For thousands of years the word EXODUS has been used to describe a massive human migration; embarking upon an epic journey and change filled with such power that the earth itself shakes upon its commencement. All such grand exploits begin with a soft awareness for what truly lies beyond, yet 4 decades ago EXODUS had no way of knowing the extent to which their band would rise, conquer, trip up, and rise again. The formation of the beast we now call EXODUS began in Richmond California 1979, and although many started their journey as fans a few years down the line, there is no debating that the early 80’s was a time for major growth in the world of Thrash Metal, especially in the Bay Area of California. Being only kids at the time, all just learning to use their instruments, Tom Hunting, Kirk Hammett, Tim Agnello, and Keith Stewart began covering classic rock, punk rock, and Iron Maiden songs at backyard birthday parties. The less technologically inclined, music sharing, tape trading ways of the 70’s were still in full force and it was this striving for the acquisition of new sound that fiercely fueled the band’s tenacity to learn, play, and eventually write.

Inspired by the burgeoning American thrash metal revival of the mid-2000s, Denver, Colorado's Havok emerged in 2004 with an aggressive, neck-snapping style that evoked Bay Area thrash legends like Exodus, Metallica, and Testament. They broke into the Billboard 200 in 2013 with their acclaimed third full-length effort, Unnatural Selection, and continued to refine their uncompromising sound on future endeavors like Conformicide (2017) and V (2020). Havok assembled in 2004 and proceeded to ply their retro-fitted classic thrash trade via a series of self-financed releases: a 2005 demo, a 2006 single, and a 2007 EP, curiously named Pwn 'em All. These efforts duly got them signed to Candlelight Records, which released Havok's debut album, Burn, in 2009 and then sent them off to tour with bands like Exodus, Anthrax, Destruction, Primal Fear, and Hammerfall. All of this roadwork only tightened up the group's impressive chops, and prepared members David Sanchez (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Reece Scruggs (lead guitar), Jessie de los Santos (bass, backing vocals), and Pete Webber (drums) for the recording of their sophomore album, Time Is Up (produced by thrash stalwart James Murphy: Death, Obituary, Disincarnate, Testament, etc.), which was released in early 2011. Michael Leon replaced de los Santos on bass for 2013's Unnatural Selection, which earned positive reviews and saw Havok make their Billboard debut. The band toured steadily during the rest of the year, and they switched labels from Candlelight to Century Media. Leon left the group after three years to join Soulfly and was replaced by Nick Schendzielos of Cephalic Carnage, who made his studio debut on Havok's fourth album, Conformicide, which was released in March 2017. Three years later, the band returned with new bassist Brandon Bruce in tow and issued their aptly named fifth long-player,

When CANDY were beginning to sketch the contours of their third full-length, they sat down and wrote a list that would serve as their guiding mood. Among the words and phrases: Big, Fun, Holy Shit, Ridiculous, and Blockbuster. That should give you a good idea of what It’s Inside You, out on Relapse Records this June 7th, is all about. Their mission was to build upon the world of CANDY—in doing so, they focused first and foremost on creating an energizing and empowering atmosphere, in which seeking connections with oneself and with others was central. CANDY is made up of principle songwriter and guitarist Michael Quick, vocalist and lyricist Zak Quiram, drummer Steve DiGenio and bassist Drew Stark.  In their world-building efforts, the quartet opened it up and invited collaborators—like Integrity’s Aaron Melnick, Angel Du$t’s Justice Tripp, and Trash Talk’s David Gagliardi—who helped enrich and further define the band’s already distinctive personality.

Dead Heat is a crossover hardcore band from Oxnard, CA. The band was formed in 2016 and is known for its high-energy live performances and aggressive sound that draws influences from various subgenres of punk and metal.
 
 Dead Heat's music is characterized by fast, thrashy riffs, driving rhythms, harmonious leads and intense vocals that often veer into screamed or shouted territory. The band's lyrics typically deal with social and political issues, as well as personal struggles and experiences.
 Over the years, Dead Heat has released several EPs, a split with New York Heavyweights Mindforce and 2 full-length albums, including their latest EP “Endless Torment” which released in 2023 on Triple B Records and Tank Crimes with critical acclaim. They have also toured extensively, playing shows across the United States, Europe and Japan
 
 In addition to their music, Dead Heat is also known for their DIY approach to punk/metal culture and their involvement in the broader hardcore scene. The band members have been involved in organizing shows and events, as well as supporting various social and political causes.