Metal

All Shall Perish: Oakland Deathcore Pioneers

All Shall Perish, formed in Oakland, California in 2002, were seminal figures in the deathcore scene. Emerging from the ashes of Bay Area bands Antagony, End of All, and Boof, the quintet – Matt Kuykendall, Ben Orum, Mike Tiner, Caysen Russo, and Craig Betit – quickly made their mark.

Their 2003 demo landed them a deal with Amputated Vein Records, leading to their debut full-length, Hate, Malice, Revenge, in the same year. Nuclear Blast Records recognized their potential and re-released the album in 2005, solidifying their place in the burgeoning deathcore landscape.

The band's aggressive sound and relentless energy propelled them forward. Their 2006 release, The Price of Existence, featured the breakout single "Eradication," which received video play on MTV2's Headbangers Ball. A surprisingly viral mashup of their track "There Is No Business to Be Done On a Dead Planet" with 'N Sync's "Bye Bye Bye" unexpectedly broadened their appeal, introducing them to a whole new audience.

All Shall Perish continued their trajectory with three more albums under Nuclear Blast, concluding their discography with This Is Where It Ends in July 2011. Their legacy remains secure: All Shall Perish are widely regarded as pioneers of deathcore, leaving an undeniable impact on the genre.

Arch Enemy: A Melodic Death Metal Powerhouse

Arch Enemy is a Swedish melodic death metal band that emerged in 1995 from the fertile musical ground of Halmstad. Originally a supergroup, its members boasted impressive pedigrees, having previously graced the ranks of iconic bands like Carcass, Armageddon, Carnage, Mercyful Fate, Spiritual Beggars, The Agonist, Nevermore, and Eucharist. The brainchild of Carcass guitarist Michael Amott and Johan Liiva (both hailing from the death metal outfit Carnage), Arch Enemy quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the metal scene.

The band’s sonic assault has been captured on eleven studio albums, three live albums, three video albums, and four EPs. Their early sound was spearheaded by Johan Liiva’s guttural vocals, but a significant shift occurred in 2000 when he was replaced by German vocalist Angela Gossow. Gossow, known for her powerful and commanding voice, injected a new level of intensity and aggression into Arch Enemy's sound, propelling them further into the metal spotlight.

Gossow's reign as frontwoman lasted until 2014, when she stepped down to become the band's manager. Her successor, Canadian vocalist Alissa White-Gluz, seamlessly filled the void with her own brand of raw energy and technical proficiency. White-Gluz further cemented Arch Enemy's status as one of the most formidable and innovative forces in the modern metal scene.

Early Years and "Black Earth" (1995-1997):

The seeds of Arch Enemy were sown in 1995, with Michael Amott at the helm. The band’s debut album, "Black Earth," was a product of a whirlwind nine days of recording at Studio Fredman. Released in 1996 by the now-defunct Wrong Again Records, "Black Earth" served as the band’s first foray into the world of melodic death metal.

"Stigmata," "Burning Bridges," and the Arrival of Gossow (1998-2000):

The release of "Black Earth" marked a turning point for Arch Enemy. They signed with Century Media and, in 1998, released "Stigmata." This album saw the addition of bassist Martin Bengtsson and drummer Peter Wildoer, solidifying the band’s lineup. "Stigmata" proved to be a watershed moment, earning the band critical acclaim and a wider fanbase in Europe and America. The band continued to gain momentum with their subsequent albums, including "Burning Bridges," which showcased their growing musical sophistication and songwriting prowess. The arrival of Gossow on vocals in 2000 marked a new chapter in the band's story, with her powerful and distinctive voice propelling Arch Enemy into a new era of dominance.

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.

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.

Carcass: A Grindcore and Melodic Death Metal Legacy

Carcass, the legendary English extreme metal band from Liverpool, emerged in 1985, carving a path through the brutal soundscapes of grindcore and melodic death metal. The band's journey has been marked by several line-up changes, leaving guitarist Bill Steer and bassist/vocalist Jeff Walker as the only consistent members. While they disbanded in 1996, Carcass triumphantly returned in 2007, minus their original drummer Ken Owen due to health concerns. Their impact, however, has remained indelible.

Carcass has released a staggering amount of music, including seven studio albums, two compilation albums, four EPs, two demo albums, one video album, and six music videos. Their influence is undeniable, as they're widely considered pioneers of both grindcore and melodic death metal, earning their place among the first and most influential bands in these genres. Their early work was often labeled "splatter death metal" or "hardgore," a testament to their morbid lyrics and gruesome album art.

Their fourth album, Heartwork (1993), stands as a landmark in melodic death metal, a testament to their evolution and their enduring impact on the genre. Carcass's ability to blend technicality with melody and brutality set them apart. They were one of the few death metal bands to sign with a major label, with Columbia Records distributing Heartwork in North America. Earache Records handled the worldwide distribution for the album, having released all of their albums up to and including Swansong (1996).

Early Days (1985-1989): A School Band's Beginnings

Carcass first formed as a school band, a collaboration between Bill Steer and Ken Owen. However, their initial foray into music was short-lived, as the band soon disbanded.

Cradle of Filth: A Journey From Black Metal to Gothic Metal Titans

Cradle of Filth, hailing from the depths of Suffolk, England, burst onto the extreme metal scene in 1991. Initially steeped in the raw fury of black metal, they evolved into a force to be reckoned with, forging a distinct and compelling sound that blended the darkness of gothic metal, the grandeur of symphonic metal, and other metal genres.

Their lyrical tapestry, woven with threads of Gothic literature, poetry, mythology, and horror films, creates a unique and unsettling atmosphere. At the helm is the band's founding member and vocalist, Dani Filth, a charismatic figure whose stage presence and lyrical prowess have become synonymous with Cradle of Filth. The band is also comprised of seasoned musicians including drummer Martin "Marthus" Škaroupka, bassist Daniel Firth, guitarists Marek "Ashok" Šmerda and Donny Burbage, and keyboardist Zoe Marie Federoff.

While retaining their core extreme metal roots, Cradle of Filth transcended their niche by embracing mainstream exposure. This strategic move brought them to the attention of major publications like Kerrang! and MTV, and propelled them onto the stages of iconic festivals like Ozzfest, Download, and even the mainstream Sziget Festival.

Their embrace of theatrics and their imagery, while often drawing comparisons to Satanism, are more for shock value than genuine belief. While their lyrical references to Satanism are few and far between, their aesthetic and presentation have cemented their image as a band that thrives on pushing boundaries and challenging norms.

Early Years (1991-1996)

The band's first three years were characterized by a whirlwind of demos (Invoking the Unclean, Orgiastic Pleasures Foul, and Total Fucking Darkness) and frequent lineup changes. In fact, Cradle of Filth has had over thirty musicians pass through its ranks throughout its history.

An album, "Goetia," was recorded prior to their third demo and slated for release on Tombstone Records. Tragically, the label went out of business, and the band, lacking the funds to reclaim the recordings, saw their debut work vanish into the void.

The Rise of a Gothic Metal Icon:

The story of Cradle of Filth is one of relentless creativity, constant evolution, and a refusal to be confined by genre boundaries. From their black metal roots to their present status as gothic metal titans, they've carved a unique path for themselves, leaving an indelible mark on the extreme metal landscape.

Dir En Grey: A Journey Through Darkness and Evolution

Dir En Grey, often stylized as DIR EN GREY, is a Japanese metal band formed in February 1997. They've built a reputation for their unique and ever-evolving sound, defying easy categorization within the metal genre. Currently signed to Firewall Div., a sub-division of Free-Will, the band has released eleven studio albums and garnered a loyal following worldwide.

The band's core lineup consists of Kyo on vocals, Die and Kaoru on guitars, Toshiya on bass, and Shinya on drums. They've maintained this stable lineup throughout their career, which has been marked by a consistent exploration of new sonic territories.

Initially embracing the visual kei aesthetic, Dir En Grey gradually moved away from exaggerated fashion, preferring a more subtle yet dramatic stage presence. Their music, however, has always retained a distinct darkness, delving into themes of pain, despair, and the human condition.

From La:Sadie's to Dir En Grey: A Story of Reinvention

Dir En Grey's origins can be traced back to the independent rock band La:Sadie's, formed in November 1995 by Kyo and bassist Kisaki. The band, which also included Die and Shio on guitars, as well as Shinya on drums, made their live debut in January 1996. Shio's departure after only three shows paved the way for Kaoru to join in April 1996.

La:Sadie's enjoyed a whirlwind of success during their independent years, performing over 800 shows in just one year. However, the band unexpectedly disbanded in January 1997, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions. While the official reason for the split remains shrouded in mystery, rumors of internal conflicts, particularly between Kisaki and the other members, linger. Kisaki later stated that he was asked to leave the band, attributing his failure to care for his bandmates to his focus on performing.

Out of the ashes of La:Sadie's rose Dir En Grey, carrying forward the band's core members and embarking on a new chapter in their musical journey.

This rewrite emphasizes the band's evolution, focusing on their musical style and the dramatic events that shaped their history. It also includes a concise, engaging introduction and a more descriptive account of La:Sadie's, providing a better understanding of the band's origins.

Down: A Heavy Metal Supergroup From the Bayou

Down, a legendary American heavy metal supergroup, emerged from the swamps of New Orleans in 1991. This powerhouse lineup features vocal titan Phil Anselmo (Pantera, Superjoint Ritual), powerhouse drummer Jimmy Bower (Crowbar, Eyehategod, Superjoint Ritual), guitarists Pepper Keenan (Corrosion of Conformity) and Kirk Windstein (Crowbar), and bassist Pat Bruders (Goatwhore).

These musical titans, all friends with shared roots in classic heavy metal bands like Black Sabbath, Trouble, and Saint Vitus, crafted a sound that resonated with a raw, blues-infused heaviness. Their early days saw them circulating a three-track demo, anonymously distributing it amongst metal fans. This tactic, a guerilla marketing campaign spearheaded by Anselmo and Keenan, helped build anticipation for their debut.

From Swamp Roots to Global Recognition

Their self-titled debut, NOLA (1995), became a landmark album in the heavy metal scene, showcasing Down's signature blend of doom, sludge, and southern rock. The band went on to release three more full-length albums, Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow (2002) and Down III: Over the Under (2007), further solidifying their legacy.

A Legacy of Heaving Riffs and Intricate Rhythms

In 2008, Down delved into new material, culminating in two EPs, Down IV - Part I (2012) and Down IV - Part II (2014). These releases served as a testament to their unwavering dedication to crafting heavy, atmospheric music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

Down's influence on the heavy metal landscape is undeniable. Their unique blend of genres, coupled with their ferocious live performances and the undeniable charisma of its members, has cemented their place as one of the most influential and respected heavy metal bands of all time.

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.

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.