Dropbox formed in 2002 after Godsmack mastermind Sully Erna introduced vocalist John Kosco to ex-Godsmack guitarist Lee Richards. The two hit it off, and were soon working on new material with guitarist Joe Wilkinson and bassist Jim Preziosa. Next, Erna tapped the band as the initial signees to Realign, his vanity imprint through Universal, and... [+] Read More

Yes No

Dallas-based heavy metal group Drowning Pool was one of the most promising bands of the early 2000s. Their debut album, Sinner, was certified platinum within six weeks of its release while their first single, "Bodies," was one of the most frequently aired videos on MTV by a new band. They reached out to an ever-greater audience with dynamic... [+] Read More

Yes No

Old-school hip-hop, traditional classic rock, and spooling electronic vibes were the initial factors behind the building of the alternative metal quintet, Linkin Park. The band's southern Californian musical roots were also an underlying basis, for drummer Rob Bourdon, guitarist Brad Delson, and MC/vocalist Mike Shinoda formed a tight friendship... [+] Read More

Yes No

Heavy metal quartet Mudvayne formed in Peoria, IL, in 1996, its members adopting the unusual pseudonyms sPaG (M. McDonough) (drums), Gurrg (G. Tribbett) (guitar), and Kud (C. Gray) (vocals). The group's original bassist was replaced after two years by Ryknow (Ryan Martinie). During their development, the band members began the practice of... [+] Read More

Yes No

Known for its theatrical live show and the black masks that most of its members wear on stage, Mushroomhead is one of the more unique and adventurous alternative metal outfits that emerged in the 1990s. And the Cleveland band's music is as interesting as its image; Mushroomhead's forceful yet melodic alterna-metal incorporates elements of... [+] Read More

Yes No

The alternative metal outfit Nothingface formed in 1995 in Washington, D.C. Frontman Matt Holt, guitarist Tom Maxwell, bassist Bill Gaal, and drummer Chris Houck made riveting, gnarling hard rock intertwined with heavy melodies and a brash punk rock sound. After two releases for DCide, 1997's Pacifier and 1998's An Audio Guide to Everyday... [+] Read More

Yes No

The Northern Californian alt-metal group Papa Roach consists of Coby Dick, Jerry Horton, Dave Buckner, and Tobin Esperance. They formed in 1993 and began releasing EPs soon after, including 1994's Potatoes for Christmas and 1995's Caca Bonita. By 1996, the group replaced original bassist Will James with Esperance and hired a new manager; the... [+] Read More

Yes No

It has been said that first impressions last a lifetime. Luckily for Staind, some only last for about 45 minutes. After a volatile disagreement with Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst over some of Staind's early cover art, it seemed their big break had walked out the door. Fortunately, by the time Durst had witnessed Staind's intense live show, he was... [+] Read More

Yes No

Surprisingly, Thornley was led by vocalist/guitarist Ian Thornley, he of the mildly successful Boston alternative outfit Big Wreck. After the Wreck's 2002 retirement, Thornley returned to his native Toronto and began writing solo material. Nickelback's Chad Kroeger -- a pal from the late '90s modern rock trenches -- had just started a vanity... [+] Read More

Yes No