Warehouse Live

The Smashing Pumpkins are an influential American alternative rock band, formed in Chicago, Illinois in 1988. Billy Corgan and James Iha met in a record store, and began performing in local nightclubs with their bassist, D'Arcy Wretzky, using a drum machine. Playing with a drum machine frustrated both the band and their audience, and so Chicago jazz drummer Jimmy Chamberlin was hired soon afterwards. Less influenced by punk than many of their contemporaries, the Pumpkins had a densely layered, guitar-heavy sound, with powerful loud-to-soft-to-loud transitions, while still picking up grunge, heavy metal, power pop, psychedelic rock, shoegazer-style production. In later recordings, namely Adore, the fourth album, an electronica flair filtered in after Jimmy Chamberlin temporarily left the band for drug rehab. Though Chamberlin returned for their fifth album, MACHINA/The Machines of God, electronica undertones remained. The emotional tone of bandleader Billy Corgan's songs ranged from angry (X.Y.U.) to dour (Disarm) to jubilant (Cherub Rock). Selling more than 18.3 million albums in the United States alone (as of 2006), Smashing Pumpkins were one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed bands of the 1990s. However, internal fighting, diminishing sales, drug problems, cultural vitality, and what is speculated to be improper treatment from their record company, hampered the band in their later years, leading to the 2000 break-up. Prior to the complete dissolution of the original line-up, their final tour (dubbed "Sacred and Profane"), featured former Hole bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur to fill in the gap left by D'Arcy Wretzky, who left in September of 1999. Besides touring with the band she also appeared in the videos accompanying "MACHINA/The Machines of God". The band's final album, "MACHINA II / The Friends And Enemies of Modern Music" was unofficially released on vinyl in 2000, prior to their break-up, with the record company refusing to back the band with a pressing. Only 25 vinyl copies were made, each signed by the band. The album was then released across various fan sites by those who received the album and transferred it digitally, as a final tribute to the band's supporters. Problems have been seen since then with Billy Corgan, James Iha (who later joined A Perfect Circle), and D'Arcy Wretzky, both of whom started their own record company Scratchie Records. Billy Corgan would continue from there first forming the band Zwan with members Matt Sweeney, Paz Lenchantin, David Pajo, and Jimmy Chamberlin. After a bad breakup shortly after their debut album Mary Star of the Sea Billy turned solo and released the album TheFutureEmbrace. Jimmy Chamberlin formed the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex, and Corgan recorded vocals for them on the track entitled Loki Cat. In mid-april 2006 Smashing Pumpkins "reunited" with original members Billy Corgan and Jimmy Chamberlin. They performed live as Smashing Pumpkins for the first time in 6 and a half years on May 22, 2007 in Paris, France. There, the band unveiled new members Jeff Schroeder, Ginger Reyes and Lisa Harriton who took over rhythm guitarist, bassist and keyboard duties respectively. The band's latest studio album, titled "Zeitgeist", was released on July 10, 2007 to mixed reviews. It debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200, #1 on the United World Chart, and in the top ten for several other countries. On Jan 2, 2008 the Pumpkins released the American Gothic EP exclusively on iTunes as part of an expanded version of Zeitgeist. The four tracks: "The Rose March", "Again Again Again (The Crux)", "Pox", and "Sunkissed" demonstrate a more acoustic sound when compared to the rest of Zeitgeist. In March, 2008 the group contributed the song "Superchrist" to a compilation CD released by Guitar Center. Though Corgan and Chamberlin have continued to record as a duo, Jeff Schroeder indicated that he might be contributing to future recordings. No longer signed to a record label, Corgan and Chamberlin purchased a recording studio in Chicago and began recording in May, again, as a pair. The band released the single G.L.O.W. on October 1st of 2008.

What started back in the mid-nineties as an experiment fusing youth culture and social action has turned into a multi-faceted, multi-faced creature called Bassnectar. It is the brainchild of Lorin Ashton, and it exists as an open-sourced musical project that is as diverse as it is heavy, as raw as it is meticulous, and as fierce as it is imaginative. Bassnectar combines sound and force with weight while spanning the spectrum of sonic style, covering every genre imaginable, and smashing it all into a collision of intense, wobbling basslines, hypnotic soundscapes, and pretty much anything that strikes his fancy. He calls the end product “omnitempo maximalism,” which basically means no rules, no limitations, and no hesitation in fusing the familiar with the strange or the classic with the cutting edge. Whether remixing, collaborating, writing, DJing, performing live or working on constant social networking, Bassnectar’s music is the lure and social impact is the very sincere intention. According to Ashton, “We are so blessed, and so deeply fortunate to be alive and awake right now…it’s a basic truth, but it’s very powerful. I think privilege confers responsibility, and Bassnectar is a reflection of that opportunity to give back; the motion of my cells bouncing back at the world.” Idealistic? Maybe. But with wall-to-wall shows night after night in city after city, with endless music being concocted and pumped out of the labs by a growing legion of collaborators and bass-scientists, and with an ever-growing fan base of loyal bass-freaks on the loose, maybe idealism isn’t all that bad… Hit up http://bassnectar.net/ for free music, tickets, tour dates, blogs, and so much more!

Insane Clown Posse is an American hip hop duo from Detroit, Michigan. The group is composed of Joseph Bruce and Joseph Utsler, who perform under the respective personas of the "wicked clowns" Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope. Insane Clown Posse performs a style of hardcore hip hop known as horrorcore and is known for its elaborate live performances. The duo has earned two platinum and three gold albums. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the entire catalog of the group has sold 6.5 million units in the United States and Canada as of April 2007. Originally known as Inner City Posse, the group introduced supernatural- and horror-themed lyrics as a means of distinguishing itself stylistically. The duo founded the independent record label Psychopathic Records with Alex Abbiss as manager, and produced and starred in the feature films Big Money Hustlas and Big Money Rustlas. They formed their own professional wrestling federation, Juggalo Championship Wrestling, and later collaborated with many well-known hip hop and rock musicians. The songs of Insane Clown Posse center thematically on the mythology of the Dark Carnival, which the duo claim is a spiritual force that has revealed a series of stories known as Joker's Cards. These stories each offer a specific lesson designed to change the "evil ways" of listeners before "the end consumes us all." Insane Clown Posse has a dedicated following, often referred to by the group as Juggalos and Juggalettes.

AMB- The Axe Murder Boyz. AMB is comprised of two members, brothers by blood and bound by the music they create, Bonez Dubb & Otis. Releasing their first commercially sold record in 1999, AMB set it off on what would become a hectic and wicked ride through the music industry. Having forged a path through the underground that lead them to their current status in the music industry, AMB have self produced and promoted 5 commercially sold records. As well as running their own regional tours in support of those records, and releasing samplers, EP’s, and exclusive bonus discs along the way. Hailing from their native city of Denver, CO a.k.a. the 303, AMB grew up knowing only music. After a rising local success continued in Denver, AMB saw it was time to do it bigger and better. They signed a contract with a then new independent record label, Canonize Records. It was with Canonize Records that they formed a partnership and geared up to release their first national effort, “The Unforgiven Forest”. “The Unforgiven Forest” was released and sold better than any previous AMB release, gaining them fans across the united states as well abroad in the U.K. , Australia, and Germany. It was after the success of this record that AMB took a step in their career that no one will soon forget. They Joined the Insane Clown Posse on a 6 date mini tour in late October, and then, devastatingly, AMB signed to Psychopathic Records. It was at Psychopathic that they began to truly build their career, as well as life long friendships with some of the undergrounds finest. They went into the lotus pod studio with ICP and began creating their second national release and 7th commercially sold album entitled “Blood In, Blood Out”. This record was a sweeping variety of songs. With accapella intro and outro tracks, and a bloody red album cover, AMB made this record the way they thought it would be best, regardless of any critic or industry entity’s point of view. “Blood In, Blood Out” was released on April 18th, 2006 , and it devastated all previous AMB releases. The Road. AMB hit the road, and hard. Starting with Shaggy 2 dope’s “Fuck the Fuck Off” tour, AMB brought their new record to the stage and schooled it. It was on this tour that AMB got a real taste of what the road was like. After performing their set they would also join Shaggy on stage and rock the end of his set with him, which was a fresh way for 2 dope to put AMB down and they remain forever grateful. After the success of that tour, AMB were still hungry for the road, and promptly joined Twiztid on their “Guillotine Tour”. This tour stretched across the whole nation as well as featured a few dates in the Midwest with the Kottonmouth Kings. Again, AMB refined their set and continued to murder stages every night, again forever grateful for the opportunity Twiztid gave them. Still, AMB didn’t see rest as a factor, and quickly made their 2006 touring schedule a three-peat, as they joined Blaze Ya dead Homie on his first ever national “Tombstone Terror Tour”. This tour was just right, AMB’s set was longer than ever, and tighter than ever. Flipping their lyrics back and forth flawlessly and often changing lyrics in mid performance, this shit was fresh. This is the part of our story where everything becomes foggy, mysterious, and unclear. You’ll find no explanations here. Your search for answers, knowledge, or truth ends within the sounds of AMB’s next full length LP, the forthecoming epic album enititled “Gods Hand”. -Taken from axemurderboyz.com (APMERR)

Ghostland Observatory is the duo of front man Aaron Behrens and producer/drummer Thomas Turner. Behrens’ vocal style and stage performances are unique and uncompromising, and he has drawn early comparisons to Freddie Mercury and Prince. They are not a band, but an agreement between two friends to create something that not only heals their beat-driven hearts, but pleases their rock ‘n roll souls. Turner is heavily influenced by electronic artists such as Daft Punk, Laurent Garnier and Green Velvet, as well as rockers such as The Animals, David Bowie, and The Clash. With their spectral blend of electronics, drums, guitar and vocals, they have emerged with a sound that is the culmination of past influence and present inspiration, and can only be described as BALLSY (with an intrinsic HOTNESS). Ghostland Observatory is perhaps most famous for their energetic live show, which more often than not features seizure-inducing light shows, stage dives, uncontrolled rave pits, interpretive dancing, back injuries, pigtails, ominous capes, and thousands of dedicated fans who have traveled from far and wide to experience the madness since the band's conception in 2004. Not to mention they're from a little place called Austin, TX.

Suicidal Tendencies is an American hardcore punk band formed in 1982 in Venice, California. Sometimes regarded as the progenitors of skate punk, they later incorporated significant heavy metal and thrash elements. The group, led by Mike Muir ("Cyco Miko"), had a rough start that included being voted "Worst Band/Biggest Assholes" in Flipside in 1982. Using the opposition to fuel creativity, they quickly gained a following, performing larger and larger gigs. As the size grew, so did the rumors of gang relations and violence (eventually leading to a Los Angeles ban on public performances by Suicidal Tendencies). The band signed with the indie label Frontier Records and issued their classic self-titled debut in 1983. The album was the best-selling hardcore album up to that point. It included many memorable songs. The video for Institutionalized was one of the first hardcore punk videos to receive substantial airplay on MTV. It was also used in the Emilio Estevez cult classic movie Repo Man and an episode for the hit TV show Miami Vice (which included a cameo appearance by the group). Recently the track has been used in the blockbuster movie Iron Man. Their song Possessed to Skate solidified their status as a premier skate punk band. How Will I Laugh Tomorrow has become one of the band's most acclaimed songs. After lineup changes and side projects, including the Infectious Grooves, they have continued to release albums and (as of 2004) are working on a new album and a Live-DVD to be titled "Return to Venice."

High on Fire is a stoner metal band originally formed from the remnants of the legendary stoner band Sleep. Matt Pike, from Sleep, sings and plays guitar in High on Fire and founded the band with George Rice (bass) and Des Kensel (drums). High on Fire's sound is extremely heavy, drawing influences from the aforementioned Sleep, Motorhead, and even hardcore punk. The Oakland, California band formed in 1998 and released 'The Art of Self Defense' on Man Ruin's Records, in March 2000. After Man's Ruin Records folded, the album was re-released via Tee-Pee Records on CD and vinyl with new artwork and two bonus tracks: Steel Shoe (an original) and The Ursurper (Celtic Frost). Following, the band signed with Relapse Records and released 'Surrounded by Thieves' in 2002, with production help from Billy Anderson. Founding member and bass player George Rice, would leave the band shortly before recording the next album. In 2004, Relapse and Throne Records released the 'Live from the Contamination Festival' CD and LP (respectively) which was recorded in Philadelphia, PA. The CD is limited to 2000 copies and the LP only 1000. 'Blessed Black Wings', produced by Steve Albini, was released in early 2005, and was their first and only to feature Joe Preston (Earth, Melvins, Thrones) on bass. The vinyl version as well as the Japanese CD version of this album had the Judas Priest song Rapid Fire as a bonus track. In early 2006, Joe Preston left the band and was replaced by jeff matzof Zeke. High On Fire then went on to release the Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden)produced and recorded album, 'Death is This Communion,' in September 2007. To celebrate this release, and the start of their tour for the album, the band played a free show at San Francsico's Amoeba records. The band released their fifth full-length album Snakes For The Divine in February 2010 through E1 music. The album was produced by Greg Fidelman and stripped away much of the acoustic textures and layering of the previous album, leaving a monolithic heavy sound to the record.

Municipal Waste is a crossover thrash band from Richmond, Virginia formed in 2001. They are known for their loud, drunken, party atmosphere and rowdy show attendees, and also for their humorous thrash oriented parody song titles. Occasionally, they have been known to play unscheduled shows late at night. Municipal Waste are a crucial element of Richmond culture, and have four albums under their bullet belts, including 2009's Massive Aggressive. Playing at This Is For You Fest '05 in Daytona Beach and at Super Sabado Gigante Fest 2 in January 2006 CA, they continued to gain national acclaim in the metal scene. They have toured Australia and Europe. They had a successful 2006 US tour in support of Gwar. Staying on the road for a while, they then toured the US with Destruction in early 2007. In 2008 they played at Download on the Tuborg stage on the Sunday in a half hour slot which was regarded as one of the best performances from any band over the weekend. They played at 2009's Reading Festival on Saturday, on the Lock Up stage.

Since this Savannah, Georgia, United States 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 It's 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. Following the release of Time Will Fuse Its Worth, the drumming duo of Jeff Porter and Carl McGinley were added to the band. “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.” Kylesa released their latest album Static Tensions on March 17, 2009. On this album, drummer Eric Hernandez was added to the band. 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, Pinback, Coliseum, Torche, and Mastodon, 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.”

Bring Me The Horizon is a five-piece band from Sheffield, England. Despite only forming in March 2004, the band has gathered a surprisingly large fan base both in the UK and the U.S. Their debut EP, This Is What The Edge Of Your Seat Was Made For, came out in December 2004 and was the first release from the independent label Thirty Days Of Night Records. The band has since embarked on a number of UK tours supporting well-established bands such as Bleeding Through and Aiden, and also signed with Visible Noise Records in the autumn of 2005. The EP was re-released in January 2006 ,via Visible Noise, to a mainly positive critical response. In September 2006 the band won Best British Newcomer at the Kerrang! Magazine Awards. Their debut album, Count Your Blessings, was released on 30th October 2006 amid a large headlining UK tour. As a very open and aggressive person the lead vocalist Oliver Sykes greatly encourages "Wall of Death" (or Braveheart) moshing, and has also asked for a "Piggy-back Wall of Death" during concerts and gigs.

There are a galaxy's worth of metal bands active today, but stare at all of those stars long enough and some lines start to form; everything starts to take shape. The Constellations begin to bloom. Just three years ago, Lancaster, PA's August Burns Red were, to the naked eye, just another young band jockeying for position in the modern metal scene. Then came Messengers, the band's 2007 full-length release for Solid State Records, and a new front-runner emerged. Without hype, devoid of any smoke and mirrors, the album debuted at #81 on the Billboard charts, going on to ever-so-quietly sell more than 80,000 copies. Fueled only by the honesty and dynamism of the music, fans multiplied exponentially, driving ABR's MySpace plays well past the 17 million mark and flocking to the band's 2008 headlining tour – which included sold-out venues across the country. Meanwhile, August Burns Red kept their heads down, conquering fans at Warped Tour, on the Take Action tour and at destinations from Dubai to Dallas, and increased their profile through placement of their beloved take on Carol Of The Bells on the movie trailer for "The Spirit." The band also packed up their Phillies T-shirts and ever-present flip-flops and headed overseas for a tour of 12 countries throughout the UK and Europe. The star was shining bright. "It's extremely encouraging to see your band growing," says guitarist and primary songwriter JB Brubaker with characteristic modesty. "It helps keep you motivated and forces you to set the bar higher so that you can continue to grow and put out the best music you're capable of writing." To that end – the band returned to the studio in February of 2009 to record its hotly anticipated follow-up with lauded producer Jason Suecof (Sevendust, All That Remains, Trivium). Fans flocked to the band's in-studio Stickam site by the tens of thousands to observe the band recording the album in real time. The result was Constellations, the third full-length offering from August Burns Red, which was released on July 14, 2009. A crushing metal tour de force, the album pushed ABR's trademark aural blitz into directions previously unexplored by the band. "We spread our creative wings a bit on Constellations," says JB. "But I can say for sure that this record will definitely be as unrelenting as our previous ones." Accenting the blistering guitar work and syncopated breakdowns that August Burns Red fans have grown to love are dynamics previously unexplored by the band. Constellations features more diverse tempos and cohesive song compositions than on previous ABR records, as well as the band's maiden voyage to the land of guitar solos. "We've managed to push ourselves as musicians, as lyricists and performers," says drummer Matt Greiner. "As a whole, I feel like we're expanding, reinterpreting and refining our sound." That kind of sonic wanderlust has pushed August Burns Red since the members first united in March of 2003 while still in high school. They quickly started playing shows around Lancaster and in 2004, the band was signed to CI Records and released an EP called Looks Fragile After All. Armed with fearless innovation, uncanny technical ability and an innate near-classical songwriting style, the band started turning heads immediately upon the release of its 2005 Solid State debut, Thrill Seeker. The band's 2007 sleeper hit, Messengers, minted ABR as one of the pacesetters of the next generation of metal bands. The band has already proven to be the type that gets kids to put down Guitar Hero and pick up an actual guitar – look no further than the number of bands on MySpace that list ABR as an influence. With Constellations, that swelling army of fans continued to make sure that there's a racket from day one. Brubaker exclaims, "I'd like to think there is something for everyone on the new album." Although August Burns Red's music is often defined as Christian metalcore, Brubaker mentioned in an interview with Shout!, an online magazine, that "Christian is a religion, and not a style of music," and he would "rather just let the music speak for itself." However, Brent Rambler commented on the fact that "It is important to us that people know that we are indeed Christians...without having us stand up there and ram it down people's throats." One of the 2009's most anticipated metal albums, Constellations made good on the promise of the past three years, and served as proof-positive that August Burns Red's success is no mere solar flare-up. This supernova's here to stay.  Official Website: www.myspace.com/augustburnsred

Emarosa is a post-hardcore band, hailing from Lexington, Kentucky, United States. Formed in 2006, they were originally known as Corsets are Cages before making a number of member changes and eventually forming Emarosa in 2007. They released 3 demo songs as Corsets are Cages and 1 EP as Emarosa titled This Is Your Way Out. The band released their debut album in 2008 titled Relativity, which features their new vocalist Johnny Craig formerly from Dance Gavin Dance.

Polar Bear Club is an indie rock/ hard-core band from Rochester and Syracuse, New York. A demo released in 2005 brought them much attention, and was a precursor to their first EP, The Redder, the Better, released in Summer 2006 on Triple Attack and Luchador Records. The EP contained catchy, pop-punk songs with lots of of opportunities for energetic sing-a-longs, and was found to be a fan and zine favorite throughout the year. The band's debut full-length, Sometimes Things Just Disappear was released in March 2008, also receiving glowing reviews from an even wider number of webzines and great reception from their rapidly growing fanbase. Appearances in "best of" lists followed, as well as tours with The Gaslight Anthem, American Steel, Crime in Stereo, A Wilhelm Scream and Cancer Bats, leading to the band's signing to Bridge Nine Records, officially announced on January 8, 2009. The label at the same time announced they would issue Sometimes Things Just Disappear on vinyl sometime during spring. In February/March 2009, the band toured the UK and Europe with The Gaslight Anthem and Frank Turner, with a small string of UK headlining dates subsequent to the tour. During the European visit, they announced plans to return for a US tour with labelmates Have Heart. They also announced that they were to start work on a new album, to be produced by Matt Bayles. On May 28, 2009, the title and release date of the bands second full-length, Chasing Hamburg was announced in a press release. In compliance to the press release, the album was released on the previously announced date through Bridge Nine Records on both 12" vinyl and CD.

This is Hell are not going down in history for standing still. Formed on Long Island, New York in June of 2004, This is Hell made an immediate impact on the hardcore scene, and have since shown no signs of slowing down. Travis Reilly (vocals), Rick Jimenez (guitar), Chris Reynolds (guitar), Dan Bourke (drums) and Johnny Moore (bass) all cut their teeth in their local scene, but have now become road veterans with an unquenched desire to pummel stages around the world and live the lives they've built for themselves. After selling out of over 1000 self-released four song demos on early tours with Most Precious Blood, Crime In Stereo, Modern Life Is War and Terror, Run For Cover Records caught wind of the band and re-released the demo. An intense touring schedule created a massive buzz, and resulted in all pressings of the demo selling out. This is Hell were quickly becoming known as a force to be reckoned with across the globe, aided by strong support from Australian alternative radio and a month long european tour. Punknews.org praised their demo as "A dark, raucous six minutes of introvert-based hardcore" This is Hell released their long awaited debut EP on State of Mind recordings, and caught the eye of Trustkill Records in late 2005. Josh Grabelle, president of Trustkill, was blown away when he first saw them live. "Originally, I liked their work ethic, they were out there working really hard, doing things that a lot bands wouldn't do without a bigger record deal, for example touring Europe and putting an EP out. When I went to see them, I got the amazing feeling that I used to get watching hardcore bands a really long time ago, something I haven't felt in years. Travis' stage presence was amazing, and I knew they had something. I approached them pretty much out of the blue and signed them." This is Hell released their Trustkill debut, Sundowning, in May of 2006, and the buzz volume doubled. The album has received much critical acclaim in the U.S, including a profile in national punk tastemaker Alternative Press, and recent features in Kerrang, Wonkavison, and Metal Hammer. Rock Sound Magazine said of the album, "Caustic yet eloquent in their cathartic delivery, This Is Hell are a molten mix of hardcore influences that have erupted with force." Extremely popular music webzine Pastepunk.com praised the band, saying "At the core of THIS IS HELL's sound is a chewy nugget of talent and insanely tight songwriting. For a band that plays as fast and hard-hitting as they do, just as impressive is how stunningly precise every note seems to sound without ever getting the feeling that the music is rigid and lacking in emotion"

Senses Fail is a New Jersey, United States based band. They are influenced by many spiritual beliefs, which manifest themselves in their lyrics and musical themes. They released their first EP, From The Depths Of Dreams, on August 12, 2002 on ECA Records, followed by a re-release on April 29, 2003 on Drive-Thru Records. Their first proper album, Let It Enfold You, was released on September 7, 2004 on Vagrant Records. It too was re-released with five bonus tracks, including three acoustic versions of songs on Let It Enfold You. On November 13, 2007, Senses Fail released a deluxe version of Still Searching, which featured new art, behind-the-scenes DVD featuring footage from the band's headlining tour last fall, two additional previously digital-only songs, three new songs, and a cover of The Cranberries's song 'Salvation'. The band was started by James (a.k.a. Buddy) Nielsen in 2001. After Garrett Zablocki responded to an ad posted by Nielsen on an internet message board, Dave Miller and Dan Trapp found their way into the band as well. Mike Glita, the ex-bassist for Tokyo Rose, was also welcomed into the band soon afterwards. Early in 2006, Dave Miller left the band. He now manages a small, pop punk New Jersey band called Jet Lag Geminii. Currently playing guitar in his place is Heath Saraceno of Midtown. On December 8th, 2007, Senses Fail's bassist Mike Glita left the band to pursue his side project (Knights in Paris). He has announced, on myspace, that he will join the band Vampire for Hire, now known as Love Automatic, and continue to pursue the side project. Their latest album is Life Is Not A Waiting Room which was released on October 12, 2008. “There is a real sense of urgency in the songs we’ve been writing,” says singer James “Buddy” Nielsen. “We’re just now starting to find the direction for this record and you’re definitely going to hear a more aggressive side of Senses Fail. The songs have a lot of grit and power and remind me of how I felt when we wrote From The Depths of Dreams. We are all very excited to get in the studio with Brian again and make the best music we’ve ever made.”

Formed in October of 2000, Bayside consisted of four musicians looking for a chance to play music the rest of their lives. They recorded a demo and the band began playing shows around Long Island, NY. They quickly caught the eye of Brooklyn, New York's Dying Wish Records, who released their first EP, "Long Stories Short", featuring the songs "Foot Impressions", "Days Of My Life", "Red Head VS. The Pretty Red Bracelet", "Downtime", "Ask For It", and "Advance Letter Goodbye". Bayside immediately began touring with no signs of letting up. Bayside has shared the stage with acts like Alkaline Trio, Brand New, Further Seems Forever, Glasseater, The Rocking Horse Winner, The Reunion Show, and Taking Back Sunday. They've also completed an east coast stint in support of The Stryder, as well as appearing at the 2002 Skate and Surf Fest, where the bill included bands such as The Get Up Kids, Midtown, Dashboard Confessional, and Finch. During the summer of 2002, Bayside played a three-week stretch on Van's Warped Tour. In October of the same year, Bayside embarked on their first full US tour with Unsung Zeros and Junction 18. They also released a Split EP with Name Taken. The Split featured the songs "Loveless Wrists", "Cold and Blue and Lifeless", "Just Enough To Love You", and "Answers We'll Never Get". In the midst of all this touring several line up changes occurred, as the band strived to find the right mix of personalities and dedication to get them where they wanted to be. Through the many line up changes there has been two constants...singer/guitarist Anthony Raneri and lead guitarist Jack O'Shea. Former members include Andrew Elderbaum, Jason Enz, Jim Mitchell, and Gavin Miller who was used as a temporary replacement drummer for John "Beatz". Eventually Bayside found a compatible mix with the current line up: Anthony Raneri, Jack O'Shea, bassist Nick Ghanbarian, and drummer Chris Guglielmo. Also added during this time was the management of Jamie Arthurs of J&J Artist Management. During that time, they were signed to Victory Records, the label with whom they have released 4 albums. Their First album, "Sirens and Condolences", which featured the single "Masterpiece" which they filmed a music video for, and spawned a huge on-coming of fans everywhere. "Sirens and Condolences" also features: "Poison In My Veins", "Phone Call From Poland", "Talking Of Michaelangelo", "Alcohol And Alter Boys", "A Synonym For Acquiesce", "How To Fix Everything", "Kellum", "If You're Bored", "Just Enough To Love You", and "Guardrail". They then released their second full length, "Bayside", which featured the hit single "Devotion and Desire" for which they filmed a music video, and helped Bayside to justify their place as one of the best up and coming punk/alternative bands today. "Bayside" also featured: "Hello Shitty", "Tortures Of The Damned", "They Looked Like Strong Hands", "Montauk", "Blame It On Bad Luck", "We'll Be O.K.", "Existing In A Crisis (Evelyn)", "Don't Call Me Peanut", "Half A Life", and "Dear Tragedy". Then tragedy struck. On the first night of the Never Sleep Again Tour with label-mates Hawthorne Heights, Aiden, and Silverstein, the band was in a tragic van accident, which left Anthony and Jack slightly hurt, Nick seriously injured, and caused the death of John. Anthony and Jack decided to re-embark on the tour, and do the remainder of their sets acoustic. This led to the release of their 3rd full-length album, "Bayside Acoustic", in 2006, which consists of 10 tracks. A new acoustic song in memory of John "Beatz", entitled "Winter"; five acoustic versions of their older songs:"Blame It On Bad Luck","They Looked Like Strong Hands","Masterpiece", "Montauk", and "Devotion And Desire". One live track,"Don't Call Me Peanut". An all-new non-acoustic song, "Paternal Reversal".And two cover songs. One of The Smoking Popes' "Megan", and a cover of Elliott Smith's "Baby Britain". The album also includes a live DVD of the final show of the tour, at the House Of Blues in Chicago, Illinois. The band released their fourth full-length album, "The Walking Wounded" on February 6th, 2007 on Victory Records. The first single off the album is entitled "Duality", for which they have a music video. The album also features the tracks "The Walking Wounded", "They're Not Horses, They're Unicorns","Carry On", I & I", "Choice Hops and Bottled Self-Esteem", "Head On A Plate", "Dear Your Holiness", "Landing Feet First", "Thankfully","A Rite Of Passage", and "(POP)Ular SciencE". Anthony has also begun an attempt at a solo career, touring with the Bombers, and performing with Vinny Caruana of I Am The Avalanche. A solo record hasn't been verified yet. The band recently released a music video for the song "Carry On", that is exclusive to Myspace. They have also set the date for a re-release of "The Walking Wounded" due out on July 22, 2008. On September 30th, 2008, they released their 4th full-length studio album "Shudder". Also, their live CD "Bayside: Live At the Bayside Social Club" was released on the same day. It was recorded on August 17th, 2008 at S.I.R. Studios in New York, where a few lucky fans from the Bayside Social Club were given the chance to attend the private show.

Stars is a Canadian indie pop band signed to the Arts & Crafts label. Originally formed in Toronto in 1998 by vocalist Torquil Campbell and keyboardist Chris Seligman, the band relocated to New York City and then subsequently to Montreal. The band also includes singer-guitarist Amy Millan and bassist Evan Cranley. Drummer Pat McGee has toured with the band for years, despite not appearing on their albums until the release of Set Yourself On Fire. The band’s breakthrough single was “Ageless Beauty”, from their 2004 album Set Yourself on Fire. While released to minimal fanfare in Canada in October of 2004, Set Yourself on Fire slowly gained a strong following and critical praise soon after its 8 March 2005 U.S. release.On their website, they have noted that their name was chosen, by coincidence, without prior knowledge of the short-lived project by Syd Barrett. They have cited a wide variety of musical likes and influences ranging from Berlioz to Outkast, citing among others Barrett, Paddy McAloon, New Order, The Smiths, Brian Wilson, Momus, and Broken Social Scene. They covered The Smiths’ “This Charming Man” on 2001’s Nightsongs and The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York” in 2005. Other indie artists have been guest collaborators on many of their tracks, especially for an early period including the release of their first LP.

Devin the Dude is a Houston-area rapper. Though relatively well-known among the underground hip-hop community during the mid-to-late 90's, Devin did not achieve mainstream success until his appearance on Dr. Dre's 2001album. Besides sex, relationships, ridin' trucks, smokin' reefer, drinkin' beer, partying, and conscious or proverbial themes, much of Devin's work is also light-hearted and comically self-deprecating. Copeland started out as a member of the Odd Squad, later known as the Coughee Brothaz, a group of rappers signed to Rap-A-Lot Records. The label is notable for being the home of hip-hop artists such as Geto Boys, Scarface, and Too Much Trouble. Copeland moved on to become part of Scarface's Facemob, before going solo in 1998. Copeland has released five solo albums: The Dude (1998), Just Tryin' ta Live (2002), To tha X-Treme (2004), Waitin' to Inhale (2007), and Landing Gear (2008). He also made a number of guest appearances, including on Dr. Dre's "Fuck You" in 1999, and De La Soul's "Baby Phat" in 2001. In 2008, he ended his 15 year relationship with Houston based Rap-A-Lot Records because the label failed to renew his contract. Later that year, he signed with indie label Razor & Tie. Despite being a critical success, Devin the Dude has not achieved success in the mainstream but continues to be a well-known underground hip-hop artist. The New York Times has called him "A brilliant oddball with a spaced-out flow." In addition, he has been called "Rap's best-kept secret" and "Your favorite rapper's favorite rapper." In 2007, he appeared in a documentary titled Screwed In Houston produced by VBS/Vice Magazine that details the history of the Houston rap scene.