Stick To Your Guns

Deathcore was once dismissed as a trend, so it’s ironic that it now has trends within itself. Downtempo, slamming and now blackened variants of the style have dominated its scene at various points, with many bands jumping ship.

Pittsburgh’s Signs of the Swarm aren’t just any band, though. They’re a once-a-generation beacon that radiates the sounds that surrounded them, preserving history by reframing it. On fourth LP Absolvere, they’re bleak without being blackened, smashing without being slam, and downtempo as a choice rather than a stylistic confine. And as many of their deathcore peers experiment with adding singing, often gruff in tone, they add a more ethereal style that soothes on “Dreaming Desecration” and “Death Whistle.”

The band contrasts that with some of the most brutal moments in their eight-year career, with riffs more punishing than pensive and a rhythm section that frames them in creatively cacophonic ways. Above it all, they’re utilizing vocalist David Simonich monstrous range in a much fuller capacity than on his debut, 2019’s Vital Deprivation.

That transitional album found the band experimenting to re-find their footing, which here lands on solid ground through the addition of guitarist Jeff Russo, a former bandmate of Simonich’s fin Improvidence. The proof is in the placing, with Absolvere landing at #15 on “Current Hard Music Albums,” #21 on “Top New Artist Albums” and #139 on “Heatseekers.”

Behind the cohesive crusher is drummer-turned-bassist-turned-drummer Bobby Crow, who acted as de facto producer, arranging the riffs written across Skype to make the songs more than the sum of their parts.

This gave Simonich a lofty platform from which to roar about the real (loved ones struggling with addiction, submitting one’s self wholly to art despite negativity swirling about) and the surreal; he or his characters beg for the release of death only to be denied. “Nameless” centers around a character collecting souls marked by death to receive its blessing, while “Blood Seal” follows a ritual to summon it. “Dreaming Desecration” and “Hollow Prison” are two sides of the same coin. When one finds themselves trapped in a meaningless existence, they can either attempt to escape through murderous hallucinations or succumb to the grave, respectively.

“Death Whistle” is the penultimate song, closing the album and the writing sessions for Absolvere with a tale concluding in sweet release. The piercing screech of the titular whistle contrasts with a subtle serenade.

Indeed, sometimes contrast can be a perfect complement, but more often that effect is achieved when paired with something more in-line. So it is when Ben Duerr (Shadow of Intent) and Alex Erian (Despised Icon) join the band for growls and shouts, where Signs of the Swarm filter their guests’ bands through their own sound. Instead of taking away from their identity, it expands it.

They’re steadily expanding their global reach, too. In the few short months since Absolvere’s release, Signs of the Swarm have toured with the likes of Fit for an Autopsy, Born of Osiris and Shadow of Intent. Forthcoming domination campaigns of Europe and Australia will be added to their tenure with Aborted, Lorna Shore, Brand of Sacrifice and more. Forget the signs, the swarm is already here, and it’s growing larger and louder every day.

A Day To Remember

A Day To Remember’s Big Ole Album Vol. 1 is out now.

Sleeping With Sirens

The post-hardcore band Sleeping with Sirens formed in Orlando, Florida, US, but would later relocate to Grand Rapids, Michigan, US. The band features members of other post-hardcore bands like Broadway, For All We Know, and Paddock Park, which meant that the members were already experienced musicians before formation.

Escape the Fate

Escape The Fate (formed 2004/5) is a post-hardcore band originating from Nevada, U.S., and are currently signed to Eleven Seven Music.

The Devil Wears Prada

As Ohio’s premier Christian Metalcore band, The Devil Wears Prada have been a staple act in the metal scene worldwide for years.

Blessthefall

The band grew out of high school practice sessions between guitarist Mike and drummer Matt, filling out the roster with singer Craig and bassist Jared to form Blessthefall in 2004. They released a three-track EP in mid-2005 and added guitarist Eric to form their current lineup. Phoenix-area gigs with Greeley Estates and an openly religious orientation got the band local press and a deal with Warner subsidiary, Record Collection. The band then toured with Alesana and Norma Jean across the United States and Canada. Their debut album, His Last Walk, was released on April 10, 2007, to mixed reviews. The band completed the entire 2007 Warped Tour circuit nationwide.

Blessthefall toured with Escape The Fate, LoveHateHero, and Dance Gavin Dance on the Black On Black tour during September and October of 2007.

Blessthefall was a part of From First to Last's fall headlining tour, entitled "RATHER BE SLAYIN' N00BZ" which started November 1st with A Skylit Drive, and Vanna. Then after, they went on tour with Silverstein, the tour being their first ever UK and European Tour, with their first UK show at the Colchester Arts Centre on November 16th 2007.

Members

* Elliott Gruenberg - Guitar

* Eric Lambert - Guitar

* Beau Bokan - Vocals

* Jared Warth - Bass/vocals

Former Members

* Craig Mabbitt - vocals (now Escape The Fate/The Word Alive)

Due to complications with his daughter because of touring and a unanimous decision amongst the other members of the band, Craig is no longer in Blessthefall.

From a city named after a mythical creature - known for its invincibility against competition and for its rise among ruin, Phoenix proves itself time and again to be a city on the rise- producing notable band after band. There can be no better representation than blessthefall. In addition to their staggering live performances, blessthefall have quickly become known for their uninhibited personalities and eccentricities, including a love for llamas, hot tamales, and the Top Gun soundtrack. They also carry certain advantages - as they are younger, yet equally as capable as their more established counterparts. A five-piece that dug its heels into the dry desert sands and refused to relent, blessthefall planted themselves amid the chaos of competition in January of 2004. Drummer Matt and guitarist Mike formed a band with sweeping dreams and untainted visions. Early on, with friends playing as interim members, the band gained regional recognition by winning local battle-of-the-bands contests, spurring them to continue forming the enterprise, despite the member changes that young bands typically face. Temporarily secure in their line-up (with Craig's vocals and Jared on bass) they spent the next year focused on evolving as musicians and refining their sound. Though they drew from bands like Underoath, Alexisonfire, and As I Lay Dying, aspects of pop, hip-hop, rap, and even R&B surfaced in their songs - if not through Craig's vocal reach, then through the beats and rhythms that surfaced in their music. Being one of the youngest bands in the area, blessthefall were added to bills with other notable local artists such as Greeley Estates and Scary Kids Scaring Kids. In August of 2005 they recorded their self-titled 3 song EP which enhancing their growing reputation. By October the line up was complete when Eric was added on guitar, complementing the band's progressing sound. As the older bands were away from Phoenix touring and recording, blessthefall took advantage of the musical drought the Valley was in. They confirmed their capabilities by selling out show after show at the local venues. Ultimately, they were responsible for shutting down Neckbeard's (a well-known local venue) in January 2006. Doors were permanently closed after the employees failed to maintain capacity due to the hundreds of kids outside trying to force their way into an already sold-out show where blessthefall was headlining. They continued to share the stage with other established artists, often drawing a bigger crowd then those more reputed. They were part of the 2007 Vans Warped Tour on the Smartpunk Stage. Their debut full length His Last Walk was released on Science Records on April 10th, 2007.

Black Label Society

The Official Black Label Society Page www.blacklabelsociety.com

The Story So Far

Circa Survive

Chiodos

After nearly a decade, the legendary CHIODOS has stormed back onto the scene!

CHIODOS’ return performance at the 2024 WHEN WE WERE YOUNG festival in Las Vegas was nothing short of legendary. CHIODOS made history with an unforgettable, high-octane set that left fans in awe and buzzing for days. One of the most anticipated acts of the weekend, CHIODOS lit up the stage with a showcase of iconic tracks from their groundbreaking albums All’s Well That Ends Well and Bone Palace Ballet.

This was a triumphant celebration of the 20th anniversary of All’s Well That Ends Well, the album that started it all! During the jaw-dropping set, frontman Craig Owens took the energy to another level, announcing a headline anniversary tour. Kicking off soon, CHIODOS will hit the road with none other than HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS, EMMURE, and THE CALLOUS DAOBOYS for an epic, nationwide celebration.

Fans can expect an all-out musical blowout, reliving the unforgettable hits – and maybe catching a few surprises along the way. Buckle up, CHIODOS is BACK and ready to ignite the stage!

The Wonder Years

The Wonder Years is a band.

La Dispute

La Dispute (formed in 2004) is an American progressive post-hardcore rock band hailing from Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the U.S.

Babymetal

Saosin

Emerging from the fracturing of Open Hand, Saosin (alongside acts such as Underoath and Silverstein) outlined a new wave of emo saturated in harsh atonal dissonances and highlighted by pop hooks buried under searing noise. The group has released two albums throughout the 2000s each with a remarkably different character.

The Ghost Inside

The Ghost Inside (formed in 2004) is an American hardcore punk band from Los Angeles, California, U.S., formerly of the name A Dying Dream.

Wage War

If you think that you've already heard it all when it comes to heavy music, you just haven't heard Wage War. The group -- which is composed of vocalist Briton Bond, guitarist/vocalist Cody Quistad, guitarist Seth Blake, bassist Chris Gaylord and drummer Stephen Kluesener -- formed in Ocala, Florida, in 2013 and instantly started playing all over the area, quickly getting signed to Fearless Records the old fashioned way: By sending a song to the label. From there the group linked up with the production team of Andrew Wade (Neck Deep, Motionless In White) and A Day To Remember vocalist Jeremy McKinnon who produced their 2015 debut Blueprints together and returned to produce the sophomore full-length Deadweight, which the band started writing immediately after they finished their debut. "I'm very proud of Blueprints but a lot of those songs were written seven years ago so who we are as people and musicians these days is drastically different," Quistad explains -- and a listen to Deadweight confirms that statement. "I think a big strength of this new record is the continuity of sitting in a room together and playing instead of trying to send files back and forth," he continues. "We were truly grinding out songs and I think this album still sounds like Wage War but at the same it has some of our most melodic moments as well as some of the heaviest." The latter is evidenced on songs like "Stitch" which is certain to incite frenzied mosh pits for years to come and displays an aggression that the band have only hinted at in the past. "We really tried to not overthink things on this record and just do whatever worked for the song, even if it was something that people might not necessarily expect," Quistad says. For this reason the band decided it made sense to enlist the aforementioned producers who truly understood Wage War on a deep level. "There were so many early mornings and late nights making this record and it was such a pleasure to work with Andrew and Jeremy again because you could tell that they really cared about it and would go to any ends to make it the best that it could be." From the explosive production to the alternately screamed and sung vocals of "Don't Let Me Fade Away," all seven of the people involved in the making of TBA worked as one unit in working toward the same collective goal. Lyrically, Deadweight sees the band exploring both personal to political issues in a way that's as raw and honest as the music that supports them. "This record is very much a snapshot of the past year; we are all very positive people but in 2016 we went through so much from seeing the world for the first time to scraping the bottom at some point emotionally or with relationships," Quistad admits. From 3 a.m. run-ins with refugees in Europe to flying home only to be confronted with the aftermath of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, there was no shortage of content to draw from this time around. "We didn't hold anything back when it came to this record, so hopefully it's as therapeutic for listeners as it was for us." In a heavy music scene that's increasingly formulaic, Wage War pride themselves on the fact that they listen to a diverse range of music. "I'm a big fan of country music which surprises a lot of people and other guitarist Seth is really into pop music," Quistad explains. "We have an appreciation for all kinds of stuff and I think that all of it bleeds into the album in some way even if it's not always blatant." Take the song "Johnny Cash" which recalls the country tradition of paying homage to a pioneer of a genre while still retaining the heaviness of the act. "We get called metalcore a lot but we've never pledged allegiance to any genre because we always want to do something beyond that in the sense that we just listen to what we love and try to incorporate that into Wage War." More than anything though, the band can't wait to get back on the road and start playing the songs from Deadweight live. "We played three hometown shows at the end of last year where we would include a new song and it was so cool to see the crowd react to the new material," Quistad says – and it's obvious that palpable excitement goes both ways. "This album is the truest representation of Wage War in the sense that we wanted to put every part of us under the microscope and come up with something that we're not only proud of but also encompasses what we want to be as a band and the kind of musical statement we want to lay down," he summarizes. "I would say this is a defining album for our band." Second album Deadweight featuring 'Witness' available now on Fearless Records. Watch the new 'Witness' music video and listen to the album at wagewarband.com!

Set It Off

The Los Angeles-based band - comprised of Cody Carson (vocals), Zach DeWall (guitar) and Maxx Danziger (drums) - have become known for creating their own original brand of pop music, infusing bold electronic elements with rock instrumentations and guitar riffs as catchy as the choruses and an overall feel-good, dance-worthy vibe.

The lead single, “Skeleton” off their latest album Elsewhere epitomizes Set It Off - a group both fully committed to its roots and diving into its future by embracing inevitable change. Since forming in Florida in 2008, the genre-blending group has released four previous albums, amassed a loyal following, relocated to L.A., while their Top 10 Spotify tracks alone have racked up 528 million plays. The band’s full-length debut album Cinematics in 2012 embraced their moodier rock side, and later efforts took on an upbeat pop twist that culminated in a darker synergy of those styles on their last album Midnight. Elsewhere is a transitional, moody, and forward thinking release, one in which they have faced their demons and come out happier and more full of life than ever before.

Down

The Melvins

American alternative metal/hardcore punk band, Melvins, originally formed in Montesano, Washington, and currently consists of Buzz Osborne, Dale Crover, Jared Warren and Coady Willis.

After the Burial

Hailing from Twin Cities, Minnesota, USA, After The Burial are a heavy metal band that formed in 2004. The quintet are one of the most influential progressive metal acts in the world, being one of the key bands associated with the rising “Djent” scene.

The Acacia Strain

The Acacia Strain is an American metal and punk band, formed in Chicopee, Massachusetts in 2001. Frontman Vincent Bennett is the only remaining original member.

Counterparts

HEAVEN LET THEM DIE

Thursday

Mayday, ground control to no one

Corrosion of Conformity

Big badda boom.

Founded in 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia, the trio has established themselves as one of the most successful and motivated bands in the genre today. Elements of Helmet, Melvins, and the Amphetamine Reptile roster can be heard throughout their catalog, but Whores are no regurgitated throwback act. Through intense, cathartic live performances and the perfected aggressive tenacity present on their recordings, the band has gained a fervent following sure to do nothing but grow in the years to come.

October 28, 2016 saw the band's first full-length album and their debut on eOne records, "GOLD."

The album was widely praised, garnering spots in the top ten on album of the year lists through publications such as Rolling Stone, MetalSucks, Heavy Planet, Invisible Oranges, Shiny Grey Monotone, and more. The band is currently recording the follow-up to "GOLD."

Prior to their signing with eOne, Whores' output included two now-classic EPs. "RUINER." released December 20, 2011, put the band on the noise rock map and is now on its fourth pressing. They followed this up with the even-more popular "CLEAN." released October 29, 2013 and now on its sixth pressing.

Between these and "GOLD." the band released a split of covers by The Cure with Rabbits and contributed the song "Bloody Like the Day You Were Born" to Amphetamine Reptile's "Dope-Guns-'N-Fucking in The Streets, Volume 13". Whores also just contributed the track "Flag Day" to Amphetamine Reptile's "Bash '17" alongside acts such as The Melvins, Mudhoney, Lydia Lunch, and Cherubs.

In their short career, Whores have received much critical praise. Some highlights include:

• "Ten Artists You Need To Know" - Rolling Stone
• "11 Metal Choruses That Will Get Stuck In Your Head All Day" - Alternative Press
• "Best of 2016: Metal" - Apple Music
• "Top 20 Best Noise/Post-Punk & Goth Albums of 2016" - Music & Riots Magazine

Whores have shared the stage with acts such as Red Fang, Torche, Big Business, Melvins, Mudhoney, Retox, Deafheaven, Iron Reagan, Metallica, Slayer, Kylesa, Black Tusk, Royal Thunder, Floor, Lamb of God, Tombs, The Sword, Baroness, Dillinger Escape Plan, Chelsea Wolf, Youth Code, Cult of Luna and many more.

Emery

Emery is an American post-hardcore band from Seattle, Washington. Emery formed in 2001 in Rock Hill, South Carolina but moved to Seattle, Washington in search of a better music scene.

The Fall of Troy

The Fall of Troy is a three-piece experimental progressive rock band from Mukilteo, Washington. The band consists of Thomas Erak (lead vocals, guitar), Andrew Forsman, (drums), and Frank Black (bass, backup vocals). The Fall of Troy have been together since 2002. The band is characterized by the alternating vocals of Erak and formerly Ward, multiple effects, and Erak's vocal extremes (soothing singing voice to a harsh, shrill scream). All three founding members came from the band The 30 Years War, which they were in when they were all about 17 years old. The Fall of Troy draws from the progressive roots of bands like King Crimson and Yes, while also combining it with the modern experimental sound influenced by bands like At the Drive-In and The Blood Brothers. They also claim to be influenced by a wide variety of bands from The Beatles and Weezer to Aphex Twin and lots of hip hop. http://www.thefalloftroy.com/

Gideon

MORE POWER. MORE PAIN.

Armor for Sleep

Kylesa

Since this Savannah, Georgia quintet first formed in early 2001, worrying about genre limitations has never been a priority. Taking musical chances, however, always has been. While KYLESA are as heavy as any band out there, they are beholden to no one scene and no preconceived notions of what heavy music should be. "Lots of people like to stick to one kind of music," guitarist/vocalist Philip Cope elaborates, "and even with the underground, lots of people segregate themselves into small little categories and place lots of imaginary rules on these scenes." “We just like playing heavy music and we've always liked playing it regardless of what is popular or trendy,” guitarist/vocalist Laura Pleasants adds. “It’s most rewarding for us to try and push our own boundaries of what we can to do with our music and hopefully, in the end, offer something that is at least original.” Kylesa's third full-length, Time Will Fuse Its Worth, is the eagerly-awaited follow-up to 2005’s To Walk A Middle Course, which topped many year end lists and landed the band in metal and mainstream press alike. After grabbing ink in Spin, the New York Times, and metal mainstays Revolver alike, Time Will Fuse Its Worth again showcases the band as the ultimate definition of do-it-yourself dedication. With Cope lending his ears and hands for production duties at The Jam Room, and featuring comprehensive artistic layout and packaging from Pleasants, the KYLESA of current day continues to put the band’s future in their own hands by relentlessly touring Europe and North America alike. Time Will Fuse Its Worth sees the band continuing to evolve upon KYLESA’s signature sound, seamlessly flowing from track to track encompassing listeners with sounds far and wide and an utter disregard for musical boundaries. Bringing together avant-garde experimentalism with the pure fury of dirty, sludgy riffs and raw, coexisting male and female vocals, KYLESA’s ambient noise interludes, grimy rock riffs and impassioned, gruff vocals portray the doom-inspired punishment they are capable of dishing out through the power of the band’s music. Now adding to KYLESA’s signature sound and trademark triple vocal attack is the recent addition of drumming duo Jeff Porter and Carl McGinley. “When we first started the band, we had planned on having two drummers but it didn't work out, so now it feels like everything is coming together,” Pleasants says. “There is definitely a new level of intensity to Kylesa now. Since the new lineup has gotten together we have felt the strongest creative spark yet.” The band's reluctance to attach itself to one sound or scene and to not play by conventional rules, along with that strong creative spark, has ultimately made KYLESA that much more versatile. With a constantly heavy touring schedule has found the band crossing boundaries, sharing bills with bands as diverse as High On Fire, Circle Takes the Square, Coliseum, Torche, and Darkest Hour, as well as playing to enthusiastic crowds throughout Europe. "While we are no kings of one scene," says Cope, "we have, in a sense, just developed our own thing.”

Horse the Band

Heroes Die

Doobie

“GIVE EM HELL UNTIL YOU GET TO HEAVEN”

Out Now on All Platforms.

Pentagram (USA)

ivri

^_^☆🦕 - Beginning her musical journey at the age of 15, ivri started off by posting snippets of her works on Instagram. After being discovered and sampled by numerous producers around the world she was uncovered and would quickly achieve millions of streams. Soon after she began her solo project known as ‘ivri", existing as a faceless artist until late 2020 when she uploaded her first ever official releases. Although her works are set ‘in one place only’, the feelings they evoke are universal. Her angelic, soft voice allows listeners to feel a sense of comfort and warmth in each one of her songs. Central to ivri's music is the wide array of concepts heard such as spirituality, the universe, mental health and more.

Stick to Your Guns

Stick to Your Guns

Flytjendur