24-7 Spyz is a rap/funk/thrash/reggae conglomeration, together from the late '80s. ~ All Music Guide, All Music Guide

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By melding punk with reggae, Bad Brains became one of the definitive American hardcore punk groups of the early '80s. Although the group released only a handful of records during its peak, including the legendary cassette-only debut, Bad Brains, they developed a dedicated following, many of whom would later form their own hardcore and... [+] Read More

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Raised in Plainfield, NJ, Bernie Worrell was a classically trained pianist at three years old. Throughout his childhood he played with symphonies and orchestras, and even wrote his own concerto at the age of eight. Slowly, he listened to the radio and discovered sounds other than classical, and when he went to college, he played with a number of... [+] Read More

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With their fusion of heavy metal, funk, hip-hop, and progressive rock, Faith No More has earned a substantial cult following. By the time they recorded their first album in 1985, the band had already had a string of lead vocalists, including Courtney Love; their debut, We Care a Lot, featured Chuck Mosley's abrasive vocals but was driven by Jim... [+] Read More

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This underground supergroup (featuring Mike Muir of Suidical Tendencies and ex-Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins) is a provocative synthesis of funk and metal. ~ John Book, All Music Guide

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Jane's Addiction were one of the most hotly pursued rock bands when they gained notice in Los Angeles in the mid-'80s, with record companies at their feet. Flamboyant frontman Perry Farrell, formerly of the band Psi Com, had an undeniable charisma and an interest in provocative art (he designed the band's album covers), and Jane's Addiction... [+] Read More

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During the 1980s, rock had become completely segregated and predictable; the opposite of the late '60s/early '70s, when such musically and ethnically varied artists as Jimi Hendrix, Sly & the Family Stone, and Santana ruled the Earth. But bands such as New York's Living Colour helped break down the doors by the end of the '80s, leading to a much... [+] Read More

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      Guitar amps ooze distortion and heterogeneity. Drumsticks tap the Morse code for change on the cymbals. Basslines that resemble rolling green fields find themselves sandwiched between metal fortified bastions of speed rock. And somewhere in there you could swear you heard a crooning sax that had you swaying unconsciously. Live or via... [+] Read More

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Riding the fine line between obnoxious skate punk and sodden metal, Murphy's Law came out of New York City's mid-'80s hardcore scene, and formed in Astoria, Queens around vocalist Jimmy Gestapo, but the group's frequently-shifting lineup also included guitarists Todd Youth, Alex Morris and Jack Flanagan; bassists Pete Martinez, Chuck Valle and... [+] Read More

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Beyond the walls of the universe, there lies a mysterious force. This force influences all that exists. As we move forward into the future, the universe continues to evolve into a new phase. Thus we call this event, Power of Coming Age. Two ordained messengers were sent to earth to translate the Powers' potential. These messengers go by the... [+] Read More

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Primus is all about Les Claypool; there isn't a moment on any of their records where his bass isn't the main focal point of the music, with his vocals acting as a bizarre side-show. Which isn't to deny guitarist Larry LaLonde or drummer Tim "Herb" Alexander any credit; no drummer could weave in and around Claypool's convoluted patterns as... [+] Read More

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Few rock groups of the '80s broke down as many musical barriers and were as original as the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Creating an intoxicating new musical style by combining funk and punk rock together (with an explosive stage show, to boot), the Chili Peppers spawned a slew of imitators in their wake, but still managed to be the leaders of the... [+] Read More

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In early 1985, the Red Hot Chili Peppers took a swing through Ohio, and within a matter of mere months, the city of Columbus produced the Royal Crescent Mob. "The R.C. Mob," as they were affectionately known to fans, was an appropriate moniker in that they were to the Red Hot Chili Peppers what Royal Crown Cola once was to Coke; similar in taste... [+] Read More

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