Prototype are a progressive and thrash metal band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1994 by vocalist and guitarist Vince Levalois and guitarist Kragen Lum. Over three studio albums, the band evolved from a progressive metal foundation toward increasingly aggressive thrash-inflected territory on their third record Catalyst, and several of their tracks appeared in the Guitar Hero III and Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam video game soundtracks.

Venice, California's Suicidal Tendencies, led by the irrepressible Mike Muir, are one of the most important bands in the history of crossover thrash, having bridged the gap between hardcore punk and thrash metal since their 1983 self-titled debut and its iconic anthem 'Institutionalized.' Their influence extends across punk, metal, and funk metal through the groundbreaking work of members like Robert Trujillo (now in Metallica) and guitarist Rocky George. Four decades in, Suicidal Tendencies remain a furious, unpredictable live force whose impact on heavy music's cross-pollination of genres cannot be overstated.

The Barbarians of California is the heavy side project of AWOLNATION's Aaron Bruno and longtime producer Eric Stenman, born from their shared roots in late-'90s California hardcore and skate culture. Rounded out by AWOLNATION members Zach Irons and Isaac Carpenter, the project strips away pop pretense in favor of raw, thrashy aggression that reconnects Bruno with his hardcore origins in bands like Insurgence.