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.

Hailing from Victoria, British Columbia, Spiritbox exploded onto the metal scene in October 2017. Formed by guitarist Mike Stringer and vocalist Courtney LaPlante (a married couple), the band—which also includes drummer Zev Rose and bassist Josh Gilbert—quickly carved a niche with their unique blend of metalcore and progressive metal. Their sound transcends subgenres, incorporating electronic elements and drawing from diverse influences.

Initially building their fanbase through savvy internet promotion and killer music videos, Spiritbox’s early success came from self-released EPs: Spiritbox (2017) and Singles Collection (2019). Their strategic approach paid off; they graduated from online sensations to a touring act in 2020. A string of Billboard-charting singles paved the way for their major label debut album, Eternal Blue (2021), which impressively debuted at #13 on the US Billboard 200. They’ve continued to build momentum with subsequent EPs, Rotoscope (2022) and The Fear of Fear (2023), all released through their own Pale Chord label in partnership with Rise Records.

LaPlante and Stringer`s previous experience in Iwrestledabearonce provided valuable experience, but Spiritbox represents a clear artistic evolution; a chance to truly define their unique vision. Their next chapter, the highly anticipated second studio album, Tsunami Sea, is set to drop March 7, 2025.

HUSH HUSH, a high-octane post-hardcore quartet hailing from Buffalo, NY, ignites stages with their infectious blend of catchy guitar riffs and powerful basslines. Formed in 2022, their unique sound seamlessly fuses the intensity of post-hardcore with the melodic appeal of pop-punk, drawing inspiration from acts like Pierce the Veil and Senses Fail. Prepare for an unforgettable experience: HUSH HUSH`s energetic performances are guaranteed to get you moving and singing along.

Hailing from Columbia, South Carolina, Crossfade emerged onto the rock scene in 1991, initially under the moniker The Nothing. This foundational lineup featured Ed Sloan on lead vocals and guitar, and Mitch James on bass and backing vocals. They later expanded, adding Brian Geiger on drums (1992) and DJ Tony Byroads on percussion and backing vocals (1996). The Nothing released two albums, The Nothing (1994) and Numb (1998), the latter containing the track "Breathing Slowly," which would later see a re-recording on their major label debut. By 1999, the band had rebranded themselves as Sugardaddy Superstar, honing their craft in a garage studio built by Sloan himself. Finally settling on the name Crossfade in 2002, the band catapulted to wider recognition with their self-titled debut album in 2004, followed by Falling Away in 2006. The current lineup boasts Sloan (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), James (bass, backing vocals), and Les Hall (lead guitar, keyboards, backing vocals). Their discography also includes the 2011 release, We All Bleed. A true testament to their longevity and evolution, Crossfade`s journey showcases a band that persevered through name changes and lineup shifts to solidify their place in the rock world.

For over a decade, Nuisance has been a leading force in Midwest metal. This acclaimed band boasts a formidable touring history, sharing stages with iconic acts such as Slipknot, Falling in Reverse, In This Moment, and even Vanilla Ice. Guided by management including Kurt Smith (Tears for Fears) and Sid Wilson (Slipknot) at different stages of their career, Nuisance has toured extensively, including multiple appearances at the prestigious South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas. Their impressive resume includes numerous performances at virtually every major venue in their home state, notably over a dozen shows at First Avenue`s MainStage. Musically, Nuisance crafts a potent blend of Nu Metal, drawing comparisons to a hypothetical offspring of Korn, Deftones, Rage Against the Machine, and Slipknot.

Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Divide The Fall is an independent rock quartet. Their extensive touring history includes support slots for major acts like Starset, Red, and Cold, as well as select dates with Staind, All That Remains, and Badflower. The band`s music is a dynamic fusion of high-energy hard rock, metalcore, and pop sensibilities.

Formed in the spring of 2020, as the world stood still, Crashing Wayward channeled the ensuing quiet into a burst of creative energy. The band feverishly composed emotionally resonant songs, exploring themes of hope, inclusivity, and the yearning for escape.

Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, A Killer`s Confession exploded onto the alternative metal scene in 2016. The project, spearheaded by Waylon Reavis, quickly secured a deal with EMP Label Group (owned by Megadeth bassist David Ellefson), setting the stage for their debut album, Unbroken.

Recorded and mixed in part at Kentuckys Third Sky Studio, with Reavis collaborating with co-producers Thom Hazaert and Richard Easterling, *Unbroken* was slated for a 2017 release. Generating early buzz, A Killers Confession dropped their self-titled debut single on Halloween 2016, featuring a killer guest appearance by Korn guitarist Brian "Head" Welch. The band then hit the road, sharing stages with Dead By Wednesday, culminating in a triumphant hometown show at the Cleveland Agora in December 2016. The release of Unbroken marked a significant arrival for this Cleveland-born force in the alternative metal world.

Eve 6, stylized as EVE 6 or EV⑥, exploded onto the Southern California rock scene in 1995. Initially known as Yakoo, then Eleventeen, the trio—Max Collins (bass, lead vocals), Jon Siebels (guitar, backing vocals), and Nick Meyers (drums)—quickly made a name for themselves. Their first gig at Eagles Coffee Pub in North Hollywood foreshadowed bigger things to come. While still in high school and managed by Jake Knight, Eleventeen landed a recording contract with RCA. However, after recording an unreleased EP, Meyers departed, replaced by Tony Fagenson. The band then adopted the name Eve 6, eventually achieving mainstream success with hit singles "Inside Out" and "Heres to the Night." Their initial run ended in 2004.

The bands legacy didnt end there. Reforming in 2007 with a new lineup, Eve 6 embarked on numerous tours, culminating in a triumphant reunion of the original three members in early 2011. Signing with Fearless Records that year, they unleashed their fourth album, Speak in Code, featuring the singles "Victoria" and "Curtain" (April 2012). Continuing their creative journey, Eve 6 released the Grim Value EP in 2021, followed by the full-length album Hyper Relevisation on Velocity Records in 2022. In 2024, they self-released their sixth album, Dream Fist, solidifying their enduring presence in the rock world.

Hailing from Mid-Missouri, Left on Red is a Metalcore band crafting a unique sound from a rich tapestry of influences. Featuring vocalist Myles Clayborne (SAUL), drummer Shea Spence (The Many Colored Death), guitarist Corey Harness (Red Room), and bassist Anthony Brummer (Conman Economy), this formidable quartet promises to electrify the Midwest metal scene. Their debut EP, Imposter Syndrome, is a compelling showcase of intricate melodies, driving rhythms, and unbridled emotion, solidifying their position as a major player in Metalcore. The band is currently hard at work on their highly anticipated debut full-length album, slated for release in 2025.

Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, Throw the Fight emerged as a five-piece rock band. Their early years saw the recording of several demos and a self-titled three-song EP featuring vocalist Brandon Kyllo. A pivotal moment arrived with the arrival of Paul Krueger, who took over vocal duties and spearheaded the creation of their next EP, The Fire Within. This four-track effort catapulted them into the national spotlight in 2006, earning them a spot on Alternative Press`s Top Ten Unsigned Bands list. This recognition led to a record deal with Cordless Recordings, a digital label under the Warner Music Group umbrella.

The band leveraged the newfound attention, embarking on a year-and-a-half tour in support of The Fire Within. This period culminated in a lineup shift, with James Clark replacing Paul Krueger on vocals. While already a solid act, the band felt Clark`s vocal style better captured their evolving sound. This change proved fortuitous, attracting the attention of Minnesota producer Matt Kirkwold.

Building on the moderate success of The Fire Within, Throw the Fight forged ahead, writing and recording material for their debut full-length album, In Pursuit of Tomorrow.

Los Angeles`s Dead Things, a metalcore band known for their dramatic, horror-tinged music, will unleash electrifying live performances this April. Prepare for a spine-chilling experience.