Alien Ant Farm and Drowning Pool

Alien Ant Farm, from Riverside, CA, gained fame with their 2001 hit cover of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal." Known for their blend of nu-metal and punk-pop, their debut album ANThology went platinum. They faced challenges, like drummer injuries in a 2002 bus crash, but continued producing music. Hits include "These Days," and they received the Best Independent Album award in 1999. The band worked with labels such as DreamWorks and released albums like truANT and Up in the Attic. They've collaborated with musicians, reuniting for tours, and released their sixth album, Mantras, in 2024.

Drowning Pool, a Dallas-based nu-metal band, rose to fame with their platinum debut "Sinner" and its hit "Bodies." Known for dark themes, they performed at Ozzfest and Wrestlemania. After lead vocalist Dave Williams' death in 2002, they continued with singers Jason Jones, Ryan McCombs, and Jasen Moreno. Collaborated with Sevendust, Kittie, and (hed) p.e., and produced by Jay Baumgardner. Released albums like "Full Circle" and "Resilience."