Overkill, Tower, DJ Alex Kayne

An integral part of the early-'80s thrash metal movement that spawned acts like Metallica and Anthrax, New Jersey's Overkill garnered a reputation for brutal, pounding speed and technique. Emerging in 1985 with the punishing Feel the Fire, the band built up a strong following in the metal underground with subsequent outings like Under the Influence (1988) and Years of Decay (1989). Despite enduring myriad label and lineup changes -- bassist D. D. Verni and lead vocalist Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth have been the group's sole constant members -- Overkill have remained one of the East Coast's most successful and versatile metal outfits, dabbling in doom, industrial, and stoner metal, while releasing an abundance of critically acclaimed albums like White Devil Armory (2014), The Wings of War (2019), and Scorched (2023).

Tower, the New York City outfit, channels a potent blend of straightforward hard rock and riff-heavy metal to ignite crowds through technical skill, swagger, and memorable melodies. Powerhouse vocalist Sarabeth Eve Linden leads the group, which also showcases guitarists James Danzo and Zak Penley along with bassist and backing vocalist Philippe Arman; formed in 2015, the band draws inspiration from Slade, Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, and Scorpions. Shortly after its inception, Tower signed with the Manhattan independent label the End and issued its eagerly awaited self-titled debut album in 2016.