At The Drive-In released "Relationship Of Command" in 2000. The destructive and tension-filled album served as one of that year's best recordings. On the brink of insanity with much-talked about live shows, At The Drive-In imploded while supporting the release. In the wake of their demise comes Sparta, featuring several members of the defunct band, and a new musical direction. The band will release their much-touted and highly anticipated debut on Dreamworks Records in 2002. more...

The slashing post-grunge sound of Sw1tched is quick to notice on their Immortal/Virgin debut, "Subject To Change". The band worked with producer Jason Bieler, who helped to craft the sound of Nonpoint's "Statement", to lay down an abrasive and melodically heavy encounter. From the smooth heaviness of the first single "Inside", to the jarring and straightforward "10 Dead Fingers", the well-rounded rock approach of Sw1tched makes for one of the best debuts of early 2002. more...

The devastating and catastrophic sound of From Autumn To Ashes is one to take notice of. Integrating hardcore and straight up metal sounds, FATA is a defiant rollercoaster of a band that takes you through a spectrum of emotions. This extreme band is at times one of the most expressive soft emotional bands, and at other times one of the truly heavy. FATA is something to take in and for those who are willing to open their ears, get ready for a full emotional experience. more...

The exploding post-punk sound of Hotwire is one that truly stands out in 2002. Hotwire has integrated the spirit of Sex Pistols punk into their sound that many have compared to Glassjaw, At The Drive-In, Thursday and other melodic hardcore-related bands. A furious and jarring undercurrent of punk rhythms and arrangements underline Hotwire's dense modern sound. Hotwire rock hard on the standout track "Prosthetics Of Steel", an angry undertaking that showcases the band's melodic singy verses and full-throttle in-your-face choruses. "Say What You Want" is a heart wrenching modern power ballad that represents the band's diversity. Hotwire's RCA Records debut goes right for your throat with a refreshing style and attitude that holds nothing back. Hotwire bring a much needed intensity and honesty to the current rock scene. more...

Constant touring and hard work has helped put Hatebreed on top of the hardcore heap. Since releasing "Satisfaction Is The Death Of Desire" in 1997 on Victory Records, the band has won over fans one by one with headlining tours, dates opening for Slipknot and playing the second stage of Ozzfest In 2001, Hatebreed have moved over to Republic/Universal and created their own Stillborn label. Hatebreed's long-awaited return comes in the form of "Perseverance", produced by Matt Hyde (Slayer). You can expect an uncompromising and hard-hitting return from a truly heavy band. more...

The eclectic and diverse Los Angeles band The Apex Theory has built a following with their positive blend of metal, rock, jazz and infective hooks. The unusual sounding band also imported Mediterranean and other ethnic sounds to separate themselves from the metal pack. The Apex Theory recruited producer Don Gilmore (Linkin Park, Eve 6) for their Dreamworks debut. The band's blend of new sounds and contemporary styles is a must listen. more...

The Bay Area has been the home of some of rock's truly heavy innovators. Unjust are the next of those great bands, integrating the sound and spirit of some of their local contemporaries like Faith No More, Metallica and Machine Head. Unjust's modern day classic "Come Feel Me" has ignited a newfound excitement for straight up metal. The full-on epic anthem utilizes a malevolent bass undercurrent, haunting keyboards and the authoritative vocal impact of singer Paul Mendoza. "Nylon" showcases the band's sense for melodic guitar hooks, drama and inspired breakdowns. Unjust is uncompromising, heavy and intelligent, with unforgettable anthems that inspire people to rise up and bang their heads. Unjust independently released their latest album "Makeshift Grey" in 2001, gathering attention from nearly every major label. Unjust is currently writing and recording new songs, which bring a deep sense of melodic intent and show singer Paul Mendoza opening up with vocal harmonies and a new level of intensity. Expect a lot more soon from Unjust. more...

The youthful band Dry Cell, formerly Impur, have ignited an industry-buzz with their signing to Warner Bros records. The band's demo has been heavily compared to Linkin Park, with perfectly crafted songs like "Body Crumbles" and a sugarcoated layer of dreamy pop vocals. Dry Cell, who still have members in high school, are part of the next wave of bands with well-written pop songs and metal sense. Expect a lot of fanfare for one of the next big pop metal acts. more...

The Washington D.C. band Sev mixes addictive hooks with hard rock backing on their debut album for Geffen Records. The band enlisted producer Machine (Vision Of Disorder, hedpe) for their debut. Originally signed to the now folded Farmclub label, Sev have moved over to Geffen after building a huge following in the D.C. area. Sev were the only unsigned band to play 1999's HFStival and won 1999 "Best Hardcore Band" at the Washington Area Music Association Awards. Sev drive tight rhythms, super melodic choruses and thrashing guitar lines. One listen and you'll soon be hooked. more...