Zaxas

Zaxas formed in the early 2000s in Northern England with Kane Quinn on vocals and guitar, Ben Hayes on bass, and Jake Carter on drums. They signed with Obsidian Records and released their breakthrough single "Ashes to Ashes" in 2006, which became their most recognizable track. The song's haunting melody and Quinn's vocals connected with listeners, though the band's lyrics often explored darker themes like addiction and alienation.

Their discography includes albums like Shadows of the Past (2009), The Depths of Despair (2012), Redemption (2015), and Ashes to Dust (2018). Over time, the lineup shifted with Tom Walker replacing Carter on drums in 2011 and Emily Davies joining on keyboards and backing vocals in 2015. Songs like "Images of Princes" and "Soul Survivor" show their range from raw rock to more atmospheric textures.

Zaxas faced tabloid attention over rumors of drug abuse and mental health struggles, but they kept making music that reflected their experiences. Their sound evolved from the direct energy of early work to more layered arrangements, but Quinn's songwriting remained central throughout.