Napalm Death: The Unrelenting Grindcore Pioneers

Napalm Death, hailing from Meriden, England, are widely considered the godfathers of grindcore. Formed in 1981, the band has undergone numerous lineup changes, though the core of bassist Shane Embury, guitarist Mitch Harris, drummer Danny Herrera, and vocalist Mark "Barney" Greenway has remained remarkably consistent since 1992's Utopia Banished.

Napalm Death's relentless sonic assault is a furious blend of crust punk, death metal, and sheer noise. Their signature sound is defined by distorted, down-tuned guitars, a grinding overdrive bass, blistering blast beats, and vocals that range from incomprehensible growls to piercing shrieks. They're renowned for their incredibly short songs, often clocking in under a minute, and their politically charged lyrics.

Their 1987 debut album, Scum, released on Earache Records, became a landmark release in the global metal scene, solidifying their influence and legacy. In fact, their song "You Suffer," according to Guinness World Records, is the shortest song ever recorded, clocking in at a mere 1.316 seconds.

By their third album, Harmony Corruption (1990), Napalm Death leaned further into death metal, exploring longer song structures and more complex arrangements. Despite the shift in style, the band's core sonic assault remained undiluted.

As of 2003, Nielsen SoundScan recognized Napalm Death as the seventh best-selling death metal band in the United States. Their early albums, Scum and From Enslavement to Obliteration (1988), have collectively sold over 400,000 copies worldwide, according to former vocalist Lee Dorrian.

Napalm Death's influence is undeniable. Their relentless energy and uncompromising sound have inspired countless bands across the metal spectrum. Their legacy continues to grow with each new release, cementing their place as a cornerstone of extreme music.

Seven Hours After Violet: A Fresh Face in Metalcore

Seven Hours After Violet, the brainchild of System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian, stormed onto the metalcore scene in 2024. The band, known for their intense, aggressive sound, made their debut with the single "Paradise" in June 2024. This explosive first offering set the stage for their self-titled debut album, released in October of the same year.

The band's lineup features:

• Taylor Barber: Vocals, unleashing powerful and passionate screams.
• Michael "Morgoth" Montoya: Guitar, delivering razor-sharp riffs and scorching solos.
• Shavo Odadjian: Bass, laying down the driving rhythm that defines their sound.
• Alejandro Aranda: Guitar and backing vocals, adding another layer of intensity to their music.
• Josh Johnson: Drums, providing the relentless backbone that fuels their sonic onslaught.

Seven Hours After Violet's self-titled debut album is a testament to their raw energy and musical prowess. It showcases their ability to blend heavy riffs, intricate rhythms, and haunting melodies, creating a unique and captivating experience for metalcore fans.

Testament: A Bay Area Thrash Titan

Testament, hailing from Berkeley, California, is a legendary thrash metal band that has carved its name into the history of heavy music. Formed in 1983 as Legacy, they've endured countless lineup changes over the decades, but the core fire of their sound remains strong. The current lineup features founding rhythm guitarist Eric Peterson, powerful vocalist Chuck Billy, lead guitarist Alex Skolnick, bassist Steve Di Giorgio, and drummer Chris Dovas.

While Peterson is the sole original member still standing, Testament has been fortunate enough to reunite with Skolnick, who left the band between 1992 and 2005. Billy, who joined in 1986 after replacing original singer Steve "Zetro" Souza, is the other constant in the band's story. Together, Peterson and Billy are the only members to appear on all of Testament's studio albums, a testament to their unwavering commitment to the band.

Their legacy is solidified in 13 studio albums (including a re-recorded collection), 4 live albums, 5 compilation albums, 13 singles, and 3 DVDs. With an estimated 1.4 million albums sold in the US alone since the beginning of SoundScan era, and over 14 million sold worldwide as of 2016, Testament's influence is undeniable.

Often lauded as one of the most popular and influential thrash bands, Testament is a key player in the "Big Six of Bay Area Thrash" alongside Exodus, Death Angel, Lȧȧz Rockit, Forbidden, and Vio-lence. Their impact on the second wave of thrash in the late 1980s is undeniable. Their classic lineup, solidified in 1986, featured Billy, Peterson, Skolnick, bassist Greg Christian, and drummer Louie Clemente, a team that helped define Testament's signature sound.

Testament was among the early thrash bands to secure a deal with a major label, Atlantic Records, a partnership that yielded their first six studio albums. As the band continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: Testament's unwavering commitment to powerful, aggressive, and technically brilliant thrash metal, a testament to their staying power and impact on the genre.

Tomahawk: A Supergroup Built on Collaboration and Sonic Prowess

Tomahawk, the American rock supergroup, emerged from the fertile musical minds of Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle) and Duane Denison (The Jesus Lizard) in 1999. Their shared passion for pushing sonic boundaries led them to exchange music with the aim of creating something truly unique.

Denison, known for his searing guitar work, brought in drummer John Stanier (Helmet), a powerhouse behind the kit. Patton, the enigmatic vocalist and keyboardist, rounded out the lineup with bass player Kevin Rutmanis (Melvins/ex-Cows).

The group's debut album, recorded in Nashville during the spring of 2001, marked the beginning of their journey. The following years saw extensive touring and the release of two more critically acclaimed albums.

While the band went on an extended hiatus in 2007, their sonic legacy continued to resonate. In 2013, Tomahawk returned, with Trevor Dunn replacing Rutmanis on bass, ready to unleash their intense and experimental rock upon the world once more.

Early Days (1999-2000):

Patton, fresh off the breakup of Faith No More in 1998, had already established the Ipecac Recordings label and returned to the fold with Mr. Bungle. He also formed the experimental metal supergroup Fantômas with Buzz Osborne of the Melvins and Dave Lombardo of Slayer.

It was during a Mr. Bungle concert in Nashville that Patton met Denison. This meeting sparked a creative fire, resulting in a musical exchange and jamming sessions that would ultimately shape the sound of Tomahawk.

Underoath: A Rock Band's Journey Through Sound and Change

Underoath, often stylized as Underøath or UnderOath, emerged from the Florida music scene, born in Ocala in 1997. The band, originally a Christian group, was founded by vocalist Dallas Taylor and guitarist Luke Morton. They later relocated to Tampa, where drummer, clean vocalist, and last remaining original member Aaron Gillespie joined the fold.

Underoath's early years were marked by frequent lineup changes. Taylor's powerful vocals graced the band's first three releases - Act of Depression, Cries of the Past, and The Changing of Times. However, he left in 2003, paving the way for Spencer Chamberlain to become the new lead vocalist. This change marked a turning point for Underoath, leading to a more stable lineup that would define their sound for years to come.

The band's breakthrough came with the release of They're Only Chasing Safety and Define the Great Line, both achieving Gold certification from the RIAA. These albums cemented Underoath's mainstream success, with Define the Great Line hitting number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Underoath continued to explore their musical direction with their sixth album, Lost in the Sound of Separation, which also achieved top-ten success on the Billboard 200. However, following its release, Gillespie left the band, making way for former Norma Jean drummer Daniel Davison.

The band's seventh album, Ø (Disambiguation), saw the departure from their Christian roots and the emergence of Chamberlain and McTague's clean vocals in Gillespie's absence. This marked a new chapter in Underoath's story, showcasing their ability to adapt and innovate while retaining their core sound.

Throughout their evolution, Underoath has left an indelible mark on the rock music landscape. Their distinctive blend of heavy riffs, emotive lyrics, and shifting vocals has captured the hearts of millions, establishing them as a powerful and enduring force in the music world.