Dive into the Heartfelt Rock Anthems of The Gaslight Anthem

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of New Brunswick, New Jersey, The Gaslight Anthem burst onto the rock landscape in 2006, quickly becoming a favorite for fans craving authentic, blue-collar anthems. Fronted by the unmistakable vocals and songwriting of Brian Fallon (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano), the bands signature sound is fueled by **Alex Rosamilia**s soaring lead guitar and backing vocals, the driving basslines of Alex Levine (bass guitar, backing vocals), and the powerful drumming and percussion of Benny Horowitz (drums, percussion, backing vocals).

The Gaslight Anthems journey began with the raw energy of their debut album, **"Sink or Swim" (2007)** on XOXO Records. They truly solidified their place in rock history with **"The 59 Sound" (2008)** via SideOneDummy Records, a record celebrated for its passionate storytelling and heartland rock vibes.

The band continued to evolve, releasing the critically acclaimed "American Slang" (2010) and the commercially successful "Handwritten" (2012), which featured their chart-topping hit single "45" (Mercury Records). "Handwritten" marked a peak in popularity. Their fifth studio album, "Get Hurt" (2014), released through Island Records, showcased a willingness to experiment with their sound.

After a period of rest, The Gaslight Anthem announced an indefinite hiatus in 2015. But the music lived on, and fans rejoiced in 2018 when the band reunited for a series of electrifying shows celebrating the 10th anniversary of "The `59 Sound".

The story doesn`t end there! In March 2022, The Gaslight Anthem officially returned to "full-time status," igniting excitement with the promise of new music. Their highly anticipated sixth studio album, "History Books", dropped on October 27, 2023, proving that their passion for rock and roll and connection with fans is as strong as ever.

For fans of: Bruce Springsteen, The Replacements, Social Distortion, punk rock, heartland rock, and emotionally charged songwriting. Explore The Gaslight Anthem`s discography and experience the raw power and poetic storytelling that has made them a staple in modern rock music.

Six Feet Under, the Tampa, Florida death metal titans, emerged in 1993 as a side project spearheaded by vocalist Chris Barnes. Initially featuring Obituary guitarist Allen West, the band quickly gained momentum, solidifying its lineup with Terry Butler (Death, Massacre) and Greg Gall. Their early gigs featured covers, but by mid-1994, original material began to take shape. Barnes existing contract with Metal Blade Records (through Cannibal Corpse) facilitated Six Feet Unders signing to the label. However, Barnes` dismissal from Cannibal Corpse in 1995 transformed Six Feet Under from a side project into his full-time focus.

Their debut album, Haunted (September 1, 1995), produced by Brian Slagel (Metal Blade) and Scott Burns (Cannibal Corpses long-time producer), marked a pivotal moment. Subsequent releases solidified their position as a major force in the death metal scene, culminating in Nielsen Soundscan rankings placing them as the fourth best-selling death metal act in the U.S. The bands current lineup boasts Barnes alongside bassist Jeff Hughell, drummer Marco Pitruzzella, and guitarists Ray Suhy and Jack Owen. Their fourteen-album discography is a testament to their enduring legacy and influence on the genre.

Unfamiliar with Five Headed Cobra, Then perhaps youre a skeptic of the paranormal. Emerging from the sun-baked, occult-tinged backstreets of Los Angeles, their live performances are breathtaking, rivaling Houdinis most death-defying escapes. This psyche-glam quintet blurs the lines between séance and spectacle, a slow-motion magic trick unfolding before your eyes. Their existence feels otherworldly, as if summoned from a dimensional rift; in the quantum realm, their very presence seems almost impossible.

12 Stones, a Louisiana-bred Christian rock band formed in Mandeville in 2000, burst onto the scene with a meteoric rise. The quintet—Paul McCoy (vocals), Richard Labranche, Sean Dunaway, David Troia, and Jon Rodriguez—secured a record deal with Wind-up Records within just 15 months of forming. Their success was amplified by McCoys contribution to Evanescences "Bring Me to Life," a Grammy Award-winning hard rock anthem (Best Hard Rock Performance, 2004).

The bands powerful sound quickly gained traction, landing their tracks in major films and television. Their self-titled debut album yielded several placements: "My Life" in *The Scorpion King* (2002), "Broken" as the official theme song for WWEs Judgment Day pay-per-view (May 2002), and "Home" in Kurt Angles WWE *Desire* video. Later, *Potters Field* contributed "Shadows" to a Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man`s Chest trailer and "Photograph" to the soundtrack of Elektra (2005). They also delivered an exclusive track, "Let Go," for the Daredevil movie soundtrack. 12 Stones’ impact extends beyond the studio, showcasing a potent blend of Christian faith and hard-hitting rock that resonated across multiple platforms.

Prong, the American heavy metal band forged in the crucible of 1986 New York City, boasts a legacy built on raw power and uncompromising sound. Spearheaded by the sole constant member and guitarist/vocalist Tommy Victor, the band has released a staggering catalog: 13 studio albums (including a covers album), a live album, four EPs, a DVD, and a remix album.

Their journey began with the fiercely independent releases Primitive Origins (1987) and Force Fed (1988), raw and visceral recordings that caught the attention of Epic Records. Signed in 1989, Prong unleashed Beg to Differ (1990) and Prove You Wrong (1991), critically acclaimed albums that earned them coveted airplay on MTVs *Headbangers Ball*, solidifying their place in the underground metal scene. The bands success continued with 1994`s Cleansing, featuring their signature hit "Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your Neck." After one final album, Rude Awakening (1996), Prong disbanded in 1997, only to triumphantly return in 2002, continuing to tour and record to this day.

Early Days (1986-1988):

Initially formed by Victor (then a sound engineer at the legendary CBGB) and bassist Mike Kirkland (CBGB`s doorman), the band quickly added ex-Swans drummer Ted Parsons. Their early independent releases, Primitive Origins and Force Fed, are hallmarks of their raw, untamed sound, laying the groundwork for their future success.

Major Label Success and Underground Reign (1989-1995):

Their signing with Epic Records in 1989 marked a pivotal moment. The ensuing critical acclaim and MTV exposure cemented Prong`s position as a force to be reckoned with in the heavy metal landscape.

Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Sick Puppies emerged onto the music scene in 1997. Their debut album, Welcome to the Real World, dropped in 2001, but it was their 2006 YouTube upload of "All the Same," a video supporting Juan Mann`s Sydney-based Free Hugs Campaign, that catapulted them to international recognition. The video amassed over 78 million views, solidifying their status. This viral success paved the way for their sophomore effort, Dressed Up as Life (2007), which cracked the Billboard 200 at #181. Tri-Polar (2009) and Connect (2013) followed, cementing their place in the rock world. However, their fifth studio album, Fury (2016), marked a significant change with the addition of new vocalist Bryan Scott following the departure of original frontman Shimon Moore in October 2014.

History

Early Career (1997-1999)

The band`s genesis was as unlikely as it was iconic: a double-booking in the music room at Mosman High School in 1997, pitting singer/guitarist Shimon Moore against bassist Emma Anzai. Their initial squabble quickly gave way to a shared passion for Silverchair, leading to impromptu jams covering Green Day, Rage Against the Machine, and their mutual heroes. Initially with Shimon on drums and Emma on guitar, this unlikely pairing eventually found their voice, crafting their own unique brand of rock and roll.

Spineshank, the Los Angeles-based nu-metal/industrial metal powerhouse, left an undeniable mark on the scene with four studio albums: Strictly Diesel (1998), The Height of Callousness (2000), Self-Destructive Pattern (2003), and Anger Denial Acceptance (2012). Their journey began as Basic Enigma, a band featuring vocalist/bassist Jonny Santos, guitarists Marlo Gonzalez and Tim Mankowski, and drummer Tommy Decker. A 1994 demo, Drunk With Power, served as their baptism by fire. Decker recalls this period as a crucial learning experience, citing influences like Pantera, Slayer, and White Zombie, but acknowledging they needed a sonic shift after hearing Fear Factory`s Demanufacture.

This pivotal moment led to a unique approach: songwriting and recording before live performances. Mike Sarkisyan joined, replacing Mankowski on guitar. Santos, initially a guitarist, temporarily departed to focus on fatherhood, returning to find the band already equipped with two guitarists. This evolution ultimately shaped Spineshank`s distinctive sound and aggressive energy.

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.