Pierce The Veil
Pierce the Veil are currently exhibiting their raw and urgent musicality, captivating audiences with their unpredictable yet engaging performances. Fronted by Vic Fuentes and supported by Tony Perry and Jaime Preciado, the band channels volatile and confessional emotions into their music, creating a resonant connection with fans worldwide. According to Loudwire, wherever Pierce The Veil goes, fans follow, drawn by the band’s unmatched energy and ambition.
The evolution of PTV’s sound album after album is nothing short of remarkable. From the anticipation surrounding A Flair for the Dramatic in 2007 to the chart-topping success of Selfish Machines in 2010, the band’s growth has been meteoric. Their album Collide with the Sky was praised by the Chicago Tribune for blending post-hardcore punk with Queen-esque elements. With Misadventures, Pierce the Veil solidified their position as arena headliners while maintaining a close connection to their devoted fan base, showcasing their continued evolution in the music scene.
Pierce the Veil’s enduring relevance and excitement within their genre is a testament to their commitment to innovation and growth. With each project, they push boundaries and redefine expectations, establishing themselves as a constant force in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.
Flyleaf
Texas-bred outfit Flyleaf emerged in the late 2000s, captivating hard rock audiences with powerful anthems that navigated the complex interplay of despair and hope. Led by the dynamic vocals of Lacey Sturm, their message, although sometimes rooted in faith-based themes, resonated universally through intense howls and soaring melodies. Throughout the 2010s, Flyleaf dominated the U.S. alternative, hard rock, and Christian charts, achieving platinum status with their debut album, Flyleaf, released in 2005. Following the departure of Sturm in 2012 to focus on family and a brief solo career, the band welcomed Kristen May for a single album, Between the Stars, in 2014. The year 2022 marked Flyleaf’s triumphant return from hiatus, featuring a deluxe reissue of their debut and a series of reunion shows with Sturm back at the helm.
Formed in Belton, Texas in 2000, Flyleaf originated from Lacey Sturm’s early compositions, which she shared with drummer James Culpepper. With the addition of guitarists Sameer Bhattacharya and Jared Hartmann, along with bassist Pat Seals, the band—originally known as Passerby—solidified their lineup. By 2005, Flyleaf signed with Octone Records, following a path paved with local performances and notable opening slots for artists like Bowling for Soup, Fishbone, and Riddlin’ Kids. The band’s debut EP, also titled Flyleaf, produced by industry veterans Rick Parashar and Brad Cook, showcased standout tracks like
Monster Magnet
Retro-rock visionaries Monster Magnet emerged in the 1990s, challenging the norms set by the alternative rock scene, particularly with their commercially successful fourth album, Powertrip, highlighted by the hit song ‘Space Lord.’ The band’s influence extended beyond stoner rock, delving into space rock and psychedelia. Since their debut in 1991, Monster Magnet has released acclaimed albums like Monolithic Baby! (2004), Mastermind (2010), and Mindfucker (2018).
Read MoreParkway Drive
Darker Still, McCall says, is the vision he and his bandmates – guitarists Jeff Ling and Luke Kilpatrick, bassist Jia O’Connor and drummer Ben Gordon – have held in their mind’s eye since a misfit group of friends first convened in their parents’ basements and backyards in 2003. The journey to reach this moment has seen Parkway evolve from metal underdogs to festival-headlining behemoth, off the back of close to 20 gruelling years, six critically and commercially acclaimed studio albums (all of which achieving Gold status in their home nation), three documentaries, one live album, and many, many thousands of shows.
To understand that growth is to understand Darker Still, both musically and thematically. Those who thought they had Parkway Drive figured out – the unrivalled energy, the high-octane breakdowns, McCall’s trademark bark – need reconsider everything they know about Australia’s masters of heavy. Darker Still stands as the culmination of a transformative time that has seen Parkway reach new heights of creativity and success by eschewing the restrictive, safe conventions of genre and abandoning their own self-imposed rules in favour of a wide-eyed appreciation of bold new horizons.
This is the Parkway Drive the band have been striving to be for two decades. Emerging from the darkness of the past few years, this is the true face of Parkway: redefined and resolute, focused in mind and defiant in spirit.
The Ataris
Indiana-bred pop-punk outfit the Ataris gained cult status in the late ’90s with a series of albums before gaining independent chart success with 2001’s End Is Forever. The group, led by singer/guitarist Kris Roe, gained widespread attention with 2003’s So Long, Astoria, which included a cover of Don Henley’s ‘Boys of Summer,’ hitting number 24 on the Billboard 200. Despite line-up changes, Roe continues to lead the group, touring often and showcasing his knack for alt-rock hooks on albums like 2007’s Welcome the Night and 2016’s October in This Railroad Earth. Formed in 1996 in Anderson, Indiana, the Ataris originally began as the home demo-recording project of lead singer/guitarist Kristopher Roe and guitarist Jasin Thomason. The group were discovered a year later by Vandals founder Joe Escalante after songwriter Kris Roe met him at a concert. Impressed by his demo tape, Escalante asked Roe to put together a full band and record for his label, Kung-Fu Records. Roe then picked up and moved to California in search of bandmates (Thomason decided to stay in Indiana), and eventually added guitarist Marco Peña, bassist Mike Davenport, and former Lagwagon drummer Derrick Plourde. Plourde was later replaced by new drummer Chris Knapp.
The newly formed Ataris made their first record, Anywhere But Here, for Kung-Fu and soon came to the notice of Fat Wreck Chords owner Fat Mike. Realizing the opportunity to move to a stronger, more well-grounded label, the Ataris willingly signed to Fat Wreck. They quickly issued an EP, Look Forward to Failure, produced by several members of the Descendents. Early in 1999, the band released their second full-length album, Blue Skies, Broken Hearts…Next 12 Exits. After the album’s release, they toured with MxPx, blink-182, and Homegrown before issuing Let It Burn in 2000. End Is Forever followed in 2001. The Ataris made the leap to the majors with 2003’s So Long, Astoria on Columbia. The album featured new guitarist John Collura; it sold well and tracks like ‘In This Diary’ and the Don Henley cover ‘The Boys of Summer’ were successful on MTV and the modern rock charts.
Live at the Metro followed in February 2004. After spending several months recording their fifth album and Astoria follow-up, the Ataris chose to leave Columbia in early summer 2006 amid much turnover in the label’s staff and rumors of an impending merger with Epic. The album’s July release was consequently delayed, though the band pressed on label-less with various South American tour dates. Sonic and line-up changes also ensued, and by this time, the band had expanded to seven members with Roe, Collura, guitarist/vocalist Paul Carabello, cellist Angus Cooke, keyboardist Bob Hoag, bassist Sean Hansen, and drummer Shane Chikeles. They eventually created their own label, Isola Recordings, and through a partnership with Sanctuary finally issued Welcome the Night, a darker, more rock-based effort, in February 2007. Over the next few years, the band stayed busy touring and recording. They issued several EPs including the 2012 four-track offering The Graveyard of the Atlantic. In 2016, they released another EP, October in This Railroad Earth. A compilation album, Silver Turns to Rust, also arrived in 2016, as did the split album Let It Burn with Israel’s Useless I.D. The following year, the Ataris joined the lineup of the Vans Warped Tour.
House Of Pain
“Jump Around,” an incredibly infectious and captivating single, propelled House of Pain from obscurity to stardom in 1992. The massive success of the song turned them into near-stars, albeit labeling them as one-hit wonders. Despite releasing more albums after their debut and hit single, House of Pain struggled to replicate the same level of success, partly due to their deliberately rowdy behavior. Led by rapper Everlast, the group highlighted their Irish-American roots through their green attire, beer-drinking, and constant swearing, which initially garnered attention, especially when associated with a hit like “Jump Around.” However, their career took a nosedive quickly. Their second album, Same as It Ever Was in 1994, achieved gold status but lacked a standout single, leading to their decline by the release of Truth Crushed to Earth Shall Rise Again in 1996.
Everlast, born Erik Schrody on August 18, 1969, developed a passion for hip-hop during high school and later joined Ice-T’s Rhyme Syndicate. His collaboration with Ice-T landed him a record deal with Warner Bros., resulting in his debut album, Forever Everlasting, in 1990. Following a less successful debut, Everlast teamed up with high school pal Danny Boy (Daniel O’Connor) and DJ Lethal (Leor DiMant), a Latvian immigrant, to form House of Pain. Produced by Muggs, known for Cypress Hill’s debut, House of Pain’s self-titled first album in 1992 featured the iconic “Jump Around,” with its distinctive beat crafted by Muggs, becoming a summer hit that peaked at number three on the pop charts. Despite the initial success, the group faced legal and promotional issues during their 1993 tour, culminating in Everlast’s arrest. The subsequent albums, including Same as It Ever Was and Truth Crushed to Earth Shall Rise Again, failed to regain the band’s previous acclaim. Everlast embarked on a successful solo career in 1998 with his well-received debut, Whitey Ford Sings the Blues.
Billy Squier
Many point to Billy Squier as early-’80s rock personified — an era when he and many of his peers tempered hard rock with pop melodicism — and by adding just the right amount of posing and posturing for the newly constructed MTV set, he scored a string of arena rock anthems and power ballads. But Squier did not enjoy overnight success — it took many years and several failed bands before he hit paydirt as a solo artist. Born on May 12, 1950, in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Squier began playing piano and guitar at an early age, but didn’t become serious with music until discovering Eric Clapton (via the renowned British guitarist’s stints with John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and Cream) in the late ’60s and deciding to pursue music full-time. After playing in several local bands in the Boston area, Squier spent the early ’70s moving back and forth between Boston and New York City, during which time he contributed to a troupe that combined music with poetry (called Magic Terry & the Universe), attended the Berklee College of Music, and played in a pair of rock groups (N.Y.C.’s Kicks, which included future New York Dolls drummer Jerry Nolan, and Boston’s the Sidewinders).
But it wasn’t until Squier’s next band, Piper, that the singer/guitarist fronted a group that inked a recording contract, issuing a pair of underappreciated albums for A&M (1976’s self-titled debut and 1977’s Can’t Wait), before splitting up. Undeterred, Squier soldiered on as a solo act, issuing his solo debut, Tale of the Tape, in 1980, which spawned a moderate rock radio hit with “You Should Be High Love,” setting the stage perfectly for his big commercial breakthrough. Looking to the bombastic rock of early Led Zeppelin for inspiration, Squier’s sophomore release, Don’t Say No, became a monster hit on the strength of the Zep carbon copy “The Stroke,” as well as such other rock radio staples as “In the Dark,” “My Kinda Lover,” and “Lonely Is the Night,” all of which enjoyed heavy rotation on the newly founded MTV, helping Squier expand his audience even further.
Squier’s hit parade continued with 1982’s Emotions in Motion, another big release that spawned an additional monster radio/MTV hit with “Everybody Wants You.” He supported the album with a tour of U.S. arenas (with an up-and-coming Def Leppard opening). But on his next release, the 1984 Jim Steinman-produced Signs of Life, Squier hit a snag in his career. Although the album was another sizeable U.S. hit, the video for the album’s single, “Rock Me Tonite,” alienated some of Squier’s hardcore rock following, as the singer was filmed flamboyantly prancing around his apartment in time to the music (and in a moment of great delight, ripping off his shirt) — resulting in the clip often being considered one of the most inadvertently hilarious videos of all time. Squier continued to issue albums throughout the ’80s (including such titles as 1986’s Enough Is Enough and 1989’s Hear & Now), but it wasn’t enough to prevent his audience from moving on to such younger, similarly styled acts as Bon Jovi and Mötley Crüe, as the hits eventually dried up. Squier continued to release albums in the ’90s (1991’s Creatures of Habit, 1993’s Tell the Truth, and 1998’s Happy Blue), but the hard rock audience, who became more interested in such unpretentious rockers as Nirvana, had deemed the majority of ’80s rockers passé.
Royal Blood
Brighton duo Royal Blood, consisting of drummer Ben Thatcher and bassist/vocalist Mike Kerr, are known for their blues-rock dynamism influenced by bands like the White Stripes, the Black Keys, and Two Gallants. Their music features scuzzy riffs and high energy, evident in their critically acclaimed albums including 2014’s Mercury Prize-nominated debut ‘Royal Blood,’ 2017’s ‘How Did We Get So Dark?,’ 2021’s ‘Typhoons,’ and 2023’s ‘Back to the Water Below.’ Formed in 2013, the duo quickly made a mark with their intense performances driven by pounding drums and distorted bass guitar, complemented by Kerr’s emotive vocals.
Royal Blood gained early recognition when they were featured on the BBC’s Sound of 2014 list and received support from Arctic Monkeys’ Matt Helders. Their debut album topped the charts in the U.K. and Ireland, leading to successful tours with Iggy Pop and Foo Fighters. The band won the Brit Award for Best British Group in 2015, presented by Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page. Subsequent albums like ‘How Did We Get So Dark?’ and ‘Typhoons’ further solidified their position in the rock scene, with hit singles like ‘Hook, Line & Sinker’ and ‘I Only Lie When I Love You.’ Their latest album, ‘Back to the Water Below,’ released in 2023, showcases their musical evolution and includes standout tracks like ‘Mountains at Midnight,’ all recorded at their Brighton home studio.
The Clash
The Clash, as one of the pioneering and influential British punk bands, emerged as a revolutionary force in the 1970s music scene. Often referred to as the ‘Beatles’ to the ‘Sex Pistols’ ‘Stones,’ they skillfully blended various elements of music, such as reggae, rockabilly, soul, and blues, while maintaining their punk essence and unwavering political dedication. Their iconic double album, ‘London Calling’ released in 1979, remains a masterpiece and a testament to their musical prowess and ambition. The band consisted of Mick Jones, Paul Simonon, and Joe Strummer, each of whom pursued individual projects post-Clash, including ‘Big Audio Dynamite,’ ‘Havana 3 AM,’ and Strummer’s solo ventures. Despite plans for a reunion upon their induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, tragically, Strummer’s untimely passing in December 2002 shattered any hopes of a revival.
Amidst their revolutionary songs about social issues, the Clash had surprisingly traditional origins. Joe Strummer spent his early years in a boarding school, contrasting with Mick Jones, who hailed from a working-class background in Brixton and had a deep-rooted passion for rock & roll. Jones, along with childhood friend Paul Simonon, joined forces with Strummer in the revamped London SS, eventually forming the Clash. The band’s journey from their debut concert in 1976 to the acclaimed ‘London Calling’ album and subsequent tours showcased their evolving sound and social activism. Despite internal conflicts and lineup changes, the Clash’s impact on the music industry was profound, culminating in their commercial success with ‘Combat Rock’ and hits like ‘Rock the Casbah.’ The band’s eventual disbandment marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire music enthusiasts worldwide.
Post-Clash, the band members took divergent paths, with Jones producing for notable rock groups like the Libertines, while Simonon collaborated with Damon Albarn on projects such as ‘The Good, The Bad & The Queen’ and later reunited for performances under the Gorillaz. The band’s enduring influence led to archival releases like ‘Sound System’ and ‘The Clash Hits Back,’ preserving their legendary discography for new audiences. The recent special edition release of ‘Combat Rock’ in 2022 further immortalizes the Clash’s legacy, reaffirming their status as musical innovators who transcended genres and reshaped the punk rock landscape.
Hot for Crime
Hot for Crime plays the kind of rock ‘n’ roll music you’ve been looking for. Think big—guitar, bass, and drums—in the classic tradition, with meaningful lyrics and melodic choruses. Their debut album is packed with hit songs and has over 25 million streams. The self-titled album was produced by Drew Fulk, who has more than 10 #1 Billboard rock tracks to his name.
The band formed in 2022 on Venice Beach, where Mick reconnected with his childhood friend Paul O’Malley to launch what would become Hot for Crime. With the addition of lead guitarist Miles Schon, the band soon had nearly 50 songs written. In their first year, Hot for Crime kicked things off at The Viper Room and The Whisky, eventually hitting the road as openers for the Sevendust/Alter Bridge tour. Most recently, they returned from touring the Southwest, opening for the sold-out The Struts tour. Now, with momentum at an all-time high, Hot for Crime is gearing up to release their highly anticipated sophomore album. Set to drop soon, the new record promises to build on the raw energy of their debut, with bigger hooks, bolder riffs, and lyrics that cut deep. Fans can expect the same no-frills rock ‘n’ roll spirit, but with a refined edge that showcases the band’s growth. This album is set to cement their place as one of the most exciting acts in modern rock.
Nita Strauss
Los Angeles born guitarist Nita Strauss has made a significant impact in the music industry, captivating audiences worldwide in various continents including the US, UK, Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, and Africa. In 2018, Nita achieved remarkable milestones. She was proudly introduced as the very first female Ibanez signature artist, unveiling her personalized model, the Ibanez JIVA. Additionally, she launched her own signature pickups, the DiMarzio Pandemonium. A standout moment came in April when Nita performed WWE Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura’s entrance music at Wrestlemania in New Orleans, entertaining a massive audience of 78,000 fans and numerous viewers tuning in globally. During the same month, she initiated a highly successful Kickstarter campaign for her debut solo album, Controlled Chaos. The campaign exceeded all expectations by surpassing its target within two hours, doubling it by the end of the day, tripling the following day, and ultimately achieving over 800% of the initial goal. Nita took on the roles of producer and engineer for the record, showcasing her musical prowess by playing all the guitars and bass on the album. Following the album’s completion, Nita secured a deal with Sumerian Records for the global release and distribution of the album. Upon concluding her tour with Alice Cooper, Nita will embark on a new journey to promote Controlled Chaos alongside the contemporary guitar virtuoso Angel Vivaldi. Nita’s groundbreaking debut solo album, Controlled Chaos, is now available through Sumerian Records.
Read MoreHelmet
Helmet is a renowned American alternative rock band that originated in New York City in 1989. The band was founded by vocalist and lead guitarist Page Hamilton and has been a prominent figure in the music scene for decades. Currently, the band lineup includes Hamilton, drummer Kyle Stevenson, guitarist Dan Beeman, and bassist Dave Case, showcasing a cohesive and talented ensemble that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Throughout their illustrious career, Helmet has delivered a diverse discography, including eight studio albums and two compilation albums that have received critical acclaim. Their journey in the music industry has been highlighted by significant milestones, from the success of their debut album, ‘Strap It On’ in 1990, to their breakthrough albums like ‘Meantime’ (1992) and ‘Betty’ (1994). Despite a brief breakup in 1998, Helmet regrouped in 2004, marking a triumphant return with subsequent album releases that have solidified their legacy in rock music history.
In a recent move that delighted fans, the band unveiled a limited edition box set titled ‘Move On’ in June 2021, showcasing a collection of 7” singles featuring captivating covers and live tracks. As anticipation builds for their upcoming ninth album, ‘Left,’ set to be released by earMusic in November 2023, Helmet aficionados and music enthusiasts alike eagerly await the next chapter in the band’s iconic journey, poised to witness yet another groundbreaking musical endeavor.