3 Inches of Blood, the Victoria, British Columbia-based heavy metal band, exploded onto the scene in 1999. Their sound, deeply rooted in the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, quickly garnered a dedicated following. After a hiatus ending in 2015, the band roared back in 2023 with a lineup featuring Cam Pipes, Justin Hagberg, Shane Clark, Nick Cates, and Ash Pearson.

Early Days and Battlecry Under a Wintersun

The band`s genesis was an unplanned reunion gig for a previous project involving Jamie Hooper, Sunny Dhak, Bobby Froese, Geoff Trawick (drums), and Rich Trawick (bass). The songwriting process, focused on a traditional metal style, proved so fruitful that they decided to forge ahead as a new entity. A demo found its way to Steve Bays (keyboardist for Hot Hot Heat), who suggested adding clean vocals. This led to Cam Pipes overdubbing on their first EP, Sect of the White Worm, and ultimately joining the band permanently.

Their debut full-length, Battlecry Under a Wintersun (2002), a collaborative release with Teenage Rampage Records and Fashion Before Function (later remastered and re-released by the band`s own Minion Music), achieved moderate success in Canada, charting on national college radio and winning Metal Album of the Year at the 2002 Canadian Independent Music Awards. A support slot with The Darkness in the UK catapulted them onto the international stage, earning critical acclaim within the underground metal scene and leading to a record deal with Roadrunner Records in 2004.

DevilDriver, the Santa Barbara, California-bred heavy metal powerhouse, roared onto the scene in 2002. Initially christened Deathride, the band – fronted by the iconic Dez Fafara – faced a naming conflict, encountering several other bands and even a bicycle racing team sharing the moniker. Copyright issues with Roadrunner Records further complicated matters, prompting a frantic search for a new identity. A list of nearly 200 potential names later, inspiration struck: Fafaras wife discovered the term "Devil Driver" in a book on Stregheria by Raven Grimassi, providing the perfect blend of menacing energy and unique branding that would define the bands future.

The band`s origins are rooted in impromptu jam sessions. After relocating from Orange County, Fafara hosted barbecues, bringing together local musicians. Chance encounters – a restaurant meeting with guitarist Evan Pitts, and a barroom meeting with John Boecklin (initially on second guitar, later drums) – cemented the initial lineup. These informal gatherings birthed Deathride, a project that ultimately evolved into the formidable force known as DevilDriver, complete with its current lineup featuring bassist Jon Miller, guitarist Alex Lee, and drummer, Javier Pérez.

Rev Theory (formerly Revelation Theory), the Long Island, New York hard rock powerhouse formed in 2002, has cemented their place in the scene with a formidable discography. Their five studio albums – Truth Is Currency (2005), Light It Up (2008), Justice (2011), The Revelation (2016), and Salvation Nowhere (2024) – showcase their evolution and enduring energy. This impressive output is further bolstered by three EPs: the Revelation Theory EP (2004), Acoustic Live from the Gibson Lounge (2009), and Take `Em Out (2012).

The bands impact extends beyond album sales. Their anthemic track "Hell Yeah" served as the opening theme for Spike TVs Blue Mountain State, while "We Own the Night" became the main theme for WWE Network`s Breaking Ground. Currently, Randy Orton of WWE utilizes their song "Voices" as his entrance theme.

Early Years and Truth Is Currency

The bands origins trace back to 1997 at Merrimack College in Massachusetts, where Rich Luzzi, Dave Agoglia, and Julien Jorgensen first connected. Relocating to Long Island in 2002 to pursue their musical ambitions, they solidified their lineup with bassist Matty McCloskey in 2003. After recording a demo EP and hitting the road, their breakthrough came in 2005 with the Girls Gone Wild Rocks America tour. This led to a record deal with Element Records (an EMI subsidiary) and the release of their debut album, *Truth Is Currency*. The albums single, "Slowburn," climbed to No. 27 on the US Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, setting the stage for their continued success.

Pop Evil, the Michigan-bred hard rock powerhouse, emerged from the ashes of the late 90s band TenFive in 2001, the brainchild of vocalist Leigh Kakaty. TenFive, featuring Kakaty and guitarist Jason Reed, laid the groundwork, releasing the *Severn* album and *Dam Electro* EP independently. However, TenFives demise proved a catalyst. Kakaty, along with drummer Dylan Allison, forged Pop Evil, initially facing the grueling realities of the club circuit. Kakaty himself has described those early years as a relentless grind of "bologna sandwiches and early morning cover shows" fueled by a determination to create compelling demos. This period was further marked by personal tragedy, with the loss of his girlfriend in 2004. Despite these challenges, the band persevered, independently releasing the War of the Roses album (2004) and the Ready or Not EP (2006), the latter showcasing the live favorite "Somebody Like You." Their dedication would eventually pay off, leading to mainstream success and chart-topping hits like "Trenches" and "Waking Lions" on the Billboard Mainstream Rock charts.

Chimaira (pronounced ky-MEER-a), the Cleveland, Ohio heavy metal titans, exploded onto the scene in August 1998. Their name, derived from the monstrous Greek mythological creature, became synonymous with a sound that blended aggressive metalcore with groove-laden heaviness. The band endured a tumultuous history marked by significant lineup changes, with vocalist Mark Hunter remaining the sole constant member throughout their career. After dissolving in 2014, Chimaira roared back to life with a highly anticipated reunion in 2017, culminating in a full-fledged return in 2023 featuring many of their long-time core members.

Early Days (1998-1999): A Forged in Fire Story

Before Chimaira, vocalist Mark Hunter and bassist Jim LaMarca cut their teeth in the hardcore band Skipline. Their two-year run (1996-1998) abruptly ended when their van, along with all their equipment, was stolen just before their first Rhode Island show. This setback forced the band back to Ohio, effectively ending Skipline. However, from the ashes rose a new opportunity. Hunter was approached by guitarist Jason Hager of the Cleveland metalcore band Ascension to form a new group. Seizing the chance, Hunter and Hager recruited drummer Jason Genaro and bassist Andrew Ermlick, solidifying Chimaira`s initial lineup and launching them into their legendary journey.

Hailing from St. Louis, Missouri, Story of the Year`s journey began in 1995 as 67 North. After a name change to Big Blue Monkey in 1998, the band ultimately settled on Story of the Year in 2002, following the release of their self-titled EP on Criterion Records. While initially claiming a name conflict with another band prompted the final change, the band later confessed on their podcast, Page Avenue Crew, that they simply disliked the previous moniker.

Their big break arrived eight years after their formation with the release of their major label debut, Page Avenue (2003). This album catapulted them to fame, spawning hits like "Until the Day I Die" and "Anthem of Our Dying Day." Their follow-up, In the Wake of Determination (2005), while well-received, failed to match the commercial success of its predecessor. The band continued to evolve, releasing The Black Swan in 2008 on Epitaph Records, and The Constant in 2010.

Story of the Year demonstrated their enduring fanbase in 2017 with a successful crowdfunding campaign for their fifth studio album. The campaign, launched in November 2016, reached its funding goal in under three days, generating significant anticipation for the new material, a snippet of which was released as a 90-second teaser. Their story, one of evolution, perseverance, and a strong connection with their audience, continues to unfold.

Cavalera Conspiracy, the Brazilian-American heavy metal supergroup, emerged from the ashes of a decade-long feud between brothers Max and Igor Cavalera, legendary figures from Sepultura. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, the band boasts the Cavalera brothers as its only constant members—Max on vocals and rhythm guitar, and Igor on drums and percussion. Initially formed in 2007 as Inflikted, a name change was necessitated for legal reasons, eventually solidifying as Cavalera Conspiracy. Their reunion marked a pivotal moment, ending a rift that had fractured one of thrash metal`s most influential bands. In a surprising twist, the brothers further embraced their shared legacy, adopting the name "Cavalera" in 2022 to release re-recorded versions of classic Sepultura albums in 2023.

The band`s genesis is a compelling story. Following their split from Sepultura (Igor departing in 2006), Max had established Soulfly. A chance phone call in July 2006 between the brothers led to Igor joining Max onstage with Soulfly, performing Sepultura tracks. This impromptu collaboration sparked the idea for a new project, a raw, powerful sound fueled by their shared history. Completing the lineup, Max recruited Soulfly guitarist Marc Rizzo and Gojira bassist Joe Duplantier. Their debut album was recorded at Undercity Studios in Los Angeles in July 2007, engineered and co-produced by Logan Mader.

Hailing from Belton, Texas, Flyleaf exploded onto the scene in 2002, quickly making a name for themselves in the rock world. Their sound transcended genre boundaries, impacting mainstream rock, Christian pop, and Christian metal charts. After extensive touring throughout the US in 2003, their self-titled debut album dropped in 2005, achieving platinum status with over a million copies sold. Building on this success, their 2009 release, Memento Mori, peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard charts, solidifying their position in the rock landscape.

A significant shift occurred before the release of their third album, New Horizons (2012), with the departure of original lead vocalist Lacey Sturm. Kristen May stepped in, fronting the band until August 2016. Following several years of hiatus, Flyleaf triumphantly announced Sturms return in November 2022, reigniting anticipation for the bands future.

Black Veil Brides, the Hollywood-based American rock band, emerged from Cincinnati, Ohio in 2006. Their current lineup features Andy Biersack on lead vocals, Jinxx on multi-instruments, Jake Pitts on lead guitar, Christian "CC" Coma on drums, and Lonny Eagleton on bass. Known for their theatrical aesthetic—heavily influenced by 80s glam metal acts like Kiss and Mötley Crüe—the band`s signature look includes black makeup, body paint, tight black studded clothing, and long hair.

History:

Formation and Early Years (2006-2009):

Initially formed in Cincinnati by Andy Biersack (then known as Andy Six until 2011), Johnny Herold, and Phil Cennedella, the band`s trajectory shifted when Biersack relocated to Los Angeles. In early 2009, he relaunched Black Veil Brides with a new lineup: Biersack, guitarist Chris Hollywood, and drummer Sandra Alvarenga. Bassist Ashley Purdy and guitarist Pan the Gypsy soon joined, and the band signed with independent label StandBy Records. Subsequent lineup changes saw Chris Hollywood and Pan the Gypsy replaced by Jinxx and Jake Pitts.

The name "Black Veil Brides," according to bassist Ashley Purdy, references a Roman Catholic term for a woman who marries into the church, renouncing worldly pleasures to dedicate her life to God. This resonates with the band`s dedication and sacrifices made in pursuit of their musical passion.

Emerging from San Franciscos vibrant underground in 2020, Snuffed on Sight delivers a brutal sonic assault. This death metal and beatdown hardcore fusion band is renowned for its aggressively crushing sound, a potent blend of heavy riffs, slam, and metalcore influences. Despite the violent lyrical themes, the bands distinctive style incorporates unexpected elements of humor and hip-hop aesthetics.

Hailing from Los Angeles, Return to Dust exploded onto the American rock scene in 2022. Their raw energy quickly solidified with the July 2023 release of their debut EP, Black Road, a fiery precursor to their self-titled debut album, Return to Dust, which dropped in May 2024. Following the album`s release, the band hit the road, opening for the legendary Sevendust. Clearly channeling the grunge gods, Return to Dust showcases a heavy Alice in Chains influence, forging their own path within the modern rock landscape.

This bands ferocious sound is tailor-made for hardcore punk aficionados – a genre they readily embraced in the past, and one that remains perfectly descriptive. Razor-sharp guitars underpin brutally detached vocals, delivered with stark intensity. Coles drumming, in particular, is a relentless force, driving the music forward with a visceral, almost martial energy.

SPY`s recent European tour, a well-earned triumph, is the stuff of envy. Witnessing their progress from city to city, I was captivated by the untamed energy they unleashed in each packed, shadowy venue.