Cry of The Afflicted

Cry of the Afflicted formed in Los Angeles around 2008, started by vocalist James Rush and guitarist Ethan Hayes. They put out their first album, 'A Scar Filled Sky,' in 2010, which gave the band its initial foothold. That record's title track became something of a calling card for them, along with other early songs like 'A True Legacy' and 'Anchors.'

Their sound leaned into heavy, unvarnished territory, with lyrics that didn't shy away from darker themes. They followed up with albums like 'Atonement' in 2012 and 'The Dead Are Screaming' in 2015, maintaining a steady output through the decade's first half. The writing often touched on personal struggle and catharsis, which connected with a particular segment of the metal audience.

As they gained more attention, some of their material drew criticism for its graphic content and intensity. The band's straightforward approach to heavy themes became part of their identity, for better or worse, without much compromise to their style.