Weedeater was born the mid-’90s, in Wilmington, NC, originally taking shape as a side project of vocalist/bassist “Dixie” Dave Collins, who was otherwise engaged with sludge metal cult favorites at the time. However, upon that band’s official demise in 1998, Collins was free to concentrate his efforts on Weedeater, which released two sludgecore albums to kick off the new millennium: 2001’s And Justice for Y’All and 2002’s Sixteen Tons, both produced by stoner specialist Billy Anderson. Collins later decided to tour briefly as bass player for and also found time to lend his four strings to Wilmington neighbors, , but continued to work with Weedeater guitarist Shep and drummer Keko, touring relentlessly over the years, with the likes of C.O.C. and . Busy as he was, Collins and co. finally got around to recording their third long-player, God Luck and Good Speed, which was release through Southern Lord in 2007. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, Rovi
Zeke
Zeke is an American Hardcore Punk Band Known for their relentless live shows since 1992. known for their extremely fast, high energetic guitar sound, “Ride With Zeke” has quickly become the mantra for the people who have accepted the invitation brought by on Heckler Magazine when they said, “Welcome the new monsters of rock.” And believe me, they are monsters. Ever since their very first gig at the Rock City in Seattle in 1992, people have had no choice but to pay attention. Their records will assault you, and their live show will batter you. Zeke are often considered the godfathers of speedrock due to their aggressive fusion of punk rock, hardcore, and rock ‘n’ roll, played at blistering speeds. Zeke set a new standard for fast, no-frills rock music. Their sound features relentless, driving guitar riffs, ferocious drumming, and snarling vocals—all hallmarks of speedrock. Albums like Flat Tracker and Death Alley exemplify their breakneck pace, with songs often clocking in at under two minutes. Their influences range from Motörhead and the Ramones to hardcore punk bands like Black Flag, but Zeke took this foundation and cranked the intensity to 11. Their reputation was further cemented by their wild live shows, where they played with chaotic energy and almost dangerous precision.
Royal Thunder
Second chances in music—as in life—are rare. In a gated ecosystem that is set up to prevent even first chances, getting a do-over hardly ever happens. Perhaps no one in 2023 appreciated that more than the members of Royal Thunder. After collapsing entirely under the weight of excess, the beloved Georgia act has reunited and returned with their first album in six years.
For vocalist/bassist Mlny Parsonz and guitarist Josh Weaver, the title of their fourth record tells the tale: Rebuilding the Mountain. “There was so much shit that piled up over the years,” Weaver explains. “And because of all the drinking and partying, the business aspect got pushed aside. Our emotional bullshit got pushed aside. There’s just so much that got covered up in all this noise, and we just imploded. I think we all needed to grow up and mature.”
Upon Rebuilding the Mountain’s release, the album received critical acclaim & featured in multiple end of 2023 Best of Lists including Metal Hammer, Knotfest who called the album “the finest outing of their career,” & more! 2023 saw Royal Thunder return to the stage including West Coast US tour dates with the legendary Alice in Chains!
Yes Ma’am
Born from the swamps and overpasses of the American South, Yes Ma’am merges Depression Era blues, jazz and bluegrass with instrumental virtuosity and the raw, emotional storytelling of early punk rock. Matt’s soulful voice and authentic stage presence have made him a muse for the traveling community and solidified his legendary status as street-corner royalty. His sound has shaped a generation of musicians, whether he’s performing solo or with a rotating ensemble of folk punk’s finest.
