Melodic metalcore

After the Burial, the Minneapolis progressive metal titans, have carved a significant path in the genre since their 2004 inception. Currently signed to Sumerian Records (through which they've released five of their six full-length albums), their journey has been marked by significant lineup changes. The band has endured two vocalist swaps, two drummer changes, and the heartbreaking loss of founding rhythm guitarist Justin Lowe, alongside the departure of bassist Lerichard Foral. Lead guitarist Trent Hafdahl remains the sole original member, a testament to his unwavering commitment. Their influence on subgenres like djent and progressive metalcore is undeniable, solidifying their status as key innovators.

History: Formation and Forging a Future Self (2004-2007)

Formed in 2004 by high school friends Nick Wellner, Trent Hafdahl, Justin Lowe (December 17, 1982 – July 21, 2015), and Greg Erickson, After the Burial initially relied on Dave Coleman on bass. Their search for a permanent bassist led them to Lee Foral via a Twin Cities hardcore message board. Their debut album, Forging a Future Self, recorded in late 2005 and released March 1st, 2006, marked their emergence, distributed through Corrosive Records without an official label deal.

All That Remains, the Springfield, Massachusetts metal titans, emerged in 1998, forging a career built on nine studio albums, a live CD/DVD, and over a million records sold worldwide. While vocalist Philip Labonte remains the sole original member, the band enjoyed a remarkably stable lineup from 2008's Overcome through 2015's The Order of Things, spanning four albums. This era ended with bassist Jeanne Sagan's departure in September 2015, replaced by Aaron Patrick. Tragedy struck in February 2019 with the death of original lead guitarist Oli Herbert, resulting in Jason Richardson joining the ranks. Further lineup shifts saw Patrick's exit in 2021 to focus on Bury Your Dead, with Matt Deis taking over bass duties in 2022. Labonte's journey to All That Remains began after his departure from Shadows Fall (appearing on their seminal Somber Eyes to the Sky), where "musical differences" led him to fully commit to his side project, releasing their debut album, Behind Silence and Solitude, in 2002 via Prosthetic Records.

Hailing from San Diego, California, As I Lay Dying emerged in 2000, forged by vocalist Tim Lambesis. Solidifying their lineup in 2001—which included Lambesis' Point of Recognition bandmate Jordan Mancino—the metalcore titans went on to unleash a formidable discography: eight studio albums, a split album, and two compilations. Their impact resonated powerfully; An Ocean Between Us, their fourth studio effort, climbed to #8 on the Billboard 200 and conquered the Top Rock chart. The band became festival mainstays, electrifying crowds at Wacken Open Air, With Full Force, Soundwave Festival, Warped Tour, Bloodstock Open Air, and Taste of Chaos. Their achievements extend beyond chart success; they snagged MTV2's "Ultimate Metal God" award (2007), were crowned "Artist of the Year" at the San Diego Music Awards three times (2005, 2007, 2008), and even received a Grammy nomination for "Nothing Left" in 2008. The Powerless Rise, their fifth studio album, a meticulously crafted three-year project, dropped in May 2010 to widespread critical praise. Their final studio release before their hiatus, Awakened, arrived on September 25, 2012.

August Burns Red: A Metalcore Juggernaut from Pennsylvania

Hailing from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, August Burns Red exploded onto the metalcore scene in 2003. The band's current lineup – guitarists JB Brubaker and Brent Rambler, drummer Matt Greiner, vocalist Jake Luhrs, and bassist Dustin Davidson – solidified in 2006, forming the core of their enduring success. This powerhouse quintet has consistently delivered blistering performances and intricate compositions, earning them two Grammy nominations: Best Metal Performance for "Identity" (from 2015's Found in Far Away Places) and "Invisible Enemy" (from 2017's Phantom Anthem).

Their decade-spanning career boasts ten studio albums, culminating in their latest release, 2023's Death Below. This prolific output showcases their evolution and mastery of the metalcore genre.

Early Days and Thrill Seeker

The band's origins trace back to March 2003, with all members still in high school. Their early rehearsals took place in a rather unconventional venue – drummer Matt Greiner's old egg house and basement on his family's farm. After honing their skills in the Lancaster scene, they released their debut EP, Looks Fragile After All, via CI Records in 2004. This period also saw vocalist Jon Hershey depart, replaced by Josh McManness. The lineup shift proved pivotal, leading to a signing with Solid State Records in 2005 and setting the stage for their ascent to prominence. Hershey would later find success in the post-rock band Bells.

Hailing from Hartford, Connecticut, Boundaries exploded onto the metalcore scene as a force to be reckoned with. The band's current lineup is a powerhouse featuring Matthew McDougal on ferocious vocals, guitarists Cory Emond and Cody DelVecchio laying down crushing riffs, Tim Sullivan on drums and backing vocals, and bassist/vocalist Nathan Calcagno holding down the low end.

Early Days (2013-2016): Boundaries formed in 2013, the brainchild of guitarist Zadak Brooks. Drawing members from a recently dissolved local band (and following the demise of his own cover band), Brooks forged a new path. Their debut single, "Two Faced," dropped in 2014, showcasing original vocalist Jake Buzzell alongside Matthew McDougal, who would soon become the band's permanent frontman. This period saw a flurry of singles featuring McDougal, several of which would later be included on their 2018 Spring Demonstration EP.

Hartford County Misery (2017-2018): The band unleashed Hartford County Misery in Spring 2017, which included the previously released 2016 single, "Sour Mouth." This era also saw a lineup change, with bassist Lucian Armstrong being replaced by Brandon Breedlove.

My Body in Bloom & Beyond (2018-Present): 2018 marked a significant turning point. Boundaries signed to Unbeaten Records, setting the stage for their label debut. My Body in Bloom, released February 22nd, 2019, solidified their place in the metalcore world. The EP, tracked throughout 2018 and 2019, was preceded by the singles "Blush" and the title track, generating considerable buzz. The band continues to evolve and dominate the scene.

Hailing from Bridgend, Wales, Bullet for My Valentine (BFMV) are heavy metal titans forged in the fires of 1998. Originally christened Jeff Killed John, the band cut their teeth covering Metallica and Nirvana, laying down six unreleased tracks before a stylistic shift prompted a name change and a new direction. Two of those early demos were later reworked into their BFMV catalog.

The current lineup features Matthew Tuck (vocals, rhythm guitar), Michael Paget (lead guitar), Jason Bowld (drums), and Jamie Mathias (bass). Previous bassists included Michael Thomas, Jason James, and Nick Crandle. Their sonic evolution, heavily influenced by metal legends like Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Slayer, solidified their place in the vibrant Cardiff music scene.

In 2002, BFMV inked a five-album deal with Sony BMG, setting the stage for their rise. Their debut album, The Poison, dropped in the UK in October 2005 and saw a Valentine's Day release in the US in 2006 – a clever nod to their moniker. The album charted at #128 on the Billboard 200, marking the beginning of their global conquest.

Falling in Reverse: A Rock Band With a Storied Past

Falling in Reverse is an American rock band known for their energetic live performances and captivating blend of pop-punk, metalcore, and alternative rock. The band was founded in 2008 by frontman Ronnie Radke, who originally called the group "From Behind These Walls." However, the name was quickly changed to the now-iconic "Falling in Reverse" shortly after their formation.

Currently signed to Epitaph Records, the band has faced multiple lineup changes throughout their career, with Radke remaining the sole original member. They are now led by Radke, alongside guitarist Christian Thompson and bassist Tyler Burgess.

Their debut album, "The Drug in Me Is You," released in July 2011, made a significant impact, reaching No. 19 on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over 18,000 copies in its first week. The album's success was solidified in December 2019 when it was certified gold by the RIAA.

Falling in Reverse's second studio album, "Fashionably Late," followed in 2013, reaching a peak position of No. 17 on the Billboard 200. The band continues to tour extensively, captivating audiences with their unique blend of heavy and catchy music.

Fit for a King (FFAK), the Tyler, Texas metalcore quintet, exploded onto the scene in 2007. Initially featuring Jared Easterling, Aaron Decur, Justin Juno, Jared McFerron, Alex Danforth, and Jed McNeill, the band honed their ferocious sound through relentless local and regional gigs, culminating in the release of two self-released EPs. A pivotal moment arrived in 2009 when the band committed to full-time touring, leading to the departure of McNeill and McFerron to focus on their studies. The lineup solidified further in 2010 with the addition of vocalist Ryan Kirby (formerly of Fort Worth's Bodies Awake), replacing Mason Wilson, who himself had previously filled the vocalist role after Danforth's exit. This lineup – Kirby on vocals, Bobby Lynge and Daniel Gailey on guitars, Ryan "Tuck" O'Leary on bass, and Trey Celaya on drums – would go on to define the band's sound. Their independent era yielded the 2008 Fit for a King EP, the 2009 Awaken the Vesper EP, and the 2011 full-length Descendants. This independent foundation propelled them to a major label deal with Solid State Records, launching their next phase of explosive growth. Following the signing, they released a redux of their debut album and subsequently six critically acclaimed studio albums: Creation/Destruction (2013), Slave to Nothing (2014), Deathgrip (2016), Dark Skies (2018), The Path (2020), and The Hell We Create (2022). Fit for a King’s journey showcases a band that not only persevered through lineup changes but also evolved their sound, cementing their place as a major force in modern metalcore.

Killswitch Engage: A Metalcore Giant

Hailing from Westfield, Massachusetts, Killswitch Engage emerged in 1999 from the ashes of the influential metalcore bands Overcast and Aftershock. This powerhouse quartet, consisting of vocalist Jesse Leach, guitarists Joel Stroetzel and Adam Dutkiewicz, bassist Mike D'Antonio, and drummer Justin Foley, has carved a formidable path in the heavy music scene.

Their rise to prominence began with the release of their 2004 masterpiece, "The End of Heartache," which peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200 chart and achieved RIAA gold certification for exceeding 500,000 units sold in the US. The album's title track was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2005.

Since then, Killswitch Engage has released seven more studio albums, solidifying their status as metalcore pioneers. Their music is a sonic tapestry woven with intense aggression, melodic hooks, and soaring vocals, often incorporating elements of heavy metal and hardcore punk. This unique blend has garnered them a dedicated fan base worldwide, earning them a place among the leading forces of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal.

Early Years and Debut Album (1999-2001):

The band's origins can be traced back to the disbandment of Overcast in 1998. After Overcast's demise, bassist Mike D'Antonio joined forces with Adam Dutkiewicz, guitarist from Aftershock. This collaboration, coupled with the addition of guitarist Joel Stroetzel (also from Aftershock) and vocalist Jesse Leach (from Nothing Stays Gold), birthed Killswitch Engage. The band's debut album, "Killswitch Engage," was released in 2001, showcasing their early raw energy and aggressive sound.

Throughout their career, Killswitch Engage has graced stages at renowned festivals such as Soundwave, Wacken Open Air, Reading and Leeds, Ozzfest, Download, Rock on the Range, Rock am Ring, Mayhem, Monsters of Rock, Pointfest, Knotfest, and Heavy MTL, spreading their music and captivating audiences globally.

Shadows Fall: A Boston Metalcore Legacy

Shadows Fall emerged from the Boston metal scene in 1996, quickly carving their own niche in the burgeoning metalcore genre. While the band has seen its share of lineup changes over the years, the core of the band - guitarists Jon Donais and Matt Bachand, bassist Paul Romanko, vocalist Brian Fair, and drummer Jason Bittner - has remained a constant throughout their recording career.

The band has amassed a formidable discography, including seven studio albums, three compilation albums, and two DVDs. Their debut album showcased the vocal talents of Philip Labonte (All That Remains), but he was soon replaced by the iconic Brian Fair, who quickly solidified his place as the band’s frontman. The first two albums featured drummer David Germain, but in 2002, Jason Bittner joined the fold, adding his thunderous drumming to the band’s sound.

Their commitment to quality and their unique blend of heavy riffs and melodic hooks earned them widespread recognition, culminating in a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance in 2008 for their song "Redemption" from the album Threads of Life. Their most recent studio album, Fire From the Sky, released in 2012, marked a new chapter in their career with a fresh sound produced by Adam Dutkiewicz, their first collaboration since their debut album.

In 2014, the band announced an indefinite hiatus, concluding a farewell tour in the summer of 2015. However, Shadows Fall surprised fans in December 2021 with a reunion show in their hometown of Massachusetts, rekindling the flames of their career. With new material on the horizon, the future of Shadows Fall is bright, promising a continued reign for the Boston metalcore kings.

The band's journey can be broken down into key chapters:

Formation and "Somber Eyes to the Sky" (1996-1997)

The seeds of Shadows Fall were planted in 1996 when guitarists Jon Donais and Matt Bachand, two friends from the Boston music scene, joined forces. This marked the beginning of a musical journey that would cement Shadows Fall as a force to be reckoned with.