Disturbed: A Heavy Metal Force to Be Reckoned With

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.

Dream Theater, the progressive metal titans, emerged from Boston, Massachusetts in 1985. Initially formed as Majesty by Long Island natives John Petrucci (guitar), John Myung (bass), and Mike Portnoy (drums), the trio dropped out of Berklee College of Music to pursue their musical ambitions. Petrucci and Myung remain the band`s only constant members.

Portnoys powerful drumming defined the bands sound for years, until his departure in 2010 to explore other projects. He was replaced by Mike Mangini, only to sensationally rejoin the lineup in October 2023. Vocalist James LaBrie joined in 1991 after a brief period with Chris Collins and Charlie Dominici (who was let go shortly after the 1989 debut, When Dream and Day Unite). The keyboard chair saw Kevin Moore contribute to three albums before Derek Sherinian stepped in for a brief period in the mid-90s (recording one album and an EP). Jordan Rudess took over keyboard duties in 1999, solidifying the current lineup.

Dream Theater`s legacy is cemented by their sixteen studio albums, a testament to their enduring influence on progressive metal.

Exodus: A Thrash Metal Legacy

Hailing from Richmond, California, Exodus is a pioneering force in the American thrash metal scene, formed in 1979. Though the lineup has shifted over the years, they've remained a powerful entity, currently featuring guitarists Gary Holt and Lee Altus, bassist Jack Gibson, drummer Tom Hunting, and vocalist Steve "Zetro" Souza.

Exodus boasts a unique history, with Tom Hunting being the only original member remaining. Hunting has weathered two departures from the band, first in 1989, then again in 2004, ultimately rejoining in 2007. The band also served as a launchpad for the legendary Kirk Hammett, who held the lead guitarist position from Exodus' inception until 1983, when he joined Metallica as Dave Mustaine's replacement.

Gary Holt, who replaced original guitarist Tim Agnello in 1981, has been a stalwart through various lineup changes and breakups, becoming the most consistent member and the only one to appear on every Exodus recording. Despite facing a turbulent history marked by band member feuds, record label conflicts, extended hiatuses, the loss of former members, and struggles with drug addiction, Exodus has persevered.

Their legacy speaks volumes. With eleven studio albums, three live albums, a compilation album, and a re-recording of their debut album, they've solidified their place as a cornerstone of the Bay Area thrash metal scene. Alongside Metallica, they're often recognized as pioneers of the genre, earning a place among the region's "Big Six" alongside Testament, Death Angel, Lȧȧz Rockit, Forbidden, and Vio-lence.

Exodus' influence extends beyond their regional scene. They're considered one of thrash metal's "Big Eight" alongside Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, Testament, Overkill, and Death Angel. Their first three studio albums, Bonded by Blood (1985), Pleasures of the Flesh (1987), and Fabulous Disaster (1989), propelled them to success during the mid-to-late 1980s, solidifying their place in metal history. With over five million albums sold worldwide, Exodus continues to inspire and influence generations of metal fans.

Fear Factory: A History of Industrial Metal Mayhem

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.

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.

GWAR (stylized as GWAR) is a Richmond, Virginia-bred heavy metal band forged in 1984. Known for its ever-evolving roster of musicians, artists, and filmmakers—collectively known as Slave Pit Inc.—the band has continued to create and perform even after the 2014 death of frontman Dave Brockie, with none of its original members remaining.

Their signature grotesque costumes are integral to GWAR's elaborate science fiction mythology. Band members portray barbaric warriors—a mix of medieval Nordic, mythological, biblical, and interplanetary figures—a narrative driving their albums, live shows, and media presence. Their over-the-top violent, sexual, and scatological humor, often laced with sharp social and political satire, has garnered both praise and controversy. Infamous for their live shows, which feature graphic violence and drench the audience in copious amounts of fake blood, urine, and semen, GWAR is often categorized as "shock rock."

Since their inception, GWAR has unleashed 15 studio albums, two live albums, numerous singles, and other recordings, selling over 820,000 records in the US alone. The controversies surrounding their concerts fueled a brief period of mainstream notoriety in the early 1990s, earning them MTV airplay and in-character appearances on daytime talk shows, where they satirized censorship and media violence. While their mainstream popularity waned by the late 1990s, GWAR maintains a fiercely dedicated cult following.

Their extensive videography includes live recordings and feature films, most notably 1992's Phallus in Wonderland, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Long Form Music Video. Beyond music, the GWAR brand has expanded into books, comic books, board games, beer, whiskey, barbecue sauce, CBD products, e-liquids, collectible toys, and even sex toys—a testament to their enduring, if unconventional, influence.

In This Moment, the Los Angeles-based rock band, emerged from the ashes of Dying Star in 2005. Founded by vocalist Maria Brink and guitarist Chris Howorth, the initial lineup soon expanded with the addition of drummer Jeff Fabb. However, a creative shift led to a name change and a revamped roster, incorporating guitarist Blake Bunzel and bassist Josh Newell. Newell`s departure in 2005 saw Jesse Landry take over on bass.

Their musical journey began with the 2007 debut album Beautiful Tragedy. Subsequent releases saw their star rise steadily: The Dream (2008) charted at #73 on Billboard 200, followed by A Star-Crossed Wasteland (2010) and Blood (2012), which peaked at #15. Black Widow (2014) became their highest-charting album to date, debuting at #8. The band continued to build momentum with Ritual (2017), reaching #23, and capped off the 2010s with their seventh studio album, Mother (2020). In This Moment`s trajectory showcases a consistent evolution and increasing commercial success within the rock genre.

Iron Maiden: A Heavy Metal Legacy

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.

Judas Priest: Metal Legends and Pioneers

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.

Kittie: A Canadian Metal Force

Hailing from London, Ontario, Kittie emerged in 1996 as a potent force in the heavy metal scene. Founded by the Lander sisters – drummer Mercedes and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Morgan – alongside lead guitarist Fallon Bowman and bassist Tanya Candler, Kittie quickly made a name for themselves with their aggressive, no-holds-barred sound.

The sisters, Morgan and Mercedes, have remained the band's core, driving Kittie's evolution through various lineup changes and stylistic shifts. Their music, released independently, has sold over two million copies worldwide, establishing them as a formidable force in the metal world.

The band's name, "Kittie," was chosen for its "contradictory" nature, reflecting the stark contrast between their cute, all-female image and the raw power of their music. Their 1999 debut album, "Spit," initially released through Ng Records and later through Artemis Records, cemented their place in the nu metal movement. The album sold over 600,000 copies in the US and was certified gold by the RIAA.

Over time, Kittie moved away from the nu metal sound, embracing a heavier, more aggressive style that incorporated elements of alternative metal, groove metal, and death metal. Their subsequent releases, "Oracle" (2001) and "Until the End" (2004), showcased this evolution, though they didn't achieve the same commercial success as "Spit."

After parting ways with Artemis in 2005, Kittie took control of their own destiny, forming their own label, X of Infamy. They released "Funeral for Yesterday" in 2007, further solidifying their distinctive sound.

In 2009, Kittie signed with eOne Music, releasing "In the Black" and "I've Failed You" in 2009 and 2011 respectively. These albums, featuring bassist Ivana "Ivy" Jenkins, showcased Kittie's continued dedication to pushing the boundaries of heavy music, demonstrating their enduring power and influence.

Kittie's journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of musical evolution, their sound evolving from nu metal pioneers to a heavier, more intricate band that continues to enthrall metal fans worldwide.