After 30 years of hard work, Anvil have catapulted from Canada’s underground to household names almost overnight through Sacha Gervasi’s documentary Anvil: The Story Of Anvil. Capturing the band’s undying journey as struggling artists who, despite setbacks, never lost sight of their goals, the film’s instant critical acclaim led to…

Heavy psychedelic power trio Earthless know how to kick out the endless jams. Featuring guitarist Isaiah Mitchell, bassist Mike Eginton and drummer Mario Rubalcaba, these San Diego natives rock long-form songs sans vocals and literally make it up as they go along. Citing “cosmic nods”—their form of improvisation—as a main…

For the Jersey Shore’s alt quartet Gimme Drugs —vocalist/ guitarist Jesse Skokos, guitarist Lawrence Bock, bassist Justin Cochrane and drummer Tim Churchman—it’s all about good songwriting. Like ready-made comparisons The Lemonheads, these guys have had their salad days in punk bands, with Churchman formerly of NJ-based pop-punk outfit Let…

For Gojira’s vocalist/guitarist, Joe Duplantier, 2008 has been full of surprises. As the progressive French quintet expand upon their death/doom combination with their latest effort, The Way Of All Flesh, and tackle a world tour in support of In Flames, Duplantier also lent his musicality to Cavalera Conspiracy, playing bass…

Since releasing their Red Album in 2007 and becoming underground music’s most praised band of that year, Baroness have been on a mission to “spread the word,” laughs vocalist/guitarist/artist, John Baizley. He and bandmates Summer Welch (bass), Pete Adams (guitar) and Allen Blickle (drums) have, as Baizley commemorates, been “on…

Indiana-born Christian metallers Haste The Day may have turned to the dark side when it comes to their stylistic experimentation, but on their fourth full-length, their faith is shining brighter than ever in the spotlight. After firing guitarist Jason Barnes for abandoning his Christian beliefs, vocalist Steven Keech, guitarist Brennan…

Christian metalcore mainstays Norma Jean—Cory Brandan (vocals), Scottie Henry (guitar), Chris Day (guitar), Jake Schultz (bass), and Chris Raines (drums)—emerge from this summer’s Warped Tour with a big record on their hands. Chock full of cameos and collaborations, featuring Page Hamilton of Helmet, Chino Moreno of Deftones and Cove Reber…

Twenty-one-year-old prog metal upstarts Protest The Hero have the number one record in Canada and the mass media on their trail—but that’s not why they party. Vocalist Rody Walker, guitarist Tim Millar, guitarist/pianist Luke Hoskin, bassist Arif Mirabdolbaghi, and drummer Morgan Carlson have just released their sophomore record, Fortress, to…

Oakland, California’s angry doom quartet Saviours definitely know how to gnash their teeth with captivating riffage. Their dichotomous approach in etching cavernous mountains with catchy, ripping guitar harmonies while exorcising deep frustrations with their ferociously charged, venomous lyrics results in a massive feat in heaviosity. Originally hailing from the Bay…

When post-hardcore torchbearers Hot Water Music called it quits in 2006 via a letter posted on their website, the scene drew a deep breath as it prepared for the void they’d leave behind. Before anyone could exhale, vocalist/guitarist Chris Wollard, bassist Jason Black and drummer George Rebelo emerged from the…