Metal

Agnostic Front, a seminal New York City hardcore punk band, exploded onto the scene in 1980. Their influence on the NYC hardcore scene and pioneering role in crossover thrash is undeniable.

Early Years (1980-1992): A Story of Line-Up Shifts and Hardcore Fury

The original lineup, formed in 1980, featured Vinnie Stigma (lead guitar, formerly of the Eliminators), Diego (bass), Rob Krekus (drums, aka Robby Crypt Crash), and John Watson (vocals). Initially billed as Zoo Crew at their first show, a last-minute name change, courtesy of Stigma, solidified them as Agnostic Front. Early instability saw Raybeez (Ray Barbieri) taking over on drums and Adam Mucci joining on bass. Following Watsons arrest and the departure of James Kontra (who clashed with Capuccio over sticker distribution), a pivotal moment arrived. Stigma, impressed by Roger Mirets (ex-Psychos) slam dancing style, recruited him as vocalist without prior contact.

This lineup, solidified in 1983, unleashed their debut EP, United Blood. However, even before the official release, bassist Mucci exited, replaced by Todd Youth. Crucially, this early Agnostic Front was entirely composed of skinheads, a significant aspect of their identity and the burgeoning hardcore scene.

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.

Babymetal (ベビーメタル, Hepburn: Bebīmetaru) is a groundbreaking Japanese kawaii metal band that redefined genre boundaries. Initially formed in 2010 as a sub-unit of Sakura Gakuin, the iconic trio—Suzuka Nakamoto ("Su-metal," vocals and dance), Moa Kikuchi ("Moametal," screams and dance), and initially Yui Mizuno ("Yuimetal," screams and dance)—fused the seemingly disparate worlds of heavy metal and Japanese idol culture. Their unique sound, featuring Su-metals powerful vocals alongside the aggressive screams of the other members, is amplified by the instrumental prowess of the "Kami Band," a group of highly skilled session musicians. The bands creative director, Kobametal, of the Amuse talent agency, masterminded this audacious combination.

The departure of Yuimetal in 2018 saw Momoko Okazaki ("Momometal") join the lineup, continuing the bands evolution. Since their inception, Babymetal has achieved international acclaim, releasing four studio albums: *Babymetal* (2014), *Metal Resistance* (2016), *Metal Galaxy* (2019), and *The Other One* (2023). Their influence extends far beyond Japan; theyve toured extensively, captivating audiences worldwide with their electrifying performances, proving that kawaii metal is a force to be reckoned with.

Behemoth, the Gdansk-based blackened death metal titans, emerged from the Polish underground in 1991. Their influence on the nation`s extreme metal scene is undeniable.

Early Years and the First Five Albums (1991-2000):

The bands initial lineup—Nergal (vocals/guitar), Baal (drums), and Desecrator (rhythm guitar)—laid the groundwork with demos like *Endless Damnation* and *The Return of the Northern Moon*. However, it was their fourth demo, *From the Pagan Vastlands* (1994), that truly ignited their career. Released by Pagan Records (Poland) and later Wild Rags, this tape signaled Behemoths arrival. Sventevith (Storming Near the Baltic) followed in 1995, paving the way for their 1996 sophomore album, Grom. Grom showcased the band`s expanding musical scope, incorporating diverse elements like female vocals, acoustic guitars, and synthesizers. This period also saw Behemoth solidify their live presence, playing extensively throughout Poland and embarking on their first European tours.

Formed in September 2009, Bodybox is a Tacoma-based trio whose diverse influences defy easy categorization. Their sound is best experienced live, so we encourage you to catch them at a show in the Puget Sound region (Tacoma, Olympia, and Seattle).

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.

Children of Bodom, the influential Finnish melodic death metal band from Espoo, exploded onto the scene in 1993, initially operating under the name Inearthed. Their final lineup, before a highly publicized 2019 split, featured the iconic Alexi Laiho (vocals, guitar), Jaska Raatikainen (drums), Henkka Seppälä (bass), Janne Wirman (keyboards), and Daniel Freyberg (rhythm guitar).

This powerhouse quintet left an undeniable mark, releasing a prolific catalog including ten studio albums, three live albums, two EPs, two compilations, and a DVD. Their breakthrough came with Follow the Reaper, their third studio album, which achieved gold certification in Finland – a feat subsequently mirrored by every subsequent studio release. Four consecutive albums even debuted at #1 on the Finnish album charts, with significant chart placements on the US Billboard 200 also under their belts. Their commercial success cemented their position as one of Finland`s best-selling artists of all time, boasting sales exceeding 250,000 records domestically.

The bands final performance, a poignant farewell concert titled "A Chapter Called Children of Bodom," took place in Helsinki in 2019. Laiho and Freyberg later formed Bodom After Midnight in 2020, but the project was tragically cut short by the death of Laiho, the bands founding member and primary songwriter, in December 2020. The legacy of Children of Bodom, however, remains a cornerstone of melodic death metal, influenced by death metal titans like Dissection, Entombed, Cannibal Corpse, Autopsy, and Obituary, as well as classic metal giants such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Dio, and Ozzy Osbourne.