ANBERLIN
HQ: Orlando, FL
WHO’S WHO: Stephen Christian (vocals); Joseph Milligan (guitar); Deon Rexroat (bass);
Nathan Young (drums); Christian McAlhaney (guitar)
CHECK OUT: Cities (TOOTH & NAIL; toothandnail.com)
ON THE TOUR: 6/29-7/27
THE DEAL: This Christian rock quintet will bowl over crowds at this year’s Warped playing songs off their epic third album, Cities. The catchy hooks and huge riffs are only half of Anberlin’s appeal, though: The band have strong ties to philanthropy and several members participate in mission trips around the world. [RL]

AS I LAY DYING
HQ:  San Diego, CA
Who’s  Who:  Tim Lambesis (vocals); Nick Hipa (guitar); Phil Sgrosso (guitar);
Josh Gilbert (bass, not pictured); Jordan Mancino (drums)
Check  Out: Shadows Are Security (METAL BLADE; metalblade.com)
On  The  Tour: 8/4-8/25
The  Deal: Don’t be fooled by that “Check Out” tag above: We know Shadows Are Security is two years old—and so do As I Lay Dying. That’s why they spent this spring making a brand new album that’s sure to be full of more metalcore madness we’ve come to know and love from this California quintet. Look for the disc, tentatively titled An Ocean Between Us, out this fall—or just peep AILD’s set for some crushing new tunes. [SH]

BAD RELIGION
HQ: Los Angeles, CA
WHO’S WHO: Greg Graffin (vocals); Brett Gurewitz (guitar); Brian Baker (guitar);
Greg Hetson (guitar); Jay Bentley (bass); Brooks Wackerman (drums)
CHECK OUT: New Maps Of Hell (EPITAPH; epitaph.com)
ON THE TOUR: All dates
THE DEAL: Look around. See that band on the Ernie Ball stage churning out three-part vocal harmonies? How about all those kids over there screaming about political responsibility? You’re in the house that Bad Religion built. The seminal L.A. punk iconoclasts have been destroying barriers with their ferocious brand of melodic, socially savvy punk over three decades with landmark albums like No Control and Recipe For Hate. If you’ve never seen Bad Religion in person and you call yourself “punk,” either catch them tonight or toss your “Anarchy” T-shirt in an industrial shredder. [TJK]

BAYSIDE
HQ: New York, NY
WHO’S WHO: Anthony Raneri (vocals/guitar); Jack O’Shea (guitar); Nick Ghanbarian (bass);
Chris Guglielmo (drums)
CHECK OUT: The Walking Wounded (VICTORY; victoryrecords.com)
ON THE TOUR: All dates
THE DEAL: You’ve seen them open for everyone from Hawthorne Heights to Anberlin, and they even got to chill with Conan O’Brien recently: Ladies and gents, welcome Bayside to your world. These Long Island underdogs have been chipping away at America for more than six years and are definitely poised to break this summer with the help of the Warped masses. Expect punk-rock love songs aplenty, sprinkled with a dash of depression and a heaping helping of hooks. [SH]

BIG D AND THE KIDS TABLE
HQ: Boston, MA
WHO’S WHO: Dave McWane (vocals); Sean P. Rogan (guitar/vocals); Steve Foote (bass);
Jon Reilly (drums); Paul E. Cuttler (trombone); Dan Stoppelman (trumpet);
Ryan O’Conner (saxophone)
CHECK OUT: Strictly Rude (SIDEONEDUMMY; sideonedummy.com)
ON THE TOUR: 6/29-8/19
THE DEAL: They’re mightier than the Bosstones and more special than the Specials, so you owe it to yourselves to watch Boston skacore septet Big D And The Kids Table during your Warped experience. Guided by ringmaster Dave McWane and accented by the tightest horn section you’ll ever see, the only problem Big D’s set will cause is whether you should spend your time moshing, skanking or finger-pointing. Don’t try this at home, kids. [SH]

BOYS LIKE GIRLS
HQ: Boston, MA
WHO’S WHO: Martin Johnson (vocals/guitar); Paul DiGiovanni (guitar);
Bryan Donahue (bass); John Keefe (drums)
CHECK OUT: Boys Like Girls (COLUMBIA/RED INK)
ON THE TOUR: All dates
THE DEAL: There’s the fast track and then there’s the ridiculously fast track—on which you’ll find Boys Like Girls. Within months of forming in Boston in 2005, the melodic emo four-piece signed to Columbia Records, laid down their addictive, self-titled debut with producer Matt Squire and have yet to pull over. [TJK]

CHIODOS
HQ: Davison, MI
WHO’S WHO: Craig Owens (vocals); Bradley Bell (keyboards); Pat McManaman (guitar);
Matt Goddard (bass); Jason Hale (guitar); Derrick Frost (drums)
CHECK OUT: All’s Well That Ends Well (EQUAL VISION; equalvision.com)
ON THE TOUR: All dates
THE DEAL: Since forming while still in high school, Chiodos have benefited from their DIY work ethic, self-releasing music before fans—and Equal Vision—become enamored with their mash-up of hardcore riffs and emo keyboards. Bolstered by an enigmatic live show (Owens is known to walk on moshers’ hands, high above the pit), Chiodos will release their second album on Equal Vision this fall. [RL]

CIRCA SURVIVE
HQ: Philadelphia, PA
WHO’S WHO: Anthony Green (vocals); Brendan Ekstrom (guitar); Colin Frangicetto (guitar);
Nick Beard (bass); Steve Clifford (drums)
CHECK OUT: On Letting Go (EQUAL VISION; equalvision.com)
ON THE TOUR: All dates
THE DEAL: Anthony Green isn’t a big guy, but his stage presence and charisma can be seen from space. Bounding onstage with reckless abandon in the genre-breaking, post-everything Circa Survive, Green and his bandmates have ascended from their dramatic 2005 debut Juturna to become arguably the band you can’t afford to miss this summer on Warped Tour. [TJK]

COHEED & CAMBRIA
HQ: Nyack, NY
WHO’S WHO: Claudio Sanchez (vocals/guitar); Travis Stever (guitar); Michael Todd (bass);
Chris Pennie (drums)
CHECK OUT: Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Volume One: From Fear Through
The Eyes Of Madness (EQUAL VISION; equalvision.com)
ON THE TOUR: All dates
THE DEAL: You don’t need a Ph.D. in quantum physics or sci-fi iconography to enjoy the sophisticated shredding of Coheed And Cambria, but it doesn’t hurt. While their discography weaves the overarching tale of the futuristic Amory Wars saga (check out the series of comic books to catch up), their ferocious brand of intricate prog-infused metal and the otherworldly vocals of Claudio Sanchez create a spectacle nobody should—or could—miss. [TJK]

CUTE IS WHAT WE AIM FOR
HQ: Buffalo, NY
WHO’S WHO: Shaant Hacikyan (vocals); Jeff Czum (guitar); Tom Falcone (drums)
CHECK OUT: The Same Old Blood Rush With A New Touch (FUELED BY RAMEN/ATLANTIC)
ON THE TOUR: All dates
THE DEAL: Whether you have “Drama doesn’t follow me, it rides on my back/I may be ugly but they sure love to stare” as your AIM away message or you decided to rock a combover (despite the fact you’re not balding prematurely), it’s hard to deny the influence of Cute Is What We Aim For during the past year. Plus, in addition to having more hooks than a bait shop, Cute Is What We Aim For also have the swankiest merch we’ve seen in ages. We recommend the “Sign Language” tee ’cause the neon letters kinda look like popsicles and it’s real hot out here. [LS]

ESCAPE THE FATE
HQ: Las Vegas, NV
WHO’S WHO: Ronnie Radke (vocals); Max Green (bass); Omar Espinosa (guitar);
Bryan Money (guitar); Robert Ortiz (drums)
CHECK OUT: Dying Is Your Latest Fashion (EPITAPH; epitaph.com)
ON THE TOUR: All dates
THE DEAL: This Las Vegas post-hardcore quintet pulled from guitarist Omar Espinosa’s past experience in LoveHateHero to land a coveted gig opening for Alkaline Trio. Soon after, they signed to Epitaph and released their debut full-length, Dying Is Your Latest Fashion in 2006. After a brief hiatus last fall, frontman Ronnie Radke returned to the lineup and the band continued touring, including a spot on this spring’s Epitaph Tour. [RL]

FLOGGING MOLLY
HQ: All across the USA
WHO’S WHO: Dave King (vocals/acoustic guitar);
Bridget Regan (fiddle/tin whistle);
Dennis Casey (electric guitar);
Patrick “PJ” Smith (accordion); Nathen Maxwell (bass);
Bob Schmidt (mandolin/banjo); George Schwindt (drums)
CHECK OUT: Whiskey On A Sunday (SIDEONEDUMMY; sideonedummy.com)
ON THE TOUR: 8/7-8/25
THE DEAL: Call ’em everything from “folk-punk” to “Celt-punk,” but the best catchphrase to describe Flogging Molly would be “freakin’ awesome.” At any given moment, the seven-piece band—led by frontman/songwriter Dave King—are capable of charging through a 100 MPH hardcore-style rave-up about raising hell or delivering a poignant ballad dedicated to a lost love that’ll bring a tear to your eye. There are a small handful of bands redefining punk in this century: FloMo are certainly on the frontline. [JP]

GALLOWS
HQ: Watford, London, England
WHO’S WHO: Frank Carter (vocals); Steph Carter (guitars/vocals);
Laurent Barnard (guitars/keys/vocals); Stuart Gili-Ross (bass);
Lee Barratt (drums)
CHECK OUT: Orchestra Of Wolves  (EPITAPH; epitaph.com)
ON THE TOUR: 6/29-8/19
THE DEAL: We’ve never been there, but the London suburb of Watford has to be the most boring place on the planet. How else can we explain the level of viciousness in Gallows’ post-hardcore fury? On their debut album Orchestra Of Wolves, the young quintet kick their disdain for the ordinary in overdrive, punishing themselves and their gear with the kind of intensity inherent in classic hardcore. Simply put, Gallows have raised the bar for future generations of British punks—and they’re not above beating you with it. [JP]

HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS
HQ: Dayton, OH
WHO’S WHO: JT Woodruff (vocals/guitar); Eron Bucciarelli (drums); Casey Calvert (guitar);
Micah Carli (guitar); Matt Ridenour (bass)
CHECK OUT: If Only You Were Lonely (VICTORY; victoryrecords.com)
ON THE TOUR: 7/18-8/25
THE DEAL: After taking a year off from the Warped Tour fold, Hawthorne Heights are back to join the punk-rock circus, only this time they’re bringing midgets, cannonballs, bearded ladies and flying monkeys. Just kidding, guys—at least about the flying monkeys. However, if you’re all really nice, maybe the band will unload a couple new songs from their highly anticipated next album. Fingers crossed! [LS]

KILLSWITCH ENGAGE
HQ: Boston, MA
WHO’S WHO: Howard Jones (vocals); Adam Dutkiewicz (guitar); Joel Stroetzel (guitar);
Mike D’Antonio (bass); Justin Foley (drums)
CHECK OUT: As Daylight Dies (ROADRUNNER; roadrunnerrecords.com)
ON THE TOUR: All dates
THE DEAL: What’s the deal with metalcore bands taking themselves so gosh-darn seriously all the time? Those breakdown-ridden buffoons could learn a thing or two from Massachusetts’ resident metal jokers Killswitch Engage. Sure, they’re unrelentingly brutal on their albums, but in a live setting is where this band thrive. But just because you might see Viking helmets, capes or Daisy Duke shorts adorning some of the members doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take them seriously—turn your back on a KSE performance and Howard Jones just might eat you alive. [SH]

K-OS
HQ: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
WHO’S WHO: Kheaven Brereton (lead vocals), Russ Klyne (guitar, vocals), Santosh Naidu (tabla, percussion),
Ray Garraway (drums), Jasper Gahunia (DJ, keyboards), Ben Spivak (bass)
CHECK OUT: Atlantis: Hymns For Disco (VIRGIN)
ON THE TOUR: All dates
THE DEAL: Toronto-born rapper/singer/producer Kheaven Brereton—aka K-os—has been pursuing his own hip-hop vision since 1993, mixing genres and building a resumé that includes collaborations with everyone from Chemical Brothers to Raphael Saddiq to the Canadian Broadcasting Company Orchestra. Tired of hip-hop’s constant obsession with bling and violence, K-os is working to take his audience higher. [JP]

MEG & DIA
HQ: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
WHO’S WHO: Kheaven Brereton (lead vocals), Russ Klyne (guitar, vocals), Santosh Naidu (tabla, percussion),
Ray Garraway (drums), Jasper Gahunia (DJ, keyboards), Ben Spivak (bass)
CHECK OUT: Atlantis: Hymns For Disco (VIRGIN)
ON THE TOUR: All dates
THE DEAL: Toronto-born rapper/singer/producer Kheaven Brereton—aka K-os—has been pursuing his own hip-hop vision since 1993, mixing genres and building a resumé that includes collaborations with everyone from Chemical Brothers to Raphael Saddiq to the Canadian Broadcasting Company Orchestra. Tired of hip-hop’s constant obsession with bling and violence, K-os is working to take his audience higher. [JP]

NEW FOUND GLORY
HQ: Coral Springs, FL
WHO’S WHO: Jordan Pundik (vocals); Chad Gilbert (guitar); Steve Klein (guitar);
Ian Grushka (bass); Cyrus Bolooki (drums)
CHECK OUT: Coming Home (SURETONE/GEFFEN)
ON THE TOUR: All dates
THE DEAL: Don’t call it a comeback ’cause New Found Glory never really went anywhere—except around the world in support of the their totally underrated album Coming Home. Geffen may’ve cut the Florida natives loose, but the infallible NFG are coming back with a vengeance this summer by returning to Warped Tour and Drive-Thru Records with From The Screen To Your Stereo Part 2, a collection of the band’s—and their fans’—fave movie songs expected for release later this fall. [LS]

PARAMORE
HQ: Franklin, TN
WHO’S WHO: Hayley Williams (vocals); Jeremy Davis (bass); Josh Farro (guitar);
Zac Farro (drums)
CHECK OUT: Riot! (FUELED BY RAMEN/ATLANTIC)
ON THE TOUR: 6/29-8/19
THE DEAL: What this young band lack in experience, they more than make up for in enthusiasm. Formed by hometown friends Hayley Williams and brothers Josh and Zac Farro, pop-punk trio quickly added Jeremy Davis on bass. After a string of rhythm guitarists since their 2004 inception, Paramore have settled on a four-person lineup for their sophomore effort, Riot!, and their third run on Warped. [RL]

PENNYWISE
HQ: Hermosa Beach, CA
WHO’S WHO: Jim Lindberg (vocals); Fletcher Dragge (guitar); Randy Bradbury (bass);
Byron McMackin (drums)
CHECK OUT: The Fuse (EPITAPH; epitaph.com)
ON THE TOUR: 6/29-7/25, 8/17-8/25
THE DEAL: While this will be Pennywise’s sixth Warped tour of duty in North America since the tour’s 1995 inception (tying them with NOFX for the record), it’s actually been four years since their last time around—which should tell you that these guys are going to be fired up and ready to rage. Be forewarned: A Pennywise pit is one of the most brutal you’ll ever encounter, but the good news is, as soon as “Bro Hymn” kicks in, you can bet your soiled Vans that the shirtless dudes on either side of you will pick you up and sing along. [SH]

THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS
HQ: Jacksonville, FL
WHO’S WHO: Ronnie Winter (vocals); Elias Reidy (guitar); Duke Kitchens (guitar);
Joey Westwood (bass); Jon Wilkes (drums)
CHECK OUT: Don’t You Fake It  (VIRGIN)
ON THE TOUR: All dates
THE DEAL: Last year, you may’ve had bragging rights for watching the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus on one of Warped’s smaller stages. But that was 12 months ago and we’re betting you may have to fight a crowd to get near the stage for their show today. Armed with a debut album chock full of radio-ready tunes, Florida’s overnight sensations promise to deliver in all their emotional, punk-pop glory. [RL]

SPILL CANVAS
HQ: Sioux Falls, SD
WHO’S WHO: Nick Thomas (vocals/guitar); Dan Ludeman (guitar/vocals);
Joe Beck (drums); Landon Heil (bass)
CHECK OUT: Denial Feels So Good  EP (SIRE/ONE ELEVEN)
ON THE TOUR: All dates
THE DEAL: Singer/songwriter Nick Thomas began writing his own music in the confines of his bedroom at age 15. In the eight years since, Thomas has become a formidable talent, putting together the Spill Canvas and charming audiences of impassioned music fans. The Canvassers full-length debut for Sire Records is slated for release later this year: In the meantime, treat yourself to Denial Feels So Good, a five-song introduction to Thomas’ brand of modern-pop, featuring both inspired originals and covers of artists usually rocked by the denizens of Warped’s Reverse Daycare tent. [JP]

THE STARTING LINE
HQ: Churchville, PA
WHO’S WHO: Kenny Vasoli (vocals/bass); Matt Watts (guitar); Mike Golla (guitar);
Tom Gryskiewicz (drums)
CHECK OUT: Direction (VIRGIN)
ON THE TOUR: 7/3-8/25
THE DEAL: The Starting Line have frequented Warped stages nearly every year since they first signed with Drive-Thru Records in 2001, and it’s that almost-constant road-doggedness that has tightened their pop-punk sound and allowed them to become more experimental on their new album, Direction. And while it may not have leaked on the internet yet, you can bet Kenny Vasoli & Co. will be more than happy to debut some new jams during their set today—just don’t mind his Art Garfunkel hair. [SH]

STRAYLIGHT RUN
HQ: Long Island, NY
WHO’S WHO: John Nolan (guitar/keyboard/vocals); Michelle Nolan (keyboard/guitar/vocals);
Shaun Cooper (bass); Will Noon (drums)
CHECK OUT: The Needles The Space (UNIVERSAL REPUBLIC)
ON THE TOUR: 7/18-8/5
THE DEAL: For those who think Warped Tour has a Liberty-spike prerequisite, let us remind you that punk doesn’t apply to just a genre of music; it’s a state of mind. And Straylight Run are a great example of how persistence, diehard fans and a little DIY elbow grease can take a band from near obscurity to MySpace success. Sure, it was the band’s first batch of demos that started a buzz, but it’s gonna be the collection of ethereal anthems on their major-label debut The Needles The Space that will undoubtedly make a bang. [LS]

TIGER ARMY
HQ: Los Angeles, CA
WHO’S WHO: Nick 13 (vocals/guitar); Jeff Roffredo (stand-up bass/vocals); James Meza (drums)
CHECK OUT: Music From Regions Beyond (HELLCAT; hell-cat.com)
ON THE TOUR: All dates
THE DEAL: Tiger Army have come a long way since Rancid’s Tim Armstrong asked Nick 13 to record an album for his label, Hellcat. Now 10 years in and on their fourth full-length, the trio continue to expound upon their brand of Brit-inspired psychobilly they helped popularize in the American underground. [RL]

UNDEROATH
HQ: Tampa, FL
WHO’S WHO: Spencer Chamberlain (vocals); Chris Dudley (synthesizers/keyboards);
Grant Brandell (bass); James Smith (GUITAR); Tim McTague (guitar);
Aaron Gillespie (drums/vocals)
CHECK OUT: Define The Great Line (TOOTH & NAIL/SOLID STATE; toothandnail.com)
ON THE TOUR: 7/23-8/9
THE DEAL: By the virtue of their Christian faith and their own personal aesthetics, the men of Underoath have spent close to 10 years proving Christian rock doesn’t have to sound tame and aggressive music doesn’t have to be mired in negativity. Their latest release, 2006’s Define The Great Line, is a benchmark recording for religious and secular rockers alike, welding powerful lyrics with furious riffing and beguiling atmospheres. After leaving Warped 2K6 prematurely, Underoath are coming back with a vengenance—and you’d be foolish to miss them. [JP]

THE UNSEEN
HQ: Boston, MA
WHO’S WHO: Mark Unseen (vocals); Tripp Underwood (bass); Scott Unseen (guitar);
Pat Melzard (drums); Jonny (guitar)
CHECK OUT: Internal Salvation (HELLCAT; hell-cat.com)
ON THE TOUR: All dates
THE DEAL: The Unseen have been flying the flag for gritty street punk since 1993, but despite a significant body of work and a hefty amount of van miles logged, the quintet continue to approach their craft with the passion and exuberance of a new band proving themselves. Although the Unseen have paid dues and have earned respect, they’ll be quick to remind you that punk isn’t a popularity contest. “If you get to meet any of the musicians on Warped Tour this year, just remember they might be in a band, but they’re no different or better than you,” warns singer Mark Unseen. “Treat ’em as an equal, not as an idol or a god. And if the person tries to act like an idol or a god, then kick ’em in the nuts and walk away.” [JP]

THE USED
HQ:  Los Angeles, CA via Orem, UT
Who’s  Who:  Bert McCracken (vocals); Quinn Allman (guitar); Jeph Howard (bass);
Dan Whitesides (drums)
Check  Out: Lies For The Liars (Reprise)
On  The  Tour: 6/29-7/3, 7/7-7/15
The  Deal: Ignore the rumors that have swirled around Utah’s great white screamo hope since their 2002 platinum-selling debut. Okay, ignore half of them. With the release of Lies For The Liars, Bert McCracken and the boys have channeled all that creative non-fiction into unapologetic, electric mayhem and a live show you’ll never forgive yourself for missing—especially if they self-destruct tomorrow. [TJK]