Hailing from Lansing, Michigan, Of Virtue emerged onto the metalcore scene in 2008. This powerhouse quartet—featuring Tyler Ennis on lead vocals, Damon Tate on guitar and co-lead vocals, Michael Valadez on guitar, and Ryan Trinh on drums—has steadily built a formidable discography.

Their journey began with the self-released To Breathe Again EP in 2009, followed by their debut full-length, Heartsounds, in 2011. They further solidified their sound with the Learn/Love EP in 2012 and the critically acclaimed Salvation in 2015. After releasing the singles "Surrounded" and "Torn Apart" in 2018, Of Virtue signed with SharpTone Records in early 2019, dropping "Suffer" as a precursor to their third studio album, What Defines You.

Now, with a legacy of three albums and three EPs, Of Virtue continues to make waves. Their latest offering, Omen, is set to drop September 29th, 2023, promising another chapter in their compelling and hard-hitting musical narrative.

Picture this: a rock-solid library, not your average mellow acoustic set. From the Middle Ages to the 18th century, most libraries – think massive, sprawling venues – were chained libraries. This wasn't some punk rock rebellion, but a practical, albeit expensive, anti-theft system. Valuable tomes – the heavy hitters, the reference albums, the oversized concept pieces – were chained to their shelves. Think of it as a librarian's ultimate security system, a hefty chain acting as the ultimate gatekeeper.

The chains weren’t just haphazardly slapped on; they were strategically attached to corners or covers, protecting the spines from wear and tear – preventing the equivalent of a record skipping during a crucial guitar solo. This meant the books were displayed spine-out, fore-edges facing the reader—a unique presentation that facilitated easy access without tangling the chains. It was a carefully orchestrated system, preventing theft and maximizing accessibility. Librarians even added extra protection, invoking curses on any would-be book thieves, adding a bit of gothic metal to the whole operation.

Removing a book required the librarian's key, making them the exclusive DJs of these literary archives. It was a high-security system, and a testament to the value placed on knowledge, a powerful riff in the history of information access.

Hailing from Calabasas, California, Incubus emerged from the ashes of Calabasas High School in 1991. The initial lineup featured vocalist Brandon Boyd, guitarist Mike Einziger, and drummer José Pasillas. They later added bassist Alex "Dirk Lance" Katunich and DJ Lyfe (Gavin Koppel), before solidifying their classic lineup with bassist Ben Kenney and DJ Kilmore. In 2024, Nicole Row took over bass duties from Kenney.

Incubus' journey to multi-platinum success wasn't overnight. While their early albums, Fungus Amongus (1995) and S.C.I.E.N.C.E. (1997), laid the groundwork, it was 1999's Make Yourself that propelled them into the mainstream. The album spawned several hits, most notably the chart-topping anthem "Drive." This success continued with Morning View (2001) and A Crow Left of the Murder... (2004). The band cemented their status with their #1 debut album, Light Grenades (2006), followed by the greatest hits compilation Monuments and Melodies (2009), and the studio album If Not Now, When (2011). Incubus further demonstrated their creative output with the Trust Fall (Side A) EP (2015) and their eighth studio album, simply titled 8, in 2017. Their enduring career showcases a band that consistently evolved and delivered, establishing them as a cornerstone act of alternative rock.

Formed in September 2009, Bodybox is a Tacoma-based trio whose diverse influences defy easy categorization. Their sound is best experienced live, so we encourage you to catch them at a show in the Puget Sound region (Tacoma, Olympia, and Seattle).

Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, Big Ass Truck (BAT) carved a unique niche in the American rock scene. Their sound was a potent blend of rock, hip-hop, funk, and psychedelia, further amplified by the live turntable work of their DJ, who layered beats, loops, and samples into their recordings and electrifying performances. Following the release of their 2001 album, The Rug, the band went on hiatus, but roared back to life with live shows in 2021.

Lineup:

The original Big Ass Truck lineup featured a powerhouse of talent: drummer Robert Barnett, DJ Colin Butler, bassist Joe Boone, keyboardist Alex Greene, and singer/guitarists Robby Grant and Steve Selvidge. The band's dynamic shifted throughout the '90s, with a revolving door of bassists including John C. Stubblefield (Lucero/Jello Biafra's band), Grayson Grant, and Dros Liposack, as well as keyboardist Chris Parker. Producer Ross Rice also occasionally joined the band.

History:

Big Ass Truck's self-titled debut album dropped in 1995, quickly establishing their presence. Significant touring followed, notably a Southern US run supporting 311. They released their second album, Kent, in 1996, and also dropped the Sack Lunch EP on Yep Roc Records.

One Step Closer, hailing from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, are making waves in the melodic hardcore scene. This straight-edge quartet has quickly garnered attention, landing on Stereogum's "Bands To Watch" and earning praise from BrooklynVegan as "one of the most exciting new bands in hardcore." Currently signed to Run for Cover Records, their debut album, This Place You Know (2021), received widespread acclaim.

Musically, One Step Closer blends classic DC emo with the raw energy of youth crew and the accessibility of late 90s melodic hardcore. As Upset Magazine's Rob Mair aptly described, their sound draws inspiration from hardcore's rich history while refusing to be confined to any single subgenre. Their songwriting incorporates elements of indie rock, post-hardcore, and even shoegaze, creating a unique and captivating sound. Influences range widely, from the emotive intensity of Turning Point and Inside Out, to the melodic punk of Blink-182 and Green Day, and the hardcore grit of Have Heart and Bane, alongside the post-hardcore nuance of Title Fight and Mineral. This eclectic mix has cemented One Step Closer's position as a truly exciting force in modern hardcore.

It Dies Today (IDT), the Buffalo, NY metalcore quintet, exploded onto the scene in September 2001. Their ferocious sound quickly gained traction, culminating in the breakout success of their 2004 debut album, The Caitiff Choir. This critically acclaimed release solidified their place in the burgeoning metalcore scene.

Following the release of their sophomore effort, Sirens, in 2006, the band weathered the departure of frontman Nicholas Brooks. Undeterred, they persevered, releasing Lividity in 2009 before entering a hiatus in 2010. A brief reunion in 2012 hinted at a potential comeback, but the band again went quiet until a surprise announcement: their appearance at Furnace Fest 2023. Further fueling speculation of a more permanent return, IDT also played the Better Lovers BLissmas show in their hometown of Buffalo on December 8th, 2023.

The band's origins trace back to August 2001, when a teenage lineup—vocalist Nicholas Brooks, guitarist Chris Cappelli, and guitarist Steve Lemke (later bassist)—formed, drawing their name from the Adamantium song "It Dies Today" (from their 1998 album From the Depths of Depression). Their early years saw the release of a three-track demo, Let the Angels Whisper Your Name, and the Forever Scorned EP, which propelled them onto tours supporting notable acts like Between the Buried and Me and Alexisonfire. This early momentum ultimately laid the groundwork for their future success.

Hailing from San Antonio, Texas, Union Underground exploded onto the nu-metal scene with a raw energy that quickly garnered attention. Founded by guitarist Bryan Scott and guitarist Patrick Kennison, who’d been making music together since junior high, the band built a solid foundation, independently selling 5,000 copies of their EP and generating enough buzz to catch the eye of Hollywood manager James Jeda. This led to a major label deal with Portrait Records, a Sony/Columbia imprint. Rounding out the lineup with drummer Josh Memolo and bassist John Moyer, Union Underground unleashed their debut album, ...An Education in Rebellion, in July 2000. The album, a potent blend of hard-hitting riffs and aggressive vocals, charted for four months, propelled by the hit single, "Turn Me On 'Mr. Deadman.'" Despite their initial success, the band ultimately dissolved in 2002. Their legacy, however, remains a significant chapter in the nu-metal genre's history.

Hailing from Toronto, Evans Blue emerged onto the Nu Metal scene in 2005. This Canadian quintet, initially formed from members of three different bands who connected through a local musician's online forum, quickly made a name for themselves. Lead singer Kevin Matisyn coined the band's name, a reference to the medical dye used to measure blood volume – a fittingly dark and intriguing moniker for their sound.

Their unique blend of aggressive riffs and melodic hooks caught the attention of producer Trevor Kustiak (Cool for August) and Mari Dew of The Pocket Studios. Despite the departure of their original lead guitarist, Kevin Smith, before securing a record deal, the band persevered. They honed their sound, crafting three demo tracks – "Black Hole," "Saturnalia," and "Starlight" – which would later feature on their debut.

By November 2005, Evans Blue had completed their seminal album, The Melody and the Energetic Nature of Volume. The album’s release was bolstered by their debut single, "Cold (But I'm Still Here)," accompanied by a music video, further propelling the band's rise. Their success story continued with over a million albums sold worldwide, encompassing five studio albums and a live album, solidifying their place in the Nu Metal landscape.

Snot: A Nu-Metal Tragedy and Resurrection

Hailing from Santa Barbara, California, Snot exploded onto the nu-metal scene in 1995. The band, forged from the ashes of local punk and metal acts (Lethal Dose and Kronix, respectively), quickly gained a ferocious following thanks to the raw energy of vocalist Lynn Strait and guitarist Mikey Doling. Their hard-hitting live shows in Los Angeles earned them a deal with Geffen Records, culminating in the release of their seminal debut album, Get Some, in May 1997. Produced by T-Ray, Get Some cemented their place in the burgeoning nu-metal landscape.

Tragedy struck during the band's 1998 Ozzfest tour. On July 9th, 1998, Strait's life was tragically cut short following an incident in Mansfield, Massachusetts, where he was arrested after emerging nude from a large toilet prop used by Limp Bizkit during their performances. His death brought the band to an abrupt and devastating end.

Despite the loss, Snot's legacy endured. In 2008, the remaining original lineup – Doling, bassist John Fahnestock, drummer Jamie Miller, and rhythm guitarist Sonny Mayo – reunited. They eventually formed a new band, Tons, in 2009, with vocalist Brandon Espinosa. However, the enduring power of Snot proved too strong, and the band announced another reformation in February 2014. The story of Snot is a testament to the raw power of their music and the enduring impact of Lynn Strait, tragically cut down in his prime.

DOROTHY, the hard-rocking Los Angeles quartet, exploded onto the scene in 2014. Fronted by the powerhouse vocalist Dorothy Martin, and featuring Jake Hayden on drums, Sam Bam Koltun on guitar, and Eliot Lorango on bass, their self-titled debut EP instantly garnered attention. Rolling Stone, recognizing their raw talent, hailed them as a "band you need to know," placing them #14 on their 50 Best New Artists of 2014 list.

Their origins trace back to early 2013, when Martin, through a connection with her cousin, met producer/guitarist Mark Jackson and his production partner Ian Scott. Hearing Martin’s voice, Jackson recalls, "We were blown away. We knew that pairing her vocals with some serious old-school metal riffs would be huge." He envisioned a sound reminiscent of AC/DC and Black Sabbath—stripped down, raw power, focusing on "one guitar, one bass, and drums, and bad-ass vocals." Martin herself quipped, "Basically, we want to make songs Beavis and Butt-head would like." Bassist Gregg Cash joined the initial lineup.

A piano ballad Martin initially showcased evolved into their explosive debut single, "After Midnight." The accompanying music video premiered on Noisey (Vice) in June 2014, instantly declared "the perfect modern rock concoction." This marked the beginning of DOROTHY's electrifying journey through the rock world.

Hailing from Oxnard, California, Nails are a hardcore punk force of nature. Formed in 2009 by vocalist Todd Jones (ex-Terror guitarist), bassist John Gianelli, and drummer Taylor Young (formerly of Disgrace), the band unleashed their brutal sound on the world with the Obscene Humanity EP. This was swiftly followed by the devastating full-lengths Unsilent Death (2010), Abandon All Life (2013), and the critically acclaimed You Will Never Be One of Us (2016). Adding to their discography, they also released a split EP with Full of Hell, and most recently, Every Bridge Burning in 2024.

Nails' savage intensity and relentless energy have earned them widespread notoriety and critical acclaim within the hardcore scene. Their career, however, took an unexpected turn in 2016. Following the release of You Will Never Be One of Us, the band abruptly cancelled a European tour, with promoters citing an indefinite hiatus and the cessation of live performances and recording. While promoters claimed a hiatus, Todd Jones later refuted this, stating that the band had never officially gone on hiatus. The band's eventual return and release of Every Bridge Burning has solidified their status as a major player in the hardcore punk landscape.