Pantera: The Rise and Fall of a Groove Metal Titan

Pantera, a name synonymous with heavy metal fury, emerged from the Texan streets of Arlington in 1981. Founded by the Abbott brothers, Dimebag Darrell (guitar) and Vinnie Paul (drums), the band went through a few lineup changes before solidifying their legendary form with vocalist Phil Anselmo and bassist Rex Brown in 1986.

While they started with a glam metal sound, their early 80s albums, like "Metal Magic" and "I Am the Night," failed to make a significant impact. A turning point came with Anselmo's arrival, ushering in a heavier, more aggressive style that propelled them to the forefront of the heavy metal scene.

Their 1990 album, "Cowboys From Hell," is widely credited with birthing the groove metal subgenre, combining the raw power of thrash with heavy riffs and a relentless rhythmic drive. This was followed by the even more brutal "Vulgar Display of Power" in 1992, cementing their status as one of the most ferocious live acts on the planet.

The band's commercial and critical peak arrived with "Far Beyond Driven" in 1994, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Their success was undeniable, influencing generations of metal musicians and selling over 20 million records worldwide.

However, despite their dominance, internal tensions began to simmer, primarily stemming from Anselmo's struggles with addiction and physical pain. This led to a growing divide between him and the Abbott brothers, eventually culminating in the band's bitter breakup in 2003.

Pantera remains a towering figure in heavy metal history, their legacy forever etched in the annals of the genre. While the band's story ended in acrimony, their music continues to inspire and resonate with fans around the world, leaving behind a thunderous legacy of raw power and unbridled aggression.

Psychostick: The Comedy Metal Kings of "Humorcore"

Psychostick, hailing from Tempe, Arizona, are the undisputed kings of comedic metal. Known for their hilarious stage presence and songs that are as funny as they are heavy, they've carved out a unique niche in the music world with their signature style, dubbed "humorcore".

From Humble Beginnings to National Recognition:

The band's story started in the late 90s with the band "Asinine" in Odessa, Texas. Fronted by Josh Key, the band laid the foundation for what Psychostick would become. Key moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he joined forces with Rob Kersey to form Psychostick. With the addition of drummer Alex Preiss, bassist Hunter Alexander, and the adoption of the new name, Psychostick emerged as a force to be reckoned with.

A Legacy of Hilarious Albums:

Psychostick has released five albums, each a testament to their comedic genius:

• "We Couldn't Think of a Title" (2003): Their debut album, a hilarious introduction to their unique brand of humor.
• "Sandwich" (2009): Taking their comedic metal to the next level, this album solidified Psychostick as a force in the humorcore scene.
• "Space Vampires vs Zombie Dinosaurs in 3D" (2011): A sci-fi themed masterpiece, filled with outlandish concepts and catchy riffs.
• "IV: Revenge of the Vengeance" (2014): This album continued their trend of blending humor with hard-hitting music, proving they weren't afraid to poke fun at themselves and the music industry.
• "Do" (2018): Released during a live webcast, this album showcased Psychostick's continued evolution, both musically and humorously.

Hitting the Road and Sharing the Stage with the Best:

Psychostick took their live show on the road in 2006, sharing stages with heavy-hitting acts like Mushroomhead, Look What I Did, Powerglove, and Bobaflex. Their infectious energy and humor have also led them to perform alongside national acts like Three Days Grace, Army of Anyone, Sick Puppies, A New Revolution, The Exies, and Smile Empty Soul.

Psychostick continues to be a unique force in the metal scene, proving that music can be both heavy and hilarious. They stand as a testament to the power of humor in music, bringing laughter and headbanging moments to fans worldwide.

Quiet Riot: The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of a Heavy Metal Icon

Quiet Riot, a quintessential Los Angeles heavy metal band, burst onto the scene in 1973 with the formidable pairing of guitarist Randy Rhoads and bassist Kelly Garni. Their original lineup, which also included vocalist Kevin DuBrow and drummer Drew Forsyth, was plagued by internal turmoil, ultimately leading to Garni's dismissal after he made death threats against DuBrow.

However, the band found its true stride with a new lineup featuring the powerhouse combination of DuBrow, guitarist Carlos Cavazo, bassist Rudy Sarzo, and drummer Frankie Banali. This lineup released their breakthrough album, Metal Health, in 1983, marking a pivotal moment in heavy metal history. Metal Health became the first heavy metal album to top the Billboard 200 chart, catapulting the band to international fame. The album spawned several iconic singles that dominated the airwaves, including "Cum On Feel the Noize" (a cover of the Slade original), "Mama Weer All Crazee Now" (another Slade cover), and the title track, "Metal Health (Bang Your Head)". Quiet Riot's impact on the genre was undeniable, solidifying their place as a cornerstone of the heavy metal movement, earning them the #100 spot on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock.

Despite numerous lineup changes and brief hiatuses, Quiet Riot continued to record and tour until DuBrow's tragic death in 2007 due to a cocaine overdose. While no original members remained, Banali, who had been a consistent member since 1982, resurrected the band in 2010. By 2020, the band consisted of Banali on drums, vocalist Jizzy Pearl, bassist Chuck Wright, and guitarist Alex Grossi. Quiet Riot has continued to tour and release new music, proving their enduring legacy even after DuBrow's passing. They released their first album in eight years, Quiet Riot 10, in 2014, followed by Road Rage in 2017 and Hollywood Cowboys in 2019, demonstrating their commitment to keeping the Quiet Riot flame alive.

Quiet Riot's story is one of triumph and tragedy, of musical innovation and enduring spirit. Despite the challenges they faced, their music continues to resonate with fans around the world, cementing their position as one of heavy metal's most influential and enduring bands.

RATT (stylized as RATT), the iconic American glam metal band, ruled the 1980s. Their albums achieved multi-platinum status, cementing their place in music history. The bands infectious hits, including the Billboard Top 40 smashes "Round and Round" (#12) and "Lay It Down" (#40), along with anthems like "Wanted Man," "Youre in Love," and "Dance," became staples of the era. Shoulder-to-shoulder with rivals like Mötley Crüe, RATT was pivotal in shaping the explosive Los Angeles glam metal scene—also known as hair metal or pop metal—of the early 1980s.

Though they continued touring and recording sporadically from the 1990s to 2021, enduring numerous lineup changes and extended hiatuses, their final studio album, Infestation, dropped in April 2010.

Early Years (1973-1982):

RATT`s story begins in 1973 Hollywood with the band Firedome, formed by vocalist Stephen Pearcy and friends. After Firedome disbanded in 1974, Pearcy formed Crystal Pystal, later evolving into Mickey Ratt in 1976, finally shortened to Ratt in 1977, setting the stage for their legendary rise.

Royal Tusk, the Edmonton, Alberta-based rock trio, exploded onto the scene fueled by the raw energy of vocalist Daniel Carriere, guitarist Quinn Cyrankiewicz, and bassist Sandy MacKinnon. Their journey began in 2011, emerging from the ashes of Carriere and MacKinnon's previous project, Ten Second Epic.

The band honed their sound, culminating in their 2014 debut EP, Mountain, released by Hidden Pony Records. The single "Shadow of Love" garnered local radio airplay, laying the groundwork for their ascent.

Following minimal touring behind Mountain, Royal Tusk dove into their full-length debut, DealBreaker, which dropped on May 26, 2016. The album yielded two singles: "Fever," which received a music video, and "Curse the Weather."

A significant leap came in 2018 with the release of their sophomore album, Tusk II, via Entertainment One Music (eOne). This marked a breakthrough for the band, catapulting them to wider recognition. The album's impact solidified Royal Tusk's position as a force to be reckoned with in the Canadian rock scene.

Hailing from Falun, Sweden, Sabaton emerged onto the power metal scene in 1999. Founded by vocalist Joakim Brodén, bassist Pär Sundström, guitarists Oskar Montelius and Rikard Sundén, and drummer Richard Larsson, the band has undergone several lineup changes, with only Brodén and Sundström remaining constants. Their signature sound is built on anthemic power metal, overwhelmingly dedicated to recounting historical events, particularly the details of major wars and battles.

Initially signed to Black Lodge Records, Sabaton unleashed their debut album, Primo Victoria, in 2005. This was quickly followed by Attero Dominatus (2006) and Metalizer (2007). Their fourth album, The Art of War (2008), cemented their growing reputation. A move to Nuclear Blast Records in 2010 saw the release of Coat of Arms, followed by Carolus Rex (2012) and Heroes (2014), establishing Sabaton as power metal titans with a unique and highly successful thematic approach.

Hailing from Tarpon Springs, Florida, Savatage emerged in 1979, forged by the Oliva brothers, Jon and Criss. Initially christened Avatar, a name clash forced a rebranding just before their 1983 debut, Sirens. This pivotal shift marked the beginning of a legendary career. Savatage became a cornerstone of the US heavy metal scene in the early-to-mid 80s, profoundly influencing countless metal subgenres.

Their prolific output includes eleven studio albums, two live albums, five compilations, and three EPs. While Fight for the Rock (1986) brought them initial chart success (#158 Billboard 200), Hall of the Mountain King (1987), Gutter Ballet (1989), Streets: A Rock Opera (1991), and Edge of Thorns (1993) solidified their critical acclaim and cemented their legacy. Tragedy struck on October 17, 1993, when Criss Oliva died in a car accident, just six months after Edge of Thorns` release.

Undeterred, Jon Oliva (with producer Paul ONeill) carried on Savatages torch, releasing four more studio albums amidst several lineup changes before an extended hiatus in 2002. The bands members went on to create other notable projects, including Jon Olivas Pain, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Circle II Circle, and Doctor Butcher, further cementing their impact on the broader landscape of rock and metal.

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.

Skid Row, the New Jersey hard rock titans, exploded onto the scene in 1986. Their classic lineup – Rachel Bolan (bass), Dave Sabo (guitar), Scotti Hill (guitar), Rob Affuso (drums), and the unforgettable Sebastian Bach (vocals) – forged a legacy of arena-rocking anthems. Their debut self-titled album (1989) and its follow-up, Slave to the Grind (1991), achieved multi-platinum status, with the latter hitting #1 on the Billboard 200. These albums spawned a string of iconic hits like "18 and Life," "I Remember You" (both Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hits), "Youth Gone Wild," "Monkey Business," "Slave to the Grind," "Wasted Time," and "In a Darkened Room," solidifying their place in the 80s/90s hard rock pantheon. While their third album, Subhuman Race (1995), received critical acclaim, it couldnt replicate the phenomenal success of its predecessors. By 1996, the band had sold 20 million albums worldwide, but internal tensions led to Bach and Affusos departures, plunging Skid Row into a three-year hiatus.

Resurfacing in 1999 with Johnny Solinger replacing Bach, Skid Row continued, albeit with a rotating cast of drummers (most recently Rob Hammersmith). Solinger fronted the band on two studio albums, Thickskin (2003) and Revolutions per Minute (2006), as well as the United World Rebellion EPs (2013 & 2014), receiving a mixed critical response. Despite the lineup changes, Skid Row`s impact on hard rock remains undeniable, cemented by the enduring power of their early, classic-era material.

Slayer: The Kings of Thrash Metal

Slayer, hailing from Huntington Park, California, emerged in 1981 as a force of pure sonic aggression. Founded by guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, drummer Dave Lombardo, and bassist/vocalist Tom Araya, they quickly established themselves as a dominant force in the thrash metal scene. Their blistering speed and relentless intensity earned them a place amongst the "Big Four" of thrash alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax.

Slayer's musical style is defined by its raw power and uncompromising aggression. Their lyrics, often focusing on themes of serial killers, torture, genocide, and other dark subjects, have generated controversy and even bans throughout their career. But the band's influence on metal is undeniable. Their third album, Reign in Blood (1986), is considered one of the heaviest and most influential thrash metal albums ever released.

Their signature sound was forged through the songwriting partnership of King and Hanneman, who also contributed to the band's lyrics. While the band has undergone numerous lineup changes, the current iteration features King, Araya, drummer Paul Bostaph, and guitarist Gary Holt, who joined permanently after Hanneman's passing in 2013.

Throughout their career, Slayer have released a substantial body of work including twelve studio albums, three live albums, a box set, six music videos, two extended plays, and a cover album. Four of their studio albums have achieved gold certification in the United States, and they sold an impressive 5 million copies between 1991 and 2013, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Slayer's legacy is cemented as a cornerstone of thrash metal, a band that pushed boundaries and challenged conventions with their uncompromising sound and controversial lyrical content. Their influence can be felt in countless bands that followed in their wake, forever solidifying their status as true pioneers of the genre.