Taylor Destroy, the powerhouse vocalist for Aspect Iris, has carved a unique space for herself in the metal scene through sheer tenacity and raw talent. After overcoming struggles that forced her away from the industry, she made a triumphant return, gaining 100,000 followers and widespread acclaim following a single viral cover. Her vocal prowess is characterized by a sophisticated, self-taught hybrid of fry and false chord screaming, a technique further refined during her collaboration with renowned producer Landon Tewers. Taylor’s artistry is deeply personal, drawing lyrical inspiration from the grit of the upstate NY music scene and her profound experiences with motherhood—particularly the emotional intensity of a traumatic childbirth. A staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ and trans rights, she actively challenges industry stereotypes, using her commanding stage presence to ensure metal remains an inclusive and high-energy environment for everyone.

When we did our very first interview for this magazine, there was only one person we reached out to, and that was Aaron “White Owl” Collins, a 40-year veteran of the scene. Exactly one hundred interviews later, we brought him back to catch up. Is it because he is one of the best bass players out there? Is it because I had a poster of his band on my wall in college? Well, yes, and yes, but more because I had the opportunity to go from a long time fan to close friend, and discover that the old saying about never meeting your heroes could not be more wrong.

Collins’ career has spanned multiple genres, from funk metal to hardcore to hop hop to his current band Butterbrain, which throws every type of music at you but the kitchen sink (and when the next album drops, we may get the kitchen sink too). We caught up with him to discuss what it’s like to share the stage with your idol, the realization that the party can’t last forever, and why the music world is so much richer because he didn’t listen to his Mom.

Damian Eckstein is a veteran (or perhaps a stalwart) of the New York City music scene whose career began with trial by fire performances at the legendary CBGB while he was still in high school. His creative philosophy was forged through a mix of raw DIY hardcore influences and formal studies in studio composition at SUNY Purchase. Damian’s professional path is remarkably diverse; he transitioned from the high-pressure boot camp of 1990s commercial jingle writing—where he mastered the art of the "earworm"—to producing genre-bending tracks for television and composing long-form pieces for modern dance choreography. Despite a disillusioning brush with major label politics that left one of his early singles shelved, he has redefined success as being a loyal lifer who prioritizes artistic connection and global reach over pure financial gain. Currently a multi-instrumentalist who anchors the band GIFTSHOP on bass, he relies on a songwriting process driven by vocal melodies (captured in beast mode) while traversing the city. Above all, his longevity in the industry is built on a foundation of deep-seated trust with long-term collaborators and the support of one special person.

Emerging from the storied punk landscape of the Twin Cities, Couch Potato Massacre has spent a decade evolving from a project focused on catchy, Simpsons-inspired hooks into a more emotionally resonant and politically urgent outfit. While their sonic DNA is firmly rooted in the local lineage of The Replacements and modern Minneapolis staples like Off With Their Heads, their recent work—tackling everything from social media polarization to 80s nostalgia—reflects a band seeking deeper human connection. Despite navigating the 2026 landscape as an independent act after a long run with Out Loud Records, the group maintains a disciplined, high-energy “work hard, play harder" DIY ethos. Whether they are documenting film locations on their sixth summer tour or processing childhood isolation through tracks like "Number Munchers," the band remains dedicated to finding community among the misfits.

Emerging from the digital chaos of a Craigslist ad, Papas Sin Sal has rapidly evolved from a chance meeting into a cornerstone of the New York DIY scene. The trio—composed of Brian, Ray, and Nadav—fuses the melodic hooks of power pop with the grit of hardcore and the swing of psychobilly, creating a signature scuzz and screech that feels both nostalgic and vital. While their early rehearsals were marked by the typical nerves of a new project, the chemistry solidified the moment they locked into the bass line for "Vampire’s Kiss." Since then, the band has prioritized a "less is more" philosophy in their arrangements, allowing their raw, three-piece energy to cut through the noise without losing the intricate details of their genre-bending influences.

Micah Schnabel and Vanessa Jean Spreckman’s latest collaborative effort, The Great Degradation, serves as a raw, journalistic dispatch from the intersection of economic instability and artistic defiance. After thirteen years in their Columbus neighborhood, the duo synthesized the chaos of a sudden displacement into a record defined by its here and now urgency. While their previous work in Call Me Rita saw them in more traditional band roles, this project leans into a hip-hop-inspired vocal trade-off, allowing Schnabel’s structured musical visions to clash and harmonize with Spreckman’s poetic, visual-art-driven perspective. And as you’ll read, all of this is fueled by some serious “fuck it all, let’s get weird” energy.

Punkterview is a Canadian media project dedicated to amplifying the unsung heroes of the punk and hardcore communities, shifting the spotlight from frontmen to the essential behind-the-scenes collective like roadies, techs, and organizers. Founded on a D.I.Y. ethos and a lifelong passion for the subculture, the outlet explores the precarious balance between professional life and creative activism while championing the scene as a supportive family rather than a competition. While the project embraces the digital age's ability to foster global connectivity, it remains wary of modern pitfalls like AI-driven content, instead prioritizing authentic, grassroots storytelling that values the solidarity of the community over personal fame or algorithmic trends.

No More Sun is a four piece new age alternative metal/rock band from The Hudson Valley, New York. Powerful female fronted clean and harsh vocals and bass by Julia Foreman. Charles Apollo adds full melodies and rhythm on lead guitar while Andrew Gauzza keeps the pocket on drums, and new addition Alexander Cage on rhythm guitar. Founded in 2015 as a garage band originally called “No Worries”; as it all started from a flyer at a local music store. They paid homage to their original band name with their 2023 album "No Worries", a blend of all different styles of music that has inspired them over the years. They released their singles "Leech" and "Sick of You" last year, and are in the process of reinventing themselves in a heavier style, inspired by modern metalcore, nu metal, melodic death metal, and hardcore. Their plan is to be as big as humanly possible, go on tour, travel the world and share their music with anybody who is willing to listen.

Behind Enemy Lines NYC is a committed anti-imperialist collective dedicated to confronting the American war machine from within what they term the "belly of the beast." Rejecting traditional electoral politics and managed dissent, the group focuses on turning state repression into a catalyst for further resistance. They prioritize direct action over symbolic protests, often refusing legal compromises like plea deals to expose the political motivations behind police tactics. Whether challenging the deportation infrastructure of ICE or calling out milestones in imperialism—such as the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States—the organization seeks to transform widespread disillusionment into organized, sustained disruption aimed at dismantling the infrastructure of U.S. global power and promoting social justice

Hailing from the storied radical punk scene of the Bay Area, The Furious Tits have been described as the musical lovechild of the Sex Pistols and Angel Olsen, blending raw, nihilistic energy with a haunting melodic vulnerability. Formed during the pandemic after lead singer Zoe began rage-writing lyrics in the shower, the band features a lineup of jazz kids gone rogue, including funk-machine bassist Miju, versatile drummer William, and face-melting guitarist Griz. Their music sits at the volatile intersection of queer identity and climate activism, using punk snark to tackle visceral existential threats like microplastics while demanding that the environmental movement learns to dance all night. Whether they are recording in the same studio as the Dead Kennedys or fomenting revolution from the moshpit, The Furious Tits create a high-octane "aural sex" experience that encourages their fans—affectionately known as The Push Up Bras—to laugh, cry, and organize together in the spirit of resistance.

Defying the "burn fast and fade" trajectory of the underground, Blackout Shoppers have maintained their momentum for over two decades by leaning into a genuine, brotherly bond and a refusal to overthink their genre boundaries. Their sound is a deliberate collision of West Coast speed and East Coast grit, blending the velocity of skate-punk with the heavy stomp of New York Hardcore—all while peppering their set lists with a unique mix of socio-political commentary and the occasional absurdist conspiracy theory. Led by founder and Sergeant-at-Arms Blackout Matt and vocalist Seth Amphetamines, the band prioritizes a raw, DIY ethos that favors the analog warmth of vinyl and the chaotic energy of live, guerilla-style performances over studio polish. Even as the NYC scene evolves around them, the group remains anchored by their work ethic and a shared love for the retro sounds that first sparked their passion as teens, proving that authenticity and a sense of humor are the ultimate tools for longevity in hardcore.

Hailing from Uruguay, A Small Madness is a metal outfit that specializes in turning suppressed internal friction into explosive sonic energy. Their name serves as a metaphor for the unspoken parts of the human psyche—those bottled-up emotions and hidden truths that eventually reach a breaking point and find release through their music. While their foundation is built on the raw, empathetic legacy of early-2000s nu-metal, the band has consciously evolved, shedding revivalist labels to embrace the technicality and of the modern metal scene. By opting for English lyrics, they treat language as a universal bridge to connect with a global audience, viewing their songs as a direct conversation with anyone who has ever felt marginalized or misunderstood. Fearless and visually driven, A Small Madness doesn't shy away from provocative political or religious themes; instead, they use their platform to "tear off the band-aid," aiming to provide the same sense of sanctuary and catharsis that their own musical heroes once provided for them.

Blending millennial pop-punk nostalgia with a sophisticated, modern edge, Chasing the Fall is a UK-based quartet that prioritizes raw emotional transparency and collective synergy. Comprised of Becki, Phil, Andy, and Matty, the group has evolved from their "boppy" origins into a more mature sonic territory, fearlessly integrating heavy riffs with unexpected textures like live cello and acoustic arrangements. Their recent validation on BBC Radio 1 and Kerrang! playlists signals a band hitting their stride, a growth further fueled by the professional discipline they absorbed while touring with veterans like Skindred. Whether they are exploring the vulnerable concept of finding home in their standout single "The Show" or bringing their high-impact, show-stopping energy to US audiences for the first time, the band remains anchored by a strictly democratic creative process and a heartfelt mission to create a safe, cathartic space for their global fanbase.

Hailing from the complex cultural landscape of Bogotá, Dumb Band operates as a defiant alternative to commercial fast-food music, reclaiming the word "dumb" as a badge of honor for those who refuse to fit societal molds. Deeply rooted in the revolutionary spirit of Roots Reggae and the raw honesty of Nirvana, the project treats different genres like vast, ego-free universes, often utilizing progressive technicality—think odd time signatures, drop D tunings, and mathematical patterns—to create an immersive, numerical experience. Whether they are translating lyrics across time zones for international collaborations or channeling the heavy social scars of Colombia into haunting tracks like "Death Song," their mission remains a singular, introspective one: to provide a soundtrack for rebirth and resilience in a world that often favors the predictable over the profound.

One of them is a professional chef who has appeared with Gordon Ramsay. One of them studied jazz composition at Berklee. And one of them handles dead bodies for a living.

Spitbite has been a part of the Pittsburgh scene for close to two years, and are releasing their first 7-inch today (February 13th). As a band, they are virulently anti-fascist, and dedicated to local action and community. The single was recorded in Pittsburgh, printed and pressed in Pittsburgh, and features original paintings from a Pittsburgh artist (the band adheres to a strict no-AI policy). The A-side “Final Form” is dedicated to their trans friends and family members, and has been already released digitally, The new B-side "The Bond" was inspired by reading about the California redwoods that fell to the recent wildfires, after surviving normal fires for centuries. There are also references to the indigenous American peoples, who also lived on this continent for hundreds and hundreds of years in balance with the land. They feel strongly about the effects of human-made climate change and hope that a better trajectory can be found.

Lukretia, the trans frontwoman of the Brooklyn-based witch punk band tricktheriddle, is a prolific multi-disciplinary artist whose work spans music, literature, and visual arts. Leading a queer and POC-friendly power trio active in the New York scene, she writes all the band’s music and designs its visuals—including their website—alongside managing a solo folk project and a hyperpop moniker, troubledyuth. Her creative output includes pitching fiction novels, exhibiting paintings in galleries, and recently producing the political punk track "Don 2025," which she paired with a video featuring a mix of self-filmed and sourced protest footage. Beyond her musical and digital work, she is an active model and actor with experience in short films and well-attended stage plays. Lukretia is also a dedicated music educator and advocate for underserved communities, currently teaching songwriting and guitar to students at a transfer school in East Harlem, with a teaching history stretching from East New York to the Lower East Side. As tricktheriddle prepares a Green Day cover for an upcoming tribute compilation, she is currently overseeing the band's new distribution deal and the release of their latest full-length album.

Beatallica is a unique mash-up band that originated in 2001 as an April Fool's joke for Milwaukee’s Spoof Fest. Combining the musical styles and lyrics of Metallica and The Beatles, the group evolved from a joke project into a global touring act with four studio albums, including their most recent release, Devolver (2021). The band's history is famously marked by a legal dispute where Metallica's Lars Ulrich intervened to provide legal assistance after the group received cease-and-desist letters from Sony/ATV. While known for their humorous and clever lyrical weaving, the members are a fully operational independent metal band that prides itself on human performance and "no AI" stance. Over their 25-year history, they have performed internationally, from European festivals to South Korea, while continuing to balance the project with various other musical endeavors.