The metalcore sensation Crystal Lake was formed in Tokyo in 2002. Their sound combines metalcore with elements of progressive metal, nu metal, and at times even deathcore, giving them a wide sonic palette—they can be heavy, melodic, and experimental at the same time. The current lineup consists of guitarists Yudai “YD” Miyamoto and Hisatsugu “TJ” Taji, vocalist John Robert Centorrino, bassist Mitsuru, and drummer Gaku Taura. A significant turning point in the band’s musical development came in 2012 with the arrival of new vocalist Ryo Kinoshita, which helped push the band toward more complex melodies and more sophisticated compositions. Their music often reflects personal struggles, social issues, and sci-fi elements.

Miss May I is an American metalcore band from the town of Troy, Ohio, formed in 2007. Their debut album Apologies Are for the Weak was released in 2009 and quickly gained attention thanks to its combination of heavy riffs, melodic clean vocals, and energetic breakdowns. Over time, Miss May I have continued to evolve—their sound has remained rooted in metalcore, but with each album they have added greater depth, technical refinement, and more emotional lyrics. Notable albums include Deathless from 2015, produced by Joey Sturgis. In 2022, they released Curse of Existence, which presents a more mature and reflective side of the band.