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.

Slipknot: A Heavy Metal Juggernaut

Slipknot, a name synonymous with intense, masked mayhem, emerged from the heartland of Des Moines, Iowa, in 1995. Born from the creative fire of percussionist Shawn "Clown" Crahan, former vocalist Anders Colsefni, and bassist Paul Gray, the band underwent a series of lineup changes before solidifying its nine-member core: Crahan, Gray, Joey Jordison, Craig Jones, Mick Thomson, Corey Taylor, Sid Wilson, Chris Fehn, and Jim Root. This lineup dominated the heavy metal scene for over a decade.

Slipknot's undeniable presence is built on their trademark image – masked, masked, and masked again – their aggressive musical style that blends heavy metal, thrash, and industrial influences, and their explosive live shows that leave audiences breathless. Their self-titled debut album in 1999 thrust them onto the world stage, instantly cementing their status as heavy metal royalty. The darker, heavier follow-up, Iowa in 2001, propelled them further into the spotlight.

After a brief hiatus, the band returned in 2004 with Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses), followed by another hiatus before their fourth album, All Hope Is Gone, topped the Billboard 200 chart in 2008. Another lengthy break culminated in the release of their fifth studio album, .5: The Gray Chapter, in 2014, marking a period of musical exploration and evolution.

Slipknot continued their reign with We Are Not Your Kind in 2019, a testament to their longevity and creative drive. Their latest offering, The End, So Far, hit the scene in 2022, showcasing the band's relentless commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering a sonic experience that's both brutal and captivating.

Slipknot remains a force to be reckoned with, a band that continues to redefine the heavy metal landscape, leaving a trail of sonic destruction and undeniable influence in its wake.

Tang Dynasty was formed in 1988. It is China’s first heavy metal rock band, named after the Tang Dynasty, one of the most prosperous dynasties in history. In 1992, they released their album "Dream Back to Tang Dynasty", which caused a sensation in Taiwan and mainland China. This album established Tang Dynasty's important position in the Chinese rock music scene. The band is considered one of the most representative rock bands in the Chinese music scene. They won the Best Rock Band Award at the 7th Golden Record Awards in 2013 and the Hall of Fame Band Award in 2014.

Some of their well-known songs include "Dream Back to Tang Dynasty," "Sun," "Flying Bird," "Moon Dream," "Romance," "Black Humor," "Your Illusion," "Farewell," "Road," "Howling Train," "Feng Chan Ceremony," "Song of the Great Wind," "Thorn," "Tears of the Elk," "Elephant Doesn't Complain," "Rattlesnake," and many more.

The band has gone through several changes in members, disbandment, and reorganization.

== Members ==

=== Current Members === Ding Wu (1988 - present) - Lead vocalist, founding member. Liu Jingwei (2019 - present) - Guitarist Fu Dalong (2019 - present) - Guitarist Gu Zhong (1995 - present) - Bassist Zhao Nian (1989 - present) - Drummer

=== Former Members === Kaiser Kuo (1988 - 1989, 1996 - 1999) - Guitarist, founding member. Andrew Szabo (1988 - 1989) - Drummer, founding member. Zhang Ju (1988 - 1995) - Bassist, founding member. Liu Yijun (1989 - 1995, 2001 - 2009) - Guitarist Yu Yang (1999) - Guitarist Chen Lei (2000 - 2019) - Guitarist

==== Support Members ==== Qin Qi (1990) - Lead vocalist, sang the song "Dream of the End of the Century" on the album "Tang Dynasty."

=== Member Timeline === ※ This timeline is accurate to the year. ※ Andrew Szabo's position is unclear.

== Development History ==

=== 1980s === 1988: Tang Dynasty was formed by Ding Wu (lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist), Zhang Ju (bassist), and two American Chinese, Kaiser Kuo (guitarist) and his classmate Andrew Szabo (drummer).

The Dead Daisies, a hard rock "supergroup" formed in Sydney, Australia in 2012, boasts a revolving door of all-star musicians with pedigrees that read like a who's who of rock royalty. Members have played with legendary acts such as Whitesnake, Guns N' Roses, Black Sabbath, and Mötley Crüe, among others. Despite its shifting lineup, the band has consistently been spearheaded by guitarist David Lowy.

Initially founded by Jon Stevens (Noiseworks, INXS) and David Lowy (Mink), the pair were reconnected by former INXS manager David Edwards. Their eponymous debut album, recorded in just two weeks at Los Angeles' Wishbone Studios with producer John Fields, dropped in August 2013 via Caroline/Universal in North America, and later in the UK. The album's lead single, "Lock N' Load," features a guitar solo by none other than Guns N' Roses' Slash, who also co-wrote the track. This Rolling Stone Daily Download and BBC Radio 2 staple launched the band into the international spotlight, setting the stage for a career defined by both its impressive roster and its consistently powerful sound.

The Runaways, a groundbreaking all-female rock band, blazed a trail from 1975 to 1979. Born in the crucible of Los Angeles, they unleashed four studio albums and a fiery live record onto the world. Their iconic anthems, including "Cherry Bomb," "Hollywood," and "Queens of Noise," along with their blistering cover of the Velvet Undergrounds "Rock & Roll," resonated with a generation. While they didnt achieve massive US success, their electrifying performances, particularly "Cherry Bomb," ignited a sensation overseas, especially in Japan.

History:

Early Years: In early 1975, rock producer Kim Fowley conceived a radical idea: an all-female rock band. Guitarist Joan Jett recalls a landscape devoid of young women playing instruments. Fowley, encountering lyricist Kari Krome at an Alice Cooper party, hired her to scout talent. Krome discovered Jett, who impressed Fowley with a ukulele audition to a Sweet album, swiftly transitioning to guitar. In the Rainbow Bar & Grill parking lot, Fowley met Sandy West, who signed on as drummer. After Fowley had Jett and West rehearse at West`s Huntington Beach home, a phone audition with music journalist Ritchie Yorke secured their core. Further auditions, advertised through radio stations, landed them lead vocalist/bassist Micki Steele (later of The Bangles).

The Dublin-based band The Scratch are pioneers of a unique sound, forging a potent fusion of Irish traditional music and heavy metal. Born from the ashes of Perrystown heavy metal act Red Enemy (three of whose members form The Scratch`s core), the band exploded onto the scene in 2016.

Their debut album, *Couldnt Give a Rats*, dropped in 2020, laying the groundwork for their critically acclaimed sophomore effort, *Mind Yourself*, released in 2023. The latter earned a coveted nomination for the Choice Music Prize, solidifying The Scratchs position as a major force in the Irish music landscape.

Lindemann: A Sonic Fusion of Rammstein and Pain

Lindemann, the German musical project spearheaded by the iconic vocalist Till Lindemann, burst onto the scene in 2013. This super-duo, formed with Swedish multi-instrumentalist Peter Tägtgren, blended the raw power of Rammstein with the industrial edge of Tägtgren's own project, Pain. Tägtgren himself described the sound as a "mix of Rammstein vocals and Pain music," promising a unique and potent sonic experience.

Their debut album, "Skills in Pills," arrived in 2015, solidifying their distinct sound and setting the stage for a whirlwind of intense performances. The follow-up, "F & M," dropped in 2019, further cementing Lindemann's status as a force to be reckoned with in the rock world.

A Meeting of Minds

The unlikely pairing of Lindemann and Tägtgren was born out of a chance encounter in a Stockholm rock pub. Introduced by members of the Swedish band Clawfinger, they hit it off, forging a creative connection that would lead to Lindemann's existence.

The collaboration came about during a break from Rammstein's touring schedule, with Lindemann originally planning to only create a couple of songs with Tägtgren. However, the duo's creative sparks ignited, leading them to craft a full-fledged album.

Finding Their Name

The band's name proved to be a challenge, with every name they considered already belonging to another group. Ultimately, they settled on simply "Lindemann," a suggestion from someone outside the band. While Tägtgren was initially hesitant, the name stuck, becoming synonymous with their unique and powerful sound.

Beyond the Duo

In 2020, Tägtgren departed Lindemann, leaving Lindemann as a solo project. Despite this change, Lindemann's legacy as a powerful and innovative musical force remains. The band's blend of industrial metal, electronic elements, and Till Lindemann's signature vocals continues to captivate audiences worldwide, ensuring that Lindemann's music will reverberate for years to come.