DISMEMBER
Origins in Stockholm’s Underground (1988–1989) Dismember was formed in 1988 in Stockholm, Sweden by teenagers David Blomqvist (guitar), Fred Estby (drums), and Robert Sennebäck (vocals/guitar). Influenced by extreme acts like…
DESTRUCTION
Destruction is one of the most iconic bands in the German thrash metal scene. As part of the “Teutonic Big Three”—alongside Kreator and Sodom—Destruction helped define a raw, aggressive style…
POSSESSED
The Birth of Possessed: Forging the Path for Death Metal In the early 1980s, when heavy metal was becoming more extreme, a group of teenagers from the San Francisco Bay…
HELLHAMMER
Introduction to Hellhammer Hellhammer was a Swiss extreme metal band active between 1982 and 1984. Though short-lived, their raw and aggressive sound became the foundation for black metal and death…
BATHORY
Bathory is one of the most influential and important bands in the history of black metal. Their early to mid peroid work is definitely a favourite of mine. The band…
MAYHEM
Formation and Early Years (1984-1987) Mayhem was founded in 1984 in Langhus, Norway, by guitarist Øystein Aarseth (Euronymous), bassist Jørn Stubberud (Necrobutcher), and drummer Kjetil Manheim. The band took its…
MERCYFUL FATE
Formation and Early Years (1981-1982) Mercyful Fate was formed in 1981 in Copenhagen, Denmark, by vocalist King Diamond (born Kim Bendix Petersen) and guitarist Hank Shermann (born René Krolmark). The…
SODOM
Introduction Sodom is one of the more influential bands in the thrash and extreme metal genres (especially in the underground). Hailing from Germany, they played a key role in shaping…
MANOWAR
Introduction Manowar is one of the most iconic bands in heavy metal history. Also one of the most polarising bands in History. I’ve never met anyone that says “Yeah, they’re…
TWISTED SISTER
Formation and Early Years (1972-1976) Twisted Sister was formed in 1972 in New Jersey by guitarist Jay Jay French. Originally, the band was heavily influenced by the glam rock scene,…