Hailing from Sacramento, California, Trash Talk exploded onto the hardcore punk scene in 2005. Their raw energy and relentless touring quickly garnered international attention, with shows spanning Japan and Europe, and festival appearances cementing their status. This hard work earned them critical acclaim, including recognition from publications like Rolling Stone.

Their history is a whirlwind of activity. Following a 2005 demo release via Sell Our Souls Records and a 2006 split with Bay Area`s Steel Trap on Spiderghost Pressgang, they signed to Rumble Records to record their debut album, Walking Disease. A subsequent signing with Malfunction Records (a Deathwish Inc. imprint) in 2007 saw the release of the Plagues EP, later compiled with Walking Disease. Extensive touring, including dates with influential acts like Cruel Hand, followed before they opted to independently manage their career via their own label, Trash Talk Collective.

In 2008, they collaborated with legendary producer Steve Albini in Chicago on their full-length album. 2009 brought the release of the single "East of Eden," featuring the iconic Keith Morris (Off!, Black Flag, Circle Jerks) on vocals. This track also appeared on Shame, a UK compilation showcasing their earlier material. From their early demos to their international acclaim, Trash Talk’s rise is a testament to their raw power and relentless drive within the hardcore punk scene.

Demon Hunter, the Seattle-based Christian metal band, emerged from the ashes of the Clark brothers previous musical endeavors. Formed in 2000 by Don and Ryan Clark, the band initially operated under a veil of secrecy, obscuring their identities in photos and interviews. Their sound, initially drawing influence from Coalesce and Neurosis, evolved from the experimental rock of their earlier band, Training for Utopia. Ryans background included a stint in the hardcore band Focal Point, which released Suffering of the Masses on Tooth & Nail Records in 1996.

Their breakthrough came with the inclusion of their song "Through the Black" on This Is Solid State Vol. 3 in 2002. This led to the release of their self-titled debut album later that year on Solid State Records (a Tooth & Nail subsidiary). The Clarks wrote and performed the majority of the instruments themselves, with Ryan handling vocals as he had in Training for Utopia. Drummer Jesse Sprinkle (Poor Old Lu) was brought in for recording. While initially a project band, Demon Hunter’s success propelled them to significant recognition within the Christian metal scene. By the 2010s, they had sold over 600,000 albums. Don Clark`s departure in 2009 left Ryan as the sole remaining original member.

Dying Fetus, the purveyors of brutal death metal, emerged from Upper Marlboro, Maryland in 1991. The project, founded by guitarist/vocalist John Gallagher and bassist/vocalist Jason Netherton, quickly established a notorious reputation. The band`s name, deliberately chosen for its offensiveness by the young musicians, has become synonymous with their extreme sound.

Initial lineup shifts saw guitarist/vocalist Nick Speleos join in 1992, with Gallagher temporarily handling drums. This period culminated in the 1993 demo Bathe In Entraills. The arrival of drummer Rob Belton and guitarist Brian Latta in late 1993, replacing Speleos, solidified the classic Dying Fetus lineup – Gallagher returning to full-time guitar and vocals. This four-piece then unleashed the Infatuation with Malevolence demo in early 1994. Both demos were later compiled and released in 1995 by Wild Rags Records, marking a significant early chapter in the bands history. Gallagher remains the sole original member, the undisputed driving force behind Dying Fetuss nine studio albums and enduring legacy.

DragonForce, the London-based power metal titans, exploded onto the scene in 1999. Their signature sound—a blistering fusion of breakneck speed, intensely technical guitar solos, and fantastical lyrical narratives—quickly established them as a force to be reckoned with. The band themselves label their style "extreme power metal," a description perfectly capturing their over-the-top energy and relentless intensity. Their music often evokes the feel of classic video games, adding another layer to their unique appeal.

The current lineup features guitarists Herman Li and Sam Totman, vocalist Marc Hudson, drummer Gee Anzalone, and bassist Alicia Vigil. However, DragonForces history boasts a revolving door of talent, with notable past members including vocalist ZP Theart, keyboardist Vadim Pruzhanov, drummer Dave Mackintosh, and bassist Frédéric Leclercq, each contributing to the bands evolution.

Their extensive discography includes eight studio albums, two live albums, a compilation, a live DVD, and a demo. Their breakthrough arrived with 2005s *Inhuman Rampage*, certified gold by both the RIAA and BPI. The albums lead single, "Through the Fire and Flames," became an anthem, achieving iconic status and featuring in several video games, including Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. Further cementing their success, "Heroes of Our Time," the lead single from their fourth album, earned a Grammy nomination in 2009. DragonForce is frequently cited among power metal`s "big four," alongside Helloween, Blind Guardian, and Sabaton, a testament to their enduring influence on the genre.

The bands origins trace back to 1999 when guitarists Sam Totman and Herman Li, along with vocalist ZP Theart, formed the band under the name DragonHeart. [Further details on early years, *Valley of the Damned*, and *Sonic Firestorm* could be added here, drawing on the provided texts final paragraph.]

Imminence, the Swedish metalcore quintet hailing from Trelleborg, has steadily risen through the ranks since their formation. The band`s lineup features vocalist Eddie Berg, rhythm guitarist Harald Barrett, lead guitarist Alex Arnoldsson, bassist Christian Höijer, and drummer Peter Hanström.

Early Days and EP Success (2009-2013):

Barrett and Berg laid the groundwork in 2009, solidifying the name "Imminence" in 2010. Arnoldsson and Hanström joined the fold in 2012, completing the core lineup. Their debut EP, Born of Sirius, released that same year, generated considerable buzz amongst fans and critics alike, catapulting them onto the stage of Metaltown Festival, a major Swedish music event. 2013 saw them ink a deal with We Are Triumphant Records (a Victory Records sub-label), culminating in the release of their second EP, Return for Helios, and the standout single, "Wine & Water."

Album Success and Genre Exploration (2014-2020):

Their debut full-length album, I, dropped in 2014, accompanied by a series of self-directed music videos by vocalist Eddie Berg. Signing with Arising Empire in 2015, Imminence released the breakthrough single, "The Sickness," further cementing their presence in the scene. The 2017 release of This Is Goodbye showcased a notable stylistic departure, incorporating elements of alt-rock and pop-rock into their established metalcore sound, demonstrating their versatility and creative evolution.

POWERWOLF (always styled in all caps) is a German power metal behemoth forged in the fires of Saarbrücken in 2004 by members of Red Aim. Their sound is a potent cocktail: the soaring vocals of Attila Dorn (Karsten Brill), the blistering lead guitar of Matthew Greywolf (Benjamin Buss), the rhythmic thunder of Charles Greywolf (David Vogt) on bass/rhythm guitar, the keyboard wizardry of Falk Maria Schlegel (Christian Jost), and the driving percussion of Roel van Helden.

Unlike traditional power metal, POWERWOLF incorporates a unique blend of religious imagery, gothic undertones, and lyrical narratives steeped in werewolf and vampire lore. This, coupled with their striking corpse paint, creates a visually and aurally arresting experience.

Their 2005 debut, Return in Bloodred, ignited the fuse. Lupus Dei (2007) further cemented their growing reputation, culminating in their chart-breaking success with 2009`s Bible of the Beast, their first entry into the official German charts. This period also saw the departure of original drummer Stéfane Funèbre (Stefan Gemballa), replaced first by Tom Diener, then by van Helden in 2011, the same year they unleashed Blood of the Saints. In 2012, POWERWOLF signed with Napalm Records, releasing the critically acclaimed Preachers of the Night in 2013, solidifying their status as power metal royalty.

Gloryhammer: A Power Metal Epic

Gloryhammer, the brainchild of Alestorm`s keyboardist and vocalist Christopher Bowes, is a British power metal band unlike any other. Their music is a fully realized theatrical experience, with each band member embodying a specific character within their elaborate, ongoing narrative. Onstage, they command attention in full armor and costume, bringing their fictional world to life.

A History Forged in Fife (and Space):

The bands journey began with their debut album, *Tales from the Kingdom of Fife*, released by Napalm Records on March 29, 2013. Preceding the albums release, the single "Angus McFife" premiered on Napalm Records` YouTube channel on March 7, 2013. Subsequent videos for "Universe on Fire" (August 8, 2015) and "Rise of the Chaos Wizards" (September 11, 2015) further fueled their growing fanbase.

Their second studio album, Space 1992: Rise of the Chaos Wizards, hit shelves on September 25, 2015, propelling Gloryhammer onto official album charts across multiple countries and securing them coveted tour slots alongside metal giants like Stratovarius, Blind Guardian, and HammerFall.

The band`s success earned them recognition from the German edition of Metal Hammer magazine, receiving nominations for "Best Up & Coming Band" in both 2017 and 2018. In January 2018, they cemented their status with a triumphant 24-date European headline tour.

Forbidden: Bay Area Thrash Titans

Hailing from the fertile San Francisco Bay Area thrash metal scene, Forbidden emerged in 1985 as Forbidden Evil. The band, initially featuring Robb Flynn (later of Vio-lence and Machine Head) and drummer Jim Pittman, solidified their lineup with Craig Locicero (guitar), Russ Anderson (vocals), and John Tegio (bass). Flynn christened the band after a War Cry song on the Metal Massacre IV compilation. They shortened their name to Forbidden in 1987.

Throughout their existence, Forbidden have endured multiple breakups and reunions, along with significant lineup changes. Their initial split occurred in 1997, only to be followed by a reunion in 2007. After an indefinite hiatus starting in 2012, they triumphantly returned in 2023 with a lineup comprised of Norman Skinner (vocals), Craig Locicero (guitar), Matt Camacho (bass), and Chris Kontos (drums).

Forbidden quickly earned their stripes alongside Bay Area giants like Exodus (featuring original Forbidden drummer Paul Bostaph), Testament, Death Angel, Vio-lence, and Defiance. They cemented their place as one of the "Big Six" of the Bay Area thrash scene, later joined by Lȧȧz Rockit. Their influence on the underground metal community is undeniable.

Their debut, Forbidden Evil (1988), is widely considered a thrash classic. The follow-up, Twisted into Form (1990), is a tech-thrash masterpiece, showcasing their technical prowess. While initially rooted in technical thrash, Forbidden later explored alternative and groove metal elements, most notably on their 1997 album, Green. Their legacy remains firmly etched in the annals of thrash metal history, securing their status as true Bay Area legends.

Winds of Plague, the pioneering deathcore band from Upland, California, burst onto the scene in 2002, initially under the name Bleak December. Their unique blend of brutal deathcore and symphonic elements quickly set them apart, establishing them as early innovators in the genre. The bands name, adopted in April 2005, is a direct quote from Unearths "Endless": "Growing wings of sorrow/have brought you to the winds of plague."

Their independent 2005 demo, A Cold Day in Hell, showcased their raw talent and foreshadowed their future success. Several tracks from this demo would later find their way onto their debut full-length.

In 2008, Winds of Plague signed with Century Media Records and unleashed Decimate the Weak, featuring re-recorded material from A Cold Day in Hell alongside new, devastating tracks. This solidified their position in the deathcore scene. Following up with The Great Stone War on August 11, 2009, the band continued to evolve their sound amidst lineup changes.

Silence, the Pittsburgh metalcore quintet, exploded onto the scene in 2015. Their initial sonic assault, the *Unrequited, Unrefuted, and Undeniably - Im Alone* EP, laid the groundwork for their 2016 debut full-length, *And Everything Was Beautiful*. However, a significant lineup overhaul preceded their 2018 release, *Undercover Scumbag*, marking a pivotal shift in the bands trajectory. This reinvigorated Silence went on to unleash Irrational Pull in 2020 and Narrative in 2022, solidifying their place in the metalcore landscape.

Their 2024 album, People Watching, represents a powerful evolution, showcasing a heavier, more distinctly metalcore sound, a departure from their earlier hardcore roots. Tragically, the band announced the unexpected passing of bassist Lukas Booker in March 2025. Despite this devastating loss, Silence bravely committed to their upcoming tour supporting Silent Planet and Invent Animate, a testament to their resilience and dedication to their music and fans.

Hailing from Marseille, France, LANDMVRKS (pronounced "Landmarks") is a metalcore powerhouse formed in 2014. Initially known as Coldsight, the band`s evolution began with Florent Salfati and Nicolas Soriano. Salfati, originally intended as guitarist, unexpectedly became the vocalist after a fruitless search for a lead singer. He was concurrently the vocalist for Hate in Front. The lineup solidified with the addition of bassist Rudy Purkart and guitarist Thomas Lebreton. Nicolas Exposito joined as second guitarist, and the band rebranded as Landmarks, later stylized as LANDMVRKS.

Their rise was rapid. A 2015 appearance at Manchester`s Deadbolt Festival showcased their burgeoning talent. Following the release of several early singles, their self-produced debut album, Hollow, dropped on May 10, 2016, marking a significant milestone. That same year, they made their Hellfest debut, solidifying their position in the European metalcore scene. Now signed to Arising Empire, LANDMVRKS have gone on to release four studio albums, cementing their status as a leading force in the genre.

Hailing from Layton, Utah, Get Scared emerged onto the post-hardcore scene in 2008. Their initial foray involved the 2009 EP Cheap Tricks and Theatrics, followed by a self-titled EP in 2010. The band solidified their presence with their debut full-length, Best Kind of Mess, in July 2011. A brief period of lineup instability ensued when guitarist Nicholas Matthews temporarily departed to join Blacklisted Me. This resulted in the surprise release of Cheap Tricks and Theatrics B-Sides in December 2011. Matthews absence was filled by Joel Faviere, leading to the 2012 EP *Built for Blame, Laced With Shame*. However, Favieres tenure was short-lived, and Matthews returned to the fold a few months later.

Reunited and signed to Fearless Records, Get Scared unleashed their second album, *Everyones Out to Get Me*, in 2013. Their 2015 release, *Demons*, marked a significant stylistic shift, trading their earlier post-hardcore sound for a more metalcore-influenced approach. The bands final album, The Dead Days, arrived in 2019, coinciding with a hiatus that ultimately ended in their disbandment. Vocalist Nicholas Matthews later confirmed the breakup, citing irreconcilable differences between the members.