Sevendust
Sevendust, a pioneering force in hard rock music, has carved out a unique path since their inception in 1994. Their music is characterized by rumbling grooves, unpredictable riffing, and soulful vocals that resonate deeply with fans. With a history of seven million global sales, three gold-selling albums, and multiple Top 15 debuts on the Billboard 200, Sevendust has solidified their place in the music industry. The band has graced prestigious stages like Woodstock, OZZfest, Shiprocked!, and Sonic Temple, captivating audiences worldwide. Collaborating with renowned artists from various genres, Sevendust’s versatility and creativity shine through in every project. In 2020, they released the critically acclaimed album ‘Blood & Stone,’ hailed as their best work in years by Metal Hammer and embraced by their devoted fan base.
The Atlanta quintet comprising Lajon Witherspoon (lead vocals), Clint Lowery (lead guitar, backing vocals), John Connolly (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Vince Hornsby (bass), and Morgan Rose (drums) continues to push boundaries with their latest album ‘Truth Killer,’ marking their fourteenth full-length record and first with Napalm Records. Sevendust’s ability to defy expectations and evolve musically has set them apart in the industry, showcasing their unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. Through dynamic live performances and a loyal fan community, Sevendust remains a powerhouse in the rock scene, always challenging conventions and redefining their sound with each new release.
Ghost
Melding surprisingly accessible metal- and pop-driven hard rock, costumed Swedish outfit Ghost deliver sonic sermons centered on horror imagery, the occult, and Satanic themes. The group is fronted by lead singer, songwriter, and conceptualist Tobias Forge, who dons various demonic Pope costumes and is backed by a band of “Nameless Ghouls” hidden in cloaks and heavy makeup. 2011’s Opus Eponymous wed ’70s hard rock to ’80s hair metal in hook-laden songs. 2013’s Infestissumam offered a keyboard-centric approach, melding progressive pop and alt-metal. 2015’s Meliora combined vintage FM rock, New Wave of British Heavy Metal, and edgy new wave influences, while 2018’s Grammy-nominated Prequelle doubled down on the hooks, revealing ABBA’s influence in a sound that combined the riffing bombast of Judas Priest and King Diamond. Ghost released their fifth effort, the international chart-topper Impera, in 2022.
Ghost was formed in 2006 in Linköping, Sweden by Forge, the former singer and guitarist for death metal band Repugnant. He wrote the song “Stand by Him” and contacted former bandmate Gustaf Lindström in early 2008 to assist him in properly recording it. They also wound up cutting two additional tracks, “Prime Mover” and “Death Knell.” The Satanic and occult subject matter birthed a concept for Forge and he wanted the group to be an anonymous, theatrical rock band. As he enlisted other musicians, he costumed them in hooded robes and referred to them as “Nameless Ghouls.” Forge called the band Ghost and dressed in Papal regalia; his face was painted to resemble a skull and he called himself Papa Emeritus. He has since altered or changed his moniker on every subsequent album.
Initially, Forge wanted to play lead guitar. He offered the position of lead vocalist to four singers: Messiah Marcolin, Mats Levén, Krister Göransson, and J.B. Christoffersson. All passed and Forge became the band’s singer by default. In March 2010 he posted those three Ghost songs to MySpace. Within two days he was contacted by several record labels and managers. Ghost began playing underground shows and sharpening their sound, leavening it with keyboards and sometimes even pop-prog overtones. Given their occult ritual-styled performances, their popularity with metal fans in their home country flourished. In 2010, they issued a three-track demo followed by the single “Elizabeth” and both quickly sold out. Their debut album, Opus Eponymous, on Rise Above Ltd., defied expectations with a welcoming melodic sound, weaving together ’60s psychedelia, doomy hard rock, and the pervasive influence of New Wave of British Heavy Metal. The band’s multi-textured approachable songs contrasted beautifully with their sinister appearance. The music drew listeners across the globe despite the record’s limited distribution. Though metal fans had some difficulty with its sound, progressive music fans embraced it. Ghost took to the road, touring internationally. The set was nominated for a Swedish Grammis award, and they signed to Universal’s Loma Vista Recordings imprint afterwards.
A Day To Remember
Over the past several years, A Day To Remember has achieved remarkable success with each of their releases reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Rock, Indie, and Alternative Charts. The band has sold over a million units, accumulated more than 800 million Spotify streams and 500 million YouTube views, and earned two Gold-selling albums and singles, as well as one Silver album in the UK. Their continental tours have consistently sold out, including their curated Self Help Festival, leading to a massive global fanbase reaching millions. Recognized by Rolling Stone as ‘An Artist You Need To Know,’ A Day To Remember’s unique creative process has proved highly successful. However, for their latest album Bad Vibrations, the band from Ocala, Florida took a bold step into uncharted territory.
The vocalist, Jeremy McKinnon, shares insights into the new album’s creation process, stating that they completely revolutionized their approach to writing, recording, and mixing. Choosing a remote cabin in the Colorado mountains as their creative hub, the band of five collaborated in a room, departing from their previous album-making methods. Embracing a more organic and spontaneous approach, the experience marked a significant shift in their music-making journey. Bad Vibrations made an impressive debut at #2 on the Billboard 200 and claimed the top spot on the Top Album Sales Chart. The album also achieved critical success internationally, reaching #1 in Australia, #6 in the UK, and #7 in Germany. On August 20, A Day To Remember released their new single ‘Degenerates,’ further showcasing their musical evolution.
Blur
With chart-topping albums, Number One singles, Brit- and Ivor Novello Awards, blur’s canon continues to resonate and inspire. One of the most successful British bands of the last three decades, blur has – since the very early days – continued to revolutionise the sound of British popular music. Summer ‘23 saw a triumphant return to the live stage with two sold out Wembley Stadium shows and a string of headline festival appearances, all to mark the release of their Number One critically-acclaimed ninth studio album The Ballad of Darren. Produced by James Ford, the record is the band’s most arrestingly intimate work to date, drawing on the emotional memory of shared history, resulting in a collection of songs alchemised into blur’s unique and unmistakable sound.
Read MorePalaye Royale
Death or Glory is a prominent and innovative artist recognized for their groundbreaking work in the contemporary art scene. With a unique style and a profound understanding of visual storytelling, artist name pushes the boundaries of creativity and challenges conventional norms. Their art captivates viewers by provoking thought, evoking emotions, and sparking conversations on important social issues.
Born with a natural talent and a passion for artistic expression, artist name’s journey began at a young age, honing their skills and developing a distinctive voice in the art world. Their portfolio showcases a diverse range of mediums, from captivating paintings and thought-provoking sculptures to immersive installations that immerse audiences in a world of imagination and wonder. Through their art, artist name invites viewers to explore new perspectives, contemplate the complexities of the human experience, and connect with the deeper essence of creativity.
The Pretty Reckless
The Pretty Reckless, formed in New York City in 2008, gained recognition alongside late producer Kato Khandwala with their impactful debut album, ‘Light Me Up,’ in 2010. Their musical journey continued with the release of ‘Going To Hell’ in 2014, which not only soared to the Top 5 of the Billboard Top 200 but also produced three chart-topping hits including the gold-certified ‘Heaven Knows,’ ‘Fucked Up World,’ and ‘Follow Me Down.’ This remarkable success marked a significant milestone as a female-fronted group, a feat not achieved since The Pretenders in 1984. Building on this momentum, their third album, ‘Who You Selling For,’ reclaimed the #1 spot on the Mainstream Rock Songs Chart with the single ‘Take Me Down,’ solidifying them as the first band to achieve this feat of sending their first four singles to #1 on the chart according to Billboard. The band’s talent and electrifying performances caught the attention of publications like Vogue and Nylon, while their appearances on popular shows such as Letterman and Conan further solidified their place in the rock scene. Boasting over half-a-billion streams, The Pretty Reckless garnered a massive following, selling out numerous headline shows and sharing stages with iconic acts like Guns N’ Roses and other legends.
Read MoreDays Of The New
By the late ’90s, a whole new generation had missed out on experiencing the likes of Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Nirvana first-hand (with some perhaps not even knowing of their existence at all), so a new crop of similarly styled bands picked up the slack, including Days of the New. Originally hailing from Charlestown, IN, before relocating to Louisville, KY, the group’s leader from the get-go was singer/guitarist/songwriter Travis Meeks, who recruited friends Jesse Vest (bass), Matt Taul (drums), and Todd Whitener (guitar), who along with Meeks, were still teenagers at the time. The group’s largely acoustic-based sound instantly brought to mind Alice in Chains’ more tranquil releases (Sap, Jar of Flies, Unplugged), as Meeks’ vocal delivery and lyrics were quite comparable to both Layne Staley and Jim Morrison. The quartet caught the ear of former R.E.M. producer Scott Litt, who signed the group to his newly formed label, Outpost, and oversaw the group’s self-titled 1997 release. The album was an immediate hit with the MTV crowd on the strength of such singles as “Touch, Peel and Stand” and “The Down Town,” and the group spent the summer of 1998 opening up for another one of their musical heroes, Metallica.
But during the tour, tempers between the band members began to flare and rumors of an impending breakup circulated. The rumors proved to be true shortly after the tour’s completion, as Meeks fired everyone in the band (save for Taul). 1999 saw the release of Days of the New’s sophomore release, again self-titled, which despite Meeks’ attempts at creating a sprawling masterpiece (complete with choir, orchestra, and bombastic arrangements), failed to sell as well as its predecessor. 2000 saw Meeks cover the Doors classic “The End” with the surviving Doors members for a taping of VH1’s Storytellers series (as well as recording a studio version that appeared on the Doors tribute disc Stoned Immaculate: The Music of the Doors), as he continued writing for the third Days of the New album. The band’s third album, again self-titled, saw the light of day in 2001, with their leader now letting elements of prog rock seep into the music. With Meeks the only original band member still in attendance by that point, it confirmed what many knew all along, that Days of the New is basically a Meeks solo project.
Highly Suspect
As Above, So Below is the latest release by the talented artist.
Read MoreSeven Mary Three
Within the alternative world, Seven Mary Three have often been compared to the mainstream-sounding, garage/arena rock of post-Ten Pearl Jam, but the group insists that their refusal to alienate themselves from the rest of the world makes them different. Instead, Seven Mary Three offer songs concerning self-discovery and true outsiders isolated from society. Based in Virginia (where the bandmates attended the College of William and Mary), Seven Mary Three signed to the Mammoth label after releasing a self-produced album, Churn, in 1994. The album — particularly its gritty lead single, “Cumbersome” — generated a healthy buzz in Florida, and radio stations in Orlando began devoting significant airtime to the band. Seven Mary Three relocated to the Orlando area and re-recorded their old songs, which were packaged alongside two new cuts to round out the band’s proper debut, 1995’s American Standard. With “Cumbersome” enjoying national success, the album went platinum and won the group a contract with Atlantic Records. Rock Crown followed in 1997, and a year later Seven Mary Three returned with their third LP, Orange Ave. Neither record enjoyed as much recognition as American Standard, but the band continued to release albums into the following decade, issuing The Economy of Sound in 2001 and Dis/Location three years later. Seven Mary Three signed with New York’s Icon Records in late 2007, and the following year saw the release of their sixth effort, DAY&NIGHTDRIVING. ~ Steve Huey, Rovi
Read MoreTrapt
The artist just released their highly anticipated new album titled “The Fall.” This latest musical creation showcases the artist’s incredible talent and creativity, offering listeners a mesmerizing and immersive listening experience. With a unique blend of soulful melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, “The Fall” is set to captivate music lovers and establish the artist as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Read MoreSet It Off
The three members of Set It Off are fully embracing their newfound status as an independent band, liberating themselves from the constraints that held them captive. They are boldly letting go of disillusionment, societal pressures, and the harsh online criticism that plagues artists in the modern era. The influence of social media looms large, demanding conformity to external expectations, a burden they are no longer willing to bear. The trio has decisively cut the strings of puppetry, venturing into a new chapter where freedom triumphs over the paralyzing fear of failure.
Drawing from a diverse array of musical inspirations, crafting music serves as a therapeutic outlet for Set It Off. Their latest singles bear testament to the boundary-pushing nature of the band, confirming their enduring presence in the music scene. The newfound independence has reignited the creative spirits of Cody Carson (lead vocalist/lyricist), Zach DeWall (guitarist), and Maxx Danziger (drummer), enabling them to forge a fresh musical landscape that is both innovative and reminiscent of the raw passion they evoked with their debut album, Cinematics (2012). Prioritizing the shattering of the dopamine loop and the pursuit of genuine fulfillment, their artistry emanates from a place of authenticity and emotion. More than a decade later, the unwavering sincerity of the trio continues to resonate deeply with their dedicated fan base. It is this unfiltered genuineness that has propelled the rock group to regular airplay on esteemed radio stations such as Sirius XM’s Octane, a significant milestone that the band members hold in high regard.
Drummer Maxx Danziger reflects, ‘We feel like we’re starting anew as a band. This period is marked by immense joy and excitement, as we relentlessly pursue that sense of exhilaration. Our ambition knows no bounds—we aspire to conquer the music world.’
Danzig
Glenn Danzig, known for his iconic role as the lead singer of the Misfits and Samhain, transitioned to mainstream success with his band Danzig. The group embraced a darker and more devilish direction, incorporating horror-themed lyrical imagery from his earlier projects. Featuring talented members such as John Christ, Eerie Von, and Chuck Biscuits, Danzig showcased a unique blend of rough yet melodic tunes in heavy metal attire. Drawing inspiration from legends like Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, and Jim Morrison, Glenn Danzig’s theatrical vocal style and gothic melodrama in songwriting captivated audiences worldwide.
Co-founding the Misfits in 1977 in Lodi, New Jersey, Glenn Danzig quickly rose to fame within the hardcore underground scene before forming the band Samhain to explore new musical territories. In 1987, Danzig brought together a powerhouse lineup under Rick Rubin’s Def American label, releasing a self-titled debut that solidified their Satanic metal image. Subsequent albums like Danzig II: Lucifuge and Danzig III: How the Gods Kill further showcased the band’s evolution into gothic romanticism, marked by hits like “Dirty Black Summer” and “How the Gods Kill.” Additionally, Glenn Danzig’s solo projects, including Black Aria, and collaborations with artists like Johnny Cash expanded his musical repertoire and mainstream recognition.
Throughout his career, Danzig’s musical journey experienced highs and lows, with albums like Danzig 4 and Danzig 5: Blackacidevil demonstrating his experimentation with different sounds and genres. Amidst lineup changes and critical reception, Danzig persisted, delivering albums like Deth Red Sabaoth and Skeletons, paying homage to his musical influences and showcasing his versatility as a musician. Collaborations with artists like Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein and Dave Lombardo revived the Original Misfits, leading to iconic performances and continued success for Glenn Danzig’s enduring legacy in the music industry.