The Plot in You, a post-hardcore powerhouse hailing from Hancock County, Ohio, exploded onto the scene in 2010. Initially a side project for Landon Tewers, formerly of Before Their Eyes, the band solidified its lineup with guitarist Josh Childress, bassist Ethan Yoder, and drummer Michael Cooper.

Their explosive journey began with the raw and controversial 2010 EP, Wife Beater, released under InVogue Records – the same label as Tewers' previous band. This release proved pivotal, prompting Tewers to leave Before Their Eyes and fully commit to The Plot in You. The band quickly followed up with their debut full-length, First Born (2011), solidifying their intense, emotional sound. Could You Watch Your Children Burn (2013) further cemented their position in the post-hardcore landscape.

The band's trajectory shifted with their signing to StaySick Recordings in 2015, resulting in the release of Happiness in Self Destruction. However, after a successful run, they parted ways with StaySick in 2017, quickly signing with Fearless Records and unleashing Dispose in February 2018. Their fifth studio album, Swan Song, arrived in September 2021, marking another significant chapter in their impactful career. The Plot in You's discography also includes three EPs, showcasing their consistent evolution and unwavering dedication to their emotionally charged, heavy sound. The band's original name, "Vessels," reflects their early evolution into the force they are today.

Thrown (stylized in lowercase) are a Swedish metalcore/hardcore band from Stockholm, formed in 2019. Signed to Arising Empire, they exploded onto the scene with their 2022 EP, Extended Pain, which has amassed over 50 million Spotify streams. Their debut album, EXCESSIVE GUILT, dropped August 30th, 2024, packing eleven tracks into just over twenty minutes of blistering intensity. The album debuted at #3 on the Swedish Hard Rock Albums Chart, with Kerrang! praising its "suffocating brevity and nü-metalcore bite."

History

Formation and Early Writing (2019-2021)

Vocalist Marcus Lundqvist and guitarist Andreas Malm began collaborating in 2019, quickly adding producer/drummer Buster Odeholm (Vildhjarta, Humanity`s Last Breath) and guitarist Johan Liljeblad to the lineup. Much of their debut EP was demoed remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Extended Pain Cycle (2022-2023)

• March 11, 2022: Release of the single "New Low."
• April 8, 2022: Release of the Extended Pain EP via Arising Empire.

Trivium, the Orlando, Florida-bred heavy metal titans, exploded onto the scene in 1999. The quartet—vocalist/guitarist Matt Heafy, guitarist Corey Beaulieu, bassist Paolo Gregoletto, and drummer Alex Bent—have since carved a formidable path through the metal landscape.

Their debut album, Ember to Inferno (2003), a seminal release via Lifeforce Records, established their raw talent. A swift signing to Roadrunner Records in 2004 cemented their ascent, a relationship that continues to this day. Over the subsequent years, Trivium unleashed a blistering ten studio albums and over twenty singles, solidifying their position as a major force in the genre. Their latest offering, In the Court of the Dragon (2021), further demonstrated their evolution and continued mastery. The band's impact is undeniable, boasting over one million albums sold worldwide and a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance ("Betrayer") at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in 2019.

Early Days: From Talent Show to Ember to Inferno

The band's origins trace back to a 1999 eighth-grade talent show, where a young Matt Heafy's Metallica cover ("No Leaf Clover") caught the eye of singer Brad Lewter. Lewter subsequently invited Heafy to audition for his band, igniting the spark that would become Trivium.

Buffalo, New York's post-hardcore/metalcore band, Until I Wake, unleashed their highly anticipated debut album, Inside My Head, on September 9th via Fearless Records. Discovered in early 2022, their early releases piqued my interest. The album, produced by Nick Matzkows and Jon Eberhard (known for their work with I Prevail, Conquer Divide, and The True Blue), draws influence from artists like Pierce The Veil, Linkin Park, Underoath, blessthefall, and Bring Me The Horizon. While the band cites multiple influences, Linkin Park's impact is particularly evident in Until I Wake's incorporation of rap vocals. Inside My Head is a solid debut, though future projects would benefit from enhanced mixing and mastering.

Veil of Maya: A History of Metalcore Mayhem

Veil of Maya, hailing from the heart of Chicago's metal scene, emerged in 2004 with a sound that would redefine the landscape of metalcore. Forged from the ashes of melodic death metal act Insurrection, the band's core lineup – guitarist Marc Okubo, drummer Sam Applebaum, and bassist Danny Hauser – quickly attracted talented musicians, crafting a unique blend of technical riffs, punishing breakdowns, and melodic vocals.

From Humble Beginnings to a Searing Debut:

Their early years saw a whirlwind of lineup changes, with guitarist Timothy Marshall and vocalist Adam joining the fold, followed by a brief but impactful stint with guitarist Scott Okarma. This period saw the band honing their craft through local gigs and their self-released 2005 demo, a raw testament to their burgeoning talent. The departure of both Marshall and Okarma led to the arrival of Bryan Ruppell, solidifying their lineup as a five-piece force to be reckoned with.

All Things Set Aside: A Defining Moment:

Armed with their signature blend of heavy and melodic, Veil of Maya unleashed their self-produced debut album, "All Things Set Aside," in 2006 through Corrosive Recordings. This record served as a blistering introduction to their signature sound, a fusion of technical proficiency and emotional depth. It cemented their place as pioneers of a new wave of metalcore, pushing boundaries and garnering critical acclaim.

The Common Man's Collapse: A New Era of Brutality:

Following the release of their debut, Veil of Maya continued to evolve. The band's sophomore album, "The Common Man's Collapse," in 2009, marked a significant shift in their sound. The album showcased a more brutal and aggressive direction, further cementing their reputation for powerful and uncompromising music.

A Legacy in the Making:

This is just the beginning of Veil of Maya's story. The band has gone on to release six more critically acclaimed albums, consistently pushing the limits of metalcore and solidifying their place as a force to be reckoned with in the genre. They have captivated audiences worldwide, becoming a cornerstone of the modern metal scene. Their latest album, "Mother," released in May 2023, exemplifies their continued evolution, leaving fans eager to see what the future holds for this relentless and innovative metalcore juggernaut.

Winds of Plague, the pioneering deathcore band from Upland, California, burst onto the scene in 2002, initially under the name Bleak December. Their unique blend of brutal deathcore and symphonic elements quickly set them apart, establishing them as early innovators in the genre. The bands name, adopted in April 2005, is a direct quote from Unearths "Endless": "Growing wings of sorrow/have brought you to the winds of plague."

Their independent 2005 demo, A Cold Day in Hell, showcased their raw talent and foreshadowed their future success. Several tracks from this demo would later find their way onto their debut full-length.

In 2008, Winds of Plague signed with Century Media Records and unleashed Decimate the Weak, featuring re-recorded material from A Cold Day in Hell alongside new, devastating tracks. This solidified their position in the deathcore scene. Following up with The Great Stone War on August 11, 2009, the band continued to evolve their sound amidst lineup changes.

Xibalba: A Pomona Hardcore Juggernaut

Hailing from Pomona, California, Xibalba emerged in 2007, injecting a potent blend of hardcore punk with the dark undertones of death and doom metal into the scene. Their distinct sound, punctuated by lyrics in both English and Spanish, quickly established them as a force to be reckoned with.

A Career Forged in Darkness:

Founded by longtime friends Nate, Brian, Jason, and Bryan—all veterans of the hardcore scene—Xibalba sought to create music that was both brutally heavy and uniquely eccentric. Their debut album, Madre Mia Gracias Por Los Dias (2010), released via A389 Recordings, laid the groundwork for their signature style. Hasta La Muerte (2012), released by Southern Lord, further cemented their reputation, leading to tours across the globe. Notable tours included an Australian run with Warbrain and Incendiary in 2012, and the US "No Way Out" tour in 2013 alongside heavyweights like The Acacia Strain, Within the Ruins, Fit for an Autopsy, and American Me. Further solidifying their touring prowess, they also hit the road on the "Die Knowing" US tour with Comeback Kid, Backtrack, Downpresser, and To the Wind.

The Lineup:

The band`s current lineup features a solid core:

• Nate Rebolledo: Vocals (2007-present)
• Brian Ortiz: Guitar, Backing Vocals (2007-present)
• Jensen Huncle: Guitar (2007-present)
• Jason Brunes: Drums, Backing Vocals (2007-present)

Past members include Mike Salazar (guitar, 2014-2015) and Bryan Valdvia (bass, 2007-2014).

Discography:

Xibalba`s discography showcases their evolution and relentless intensity:

Studio Albums:

• Madre mía gracias por los días (2010)
• Hasta la muerte (2012)
• Tierra y libertad (2015)
• Años en infierno (2020)

EPs:

• Diablo, Con Amor...

Xibalba`s enduring legacy is testament to their unwavering dedication to their powerful, uncompromising sound, and their relentless touring schedule. They remain a cornerstone of modern hardcore, influencing a new generation of bands with their unique blend of aggression and melody.