Time for Rock...
Time for Rock...
Founded in: 1998
Hailing from the small town of Red Lion, Pennsylvania, Halestorm burst onto the scene with a raw energy that captivated the rock world. Led by the powerhouse vocalist and guitarist Lzzy Hale, alongside her drummer brother Arejay Hale, the band's sound is a potent mix of hard-hitting rock, heavy metal, and a touch of bluesy swagger.
Their self-titled debut album in 2009, unleashed through Atlantic Records, introduced the world to their fiery brand of music. But it was their sophomore release, "The Strange Case Of...", that truly catapulted them to stardom. The album's lead single, "Love Bites (So Do I)", became a rock anthem, earning the band a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance.
The band's meteoric rise continued with their third album, "Into the Wild Life", reaching a peak of number five on the Billboard 200 chart. They continued their winning streak with "Vicious", their fourth album, which debuted at number eight, marking their second top ten record. In 2022, they released their fifth album, "Back From The Dead", solidifying their place as a major force in modern rock.
Known for their relentless touring schedule, Halestorm often perform over 250 shows a year, captivating audiences with their energetic stage presence and infectious music. After years of supporting other heavy metal acts, they achieved a monumental milestone in 2016, selling out their first headlining arena show, a testament to their growing fanbase and their undeniable talent.
Halestorm is more than just a rock band; they are a powerful force, pushing boundaries, breaking barriers, and inspiring a generation of rock fans. Their music is a potent blend of raw power and soulful emotion, ensuring that Halestorm will continue to be a dominant force in the rock scene for years to come.
Founded in: 2008
Falling in Reverse is an American rock band known for their energetic live performances and captivating blend of pop-punk, metalcore, and alternative rock. The band was founded in 2008 by frontman Ronnie Radke, who originally called the group "From Behind These Walls." However, the name was quickly changed to the now-iconic "Falling in Reverse" shortly after their formation.
Currently signed to Epitaph Records, the band has faced multiple lineup changes throughout their career, with Radke remaining the sole original member. They are now led by Radke, alongside guitarist Christian Thompson and bassist Tyler Burgess.
Their debut album, "The Drug in Me Is You," released in July 2011, made a significant impact, reaching No. 19 on the Billboard 200 chart and selling over 18,000 copies in its first week. The album's success was solidified in December 2019 when it was certified gold by the RIAA.
Falling in Reverse's second studio album, "Fashionably Late," followed in 2013, reaching a peak position of No. 17 on the Billboard 200. The band continues to tour extensively, captivating audiences with their unique blend of heavy and catchy music.
Founded in: 2014
Lindemann, the German musical project spearheaded by the iconic vocalist Till Lindemann, burst onto the scene in 2013. This super-duo, formed with Swedish multi-instrumentalist Peter Tägtgren, blended the raw power of Rammstein with the industrial edge of Tägtgren's own project, Pain. Tägtgren himself described the sound as a "mix of Rammstein vocals and Pain music," promising a unique and potent sonic experience.
Their debut album, "Skills in Pills," arrived in 2015, solidifying their distinct sound and setting the stage for a whirlwind of intense performances. The follow-up, "F & M," dropped in 2019, further cementing Lindemann's status as a force to be reckoned with in the rock world.
A Meeting of Minds
The unlikely pairing of Lindemann and Tägtgren was born out of a chance encounter in a Stockholm rock pub. Introduced by members of the Swedish band Clawfinger, they hit it off, forging a creative connection that would lead to Lindemann's existence.
The collaboration came about during a break from Rammstein's touring schedule, with Lindemann originally planning to only create a couple of songs with Tägtgren. However, the duo's creative sparks ignited, leading them to craft a full-fledged album.
Finding Their Name
The band's name proved to be a challenge, with every name they considered already belonging to another group. Ultimately, they settled on simply "Lindemann," a suggestion from someone outside the band. While Tägtgren was initially hesitant, the name stuck, becoming synonymous with their unique and powerful sound.
Beyond the Duo
In 2020, Tägtgren departed Lindemann, leaving Lindemann as a solo project. Despite this change, Lindemann's legacy as a powerful and innovative musical force remains. The band's blend of industrial metal, electronic elements, and Till Lindemann's signature vocals continues to captivate audiences worldwide, ensuring that Lindemann's music will reverberate for years to come.
Founded in: 1969
Judas Priest, hailing from Birmingham, England, emerged in 1969 as a force to be reckoned with in the heavy metal scene. Their influence is undeniable, having sold over 50 million albums worldwide and consistently ranking among the greatest metal bands of all time.
They are considered pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement, a movement that shook the world of rock music in the late 70s. Their sound has heavily influenced various heavy metal subgenres, including speed metal, thrash metal, power metal, and the hard rock/glam metal scene of the 80s.
Despite their innovative and groundbreaking music, Judas Priest faced challenges in their early years. Poor record production and a lack of major commercial success plagued them until 1980, when their sixth studio album, "British Steel," catapulted them into the mainstream spotlight.
The band's lineup has undergone significant changes over the years. Throughout the 70s, a core group consisting of bassist Ian Hill, vocalist Rob Halford, and guitarists Glenn Tipton and K. K. Downing, cycled through various drummers before finding a stable rhythm section with Dave Holland in 1979. Holland remained with the band for ten years, until 1989, when Scott Travis took over drumming duties.
In 1992, Halford left Judas Priest, leaving a void in the band's heart. After a four-year hiatus, the band regrouped in 1996 with Tim "Ripper" Owens (formerly of Winter's Bane) as their new vocalist. After two albums with Owens, Halford returned to the band in 2003, reuniting the iconic frontman with his metal brethren.
In 2011, Downing left the band, paving the way for Richie Faulkner to join as the newest guitarist. Judas Priest, with its legendary members and ever-evolving lineup, continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans with its powerful sound and iconic legacy.
Founded in: 1996
Disturbed, hailing from the heart of Chicago, burst onto the heavy metal scene in 1994. This powerhouse quartet, featuring the blistering guitar work of Dan Donegan, the relentless drumming of Mike Wengren, the powerful vocals of David Draiman, and the solid bass lines of John Moyer, has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of rock.
While Donegan and Wengren have been with the band since its inception, Disturbed's lineup has evolved over the years. Draiman joined in 1996, replacing original vocalist Erich Awalt, while Moyer stepped in for founding bassist Steve "Fuzz" Kmak in 2004.
Their debut album, The Sickness, released in 2000, propelled them to commercial success with hit singles like "Down With the Sickness" and "Stupify". This was just the beginning of a string of chart-topping albums, including Believe (2002), Ten Thousand Fists (2005), Indestructible (2008), and Asylum (2010) - all of which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.
In 2011, Disturbed took a brief hiatus, allowing members to explore side projects and release The Lost Children, a compilation of unreleased tracks. They returned in 2015 with their sixth album, Immortalized, followed by Evolution (2018) and Divisive (2022), proving their enduring appeal.
Disturbed's legacy speaks for itself: over 17 million records sold worldwide, six RIAA certifications (including 5x platinum for The Sickness), consistent top 10 charting singles on the Mainstream Rock chart, and two Grammy Award nominations. They stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Slipknot and Godsmack as one of the most successful rock bands of the 21st century, leaving an undeniable mark on the heavy metal landscape.
Founded in: 1995
Slipknot, a name synonymous with intense, masked mayhem, emerged from the heartland of Des Moines, Iowa, in 1995. Born from the creative fire of percussionist Shawn "Clown" Crahan, former vocalist Anders Colsefni, and bassist Paul Gray, the band underwent a series of lineup changes before solidifying its nine-member core: Crahan, Gray, Joey Jordison, Craig Jones, Mick Thomson, Corey Taylor, Sid Wilson, Chris Fehn, and Jim Root. This lineup dominated the heavy metal scene for over a decade.
Slipknot's undeniable presence is built on their trademark image – masked, masked, and masked again – their aggressive musical style that blends heavy metal, thrash, and industrial influences, and their explosive live shows that leave audiences breathless. Their self-titled debut album in 1999 thrust them onto the world stage, instantly cementing their status as heavy metal royalty. The darker, heavier follow-up, Iowa in 2001, propelled them further into the spotlight.
After a brief hiatus, the band returned in 2004 with Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses), followed by another hiatus before their fourth album, All Hope Is Gone, topped the Billboard 200 chart in 2008. Another lengthy break culminated in the release of their fifth studio album, .5: The Gray Chapter, in 2014, marking a period of musical exploration and evolution.
Slipknot continued their reign with We Are Not Your Kind in 2019, a testament to their longevity and creative drive. Their latest offering, The End, So Far, hit the scene in 2022, showcasing the band's relentless commitment to pushing boundaries and delivering a sonic experience that's both brutal and captivating.
Slipknot remains a force to be reckoned with, a band that continues to redefine the heavy metal landscape, leaving a trail of sonic destruction and undeniable influence in its wake.
Founded in: 1981
Slayer, hailing from Huntington Park, California, emerged in 1981 as a force of pure sonic aggression. Founded by guitarists Kerry King and Jeff Hanneman, drummer Dave Lombardo, and bassist/vocalist Tom Araya, they quickly established themselves as a dominant force in the thrash metal scene. Their blistering speed and relentless intensity earned them a place amongst the "Big Four" of thrash alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax.
Slayer's musical style is defined by its raw power and uncompromising aggression. Their lyrics, often focusing on themes of serial killers, torture, genocide, and other dark subjects, have generated controversy and even bans throughout their career. But the band's influence on metal is undeniable. Their third album, Reign in Blood (1986), is considered one of the heaviest and most influential thrash metal albums ever released.
Their signature sound was forged through the songwriting partnership of King and Hanneman, who also contributed to the band's lyrics. While the band has undergone numerous lineup changes, the current iteration features King, Araya, drummer Paul Bostaph, and guitarist Gary Holt, who joined permanently after Hanneman's passing in 2013.
Throughout their career, Slayer have released a substantial body of work including twelve studio albums, three live albums, a box set, six music videos, two extended plays, and a cover album. Four of their studio albums have achieved gold certification in the United States, and they sold an impressive 5 million copies between 1991 and 2013, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
Slayer's legacy is cemented as a cornerstone of thrash metal, a band that pushed boundaries and challenged conventions with their uncompromising sound and controversial lyrical content. Their influence can be felt in countless bands that followed in their wake, forever solidifying their status as true pioneers of the genre.
Founded in: 1975
Born in the crucible of Leyton, East London in 1975, Iron Maiden emerged as a force to be reckoned with, spearheaded by bassist and songwriting maestro Steve Harris. While their early lineup saw some shifts, the core of the band, consisting of Harris, lead vocalist Bruce Dickinson, drummer Nicko McBrain, and guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janick Gers, has defined their sound for generations.
Iron Maiden were pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM), a movement that shook the world of rock with its raw energy and aggression. Their early albums, including their 1980 debut and 1981's Killers, established their sonic blueprint, but it was 1982's The Number of the Beast, their first album with Bruce Dickinson, that truly catapulted them to legendary status. Dickinson's powerful vocals and theatrical stage presence ignited a firestorm, solidifying Iron Maiden's place as one of heavy metal's most influential bands.
The Number of the Beast became a cornerstone of the heavy metal canon, selling nearly 20 million copies worldwide. It was the catalyst for a string of platinum and gold albums, cementing Iron Maiden's position as a global phenomenon.
Despite internal turbulence in the 1990s, the band's resurgence in 1999, marked by Dickinson's return alongside guitarist Adrian Smith, signaled a new era of triumph. A slew of critically acclaimed albums and massive tours re-energized their fan base, proving that Iron Maiden's power was undiminished.
Their most recent albums – The Final Frontier (2010), The Book of Souls (2015), and Senjutsu (2021) – have all reached the top of the charts in over 25 countries, a testament to their enduring global appeal.
With over 130 million albums sold and 600 certifications worldwide, Iron Maiden have left an undeniable imprint on the world of rock. They are not just a band; they are a cultural icon, a force that has inspired countless musicians and continues to enthrall generations of fans. Their influence is immeasurable, and their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, alongside a plethora of industry awards, including Grammys and Brit Awards, is a testament to their enduring legacy. Iron Maiden is not simply a band; they are a testament to the enduring power of heavy metal.
Founded in: 2008
fun. was a New York City-based indie pop band known for their infectious energy and catchy melodies. The trio consisted of the talented musicians:
The band's journey began in 2008, shortly after The Format disbanded. Nate Ruess, yearning for a fresh start, invited Andrew Dost and Jack Antonoff to join his new project. Dost, who had previously toured and contributed to The Format, readily accepted the offer. Ruess and Antonoff had crossed paths when The Format toured with Steel Train, forging a musical connection.
The band's debut album, "Aim and Ignite," was released in 2009, establishing fun. as a force to be reckoned with in the indie music scene. However, it was their second album, "Some Nights," released in 2012, that catapulted them to international stardom.
"Some Nights" peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 chart and topped both the Top Alternative Albums and Top Rock Albums charts. This critical and commercial success spawned some of fun.'s most iconic singles:
At the 55th Annual Grammy Awards, fun. was honored with prestigious awards: "Song of the Year" for "We Are Young," and "Best New Artist."
With their unique blend of indie sensibilities, catchy pop hooks, and a high-energy live show, fun. left a lasting impact on the music world. Their success proved that a band with a strong foundation in songwriting, musicianship, and a genuine connection with their audience could achieve true global recognition.
Founded in: 2010
Bastille, the English indie pop band, burst onto the scene in 2010 with frontman Dan Smith's solo project. The group quickly expanded, adding keyboardist Kyle Simmons, bassist/guitarist Will Farquarson, and drummer Chris "Woody" Wood.
Their debut single, a limited edition 7" release featuring "Flaws" and "Icarus," caught the attention of Alex Baker, a presenter on Kerrang! Radio's unsigned/independent artists show. This early exposure helped propel Bastille to sign with Virgin Records after releasing a self-produced EP.
Their breakout moment arrived in March 2013 with their debut album, "Bad Blood," which topped the UK Albums Chart. The album spawned the hit single "Pompeii," reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and cementing Bastille's status as a major force in the music industry.
Their success continued, earning them four Brit Award nominations in 2014, including a win for British Breakthrough Act. Bastille's music resonated globally, with sales exceeding eleven million records by August 2021.
Bastille's journey illustrates the power of independent artistry and the impact of early support. Their limited edition debut single, a mere 300 copies, ignited their rise, proving that even in the digital age, raw talent and passionate fans can fuel a band's success. From their early days as an independent act to their chart-topping achievements, Bastille's story exemplifies the enduring appeal of genuine music and its ability to connect with audiences worldwide.
Founded in: 1979
Fishbone, hailing from the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, California, are more than just a rock band. They're a sonic explosion of musical styles, effortlessly fusing ska, punk, funk, metal, reggae, and soul into a unique and unforgettable sound.
Considered by AllMusic as "one of the most distinctive and eclectic alternative rock bands of the late '80s," Fishbone exploded onto the scene with a frenetic energy, self-aware diversity, and a playful sense of humor that masked their sharp social commentary. Their infectious blend of genres garnered a devoted cult following.
The band's origins can be traced back to 1979, when a group of junior high students, John Norwood Fisher (bass), his brother Philip "Fish" Fisher (drums), Angelo Moore (vocals, saxophones, theremin), Kendall Jones (guitar), "Dirty" Walter A. Kibby II (vocals, trumpet), and Christopher Dowd (keyboards, trombone, vocals), came together, forming the nucleus of what would become Fishbone.
Their most commercially successful period spanned the late 1980s and early 1990s, though the band endured numerous lineup changes over the years. John Norwood Fisher and Angelo Moore were the last two original members remaining from 2003 to 2010. A wave of reunions in the 2010s saw the return of most of the original lineup, with the exception of Kendall Jones, for various tours and anniversary celebrations.
As of April 2024, Fishbone continues to rock stages with a lineup consisting of Angelo Moore, Christopher Dowd, guitarist Mark Phillips, bassist Aroyn Day, drummer Hassan Hurd, and trumpeter JS Williams.
Early Career (1979-1987):
Fishbone's journey began in 1979, when these young musicians, a diverse and eccentric crew, joined forces in their junior high school. Their early years were marked by raw energy and a dedication to their unique vision.
Founded in: 1979
Loverboy, hailing from Calgary, Alberta, burst onto the music scene in 1979, becoming a cornerstone of arena rock. Their anthems, like "Turn Me Loose" and "Working for the Weekend," continue to dominate classic rock radio waves across North America, solidifying their legacy as a Canadian rock icon.
After being rejected by numerous American record labels, Loverboy signed with Columbia/CBS Records Canada in 1980, launching their debut album. The band's lineup comprised the charismatic vocalist Mike Reno (formerly of Moxy), the gifted guitarist Paul Dean (previously with Scrubbaloe Caine and Streetheart), keyboardist Doug Johnson, bassist Scott Smith (who replaced Jim Clench after just one gig), and drummer Matt Frenette.
Throughout the 1980s, Loverboy dominated the charts with hit after hit, amassing four multi-platinum albums and selling millions of records. They experienced a brief hiatus from 1988 to 1991 but have continued performing live shows consistently ever since, captivating audiences with their energetic stage presence. Currently, the band calls Vancouver their home.
A Dream-Inspired Name:
According to Reno, the band's name was inspired by a dream Paul Dean had. After a night spent with bandmates and their girlfriends, Dean went to the movies. While his companions flipped through fashion magazines, Dean's attention was drawn to a Cover Girl advertisement, which sparked the inspiration for the name "Loverboy."