Lamb of God:
Formed in Richmond, Virginia, in 1994, Lamb of God has become one of the most influential and successful metal bands of the modern era. Their sound blends elements of thrash metal, groove metal, and hardcore punk, resulting in a powerful and aggressive sound. They are known for their impressive guitar work, Randy Blythe's distinctive vocals, and their socially conscious lyrics often tackling themes of war, religion, and political corruption.
They have released ten studio albums, with several achieving platinum and gold sales certifications. Notable releases include "Ashes of the Wake" (2004), which propelled them to mainstream success, and "Resolution" (2012), which won them their first Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.
Mastodon:
Emerging from Atlanta, Georgia, in 1999, Mastodon is known for their progressive metal sound, incorporating elements of sludge metal, stoner rock, and progressive rock. They are known for their complex song structures, intricate guitar work, and the distinct vocal styles of Brent Hinds and Troy Sanders. Their lyrics often delve into science fiction, fantasy, and philosophical themes.
With seven studio albums released, Mastodon has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Albums like "Leviathan" (2004) and "Crack the Skye" (2009) established them as a leading force in progressive metal, and their exploration of different musical styles continues to attract diverse listeners.
Kerry King:
Kerry King is an American guitarist best known as a founding member and lead guitarist of the legendary thrash metal band Slayer. Formed in 1981, Slayer played a pivotal role in shaping the extreme metal scene, becoming one of the "Big Four" of thrash metal alongside Metallica, Megadeth, and Anthrax.
King's aggressive and technical playing style has influenced countless guitarists, and his iconic riffs on songs like "Angel of Death" and "South of Heaven" are ingrained in metal history. After Slayer's final tour in 2019, King has continued to perform with other projects, including his own band, Kerry King's Metal Health.
Malevolence:
Hailing from Aldershot, England, Malevolence is a hardcore punk band formed in 2013. Their music is characterized by its raw energy, fast tempos, and mosh-inducing breakdowns. They are known for their powerful vocals, aggressive guitar riffs, and socially conscious lyrics often touching upon themes of social injustice, mental health, and personal struggles.
Despite being a relatively young band, Malevolence has garnered a dedicated following within the hardcore punk scene. Their debut album, "Self-Aware" (2017), received critical acclaim, and subsequent releases like "Archaic" (2019) and "Closer to the Edge" (2023) have solidified their reputation as a rising force in the genre.