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.

Born of Osiris: A Progressive Metalcore Powerhouse

Born of Osiris, a progressive metalcore band hailing from Palatine, Illinois (a Chicago suburb), burst onto the scene in 2003. The band`s current lineup features founding member and drummer Cameron Losch, vocalist Ronnie Canizaro, and multi-instrumentalist Nick Rossi (guitar, bass, keyboards). Their impressive festival resume includes multiple appearances at Summer Slaughter Tour (2008, 2009, 2015, 2018) and the Music as a Weapon Tour 4, solidifying their status as a major player in the genre.

The band`s journey to their final name involved several iterations, ultimately settling on Born of Osiris in 2007, a moniker inspired by the Egyptian deity Osiris and the myth of his son Horus.

Early Years and The New Reign (2003-2007)

Emerging from the vibrant Northland Chicago metalcore scene alongside bands like Veil of Maya, Oceano, and For All I Am, the members of Born of Osiris honed their skills together at Fremd High School. Initially known as Diminished, they released their first five-song demo EP, Your Heart Engraved These Messages, in 2003. Notably, this was their only release featuring dual lead vocalists. This demo then served as the inspiration for their subsequent name change to Your Heart Engraved, under which they released a twelve-song demo titled Youm Wara Youm. The band`s early work laid the foundation for their future success, showcasing the raw energy and musicianship that would define their sound.

Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Nonpoint exploded onto the heavy metal scene in 1997. Forged from the ashes of Robb Riveras earlier project, Nonpoint Factor, the band solidified its lineup with vocalist Elias Soriano, laying the foundation for a career spanning decades. Initially cutting their teeth with independent releases in the late 90s, Nonpoints 2000 major label debut, Statement, marked their arrival on the broader metal landscape.

Since then, theyve unleashed a torrent of albums, culminating in 2018s X, showcasing their relentless energy and evolving sound. Their extensive touring schedule has cemented their status as a live powerhouse, while their music has infiltrated video games, movies, and soundtracks, further expanding their reach. In a bold move, Nonpoint launched their own independent label, 361 Degrees Records, in April 2021, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to their art and their fans. The current lineup features Soriano on vocals, Rivera on drums, Rasheed Thomas on rhythm guitar, Adam Woloszyn on bass, and Jaysin Zeilstra on lead guitar. From their humble beginnings to their self-sufficient present, Nonpoint`s legacy continues to resonate with a generation of metalheads.

Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Dying Wish is a metalcore force to be reckoned with. The band – vocalist Emma Boster, guitarists Sam Reynolds and Pedro Carrillo, drummer Jeff Yambra, and bassist Jon Mackey – emerged onto the scene in 2016. After honing their craft, they dropped a demo in 2018, laying the groundwork for their ascent.

2019 saw the release of "Enemies In Red," a killer track featuring Bryan Garris of Knocked Loose, showcasing their explosive sound and securing attention within the genre. Signing with SharpTone Records in 2020, they followed up with "Innate Thirst," further solidifying their presence. Their highly anticipated debut album, Fragments of a Bitter Memory, arrived on October 1, 2021, after its announcement in July of that year.

Already looking to the future, Dying Wish announced in 2023 that they were hard at work on their second full-length. This was punctuated by the release of "Torn From Your Silhouette" and the July 2023 single, "Watch My Promise Die," both of which precede the upcoming album release. The band continues to build momentum, proving they are a major player in the modern metalcore scene.