Emerging from the vibrant music scene of New York City, Deadlands is a metalcore band carving their own path in the world of post-hardcore. Fronted by founding member Kasey Karlsen, their sound is a raw and potent fusion of traditional post-hardcore with a distinctly modern edge. Karlsen's lyrics, penned since her high school years, delve into the complexities of toxic relationships, the highs and lows of friendships, personal hardships, and contemporary societal issues.

The band's sonic tapestry is further enriched by CJ Arey, known professionally as NO SHADE, who masterfully crafts melodies for both guitar and bass. Arey's unique blend of trap and cinematic influences adds layers of depth and dynamism to their music, pushing the boundaries of traditional metalcore.

Behind the driving force of Deadlands' music is Kyle OBraitis, who brings the power and precision of his drumming to every song. His masterful rhythmic patterns and strategic placement of beats are the heart and soul of their sound, shaping the emotional trajectory of each track.

The band's musical DNA is heavily influenced by a lineage of metalcore giants such as Asking Alexandria, Motionless In White, Escape the Fate, Falling in Reverse, Wage War, and Bring Me The Horizon, but Deadlands ultimately forge their own path, breathing fresh life into the genre with their distinctive sound and powerful lyrical narratives.

ERRA: A Heavy Hitter in the Progressive Metalcore Scene

ERRA, the American progressive metalcore band hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, burst onto the scene in 2009. Named after the Akkadian god of war and plague, ERRA's music reflects this fierce, untamed spirit. Since their inception, they've dropped six studio albums and three EPs, amassing a loyal following with their intricate song structures, soaring vocals, and explosive energy. Their latest release, "Cure", dropped on April 5th, 2024, and has already made waves within the metal community.

ERRA's journey has seen them share the stage with some of the biggest names in the genre, including As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red, TesseracT, Born of Osiris, Ice Nine Kills, Glass Cloud, Within the Ruins, Bad Omens, I See Stars, and Texas in July. This extensive touring has cemented their place as a force to be reckoned with in the live music scene.

Early Days and "Impulse" (2009-2011)

The band's origins can be traced back to a group of high school friends – Alex Ballew, Jesse Cash, Adam Hicks, Garrison Lee, and Alan Rigdon. Their self-titled debut EP in 2009 and subsequent release, "Andromeda" in 2010, caught the attention of Tragic Hero Records, who signed them in 2011. Later that year, ERRA unleashed their debut studio album, "Impulse", followed by tours with titans of the scene like Born of Osiris and Upon a Burning Body.

"Augment" and Line-Up Changes (2012-2014)

A turning point in ERRA's history came in 2012 when Adam Hicks left the band to pursue other career endeavors. This spurred a period of creative evolution, with Jesse Cash taking on the double duty of guitar and bass for their second album, "Augment." The release of "Augment" in 2013 saw the band solidify their unique sound and showcase their growing songwriting prowess.

From "Augment" to "Cure": A Story of Growth and Evolution

This shift in lineup marked the beginning of a new chapter for ERRA. Their subsequent releases, "Augment," "Drift," "Neon," and "The Score," demonstrate their continuous evolution and refinement of their musical style. Their latest album, "Cure," represents the pinnacle of their artistic journey, showcasing a band that has not only grown musically but also matured as storytellers.

ERRA's story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the shared vision of talented musicians. They have established themselves as a cornerstone in the progressive metalcore scene, and with each release, they continue to push boundaries and redefine the genre. Their journey, marked by line-up changes, creative breakthroughs, and unwavering dedication, is one that will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of metalheads.

Hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, Escape the Fate emerged onto the scene in 2004, originally from the nearby town of Pahrump. The band's current lineup features vocalist Craig Mabbitt, guitarists Matti Hoffman and TJ Bell, bassist Erik Jensen, and drummer Robert Ortiz – the sole remaining founding member.

Their journey began with the 2006 debut album, Dying Is Your Latest Fashion, fronted by original vocalist Ronnie Radke. However, Radke's 2006 legal troubles led to his dismissal and replacement by Mabbitt (formerly of Blessthefall). This shift marked a turning point, resulting in This War Is Ours (2008), their first album with Mabbitt. The album debuted strongly at #35 on the Billboard 200, selling 13,000 copies in its first week.

Escape the Fate's self-titled third album (2010) reached a career high of #25 on the Billboard 200. Ungrateful (2013), their fourth studio album, further solidified their position, boasting "One for the Money," their highest-charting single on the US Mainstream Rock charts. The band's history is marked by both musical evolution and significant lineup changes, with Ortiz as the steadfast anchor through it all.

Blake Ibanez returns with a new band, Fugitive, and the aggressive pit detonation Thrash he’s known for in Power Trip, now with an even rawer and looser ferocity. Joined by Seth Gilmore (Skourge), Lincoln Mullins (Creeping Death), Victor Gutierrez and Andy Messer, Ibanez and co. cohere in intensely violent crossover fashion with Fugitive; a product of long earned experience in the studio and on the stage.

After the ripping introduction of the ‘Maniac’ EP in 2022, Fugitive’s follow-up 7” is their best two tracks to date. The A-side features ‘Blast Furnace’, a mid-paced onslaught of anthemic Crossover aggression and throat-shredding Thrash. On the B-side the motor-charged ‘Standoff’ displays the hunger and frantic energy of a new band full of forceful vigor, with the writing, production and arrangement chops of seasoned live vets. With this EP and the debut 12”, the stage is now set for a Fugitive takeover.

Hailing from Southfield, Michigan, I Prevail emerged onto the scene in 2013. Their initial breakthrough wasn't from their own compositions, but rather a surprisingly successful metal reimagining of Taylor Swift's "Blank Space." Released in December 2014, this audacious cover climbed to #90 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #23 on the Mainstream Rock Songs chart, eventually achieving platinum certification. This viral hit propelled the band's 2014 debut EP, Heart vs. Mind, into the spotlight, showcasing their raw energy and distinct metalcore sound. Building on this unexpected success, I Prevail solidified their position with the release of three full-length studio albums: Lifelines (2016), Trauma (2019), and True Power (2022). Their original material proved equally potent, with tracks like "Breaking Down" and "Hurricane" dominating rock radio. The band's critical acclaim culminated in Grammy Award nominations for "Bow Down" (Best Metal Performance, 2019) and Trauma (Best Rock Album, 2019), cementing their status as a major force in the modern metal scene.

Jinjer: A Ukrainian Metalcore Force to Be Reckoned With

Hailing from the gritty heart of Donetsk, Ukraine, Jinjer exploded onto the metal scene in 2009, leaving behind their initial 2008 formation. While the original lineup's four-song EP, "Objects in Mirror Are Closer than They Appear," set the stage, it was the arrival of powerhouse vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk and guitarist Roman Ibramkhalilov that truly ignited the band's potential.

This dynamic duo joined forces with bassist Eugene Abdukhanov and drummer Vladislav Ulasevich, solidifying the lineup that continues to dominate the metalcore landscape. This revamped Jinjer, fueled by a relentless touring schedule and self-funded efforts, unleashed their ferocious energy on the world, culminating in their latest masterpiece, "Wallflowers," released in August 2021.

A Brief History:

• 2008: Jinjer emerges with a lineup consisting of Maksym Fatullaiev (vocals), Dmitriy Oksen (guitar), Oleksiy Svynar (bass), and Vyacheslav Okhrimenko (drums). This incarnation delivers the EP, "Objects in Mirror Are Closer than They Appear," setting the groundwork for what would become Jinjer's unique sound.
• 2009: The band undergoes a pivotal shift. Fatullaiev exits, replaced by the explosive force of Tatiana Shmayluk, while Roman Ibramkhalilov joins as the second guitarist. This lineup, considered the band's official beginning, marks a defining moment in their evolution.
• 2011: Jinjer continues to refine their sound and lineup. Oleksiy Svynar makes way for bassist Eugene Abdukhanov, and Vyacheslav Okhrimenko is replaced by Oleksandr Koziychuk on drums.
• 2012: This solidified lineup self-releases the EP "Inhale, Do Not Breathe," showcasing their raw power and setting the stage for their ascent to international recognition.

Jinjer's history is a testament to the band's resilience, dedication, and commitment to pushing the boundaries of metalcore. Their electrifying live performances and captivating music continue to draw fans worldwide, solidifying their position as a leading force in the global metal scene.

Knocked Loose, the Kentucky hardcore punk titans, exploded onto the scene in 2013, hailing from Oldham County. Initially christened Manipulator, the quartet—vocalist Bryan Garris, guitarist Isaac Hale, bassist Kevin Otten, and drummer Dylan Isaacs—quickly made a name for themselves. Prior to forming Knocked Loose, Garris, Hale, and Otten had played together in Speaker. A name clash forced a swift rebranding, leading to the birth of Knocked Loose and their debut track, "Manipulator," in August 2013. Signed to Little Heart Records later that year, they followed up with "The Have Nots," solidifying their early presence. These tracks were later re-released as the 2013 Demos.

Their ascent continued with the signing to Pure Noise Records, culminating in their critically acclaimed debut full-length, Laugh Tracks, in September 2016. A Different Shade of Blue followed in 2019, showcasing their evolving sound. Then, 2021 witnessed the release of their genre-bending EP, A Tear in the Fabric of Life, which incorporated death metal elements and garnered widespread praise. Their third studio album, You Won't Go Before You're Supposed To, dropped in 2024, cementing their status as a major force in modern hardcore.

Kublai Khan: A Texas Metalcore Force

Hailing from Sherman, Texas, Kublai Khan emerged onto the metalcore scene in the summer of 2009. Since then, this dynamic quartet has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with, amassing a loyal following with their raw energy and signature sound.

A Journey of Growth and Success:

Kublai Khan made their mark with the self-released EP "Youth War" in 2010, showcasing their early talent. Their breakout moment came in 2014 when they signed with Artery Recordings, releasing their debut full-length album "Balancing Survival and Happiness." This record garnered critical acclaim, landing on Alternative Press's "The Best Albums of 2014 so far" list.

The band continued their ascent with the release of "New Strength" in 2015. Their third album, "Nomad," arrived in 2017 under their new home at Rise Records. This period saw Kublai Khan solidify their position as a dominant force in the metalcore scene.

Their 2019 release, "Absolute," marked a pivotal point. The album received widespread critical acclaim for the band's crushing vocals, led by the powerful voice of Matthew Honeycutt, as well as their winning combination of heavy riffs and impactful lyrical themes.

Continuing the Momentum:

In 2022, Kublai Khan released their latest EP "Lowest Form of Animal," further showcasing their evolution and continued dedication to their craft.

Kublai Khan's journey is a testament to their raw talent, relentless dedication, and ability to connect with fans through their ferociously passionate music. With their electrifying performances and powerful sound, this Texas band is poised to leave a lasting impact on the metalcore landscape.

Of Mice & Men: A Rock Band's Journey from Metalcore to Mainstream

Of Mice & Men (OM&M for short) is an American rock band that burst onto the scene in 2009, hailing from Costa Mesa, California. The current lineup features drummer Valentino Arteaga, guitarists Phil Manansala and Alan Ashby, and bassist/lead vocalist Aaron Pauley.

The band's origins trace back to the departure of vocalist Austin Carlile from Attack Attack! in mid-2009. Carlile, alongside bassist Jaxin Hall (originally from Auckland, New Zealand), formed OM&M in Columbus, Ohio, marking the start of their rock journey.

OM&M's early sound was firmly rooted in the intense world of metalcore and post-hardcore. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2010, showcased their raw energy and aggressive style. Over time, the band's sound evolved, incorporating more melodic elements and exploring genres like nu metal, alternative metal, and hard rock, while retaining their core musical identity.

This evolution is evident in their discography, which spans eight studio albums:

• Of Mice & Men (2010) - Their explosive debut, firmly in the metalcore realm.
• The Flood (2011) - A continuation of their metalcore sound, further solidifying their place in the scene.
• Restoring Force (2014) - Marking a shift towards a more melodic direction.
• Cold World (2016) - A further exploration of their evolving sound, blending metalcore with alternative rock influences.
• Defy (2018) - A more experimental album, showcasing their continued growth and pushing the boundaries of their sound.
• Earthandsky (2019) - A deeply personal album, reflecting on the band's experiences and internal struggles.
• Echo (2021) - A powerful album exploring themes of introspection and resilience.
• Tether (2023) - Their latest offering, showcasing their ability to continue pushing boundaries while staying true to their core sound.

OM&M's journey has taken them beyond the studio, onto the international stage, performing at major festivals like the Vans Warped Tour (2010, 2011, 2012, 2014) and Soundwave Music Festival (2013, 2015).

Through it all, Of Mice & Men has cemented their place as a powerhouse in the rock scene, constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of their music while staying true to their core identity. Their journey from metalcore newcomers to genre-bending rock stars is a testament to their talent, hard work, and unwavering passion for music.

Parkway Drive: A Metalcore Colossus from Byron Bay

Parkway Drive, hailing from the vibrant coastal town of Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia, are a force to be reckoned with in the metalcore scene. Formed in 2003, the band has carved a path through the music world with their signature blend of ferocious energy, heavy riffs, and powerful vocals.

Their prolific output boasts seven studio albums, an EP, two DVDs, a split album, and a book titled "Ten Years of Parkway Drive," showcasing their dedication to their craft. Their last three albums, "Ire" (2015), "Reverence" (2018), and "Darker Still" (2022), have all conquered the Australian ARIA Charts, reaching the coveted number one spot.

The band's lineup has remained remarkably consistent since 2006, with the addition of bassist Jia O'Connor. Brett Versteeg (2004) and Shaun Cash (2006) were the only members to depart, leaving a solid foundation for the band's continued success.

Early Years and Killing with a Smile (2003-2006)

Parkway Drive's origins lie in the shared passion of a group of friends for punk rock and hardcore punk. Their rehearsal space, "The Parkway House," not only provided a place to hone their craft but also served as a hub for the local scene, which was lacking in venues at the time. Their name is a direct nod to this pivotal location.

Their debut gig at the Byron Bay Youth Centre was a defining moment, catching the eye of Michael Crafter, vocalist of Adelaide's I Killed the Prom Queen, who was in town. This meeting led to a collaboration, resulting in a split CD release in June 2003, which ignited their rise. The following year, the band signed with Resist Records and released their "Don't Close Your Eyes" EP, further solidifying their presence. Touring alongside heavyweights like Shadows Fall, Chimaira, Hatebreed, and Alexisonfire, they gained valuable experience and expanded their fan base across Australia.

Parkway Drive's story is one of relentless dedication, musical innovation, and a deep connection to their roots. Their rise from a local band to a globally recognized force in metalcore is a testament to their passion, skill, and unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries.