Time for Rock...
Time for Rock...
We're still working on the best experience for bands
Current Version:
0.0.8
Founded in: 1981
Anthrax, a name synonymous with the explosive energy and raw power of thrash metal, emerged from the concrete jungle of New York City in 1981. Founded by the legendary rhythm guitarist Scott Ian and bassist Dan Lilker, the band quickly cemented its place as a leader in the burgeoning thrash scene.
Along with Metallica, Megadeth, and Slayer, Anthrax formed the infamous "Big Four," a quartet of thrash titans that defined the genre for a generation. Their early days saw them joining forces with fellow East Coast pioneers Overkill and Nuclear Assault, proving that thrash wasn't confined to the West Coast.
Anthrax's lineup has seen numerous changes over the years, but one constant has remained: Scott Ian. His dedication and vision have guided the band through its evolution, leaving an indelible mark on thrash metal history. Only Ian and drummer Charlie Benante, who joined the band in 1983 after replacing Greg D'Angelo, have appeared on every Anthrax album. Bassist Frank Bello, who took over from Lilker in 1984, has also been a core member for decades.
Their debut album, Fistful of Metal (1984), featured vocalist Neil Turbin, but it was the arrival of Joey Belladonna later that year that truly stabilized the band's lineup. The band's third album, Among the Living (1987), marked a pivotal moment in their career, propelling them to mainstream success and solidifying their reputation as one of the greatest thrash bands of all time.
Their subsequent albums, State of Euphoria (1988) and Persistence of Time (1990), further cemented their status as thrash metal giants, with the latter earning them a Grammy Award nomination.
Anthrax's impact on the genre is undeniable. Their raw energy, infectious riffs, and biting lyrics have inspired countless musicians and fans worldwide. From their New York roots to their global acclaim, Anthrax remains a true force in the world of thrash metal, continuing to deliver powerful performances and innovative music for generations to come.
Founded in: 2017
Bad Wolves, hailing from the heart of the heavy metal scene in Los Angeles, California, burst onto the scene in 2017. Their initial claim to fame came with a powerful rendition of The Cranberries' 1994 hit, "Zombie," which quickly propelled them into the spotlight. They followed this with a string of successful singles, conquering the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart with hits like "Remember When," "Killing Me Slowly," and "Sober."
The band has released four studio albums that showcase their signature heavy metal sound: "Disobey" (2018), "N.A.T.I.O.N." (2019), "Dear Monsters" (2021), and "Die About It" (2023).
However, the band's journey has been marked by a significant change in 2021. Original vocalist Tommy Vext departed, leaving a void filled by Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz. This transition sparked tension between Vext and the band, resulting in legal proceedings involving Better Noise Music.
From Humble Beginnings to Heavy Metal Titans:
Bad Wolves' story starts with drummer John Boecklin (ex-DevilDriver), who began writing the music that would become their debut album back in 2014. He entered AudioHammer Studios in Sanford, Florida, with producer Mark Lewis in 2016 to give life to his vision.
In 2017, Boecklin joined forces with vocalist Tommy Vext (ex-Divine Heresy, ex-Westfield Massacre), lead guitarist Doc Coyle (ex-God Forbid), rhythm guitarist Chris Cain (ex-Bury Your Dead, ex-For The Fallen Dreams), and bassist Kyle Konkiel (ex-In This Moment, ex-Scar The Martyr, Vimic). Zoltan Bathory of Five Finger Death Punch took on the role of manager for the band, who were ready to unleash their heavy metal fury upon the world.
Their debut album, "Disobey," was released in May 2018. Ten out of the thirteen tracks on the album had been written and recorded before Vext joined the band, showcasing the foundation of their powerful sound.
Founded in: 1987
Black Panther, or 黑豹 (Hēi Bào) in Chinese, stands as a cornerstone of China's rock music scene, formed in 1987. Originally led by Dou Wei, one of the country's most influential alternative music figures, the band's impact resonated throughout the Chinese music landscape.
Following a period of hiatus, Black Panther triumphantly returned in 2013 with the album "Who We Are", produced by Jamii Szmadzinski. This resurgence solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with, showcasing their enduring talent and fresh energy.
Known for anthemic tracks like "Don't Break My Heart", the powerful "Shameful" (《无地自容》), the haunting "Mirage" (《海市蜃楼》), and the emotionally charged "I'm Afraid Of Your Crying" (《怕你为自己流泪》), Black Panther's music has resonated with generations of listeners. Other notable hits include "Spirit Of Light" (《光芒之神》), "No Right, No Wrong" (《无是无非》), "Our Generation" (《我们这一代》), "Without You" (《没有你》), "I Don't Want To Say Goodbye", and "Lonely Soul" (《孤独的灵魂》), showcasing the band's diverse musical range.
Black Panther continues to create and perform, representing the vibrant spirit of Chinese rock music through their collaboration with Rock Forward Entertainment.
Studio Albums:
This rewritten text focuses on Black Panther's significance as a band, emphasizing their pioneering role in Chinese rock music. It highlights their key members, influential songs, and enduring legacy. The discography section is presented in a more readable format with English translations for album titles.
Founded in: 1999
Breaking Benjamin, hailing from the heartland of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, burst onto the scene in 1999 with a sonic force spearheaded by frontman and guitarist Benjamin Burnley and drummer Jeremy Hummel. Their initial lineup, rounded out by guitarist Aaron Fink and bassist Mark James Klepaski, unleashed their debut album, Saturate, in 2002, followed by We Are Not Alone in 2004. The band's raw energy and powerful sound quickly captured attention, but a shift in the rhythm section occurred in 2005 with the arrival of Chad Szeliga on drums.
This new chapter saw the release of two critically acclaimed albums, Phobia (2006) and Dear Agony (2009), solidifying Breaking Benjamin's status as a force in the rock world. However, the band went on an extended hiatus in early 2010 as Burnley battled recurring health issues.
Amidst this silence, a storm brewed within the band. The unauthorized release of a compilation album, Shallow Bay: The Best of Breaking Benjamin (2011), ignited legal turmoil, leading to the departures of Fink and Klepaski. Further upheaval followed in 2013 when Szeliga left due to creative differences. Burnley, the band's driving force, found himself as the sole remaining member.
Undeterred, Burnley rallied, assembling a new lineup in late 2014 that included bassist/backing vocalist Aaron Bruch, guitarist/backing vocalist Keith Wallen, guitarist Jasen Rauch, and drummer Shaun Foist. This fresh energy led to the release of Dark Before Dawn (2015), which stormed the Billboard 200 charts at number one, followed by Ember (2018) hitting number three. The band then surprised fans with a compilation album, Aurora (2020), showcasing acoustic interpretations of their hits alongside a brand new original track.
Through these trials and triumphs, Breaking Benjamin's musical foundation has remained steadfast, with Burnley at the helm as the primary composer and vocalist. Despite the ever-shifting lineups, the band's raw power, signature sound, and emotionally charged lyrics have continued to resonate with audiences, cementing their legacy as a rock powerhouse.
Founded in: 2015
Burning Witches, a Swiss heavy/power metal band hailing from Brugg, Aargau, is a powerhouse of heavy riffs and soaring melodies. This all-female band has quickly gained a reputation for their explosive live shows and captivating sound, channeling the spirit of classic heavy metal icons like Judas Priest while forging their own unique path.
From Humble Beginnings to Chart Success
The band's origins lie in the passion of Romana Kalkuhl, a seasoned guitarist with the band Atlas & Axis. For years, she dreamed of forming an all-female metal band, meticulously searching for the perfect musicians to realize her vision. Finally, she assembled a formidable lineup, including bassist Jeanine Grob, drummer Lala Frischknecht, and vocalist Seraina Telli. The band was completed in 2016 with the arrival of guitarist Alea Wyss.
Their journey began with a self-titled single, which served as their first demo. This initial offering quickly caught the attention of the metal community, earning "Demo of the Month" accolades from both Rock Hard and Metal Hammer magazines.
In 2017, Burning Witches unleashed their self-titled debut album, a fierce and captivating statement of their musical prowess. The album, produced by V.O. Pulver (Poltergeist, Gurd) and Marcel "Schmier" Schirmer (Destruction), was released independently and funded through the crowdfunding platform Pledge Music. The album featured a powerful cover of Judas Priest's "Jawbreaker" alongside original material, showcasing the band's versatility and respect for their heavy metal forefathers. The album's success was cemented by its chart-topping performance, reaching number 73 on the Swiss album charts.
Burning Witches, with their powerful performances and infectious energy, are poised to become a major force in the heavy metal world. Their unwavering dedication to their craft, combined with their undeniable talent, guarantees a thrilling future filled with electrifying music and unforgettable shows.
Founded in: 1996
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.
Founded in: 1990
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.
Founded in: 2005
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.
Founded in: 1975
Born in the crucible of Leyton, East London in 1975, Iron Maiden emerged as a force to be reckoned with, spearheaded by bassist and songwriting maestro Steve Harris. While their early lineup saw some shifts, the core of the band, consisting of Harris, lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson, drummer Nicko McBrain, and guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers, has defined their sound for generations.
Iron Maiden were pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), a movement that shook the world of rock with its raw energy and aggression. Their early albums, including their 1980 debut and 1981's Killers, established their sonic blueprint, but it was 1982's The Number of the Beast, their first album with Bruce Dickinson, that truly catapulted them to legendary status. Dickinson's powerful vocals and theatrical stage presence ignited a firestorm, solidifying Iron Maiden's place as one of heavy metal's most influential bands.
The Number of the Beast became a cornerstone of the heavy metal canon, selling nearly 20 million copies worldwide. It was the catalyst for a string of platinum and gold albums, cementing Iron Maiden's position as a global phenomenon.
Despite internal turbulence in the 1990s, the band's resurgence in 1999, marked by Dickinson's return alongside guitarist Adrian Smith, signaled a new era of triumph. A slew of critically acclaimed albums and massive tours re-energized their fan base, proving that Iron Maiden's power was undiminished.
Their most recent albums – The Final Frontier (2010), The Book of Souls (2015), and Senjutsu (2021) – have all reached the top of the charts in over 25 countries, a testament to their enduring global appeal.
With over 130 million albums sold and 600 certifications worldwide, Iron Maiden have left an undeniable imprint on the world of rock. They are not just a band; they are a cultural icon, a force that has inspired countless musicians and continues to enthrall generations of fans. Their influence is immeasurable, and their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, alongside a plethora of industry awards, including Grammys and Brit Awards, is a testament to their enduring legacy. Iron Maiden is not simply a band; they are a testament to the enduring power of heavy metal.
Founded in: 1969
Judas Priest, hailing from Birmingham, England, emerged in 1969 as a force to be reckoned with in the heavy metal scene. Their influence is undeniable, having sold over 50 million albums worldwide and consistently ranking among the greatest metal bands of all time.
They are considered pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, a movement that shook the world of rock music in the late 70s. Their sound has heavily influenced various heavy metal subgenres, including speed metal, thrash metal, power metal, and the hard rock/glam metal scene of the 80s.
Despite their innovative and groundbreaking music, Judas Priest faced challenges in their early years. Poor record production and a lack of major commercial success plagued them until 1980, when their sixth studio album, "British Steel," catapulted them into the mainstream spotlight.
The band's lineup has undergone significant changes over the years. Throughout the 70s, a core group consisting of bassist Ian Hill, vocalist Rob Halford, and guitarists Glenn Tipton and K. K. Downing, cycled through various drummers before finding a stable rhythm section with Dave Holland in 1979. Holland remained with the band for ten years, until 1989, when Scott Travis took over drumming duties.
In 1992, Halford left Judas Priest, leaving a void in the band's heart. After a four-year hiatus, the band regrouped in 1996 with Tim "Ripper" Owens (formerly of Winter's Bane) as their new vocalist. After two albums with Owens, Halford returned to the band in 2003, reuniting the iconic frontman with his metal brethren.
In 2011, Downing left the band, paving the way for Richie Faulkner to join as the newest guitarist. Judas Priest, with its legendary members and ever-evolving lineup, continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans with its powerful sound and iconic legacy.