Fit for a King (FFAK), the Tyler, Texas metalcore quintet, exploded onto the scene in 2007. Initially featuring Jared Easterling, Aaron Decur, Justin Juno, Jared McFerron, Alex Danforth, and Jed McNeill, the band honed their ferocious sound through relentless local and regional gigs, culminating in the release of two self-released EPs. A pivotal moment arrived in 2009 when the band committed to full-time touring, leading to the departure of McNeill and McFerron to focus on their studies. The lineup solidified further in 2010 with the addition of vocalist Ryan Kirby (formerly of Fort Worth's Bodies Awake), replacing Mason Wilson, who himself had previously filled the vocalist role after Danforth's exit. This lineup – Kirby on vocals, Bobby Lynge and Daniel Gailey on guitars, Ryan "Tuck" O'Leary on bass, and Trey Celaya on drums – would go on to define the band's sound. Their independent era yielded the 2008 Fit for a King EP, the 2009 Awaken the Vesper EP, and the 2011 full-length Descendants. This independent foundation propelled them to a major label deal with Solid State Records, launching their next phase of explosive growth. Following the signing, they released a redux of their debut album and subsequently six critically acclaimed studio albums: Creation/Destruction (2013), Slave to Nothing (2014), Deathgrip (2016), Dark Skies (2018), The Path (2020), and The Hell We Create (2022). Fit for a King’s journey showcases a band that not only persevered through lineup changes but also evolved their sound, cementing their place as a major force in modern metalcore.

Municipal Waste: Richmond's Crossover Thrash Titans

Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Municipal Waste exploded onto the scene in 2000, igniting a firestorm of crossover thrash fury. Since their inaugural gig at a New Year's Eve keg party (a fittingly chaotic start!), the band has carved a legendary path. Their sound, a potent blend of D.R.I., Suicidal Tendencies, Corrosion of Conformity (Animosity era), Nuclear Assault, and Attitude Adjustment, has cemented their place as crossover thrash royalty.

Over their career, Municipal Waste have unleashed seven studio albums, three EPs, and four splits, consistently delivering high-octane energy and infectious riffs. While the lineup has seen some changes, vocalist Tony Foresta and rhythm guitarist Ryan Waste remain the steadfast core, providing unwavering consistency to the band's chaotic brilliance. Currently, they're joined by bassist Philip "Land Phil" Hall, drummer Dave Witte, and lead guitarist Nick "Nikropolis" Poulos, forming a formidable unit. Their early years included extensive touring throughout the US and Mexico, and the release of multiple split albums (notably a 7" with Bad Acid Trip and a 12" with Crucial Unit), as well as contributions to various compilations, solidifying their presence in the underground. Municipal Waste aren't just a band; they're a testament to the enduring power of crossover thrash.

Hailing from Westerville, Ohio, Attack Attack! burst onto the metalcore scene in 2007, initially operating under the moniker Ambiance. Their self-released debut EP quickly caught the attention of Rise Records, leading to a record deal that same year. The band's potent blend of metalcore aggression and catchy melodies propelled them to release three full-length albums through Rise: Someday Came Suddenly, their self-titled effort, and This Means War. After a successful run with Rise, Attack Attack! parted ways with the label in 2012 and ultimately disbanded the following year, concluding with a farewell tour. However, the Ohio five-piece's legacy proved far from over. A highly anticipated reformation was announced on October 19, 2020, featuring a mix of original members and new recruits, igniting renewed interest in this influential metalcore act.

The band's genesis involved a convergence of talent from various local high school bands. Johnny Franck, Andrew Whiting, Nick White, and Andrew Wetzel connected with Austin Carlile, eventually recruiting Caleb Shomo on keyboards. This lineup solidified as Attack Attack!, and the band immediately hit the ground running, self-recording material and leveraging MySpace to build momentum and generate buzz before signing to Rise Records.

Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, blessthefall (stylized as such since 2013) are a metalcore force to be reckoned with. Signed to Rise Records, the band, formed in 2004, initially featured guitarist Mike Frisby, drummer Matt Traynor, and bassist/vocalist Jared Warth. Their debut, His Last Walk, dropped on November 7th, 2006, showcasing the powerful vocals of original frontman Craig Mabbitt.

Mabbitt's departure in 2007 paved the way for his replacement in Escape the Fate, while blessthefall soldiered on. Beau Bokan stepped up as the permanent vocalist in 2008, lending his distinctive voice to their sophomore effort, Witness, released October 6th, 2009. Subsequent albums solidified their status: Awakening (October 4th, 2011), Hollow Bodies (August 20th, 2013), To Those Left Behind (September 18th, 2015), and Hard Feelings (March 23rd, 2018), showcasing their evolution and continued impact on the metalcore scene.

Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, The Devil Wears Prada exploded onto the metalcore scene in 2005. Initially known for their Christian-themed lyrics, the band—originally featuring Mike Hranica (vocals, guitar), Jeremy DePoyster (rhythm guitar, vocals), Kyle Sipress (lead guitar, backing vocals), Mason Nagy (bass), Jonathan Gering (keyboards, backing vocals), and Giuseppe Capolupo (drums)—quickly gained traction. While they maintained their original lineup for a significant period, the departure of keyboardist James Baney marked a shift.

Their potent blend of aggressive metalcore and intricate musicianship has fueled eight studio albums: Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord (2006), Plagues (2007), With Roots Above and Branches Below (2009), Dead Throne (2011), 8:18 (2013), Transit Blues (2016), The Act (2019), and Color Decay (2022).

Early Days and Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord

Formed in 2005, the band—named after the novel— initially performed with a fill-in bassist and only one guitarist. Jeremy DePoyster (rhythm guitar) and bassist Andy Trick soon joined the ranks. After cutting their teeth playing local Dayton gigs, they released their Patterns of a Horizon demo. This demo, however, didn't meet their standards. Following a successful trial with Rise Records, they secured a contract and re-recorded the entire demo for their debut full-length, Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord. This marked the official launch of a band destined for major success within the metalcore genre.

Memphis May Fire, the Denton, Texas metalcore titans, have carved a significant path since their 2006 inception. Currently signed to Rise Records, the band—featuring vocalist Matty Mullins, guitarist Kellen McGregor, bassist Cory Elder, and drummer Jake Garland—boasts a formidable discography: seven studio albums and two EPs. Their impact is undeniable, with Unconditional, their fourth album, reaching #4 on the Billboard 200 and topping the Alternative Albums chart.

The band's history is a compelling story. Initially known as Oh Captain, My Captain, the group solidified their name and lineup in early 2007 with original members Chase Ryan (vocals), Ryan Bentley (guitar), and Tanner Oakes (bass). A self-released EP quickly built a local buzz, catching the ear of Josh Grabelle, president of Trustkill Records. Grabelle's enthusiastic response in a press release—comparing their compelling songwriting to Bullet for My Valentine's Hand of Blood—highlighted their early promise and cemented their potential for greatness.

Fit for an Autopsy, the Jersey City deathcore titans, formed in 2008, have cemented their place as a force to be reckoned with in the extreme metal scene. The current lineup boasts Pat Sheridan, Will Putney, and Tim Howley on guitars; Josean Orta on drums; Joe Badolato on vocals; and Peter "Blue" Spinazola on bass. Signed to Nuclear Blast, they've unleashed seven devastating studio albums since their inception.

Their journey began with a 2008 demo, followed swiftly by the Hell on Earth EP in 2009. 2011 saw the release of their debut full-length, The Process of Human Extermination, a brutal introduction to their signature sound. Hellbound, their second album, dropped in September 2013, further solidifying their position. The band experienced a vocalist change in 2014 with the departure of Nate Johnson, temporarily replaced by Greg Wilburn of The Devastated. Early 2015 brought another shift, with Wilburn's exit and the arrival of current vocalist Joe Badolato, paving the way for the band's next creative chapter.

Sanguisugabogg, the Columbus, Ohio death metal behemoth, erupted onto the scene in 2019, the brainchild of guitarist Cameron Boggs. The band's name—a gruesome blend of the Latin word for "leech" and British slang for "toilet"—is as fittingly visceral as their music. Since their inception, they've unleashed a demo, Pornographic Seizures with Maggot Stomp, a live album, and two studio LPs, leaving a trail of sonic carnage in their wake.

Currently, the lineup features vocalist Devin Swank, drummer/percussionist Cody Davidson, and the dual-threat guitar/bass players Cedrik Davis and Drew Arnold. Their early years (2019-2021) saw the band quickly gain momentum. Following the departure of original bassist Steph Barnes in 2020, Sanguisugabogg toured relentlessly, sharing the stage with Creeping Death and headlining their own US tour supported by Undeath, Vomit Forth, and Graveview (on select dates). The band solidified their position in the death metal underground with the release of their debut full-length, Tortured Whole, via Century Media Records in March 2021, preceded by the single "Menstrual Envy." Their rise is a testament to their raw power and uncompromising brutality.

The Plot in You, a post-hardcore powerhouse hailing from Hancock County, Ohio, exploded onto the scene in 2010. Initially a side project for Landon Tewers, formerly of Before Their Eyes, the band solidified its lineup with guitarist Josh Childress, bassist Ethan Yoder, and drummer Michael Cooper.

Their explosive journey began with the raw and controversial 2010 EP, Wife Beater, released under InVogue Records – the same label as Tewers' previous band. This release proved pivotal, prompting Tewers to leave Before Their Eyes and fully commit to The Plot in You. The band quickly followed up with their debut full-length, First Born (2011), solidifying their intense, emotional sound. Could You Watch Your Children Burn (2013) further cemented their position in the post-hardcore landscape.

The band's trajectory shifted with their signing to StaySick Recordings in 2015, resulting in the release of Happiness in Self Destruction. However, after a successful run, they parted ways with StaySick in 2017, quickly signing with Fearless Records and unleashing Dispose in February 2018. Their fifth studio album, Swan Song, arrived in September 2021, marking another significant chapter in their impactful career. The Plot in You's discography also includes three EPs, showcasing their consistent evolution and unwavering dedication to their emotionally charged, heavy sound. The band's original name, "Vessels," reflects their early evolution into the force they are today.

Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, Sleep Theory exploded onto the rock scene in 2020. Fronted by vocalist Cullen Moore, a US Army veteran, the band—completed by guitarist Daniel Pruitt, bassist Paolo Vergara, and drummer Ben Pruitt—initially started as Moore's solo project before expanding its ranks. Sleep Theory's unique sound seamlessly fuses the raw energy of metal with the soulful groove of R&B. Their 2023 debut EP, Paper Hearts, preceded by the singles "Another Way" and "Numb," quickly amassed over 33 million streams, showcasing the band's undeniable potential and establishing them as a force to be reckoned with in the modern rock landscape.

August Burns Red: A Metalcore Juggernaut from Pennsylvania

Hailing from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, August Burns Red exploded onto the metalcore scene in 2003. The band's current lineup – guitarists JB Brubaker and Brent Rambler, drummer Matt Greiner, vocalist Jake Luhrs, and bassist Dustin Davidson – solidified in 2006, forming the core of their enduring success. This powerhouse quintet has consistently delivered blistering performances and intricate compositions, earning them two Grammy nominations: Best Metal Performance for "Identity" (from 2015's Found in Far Away Places) and "Invisible Enemy" (from 2017's Phantom Anthem).

Their decade-spanning career boasts ten studio albums, culminating in their latest release, 2023's Death Below. This prolific output showcases their evolution and mastery of the metalcore genre.

Early Days and Thrill Seeker

The band's origins trace back to March 2003, with all members still in high school. Their early rehearsals took place in a rather unconventional venue – drummer Matt Greiner's old egg house and basement on his family's farm. After honing their skills in the Lancaster scene, they released their debut EP, Looks Fragile After All, via CI Records in 2004. This period also saw vocalist Jon Hershey depart, replaced by Josh McManness. The lineup shift proved pivotal, leading to a signing with Solid State Records in 2005 and setting the stage for their ascent to prominence. Hershey would later find success in the post-rock band Bells.

Dayseeker, the Orange County, California post-hardcore quintet, exploded onto the scene in 2012. Originally featuring vocalist Rory Rodriguez, guitarists Alex Polk and Gino Sgambelluri, bassist Andrew Sharp, and drummer Mike Karle (all veterans of the local scene, with Rodriguez and Polk previously in Arms Like Yours), the band quickly built momentum. Their early work, including demos like "What It Means to Be Defeated," "Collision.Survive," and "Resurrect," showcased their raw energy and emotional depth. This led to a record deal with InVogue Records, resulting in the release of their debut full-length, What It Means to Be Defeated, on October 29, 2013 (mastered by Joey Sturgis). A re-release followed on November 24, 2014. The band's lineup has since evolved, with current members Rodriguez, Sgambelluri, bassist Ramone Valerio, and drummer Zac Mayfield, solidifying their position as a major player in the post-hardcore landscape. Now signed to Spinefarm Records, they boast a prolific discography, releasing six studio albums, culminating with their latest effort, Replica, which dropped April 19, 2024.