American Football, the seminal indie rock band from Urbana, Illinois, first emerged in 1997, leaving an indelible mark on the emo and math rock scenes before disbanding in 2000. Their reunion in 2014 reignited a fervent fanbase.

The band's core initially comprised Mike Kinsella (guitar/bass/vocals – formerly of Cap'n Jazz and Joan of Arc, currently of Owen), Steve Holmes (guitar – also of The Geese), and Steve Lamos (drums/trumpet – formerly of The One Up Downstairs, a brief stint with The Firebird Band and Edward Burch & the Staunch Characters, and currently of The Geese and DMS). Lamos departed in 2021 but rejoined in 2023.

Their self-titled debut album, released during their original run, achieved legendary status, solidifying their place as a cornerstone of the genre. The reunion saw the addition of Nate Kinsella (Mike's cousin), resulting in two further self-titled releases: American Football / LP2 (2016) and American Football / LP3 (2019).

History:

Formation:

Mike Kinsella and Steve Holmes, former classmates at Wheeling High School in Wheeling, Illinois, forged a musical connection early on. Kinsella drummed for Cap'n Jazz, while Holmes played guitar in various bands and shared a room with Kinsella. Before American Football, Kinsella, Lamos, and the Johnson brothers (David and Allen) formed The One Up Downstairs in 1997. Kinsella focused solely on vocals in this project, which recorded three songs intended for a 7" release on Polyvinyl Records.

Hailing from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Balance and Composure emerged from the ashes of two local bands in the winter of 2007. Quickly establishing themselves, their sound drew comparisons to grunge giants Nirvana and fellow Pennsylvanian post-hardcore act Title Fight, but also revealed influences ranging from the indie-rock of Neutral Milk Hotel and Sunny Day Real Estate to the emo intensity of Jawbreaker and Braid.

Over their career, the band released three critically acclaimed studio albums and two EPs, culminating in their sophomore effort, The Things We Think We're Missing. This album climbed to impressive heights on the Billboard charts, reaching #51 on the Billboard 200, #10 on the Independent Albums chart, #13 on Modern Rock/Alternative Albums, and #16 on the Rock Albums chart.

However, their journey came to a close. In a surprise announcement on Taylor Madison's Strange Nerve podcast (December 14, 2017), vocalist Jon Simmons revealed their upcoming anniversary tour would be their last. A subsequent press release on January 14, 2019, confirmed a farewell tour—initially six dates, expanded due to overwhelming demand—with select shows featuring support from fellow scene heavyweights Tigers Jaw, mewithoutYou, and Touche Amore. This marked the end of a significant chapter in the emo/post-hardcore scene, leaving behind a legacy of powerfully emotional music and memorable live performances.

Morning Call (English: Morning Call) is an independent Taiwanese band formed in 2009. Its members include vocalist Sui Ling, guitarist and band leader Liu Yihao, synthesist Yu Yingji, bassist Li Mengshu, and drummer Xia Da Kai. They began performing in 2011 and continue to perform to this day.

On March 30, 2016, they were nominated as the third best Taiwanese independent band by Internet Thermometer.

== Introduction ==

Morning Call upholds the belief that even amidst the crashing waves of rock and roll shouting, there should be some gentle weight of sound. Therefore, their music incorporates not only electronic, post-rock, and pop elements, but also many alternative and unique influences. Morning Call primarily releases their original music through online platforms. Furthermore, their singles "Fine" and "The Coast After That" topped the electronic and rock charts on the well-known music website StreetVoice for several consecutive weeks.

Guitarist and band leader Liu Yihao is a popular rising star in the Taiwanese entertainment industry. Vocalist Sui Ling graduated from the Department of Drama at Chinese Culture University. In addition to her modeling work, she also participates in various acting projects. Bassist Mengshu was originally a model for 伊林 (Eelin Model Agency), and in 2017, he appeared in the student short film Song Na.

== Members ==

== Former Members == Keyboard/Synthesizer: Yu Yingji (Xiao Ying) Drummer: Haru Halu

== History ==

=== Formation ===

Morning Call was founded in 2009. Before band leader and guitarist Liu Yihao rose to fame, he quietly laid the groundwork for Morning Call. As the founding member, he spent a year gradually assembling the band members before officially launching. Morning Call began performing in 2011, appearing in numerous large and small live houses and releasing original music on the well-known online platform StreetVoice, thus gaining some recognition within the independent music scene.

San Jose, California's Mugshot burst onto the scene in 2016 with their debut album, Dull Boy. Five years later, the band achieved widespread recognition with their EP, Empty Heaven, rapidly gaining a devoted following within the metal and hardcore communities. The current lineup features drummer Connor Haines, guitarist Michael Demko, and vocalist Ringo Waterman.

Hailing from Karlskoga, Sweden, Allt is a progressive metalcore band established in 2020. Their innovative approach to metalcore, coupled with compelling audiovisual storytelling, sets them apart.

Hailing from the Los Angeles underground, HEALTH is a genre-bending force in industrial/noise rock. The current lineup features vocalist/guitarist Jake Duzsik, bassist/producer John Famiglietti, and drummer B.J. Miller. Formerly including guitarist Jupiter Keyes (who departed in 2015), the band first gained traction with their remix of Crystal Castles' "Crimewave." Their self-titled debut album dropped in 2007, launching a prolific career.

Since then, HEALTH has unleashed a sonic assault across six full-length albums: Get Color (2009), Death Magic (2015), Vol. 4: Slaves of Fear (2019), and Rat Wars (2023), alongside the collaborative double album Disco4 (2020/2022). Their distinctive sound has also infiltrated the world of video games, with contributions to soundtracks for Max Payne 3, Cyberpunk 2077, Grand Theft Auto V, and Ultrakill.

History:

The band's genesis lies in a chance encounter between vocalist Jake Duzsik and bassist John Famiglietti at the flagship Los Angeles Guitar Center. They recruited guitarist Jupiter Keyes (a university acquaintance of Duzsik's) and drummer B.J. Miller, solidifying their lineup. The name "HEALTH," chosen from a long list of possibilities, was simply the only "everyday word" still available.

Hailing from Hartford, Connecticut, Boundaries exploded onto the metalcore scene as a force to be reckoned with. The band's current lineup is a powerhouse featuring Matthew McDougal on ferocious vocals, guitarists Cory Emond and Cody DelVecchio laying down crushing riffs, Tim Sullivan on drums and backing vocals, and bassist/vocalist Nathan Calcagno holding down the low end.

Early Days (2013-2016): Boundaries formed in 2013, the brainchild of guitarist Zadak Brooks. Drawing members from a recently dissolved local band (and following the demise of his own cover band), Brooks forged a new path. Their debut single, "Two Faced," dropped in 2014, showcasing original vocalist Jake Buzzell alongside Matthew McDougal, who would soon become the band's permanent frontman. This period saw a flurry of singles featuring McDougal, several of which would later be included on their 2018 Spring Demonstration EP.

Hartford County Misery (2017-2018): The band unleashed Hartford County Misery in Spring 2017, which included the previously released 2016 single, "Sour Mouth." This era also saw a lineup change, with bassist Lucian Armstrong being replaced by Brandon Breedlove.

My Body in Bloom & Beyond (2018-Present): 2018 marked a significant turning point. Boundaries signed to Unbeaten Records, setting the stage for their label debut. My Body in Bloom, released February 22nd, 2019, solidified their place in the metalcore world. The EP, tracked throughout 2018 and 2019, was preceded by the singles "Blush" and the title track, generating considerable buzz. The band continues to evolve and dominate the scene.

Havok, the Denver, Colorado thrash metal powerhouse, ignited the scene in 2004. While the band's lineup has undergone significant evolution – with frontman David Sanchez the sole original member remaining – their impact remains undeniable. Their blistering sound, forged from a potent blend of 80s thrash, NWOBHM, death metal, hardcore punk, and progressive elements, has solidified their place as a key player in the late 2000s/early 2010s thrash metal revival, alongside bands like Bonded by Blood, Evile, Hatchet, Municipal Waste, and Warbringer.

Havok's discography boasts five studio albums: Burn (2009), Time Is Up (2011), Unnatural Selection (2013), Conformicide (2017), and V (2020). Currently, the band features Sanchez on vocals, Pete Webber on drums, and Nick Schendzielos on bass. They continue to craft new music, promising more high-octane thrash to come.

Early Days: The band's origins trace back to David Sanchez and drummer Haakon Sjoegren. Their quest for a guitarist led to the recruitment of Shawn Chavez via flyers plastered across Denver. Rounding out their initial lineup with bassist Marcus Corich, Havok unleashed their debut demo, "Thrash Can," in 2004, followed by the self-released Murder by Metal EP in 2005. By 2007, Tyler Cantrell had taken over bass duties, and Rich Tice became the drummer.

Sublime, the Long Beach, California trio, carved a unique niche in the alternative music scene with their potent blend of ska, punk, and reggae. Formed in 1988 by Bradley Nowell (vocals/guitar), Eric Wilson (bass), and Bud Gaugh (drums), the band also famously featured Lou Dog, Nowell's Dalmatian, as their mascot. Their early albums, 40 Oz. to Freedom (1992) and Robbin' the Hood (1994), built a dedicated following, but it was their self-titled third album, released posthumously in 1996 following Nowell's tragic heroin overdose, that catapulted them to mainstream success. The album, peaking at #13 on the Billboard 200, spawned the iconic hit "What I Got," which topped the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart. Other tracks like "Santeria," "Wrong Way," "Doin' Time," and "April 29, 1992 (Miami)" received extensive airplay, cementing Sublime's legacy. Their impressive discography includes three studio albums, a live album, five compilations, three EPs, and a box set, a testament to their enduring influence on alternative rock despite their tragically short lifespan.

Born from the vibrant underground scene of Oxnard, California, Dead Heat is not just another crossover band; they are a potent blend of hardcore punk and thrash metal energy.

The Pretty Wild defies genre categorization, their music a potent blend of rebellion and raw emotion. This fearless spirit ignites a captivating energy that transcends conventional expectations. Their songs resonate deeply with audiences seeking something beyond the ordinary, exploring themes of disillusionment, the music industry's challenges, and the unwavering pursuit of genuine self-expression, free from societal constraints. For the sisters, success is not a destination dictated by industry norms, but an ongoing journey unbound by limitations.

Attila: A Metalcore Mayhem Retrospective

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Attila emerged onto the metalcore scene in 2005, blending aggressive metalcore with prominent rap and nu-metal influences. While formed in 2005, the band didn't launch into full-time touring until around 2010, steadily building a dedicated following. Their sound, spearheaded by frontman Chris "Fronz" Fronzak, quickly gained traction, leading to eight full-length albums.

The band's breakthrough came with About That Life, produced by Joey Sturgis and released June 25, 2013. This album peaked at #22 on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying their position in the metalcore hierarchy.

Attila's extensive touring history is a testament to their relentless energy. They've shared stages with a diverse range of acts, including heavy hitters like Hed PE, Insane Clown Posse, and Emmure, along with fellow metalcore bands such as Arsonists Get All the Girls, See You Next Tuesday, Chelsea Grin, The Agonist, Oceano, Falling in Reverse, and even the pop-punk outfit Metro Station. This eclectic mix reflects Attila's broad appeal and their ability to connect with fans across subgenres.

Early Days: From Atlanta Streets to Artery Recordings (2005-2011)

Formed in Atlanta by Chris "Fronz" Fronzak, Sean Heenan, Sam Halcomb, Matt Booth, and Kris Wilson—all high school acquaintances or friends—Attila's name, inspired by Attila the Hun, was chosen by Fronz from a book. The band quickly became part of the Artery Foundation/Razor & Tie joint venture, Artery Recordings, further solidifying their place in the burgeoning metalcore landscape.

Their journey began with the self-released demo Fallacy (March 30, 2007), dispelling the common misconception that it was released through Statik Factory. Their debut album, Soundtrack to a Party, followed in 2008, this time under the Statik Factory umbrella before signing with Artery Recordings. Early tours saw them sharing bills with Arsonists Get All the Girls, See You Next Tuesday, Chelsea Grin, American Me, and We Are The End, laying the groundwork for their future success.