In terms of straight-ahead, riff-driven rock music, this Maryland quartet really stands out from the pack, never compromising their homegrown sound for the trends of the day. Beginning their run in grunge music’s heyday of […]
The only band representing the East Coast in thrash metal’s “Big 4,” this New York-based outfit is just as comfortable with party rockers as they are with supernatural epics. Although they may be the Big […]
As nu metal was hijacking the mainstream, these Richmonders brought their unique form of groove-based onslaught to the masses. Walking in the footsteps of bands like Pantera, they infuse songs of sociopolitical substance with hooky […]
With blistering tempos, savage vocals, and wailing solos, these gentlemen have solidified themselves as the most brutal of thrash metal’s “Big 4.” Inspiring the darkest and heaviest metal subgenres, they’ve managed to inject plenty of […]
What began as joke band on Mr. Show with Bob and David then morphed into a trip-hop solo project for Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan, before settling into a full-fledged band. A kind of repository […]
These stalwarts of the Bay Area thrash scene may not be as famous as Metallica or Megadeth, but you could argue they’ve been more consistent. Still very much active, they’ve matched sociopolitical sagas with driving, […]
As the most financially successful (and perhaps most recognizable) metal band of all time, these California thrashers brought the metal genre to the masses, earning kudos with the underground as well as the mainstream. While […]
Initially seen as a more radio-friendly side project for Tool front man Maynard James Keenan, this high-profile collaboration has become its own entity, convening members from disparate bands (most being from ’90s mainstays). Despite a […]
Comprising two distinct incarnations (and sensibilities), this art rock project blended offbeat humor with infectious melodies. They may have veered off the more ironic, cinematic path of their first four albums, but what always remained […]
From out of the ashes of legendary doom band Sleep (their first breakup, anyway), a unique duo (and eventual trio) was born. Incorporating drone and trance elements into a gritty rhythm section showcase, they’ve proven […]