Saving Abel, the Mississippi rock band forged in the crucible of Corinth in 2004, emerged from an unlikely meeting of minds. Founding members Jason Null (lead guitar) and Jared Weeks (lead vocals) – initially rivals in separate local bands – found common ground, their collaboration ignited when Null stumbled upon the phrase "there was no saving Abel" while researching the Cain and Abel story. This morbidly poetic line became the band's name, a fitting moniker for their raw, emotionally charged sound.

Weeks' departure in late 2013 to pursue a solo career briefly fractured the lineup, but his return in 2021 rekindled the flame. However, a second departure in 2024 necessitated the return of Scotty Austin, adding another chapter to the band's evolving history.

Their early journey began with impromptu rehearsals and quickly escalated. By early 2005, their demos had caught the attention of producer Skid Mills, leading to recording sessions at his prestigious 747 Studio in Memphis. The band solidified its lineup with the additions of rhythm guitarist Scott Bartlett, bassist Daniel Dwight, and drummer Blake Dixon. Weeks' audacious demo-dropping tactics – tossing CDs onto the stages of touring acts passing through Corinth – proved effective, even amidst a lineup shuffle that saw Dwight replaced by longtime friend Eric Taylor. This relentless drive and unwavering determination cemented Saving Abel's place in the Southern rock landscape.

Full of Hell, the grindcore titans hailing from Ocean City, Maryland, and Central Pennsylvania, exploded onto the scene in 2009. Initially releasing music through A389 Recordings and Profound Lore Records, they've since ascended to become a Relapse Records powerhouse. Their ferocious discography boasts six full-length albums: Roots of Earth Are Consuming My Home (2011), Rudiments of Mutilation (2013), Trumpeting Ecstasy (2017), Weeping Choir (2019), Garden of Burning Apparitions (2021), and Coagulated Bliss (2024). This impressive output is further augmented by a slew of EPs and split releases.

Their collaborative spirit is equally legendary. Full of Hell have unleashed five critically acclaimed collaborative albums, including the landmark 2014 pairing with Japanese noise artist Merzbow, Full of Hell & Merzbow. They've also teamed up with sludge metal behemoths the Body (One Day You Will Ache Like I Ache (2016) and Ascending a Mountain of Heavy Light (2017)), doom metal titans Primitive Man (Suffocating Hallucination, March 2023), and shoegaze innovators Nothing (When No Birds Sang, December 2023), showcasing their versatility and influence across multiple subgenres.

The band's history also includes a lineup change in 2015, with original bassist Brandon Brown departing and being replaced by Sam DiGristine of Jarhead Fertilizer (another project featuring Brown and drummer Dave Bland). Spencer Hazard maintains a straight edge lifestyle, while Bland is the band's only vegan member, reflecting the diverse personalities within this intensely focused collective. A notable release was the Amber Mote in the Black Vault EP (2016) via Bad Teeth Recordings, featuring a compelling cover of Melvins' "Oven," a testament to their eclectic influences and long-standing admiration for the grunge pioneers.

After the Burial, the Minneapolis progressive metal titans, have carved a significant path in the genre since their 2004 inception. Currently signed to Sumerian Records (through which they've released five of their six full-length albums), their journey has been marked by significant lineup changes. The band has endured two vocalist swaps, two drummer changes, and the heartbreaking loss of founding rhythm guitarist Justin Lowe, alongside the departure of bassist Lerichard Foral. Lead guitarist Trent Hafdahl remains the sole original member, a testament to his unwavering commitment. Their influence on subgenres like djent and progressive metalcore is undeniable, solidifying their status as key innovators.

History: Formation and Forging a Future Self (2004-2007)

Formed in 2004 by high school friends Nick Wellner, Trent Hafdahl, Justin Lowe (December 17, 1982 – July 21, 2015), and Greg Erickson, After the Burial initially relied on Dave Coleman on bass. Their search for a permanent bassist led them to Lee Foral via a Twin Cities hardcore message board. Their debut album, Forging a Future Self, recorded in late 2005 and released March 1st, 2006, marked their emergence, distributed through Corrosive Records without an official label deal.

Silent Planet, the acclaimed American metalcore band, emerged from Azusa, California in 2009. Their name, a nod to C.S. Lewis's Out of the Silent Planet, perfectly encapsulates their blend of intense musicianship and introspective lyrical themes. The current lineup features Garrett Russell on vocals, Mitchell Stark on guitar and clean vocals, Alex Camarena on drums, and Nick Pocock on bass. Signed to Solid State Records, they've solidified their place in the scene with five studio albums, their latest, Superbloom, dropping November 3rd, 2023.

Early Days and Rise (2009-2014):

Before solidifying their iconic lineup for their debut EP, Come Wind, Come Weather, Silent Planet honed their sound in the Azusa Pacific University music building. Interestingly, vocalist Garrett Russell concurrently fronted the hardcore band Hepafilter, even recording an EP, Coward, and touring with them until their dissolution in late 2011. In 2012, Silent Planet tracked Come Wind, Come Weather in Atlanta, Georgia, with producer Matt Goldman. This marked their official entry into the scene, launching them on tours with notable acts like Becoming the Archetype, I, of Helix, and Dayseeker, culminating in a performance at California Metalfest 2012. Their early trajectory showcases a band dedicated to their craft, laying the foundation for their future success.

Hailing from Santa Clarita, California, Smile Empty Soul burst onto the scene in 1998. The original power trio—Sean Danielsen (vocals, guitar), Ryan Martin (bass), and Derek Gledhill (drums)—forged their sound while navigating the high school circuit. Their raw energy quickly landed them gigs on the legendary Sunset Strip. A demo impressed John Parker of ThroBack Records, ultimately leading to a deal with Jason Flom's Lava Records.

Their self-titled debut album, released May 27, 2003, solidified their place in the rock world. Produced by John Lewis Parker and mixed by David J. Holman, the record spawned three singles: "Bottom of a Bottle," "Nowhere Kids," and "Silhouettes." The album's success was undeniable, achieving gold certification in March 2005 with sales exceeding 500,000 copies. However, lineup changes followed, with Gledhill's departure in 2005 and Martin's in 2017, leaving Danielsen as the sole founding member and the band's creative driving force.

I Set My Friends on Fire (ISMFOF), the Miami, Florida post-hardcore act, exploded onto the scene in 2007, founded by Matt Mehana and Nabil Moo. Quickly gaining traction, they inked a deal with Epitaph Records and unleashed their debut album, You Can't Spell Slaughter Without Laughter, in 2008. Drummer Chris Lent joined the ranks in 2009, bolstering their already intense sound. However, their trajectory took a sharp turn. Astral Rejection, their second album, slated for release in June 2010, was shelved by Epitaph for a year, a significant blow to the band's momentum. Further setbacks followed with Moo's departure in 2010, later followed by Lent. While a third album, Caterpillar Sex, was announced in 2013, it remains unreleased, leaving a legacy marked by both explosive energy and unfinished business.

The band's origins lie in the ashes of another Miami band, We Are the Cavalry. Mehana and Moo, after its dissolution, carried the torch, forging their new identity, I Set My Friends on Fire. While speculation surrounded the band name's origin, with some linking it to the Aiden song of the same title, the band never officially confirmed the connection.

Hailing from Port Neches, Texas, Invent Animate (formerly stylized as Invent, Animate) exploded onto the metalcore scene in 2011. This quintet—vocalist Marcus Vik, lead guitarist Keaton Goldwire, rhythm guitarist Trey Celaya, bassist Caleb Sherraden, and drummer Brody Taylor Smith—quickly made a name for themselves. Their debut EP, Waves, a six-track powerhouse recorded at 456 Recordings with producer Brian Hood (ex-My Children My Bride), dropped in March 2012. Building a fervent following through relentless regional touring and a strong online presence within the djent community, the band caught the attention of Tragic Hero Records, signing with the label in February 2014.

This led to their debut full-length, Everchanger, released August 2014. They followed up with Stillworld in July 2016, solidifying their position in the metalcore landscape. Greyview, their third album and the first featuring Marcus Vik on vocals, arrived in March 2020. Most recently, Invent Animate unleashed Heavener in March 2023 via their new label home, UNFD, showcasing their continued evolution and mastery of the genre.

The Acacia Strain, formed in 2001 in Chicopee, Massachusetts (now based in Albany, New York), are a highly influential force in the heavier side of the metal spectrum. Initially a group of high school friends—Vincent Bennett, Christopher Daniele, and Ben Abert, later joined by Karrie Whitfield, Daniel "DL" Laskiewicz, and Daniel Daponde—they unleashed their debut album, ...And Life Is Very Long, in 2002 via Devil's Head Records. Since then, this prolific band has unleashed a staggering twelve full-length studio albums, solidifying their place in metal history. Currently signed to Rise Records, their impact is undeniable.

Musical Style:

While often categorized as deathcore and metalcore, The Acacia Strain's sound defies easy categorization. Their music is a brutal concoction of death metal's crushing heaviness, doom metal's oppressive atmosphere, and sludge metal's grimy textures, all infused with a hardcore punk energy and aesthetic. AllMusic aptly describes their signature sound as "a bone-crushing rhythm section, apocalyptic samples, and a unique triple-guitar assault," further comparing their intensity to the unchecked aggression of Sepultura and Pantera. Interestingly, vocalist Vincent Bennett and drummer Kevin Boutot have publicly voiced reservations about the "deathcore" label, although Bennett has since softened his stance, admitting to a degree of understanding. Their influences are as diverse as their sound, ranging from Candiria and Integrity to Meshuggah, Slayer, and even progressive rock titans Rush.

Lyrical Themes:

Lyricist Vincent Bennett's work centers primarily on misanthropy and nihilism. While he frequently employs misogynistic and sexually deviant imagery, it's generally used metaphorically, leaving the songs' overall meaning open to interpretation.

Members & Discography:

(Note: A full member timeline and complete discography would be included here, expanding on the provided information.) The band's extensive discography includes twelve studio albums, plus several EPs, splits, and numerous singles, notably including "Jonestown," "Servant in the Place of Truth," "Above/Below," "Bitter Pill," "Big Sleep," the "A-E-C-Y-D" single series, "Untended Graves," and "Fresh Bones." Their live album, The Most Known Unknown, further showcases their powerful live performance.

This rewritten text provides a more concise and engaging overview of The Acacia Strain's history and musical style, highlighting their unique sound and influential position within the metal scene. Further detail could be added regarding specific lineup changes and a complete album listing.

Gatecreeper: A Phoenix, Arizona Death Metal Juggernaut

Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, Gatecreeper has quickly cemented its place as a force to be reckoned with in the death metal scene. Their career trajectory is a testament to relentless energy and undeniable talent.

The band's journey began in 2014 with a self-titled four-song EP, a brutal introduction to their signature sound. They followed up with a series of impactful splits, collaborating with Take Over and Destroy (2015), Homewrecker, Outer Heaven, and Scorched (2016), and Young and in the Way (2016). These releases showcased their growing intensity and garnered them a dedicated following.

2016 marked a pivotal moment: the release of their debut full-length album, Sonoran Depravation, via the legendary Relapse Records. This album solidified their position, establishing Gatecreeper as a major player.

The band continued to build momentum, culminating in the release of Deserted in October 2019, another Relapse Records triumph. The album earned critical acclaim, notably a spot on Loudwire's "50 Best Metal Albums of 2019" list. Further demonstrating their creative output, Gatecreeper dropped the An Unexpected Reality EP in January 2021, which garnered a #14 ranking on Revolver Magazine's "25 Best Albums of 2021."

Gatecreeper's rise is a compelling story of raw talent, consistent output, and a dedicated fanbase. From their early EP to their critically acclaimed albums, they've consistently delivered crushing death metal, establishing themselves as a band to watch—and to fear.

A Skylit Drive, the Lodi, California post-hardcore quintet, left an undeniable mark on the scene despite their relatively short lifespan. Their discography boasts a compelling mix of five studio albums – Wires...and the Concept of Breathing (2008), Adelphia (2009), Identity on Fire (2011), Rise (2013), and ASD (2015) – alongside an EP (She Watched the Sky) and a DVD. The band toured extensively, both headlining and as support, earning a dedicated following. However, internal strife, specifically a dispute between Nick Miller and Michael Jagmin, led to their breakup in 2017. The tragic passing of original vocalist Jordan Blake in April 2023 served as a somber coda to their story.

Blake’s departure in late 2007, due to health concerns, significantly impacted the band mid-tour following the release of their debut EP, She Watched the Sky, in January 2007 on Tragic Hero Records. Prior to this, A Skylit Drive shared stages with a who's who of the post-hardcore scene, including Four Letter Lie, blessthefall, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Greeley Estates, Oh, Sleeper, The Blackout, Alesana, Before Their Eyes, Dance Gavin Dance, Kenotia, Pierce the Veil, and From First to Last. These early tours cemented their place within the genre's vibrant landscape, a legacy that continues to resonate with fans even after their disbandment.

Hailing from North Vancouver, British Columbia, AngelMaker is a seven-piece deathcore juggernaut formed in 2011. The band's current lineup boasts a dual vocal assault from Casey Tyson-Pearce and Ian Bearer, shredding guitars courtesy of Colton Bennett, Johnny Ciardullo, and Matt Perrin (formerly of Threat Signal), Cole Rideout on bass, and Steven Sanchez on drums.

Their journey began in 2011 with an original lineup featuring Casey and Cody Tyson-Pearce on vocals and guitar respectively, alongside Mike Greenwood on vocals, Cole Rideout on bass, and Jesse Price on drums. They quickly made their mark, self-releasing their brutal six-track debut EP, Decay, in September 2012, featuring a guest appearance by Darian Mazloomi of Argent Strand. Less than six months later, they unleashed a ferocious three-way split EP with Lament and Isolations.

Following Cody Tyson-Pearce's departure in 2014, Matt Perrin joined the ranks, bolstering their already formidable sound. This solidified lineup then unleashed their debut full-length album, Dissentient, in 2015. Further cementing their presence, they dropped the Unholy Alliance split EP with Australian deathcore act A Night in Texas in October 2016. Their hard work culminated in their first headline tour across the United States in early 2017, a tour that began, fittingly, in their hometown of Vancouver.

Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, 200 Stab Wounds have carved a distinctive niche within the death metal landscape.