1977 marked the beginning of an incredible run. It was the first of six consecutive albums, including the 7x platinum 1982 "Records" greatest hits collection, to achieve multi-platinum status and reach the Top 10 in the US. Hits like "Feels Like the First Time" and "Cold as Ice" were early testaments to their signature sound.

The momentum continued with their 1978 album "Double Vision," which yielded the iconic tracks "Hot Blooded" and the title track, cementing their place in the rock pantheon.

Foreigner's lineup saw bassist Rick Wills replace Ed Gagliardi before the recording of their third album, "Head Games," in 1979. This record brought forth more chart-topping singles like "Dirty White Boy" and the title track, further solidifying their influence on the music scene.

Despite the departure of McDonald and Greenwood, reducing the band to a quartet, their next album, "4" (1981), took the world by storm. It reached the top of the charts in the US for an impressive 10 weeks and became their breakthrough album in the UK, hitting the Top 5. The album was a hit factory, producing popular tracks like "Urgent," "Waiting for a Girl Like You," and the timeless anthem "Juke Box Hero."

Foreigner's continued success reached new heights with their 1984 album "Agent Provocateur," which topped the UK charts and featured their biggest hit single, the emotionally charged "I Want to Know What Love Is."

Foreigner's impact on the rock landscape is undeniable. Their music continues to inspire and entertain generations of fans, proving that their blend of powerful vocals, soaring guitar melodies, and catchy hooks is a timeless formula.