All That Remains, the Springfield, Massachusetts metal titans, emerged in 1998, forging a career built on nine studio albums, a live CD/DVD, and over a million records sold worldwide. While vocalist Philip Labonte remains the sole original member, the band enjoyed a remarkably stable lineup from 2008's Overcome through 2015's The Order of Things, spanning four albums. This era ended with bassist Jeanne Sagan's departure in September 2015, replaced by Aaron Patrick. Tragedy struck in February 2019 with the death of original lead guitarist Oli Herbert, resulting in Jason Richardson joining the ranks. Further lineup shifts saw Patrick's exit in 2021 to focus on Bury Your Dead, with Matt Deis taking over bass duties in 2022. Labonte's journey to All That Remains began after his departure from Shadows Fall (appearing on their seminal Somber Eyes to the Sky), where "musical differences" led him to fully commit to his side project, releasing their debut album, Behind Silence and Solitude, in 2002 via Prosthetic Records.

Alesana (pronounced AL-iss-AN-a) is a post-hardcore band from Raleigh, North Carolina, currently signed to Revival Recordings and Artery Recordings. Formed in the fall of 2004 by Shawn Milke, Dennis Lee, Patrick Thompson, Steven Tomany, and Daniel Magnuson, the quintet has built a substantial catalog, boasting five full-length studio albums and three EPs.

Their debut, On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax, quickly garnered underground buzz, showcasing a unique blend of pop, punk, metal, and classic rock influences. This eclectic sound became a cornerstone of their identity.

Early Days: From Baltimore to Raleigh

The band's origins trace back to early 2000s Baltimore, Maryland, where founding members Shawn Milke and Patrick Thompson, both veterans of separate local bands, began collaborating. Milke, previously a member of the punk rock band The Legitimate Excuse (formed in 2001), spent a year searching for bandmates and developing early demos under the Alesana moniker. Seeking a broader pool of talent, the duo relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, where they recruited Dennis Lee as vocalist after a chance encounter – Milke famously recalling, "he looked like a band guy." Steven Tomany and Daniel Magnuson completed the initial lineup.

Silverstein, the Burlington, Ontario-based post-hardcore band formed in 2000, takes its name from children's author Shel Silverstein, a source of childhood inspiration for the members. Since their inception, they've built a prolific discography encompassing eleven studio albums, seven EPs, a compilation album, and a live DVD/CD, selling over one million albums worldwide.

Their breakthrough came with Discovering the Waterfront (their second studio album), which earned a Juno Award nomination and peaked at #34 on the Billboard 200. Subsequent releases achieved similar chart success.

The band's lineup remained stable from May 2001 to July 2012, featuring Shane Told (lead vocals), Neil Boshart (lead guitar), Josh Bradford (rhythm guitar), Billy Hamilton (bass), and Paul Koehler (drums). However, in September 2012, Boshart was replaced by Paul Marc Rousseau, who also contributed backing vocals alongside Hamilton.

After a long tenure with Victory Records (ending in 2010), Silverstein transitioned through Hopeless Records and Rise Records, ultimately landing on their current label, UNFD. Their tenth studio album, A Beautiful Place to Drown (released March 2020), garnered a 2021 Juno Award nomination for Best Rock Album, solidifying their status as a significant force in the Canadian and international rock scenes.

Brand of Sacrifice, a Toronto-based deathcore band, exploded onto the scene in 2018, rising from the ashes of The Afterimage. Founding members Kyle, Michael, Liam, Dallas, and Rob channeled their shared passion for Kentaro Miura's Berserk manga, infusing the dark, epic themes of the series into their brutal, technical sound.

Their debut EP, The Interstice, dropped the same year, laying the groundwork for their full-length debut, God Hand, in 2019. The band solidified their position in the deathcore scene with their critically acclaimed sophomore album, Lifeblood, independently released in 2021. This success led to a collaborative re-release of "Lifeblood," featuring Lorna Shore vocalist Will Ramos, further expanding their reach. In April 2023, they unleashed their second EP, Between Death and Dreams, showcasing four tracks of relentless intensity.

Members:

• Kyle Anderson – Lead Vocals
• Liam Beeson – Rhythm Guitar
• Andrew Kim – Bass
• Michael Leo Valeri – Lead Guitar
• Chason Westmoreland – Drums

Discography:

Albums:

• God Hand (2019)
• Lifeblood (2021)

EPs:

• The Interstice (2018)
• Between Death and Dreams (2023)

Singles:

• "Demon King" (2020)
• "Lifeblood" (2021)
• "Animal" (2021)
• "Altered Eyes" (2021)
• "Enemy" (feat. Spencer Chamberlain) (2021)
• "Lifeblood" (feat. Will Ramos) (2021)
• "Darkbloom" (with We Came as Romans) (2021)
• "Demon King" (feat. [Artist Name - information missing from original text]) (2021)

Brand of Sacrifice's blend of technical proficiency and visceral storytelling has cemented their place as a major force in modern deathcore. Their Berserk-inspired aesthetic and powerful performances continue to garner them a fiercely loyal fanbase.

Sunami: From Bay Area Hardcore Joke to Zeitgeist Dominators

Sunami, the San Jose hardcore punk band, exploded onto the scene in 2019, initially conceived as a tongue-in-cheek project by veterans of the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area hardcore scene. Their 2019 Demonstration demo served as a satirical jab at the perceived cluelessness within certain segments of the hardcore community. However, a brutally energetic debut live performance catapulted them to notoriety, extending their lifespan far beyond their initially intended short run.

Since then, this powerhouse quartet has released three EPs and their self-titled debut album on June 14, 2023. Their ascent has been meteoric, with Revolver magazine placing them "in the upper echelon of bands dominating the hardcore zeitgeist" in 2023.

History:

The members, all seasoned musicians with past experience in prominent Bay Area bands like Gulch, Hands of God, Drain, Spinebreaker, and Lead Dream, first connected through the local hardcore scene. The band's formation in 2019 stemmed from a joke, an idea proposed by Josef Alfonso, with the name "Sunami" – conceived a decade earlier by bassist Theo Dominguez – quickly adopted. Mike Durrett then began crafting the instrumental tracks at their friend Charles Toshio's home studio, with Toshio contributing drums and structuring the instrumental arrangements for the early material. What started as a parody quickly evolved into a major force in hardcore punk.

Hailing from Houston, Texas, Blue October emerged in 1995, solidifying their place as a cornerstone of the city's legendary rock scene. The band – currently featuring Justin Furstenfeld (vocals/guitar), Jeremy Furstenfeld (drums), Ryan Delahoussaye (multi-instrumentalist), Matt Noveskey (bass), and Steve Schiltz (lead guitar) – boasts a formidable catalog. Across twelve studio albums, they've amassed twenty Top 40 singles on the alternative rock charts, achieving platinum status with hits like "Hate Me" and "Into the Ocean" from their acclaimed 2006 album, Foiled. Their latest project, the ambitious triple album Spinning the Truth Around, is being released in three installments, with the first dropping October 14, 2022, and the second on October 13, 2023.

Blue October's impact extends beyond their chart success. Their accolades include numerous Houston Press Music Awards, recognizing them as Best New Act (1998) and repeatedly as Best Pop/Rock Artist (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003), culminating in the Album of the Year award for History for Sale in 2003.

Early Years and The Answers (1995-1998):

Formed by Justin Furstenfeld, his brother Jeremy, and Ryan Delahoussaye, Blue October's breakthrough came in 1998. A chance performance at Houston's Pappadeaux Cafe caught the attention of former Kid Rock manager Michael Rand. Recognizing their potential, Rand's agency orchestrated an aggressive marketing campaign, booking over 350 dates for the then-unsigned band, providing crucial publicity and artist development. This strategic push laid the groundwork for their future success.

Candlebox: A Seattle Grunge Legacy

Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Candlebox emerged in 1990, quickly establishing themselves as a force in the burgeoning grunge scene. Their self-titled debut album, released in July 1993, catapulted them to immediate success. Fueled by the powerful singles "Change," "You," "Far Behind," and "Cover Me," the album achieved quadruple platinum certification from the RIAA. "Far Behind," in particular, cracked the top 20 charts.

Following up with the gold-certified Lucy (1995) and Happy Pills (1998), Candlebox’s trajectory was unfortunately interrupted by label disputes, leading to their disbandment in 2000.

However, the Seattle sound wasn't silenced for long. The band reunited in 2006, proving their enduring appeal. Their post-reunion output includes five more studio albums: Into the Sun (2008), Love Stories & Other Musings (2012), Disappearing in Airports (2016), Wolves (2021), and their final album, The Long Goodbye, released August 25, 2023. Beyond these albums, their catalog also includes a compilation album and a CD/DVD release.

Early Days (1990-1992):

Initially comprised of vocalist Kevin Martin, guitarist Peter Klett, bassist Bardi Martin, and drummer Scott Mercado, Candlebox honed their craft in Seattle’s vibrant music scene. By 1992, they were regular fixtures in renowned clubs like RKCNDY and Farside, building a dedicated following. An eight-song EP caught the attention of Maverick Records, sealing their deal with the label and setting the stage for their breakthrough.

The Black Dahlia Murder, a melodic death metal powerhouse from Waterford, Michigan, exploded onto the scene in 2001. Their name, a grim nod to the infamous 1947 unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short, instantly set a dark and captivating tone. Initially fronted by the late Trevor Strnad, the band's lineup has seen significant changes over the years, with Brian Eschbach remaining a constant. Following Strnad's tragic passing in 2022, Eschbach assumed lead vocal duties, while Ryan Knight – the band's lead guitarist from 2009-2016 – stepped in on rhythm guitar. Current members also include Max Lavelle (bass), and Alan Cassidy (drums) along with Brandon Ellis (guitar).

Their journey began with a 2001 demo, What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse, and the A Cold-Blooded Epitaph EP in 2002, quickly gaining attention. This led to a pivotal signing with Metal Blade Records in 2003 and the release of their debut album, Unhallowed, the same year. Since then, they've unleashed nine studio albums, eight of which charted on the US Billboard 200, a testament to their enduring popularity. Their 2011 release, Ritual, reached a high of #31, solidifying their status as a leading force in contemporary American extreme metal. Their latest offering, Servitude, dropped on September 27th, 2024, continuing their reign of melodic death metal mastery.

Hailing from Gilbert, Arizona, Scary Kids Scaring Kids (SKSK) emerged in 2002, their name a nod to the Cap'n Jazz track of the same name. This post-hardcore quintet, originally featuring Tyson Stevens (vocals/bass), Chad Crawford (guitar), DJ Wilson (guitar), Steve Kirby (guitar), Pouyan Afkary (keyboards), and Peter Costa (drums), initially self-released their After Dark EP while still in high school. After a near-disbandment, they committed to music full-time, securing a deal with Immortal Records. This led to their breakthrough debut album, The City Sleeps in Flames (2005), establishing them as a force in the post-hardcore scene. With Stevens as the driving creative force, the band went on to release their self-titled second album in 2007 before disbanding in 2010 following a farewell tour. A highly anticipated reunion in 2019 culminated in the release of their third studio album, Out of Light, in 2022.

Hailing from Coral Springs, Florida, New Found Glory (initially A New Found Glory) exploded onto the pop-punk scene in 1997. The current lineup – Jordan Pundik (lead vocals), Ian Grushka (bass), Chad Gilbert (lead guitar, backing vocals), and Cyrus Bolooki (drums) – continues to deliver the goods, though longtime rhythm guitarist and lyricist Steve Klein departed in late 2013.

Since their inception, NFG have cemented their status as pop-punk titans, releasing a staggering catalog: twelve studio albums, a live album, two EPs, and four cover albums. Their journey began with 1999's Nothing Gold Can Stay, followed by their self-titled major label debut in 2000, which propelled "Hit or Miss" to #15 on the Alternative Songs chart.

The band achieved mainstream success with 2002's Sticks and Stones, featuring the hit single "My Friends Over You." Their momentum continued with 2004's Catalyst, earning a VMA nomination for "All Downhill From Here" in the Breakthrough Video category. 2006's Coming Home, spearheaded by "It's Not Your Fault," marked a stylistic shift towards alternative rock, a temporary departure from their signature pop-punk sound. This critically acclaimed album further solidified their place in the annals of rock history.

Hailing from Southfield, Michigan, I Prevail emerged onto the scene in 2013. Their initial breakthrough wasn't from their own compositions, but rather a surprisingly successful metal reimagining of Taylor Swift's "Blank Space." Released in December 2014, this audacious cover climbed to #90 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #23 on the Mainstream Rock Songs chart, eventually achieving platinum certification. This viral hit propelled the band's 2014 debut EP, Heart vs. Mind, into the spotlight, showcasing their raw energy and distinct metalcore sound. Building on this unexpected success, I Prevail solidified their position with the release of three full-length studio albums: Lifelines (2016), Trauma (2019), and True Power (2022). Their original material proved equally potent, with tracks like "Breaking Down" and "Hurricane" dominating rock radio. The band's critical acclaim culminated in Grammy Award nominations for "Bow Down" (Best Metal Performance, 2019) and Trauma (Best Rock Album, 2019), cementing their status as a major force in the modern metal scene.

Taking Back Sunday, the Amityville, New York-bred emo rock titans, emerged from the ashes of 1999, forged by guitarist Eddie Reyes and bassist Jesse Lacey. While Lacey's departure that same year to form Brand New ignited a notorious, highly publicized feud with his former bandmates, Taking Back Sunday's story continued. Adam Lazzara stepped into the vocal role, replacing Antonio Longo, before the band’s 2002 debut, Tell All Your Friends. The lineup has seen its share of upheaval; John Nolan (guitar/vocals) and Shaun Cooper (bass) briefly departed in 2003 to launch Straylight Run, only to rejoin the fold in 2010. The band's explosive success truly took flight with 2006's Louder Now, propelled by the hit single "MakeDamnSure." This album shifted over 900,000 copies, peaking at #2 on the Billboard 200, eclipsing their previous #3 position with 2004's Where You Want To Be. With a revolving door of bassists (including Matthew Rubano) and guitarists/vocalists (Fred Mascherino and Matthew Fazzi), and current touring guitarist Nathan Cogan supporting the core of Lazzara, Nolan, Cooper, and drummer Mark O'Connell, Taking Back Sunday continue their legacy, releasing their eighth studio album, 152, in 2023.