Raven with Lutharo, Vicious Rumors, and more

Formed in 1980 in Santa Rosa, CA, power metal band Vicious Rumors, led by Geoff Thorpe, is known for albums like Digital Dictator and Soldiers of the Night. They gained fame through Metal Mondays at Old Waldorf, contributing to the Bay Area metal scene's rise. Their evolving lineup saw collaborations with artists like Vinnie Moore. They released notable albums on Atlantic Records and toured extensively, despite genre declines. After vocalist Carl Albert's death, they continued with hits like Warball and Razorback Killers, maintaining strong European and Japanese followings.

Artillery, formed in 1982 in Taastrup, Denmark, gained European fame with a riff-centric style and clean vocals in thrash metal. Early hits include "Fear of Tomorrow" and "By Inheritance." Despite lineup changes and a hiatus, they achieved acclaim with albums like "My Blood" and "Penalty by Perception." Signed with Metal Blade, they continually attracted metal fans and toured widely, even playing Soviet venues. Collaborations involved musician Michael Bastholm Dahl and producer Søren Andersen. Tragically, drummer Josua Madsen died in 2023.