Shinedown and Ice Nine Kills

Shinedown’s debut album Leave a Whisper was released in July 2003, immediately introducing the band’s melodic rock sensibilities to a large audience. Featuring the singles “Fly from the Inside,” “Burning Bright,” and “45,” the album charted at No. 53 on the Billboard 200 and has since been certified platinum. Following the release, the band embarked on an extensive touring schedule, which lasted until the end of 2004.

Shinedown’s sophomore album Us and Them arrived in October 2005, led by the No. 1 Active Rock Chart single “Save Me.” Subsequent singles included “Heroes” and “I Dare You,” the latter of which was used by the WWE in promotion of “WrestleMania 22.” In support of the record, the band toured on the 2006 SnoCore Tour alongside Seether and Flyleaf, as well as with Trapt on the Equinox tour.

Following Us and Them, Shinedown underwent considerable membership changes. The 2008 lineup consisted of Brent Smith, Barry Kersh, guitarists Nick Perri and Zach Meyers, and bassist Eric Bass.

The group’s third full-length release Sound of Madness appeared in July 2008, after which guitarist Nick Perri left the band. The album was produced by Rob Cavallo, known for his work with the Goo Goo Dolls and Green Day, and peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard 200. While it was led by the single “Devour,” the subsequent Billboard Top 10 single “Second Chance” proved a real breakthrough for the band, earning triple platinum certification.

The full-length Amaryllis followed in March 2012, charting at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. Marking Shinedown’s most successful release to date, the album earned strong reviews from critics and spawned the singles “Bully,” “Unity,” and “Enemies.”

In addition to playing incredible shows and releasing a steady supply of innovative music, Shinedown also continues to use their voice for good. Viewing fans as family, Shinedown’s artists leverage their fame to help support notable charities, give-back programs, and organizations dedicated to bringing awareness to inequalities. Organizations that Shinedown helps support through proceeds include Ecologi, the American Red Cross, ASPCA Animal Rescue, DC Strong, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Direct Relief, Backline, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Heal Autism Now.

The vast number of programs that Shinedown partners with showcases the band’s dedication to making the world a better place. From fighting climate change to improving access to healthcare for musicians, Shinedown is far more than just a group of performers. This is just one of the many reasons for the strong bond between Shinedown and their dedicated fan base.

Referencing Kurt Vonnegut’s apocalyptic novel, “Cat’s Cradle,” Ice Nine Kills deliver a brutal, potent brand of metalcore that certainly lives up to the theme of Vonnegut’s classic. Formed in high school in 2006, after preliminary lineup changes, Ice Nine Kills settled on Spencer Charnas (vocals), Justin deBlieck (guitar/vocals), Justin Morrow (guitars/bass) and Conor Sullivan (drums). Their early music looked to pop punk, ska and post hardcore for influence, releasing an early album in 2006, “Last Chance to Make Amends.” After the album, the band reshuffled and forged a more heavier sound, after they settled on their new lineup in 2007.

In 2007, their first EP arrived, titled “The Burning,” on Red Blue Records. The success of this first release landed them several high profile support slots with the likes of As I Lay Dying, A Day to Remember, Thursday and Paramore, shows which took them across North America.

Ice Nine Kills caught the attention of Ferret Records with their experimental metalcore, who signed the band to their roster in 2009. The band soon got to work on their second full-length, “Safe Is Just a Shadow,” which gained positive critical acclaim from a number of media outlets. The band then joined Warped Tour on several dates that year, before embarking on a headline tour in 2011. In 2012, they also gained a place on the All Stars Tour, opening for big names including Suicide Silence, Dance Gavin Dance and Attila.

Ice Nine Kills returned with new music in 2013, after releasing the EP, “The Predator.” The release was a hit, debuting at number nine on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. After another round on the All Stars Tour with Every Time I Die, they start work on their third album. The result was 2014’s “The Predator Becomes The Prey,” which scored the band their first entry on the Billboard Top 200 album chart, reaching number 153.