Hailing from the Los Angeles underground, HEALTH is a genre-bending force in industrial/noise rock. The current lineup features vocalist/guitarist Jake Duzsik, bassist/producer John Famiglietti, and drummer B.J. Miller. Formerly including guitarist Jupiter Keyes (who departed in 2015), the band first gained traction with their remix of Crystal Castles' "Crimewave." Their self-titled debut album dropped in 2007, launching a prolific career.

Since then, HEALTH has unleashed a sonic assault across six full-length albums: Get Color (2009), Death Magic (2015), Vol. 4: Slaves of Fear (2019), and Rat Wars (2023), alongside the collaborative double album Disco4 (2020/2022). Their distinctive sound has also infiltrated the world of video games, with contributions to soundtracks for Max Payne 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Grand Theft Auto V, and Ultrakill.

History:

The band's genesis lies in a chance encounter between vocalist Jake Duzsik and bassist John Famiglietti at the flagship Los Angeles Guitar Center. They recruited guitarist Jupiter Keyes (a university acquaintance of Duzsik's) and drummer B.J. Miller, solidifying their lineup. The name "HEALTH," chosen from a long list of possibilities, was simply the only "everyday word" still available.

Hailing from Hartford, Connecticut, Boundaries exploded onto the metalcore scene as a force to be reckoned with. The band's current lineup is a powerhouse featuring Matthew McDougal on ferocious vocals, guitarists Cory Emond and Cody DelVecchio laying down crushing riffs, Tim Sullivan on drums and backing vocals, and bassist/vocalist Nathan Calcagno holding down the low end.

Early Days (2013-2016): Boundaries formed in 2013, the brainchild of guitarist Zadak Brooks. Drawing members from a recently dissolved local band (and following the demise of his own cover band), Brooks forged a new path. Their debut single, "Two Faced," dropped in 2014, showcasing original vocalist Jake Buzzell alongside Matthew McDougal, who would soon become the band's permanent frontman. This period saw a flurry of singles featuring McDougal, several of which would later be included on their 2018 Spring Demonstration EP.

Hartford County Misery (2017-2018): The band unleashed Hartford County Misery in Spring 2017, which included the previously released 2016 single, "Sour Mouth." This era also saw a lineup change, with bassist Lucian Armstrong being replaced by Brandon Breedlove.

My Body in Bloom & Beyond (2018-Present): 2018 marked a significant turning point. Boundaries signed to Unbeaten Records, setting the stage for their label debut. My Body in Bloom, released February 22nd, 2019, solidified their place in the metalcore world. The EP, tracked throughout 2018 and 2019, was preceded by the singles "Blush" and the title track, generating considerable buzz. The band continues to evolve and dominate the scene.

Havok, the Denver, Colorado thrash metal powerhouse, ignited the scene in 2004. While the band's lineup has undergone significant evolution – with frontman David Sanchez the sole original member remaining – their impact remains undeniable. Their blistering sound, forged from a potent blend of 80s thrash, NWOBHM, death metal, hardcore punk, and progressive elements, has solidified their place as a key player in the late 2000s/early 2010s thrash metal revival, alongside bands like Bonded by Blood, Evile, Hatchet, Municipal Waste, and Warbringer.

Havok's discography boasts five studio albums: Burn (2009), Time Is Up (2011), Unnatural Selection (2013), Conformicide (2017), and V (2020). Currently, the band features Sanchez on vocals, Pete Webber on drums, and Nick Schendzielos on bass. They continue to craft new music, promising more high-octane thrash to come.

Early Days: The band's origins trace back to David Sanchez and drummer Haakon Sjoegren. Their quest for a guitarist led to the recruitment of Shawn Chavez via flyers plastered across Denver. Rounding out their initial lineup with bassist Marcus Corich, Havok unleashed their debut demo, "Thrash Can," in 2004, followed by the self-released Murder by Metal EP in 2005. By 2007, Tyler Cantrell had taken over bass duties, and Rich Tice became the drummer.

Sublime, the Long Beach, California trio, carved a unique niche in the alternative music scene with their potent blend of ska, punk, and reggae. Formed in 1988 by Bradley Nowell (vocals/guitar), Eric Wilson (bass), and Bud Gaugh (drums), the band also famously featured Lou Dog, Nowell's Dalmatian, as their mascot. Their early albums, 40 Oz. to Freedom (1992) and Robbin' the Hood (1994), built a dedicated following, but it was their self-titled third album, released posthumously in 1996 following Nowell's tragic heroin overdose, that catapulted them to mainstream success. The album, peaking at #13 on the Billboard 200, spawned the iconic hit "What I Got," which topped the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Other tracks like "Santeria," "Wrong Way," "Doin' Time," and "April 29, 1992 (Miami)" received extensive airplay, cementing Sublime's legacy. Their impressive discography includes three studio albums, a live album, five compilations, three EPs, and a box set, a testament to their enduring influence on alternative rock despite their tragically short lifespan.

Born from the vibrant underground scene of Oxnard, California, Dead Heat is not just another crossover band; they are a potent blend of hardcore punk and thrash metal energy.

The Pretty Wild defies genre categorization, their music a potent blend of rebellion and raw emotion. This fearless spirit ignites a captivating energy that transcends conventional expectations. Their songs resonate deeply with audiences seeking something beyond the ordinary, exploring themes of disillusionment, the music industry's challenges, and the unwavering pursuit of genuine self-expression, free from societal constraints. For the sisters, success is not a destination dictated by industry norms, but an ongoing journey unbound by limitations.

Attila: A Metalcore Mayhem Retrospective

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Attila emerged onto the metalcore scene in 2005, blending aggressive metalcore with prominent rap and nu-metal influences. While formed in 2005, the band didn't launch into full-time touring until around 2010, steadily building a dedicated following. Their sound, spearheaded by frontman Chris "Fronz" Fronzak, quickly gained traction, leading to eight full-length albums.

The band's breakthrough came with About That Life, produced by Joey Sturgis and released June 25, 2013. This album peaked at #22 on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying their position in the metalcore hierarchy.

Attila's extensive touring history is a testament to their relentless energy. They've shared stages with a diverse range of acts, including heavy hitters like Hed PE, Insane Clown Posse, and Emmure, along with fellow metalcore bands such as Arsonists Get All the Girls, See You Next Tuesday, Chelsea Grin, The Agonist, Oceano, Falling in Reverse, and even the pop-punk outfit Metro Station. This eclectic mix reflects Attila's broad appeal and their ability to connect with fans across subgenres.

Early Days: From Atlanta Streets to Artery Recordings (2005-2011)

Formed in Atlanta by Chris "Fronz" Fronzak, Sean Heenan, Sam Halcomb, Matt Booth, and Kris Wilson—all high school acquaintances or friends—Attila's name, inspired by Attila the Hun, was chosen by Fronz from a book. The band quickly became part of the Artery Foundation/Razor & Tie joint venture, Artery Recordings, further solidifying their place in the burgeoning metalcore landscape.

Their journey began with the self-released demo Fallacy (March 30, 2007), dispelling the common misconception that it was released through Statik Factory. Their debut album, Soundtrack to a Party, followed in 2008, this time under the Statik Factory umbrella before signing with Artery Recordings. Early tours saw them sharing bills with Arsonists Get All the Girls, See You Next Tuesday, Chelsea Grin, American Me, and We Are The End, laying the groundwork for their future success.

Royal Tusk, the Edmonton, Alberta-based rock trio, exploded onto the scene fueled by the raw energy of vocalist Daniel Carriere, guitarist Quinn Cyrankiewicz, and bassist Sandy MacKinnon. Their journey began in 2011, emerging from the ashes of Carriere and MacKinnon's previous project, Ten Second Epic.

The band honed their sound, culminating in their 2014 debut EP, Mountain, released by Hidden Pony Records. The single "Shadow of Love" garnered local radio airplay, laying the groundwork for their ascent.

Following minimal touring behind Mountain, Royal Tusk dove into their full-length debut, DealBreaker, which dropped on May 26, 2016. The album yielded two singles: "Fever," which received a music video, and "Curse the Weather."

A significant leap came in 2018 with the release of their sophomore album, Tusk II, via Entertainment One Music (eOne). This marked a breakthrough for the band, catapulting them to wider recognition. The album's impact solidified Royal Tusk's position as a force to be reckoned with in the Canadian rock scene.

Chicagos Harms Way emerged from the ashes of the straight-edge punk band Few and the Proud in 2006, initially conceived as a playful side project. Their early sound was a blistering cocktail of short, fast powerviolence, heavily influenced by acts like Crossed Out and Infest. Drummer Chris Mills describes their beginnings: "Super-fast powerviolence songs, with a masked singer belting out silly lyrics about beating up frat boys." This irreverent energy, however, soon gave way to a darker, more serious direction.

Their evolution saw them shed the comedic elements and embrace a heavier, death metal-influenced sound. This progression was documented across several releases through Organized Crime Records and Closed Casket Activities. By 2011, the band had released their second studio album, Isolation, which caught the attention of Converge's Jacob Bannon. This led to a pivotal moment: Harm's Way signing to Deathwish Inc. Their subsequent releases, including Reality Approaches (2009), Rust (2015), and the critically acclaimed Metal Blade Records debut Posthuman (2018), solidified their unique blend of metal, industrial, and hardcore, cementing their place as a significant force in the heavy music scene.

Obituary: Death Metal Titans from Florida

Hailing from Tampa, Florida, Obituary emerged in 1984, initially under the name Executioner, and quickly established themselves as a cornerstone of the death metal genre. Their impact on the scene is undeniable, cementing their place as one of the genre’s most enduring and successful acts. Over their career, they've unleashed eleven studio albums, maintaining a relentless touring schedule with only a brief five-year hiatus from 1998 to 2003.

The band's current lineup features the Tardy brothers – John on guttural vocals and Donald on drums – alongside rhythm guitarist Trevor Peres, bassist Terry Butler, and lead guitarist Ken Andrews. While the band has seen lineup changes throughout its history, the Tardy brothers and Peres remain the constants, their unwavering commitment a testament to Obituary's longevity.

Obituary's signature sound is built on a foundation of crushing, groove-laden guitar and drum riffs, perfectly complemented by John Tardy's iconic, earth-shattering growl. This potent combination established a distinctive death metal sound that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

Early Years (1984-1990): From Executioner to Xecutioner to Obituary

Formed in Seffner, Florida as Executioner in 1984, a name change to Xecutioner followed quickly after discovering another band using the same name. The original lineup comprised John Tardy (vocals), Donald Tardy (drums), Trevor Peres (rhythm guitar), Jerome Grable (bass), and Jerry Tidwell (lead guitar). Influenced by bands like Savatage and Nasty Savage, as well as their contemporaries in the burgeoning Florida death metal scene (Death and Morbid Angel), the band honed their craft, releasing demos between 1985 and 1987 (the 1985 demo as Executioner, and the subsequent demos as Xecutioner).

Hailing from Long Island, New York, Incendiary are a hardcore punk force to be reckoned with. Their explosive career ignited in 2008 with the Amongst The Filth 7-inch EP. They quickly followed up with their debut full-length, Crusade, in 2009 via Eternal Hope Records. Subsequent releases cemented their status: Cost of Living (2013) and Thousand Mile Stare (2017), both on Closed Casket Activities, showcased their increasingly ferocious sound.

Beyond their studio work, Incendiary's impact extended to the world of professional wrestling. In 2017, they collaborated with CFO$ to create the theme song for NXT wrestler Aleister Black, even performing it live at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn III alongside Code Orange members.

While not a constantly touring band, Incendiary have made significant festival appearances, including a killer set at France's Hellfest 2022 alongside heavyweights like Metallica, Bring Me The Horizon, and Mercyful Fate. Their impressive live history also includes opening for Backtrack at a final Amityville show at the Revolution Bar & Music Hall. Incendiary's legacy is built on a potent blend of studio prowess and electrifying live performances.

Gates To Hell is a Louisville, Kentucky based band who released their debut self-titled album in September of 2022. The band consists of vocalist Ryan Storey, bassist Dustin Cantrell, guitarists Seth Lewis, Stephen Price, and Eli Hanson, and drummer Jared Barron.